About Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Kidney Stones are mineral deposits that form small lumps in the kidney. Treatment for kidney stones including drinking water and taking medication to help the patient pass the stone on his own, or using different techniques to remove the stone from the patient surgically. For instance, the doctor might use ureteroscopes, ultrasound/shock waves, or surgical removal to remove the stone from the kidney. In Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), the doctor will use shock waves to break the kidney stone into small pieces. These pieces are small enough to leave the patient's body naturally after he or she urinates.