extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat kidney stones. It utilizes focused shock waves generated outside the body to break large stones into smaller fragments that can pass naturally through the urinary tract. The patient lies on a special table, and imaging guides the precise targeting of the shock waves. The process usually takes about an hour, with minimal discomfort. ESWL is effective for many types of kidney stones and avoids the need for surgery, offering a safe and non-invasive option for stone removal.