Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Passing a kidney stone can be very painful. Shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment that helps by breaking the kidney stone into smaller pieces that are easier to pass. This treatment is also called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Lithotripsy takes about an hour. It’s done in a hospital, lithotripsy center, or mobile lithotripsy van. You will likely go home the same day. This treatment is not used for all types of kidney stones. Your healthcare provider will discuss whether this is the right treatment for the type of stone you have. 

During the procedure

• You get medicine to prevent pain and help you relax or sleep during lithotripsy. Once this takes effect, the procedure will start.

• A flexible tube (stent) with holes in it may be placed into your ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder. This helps keep urine flowing from the kidney.

• Your healthcare provider then uses X-ray or ultrasound to find the exact location of the kidney stone.

• Sound waves are aimed at the stone and sent at high speed. If you’re awake, you may feel a tapping as they pass through your body.

After the procedure

• You’ll be closely watched in a recovery room for about 1 to 3 hours. Antibiotics and pain medicine may be prescribed before you leave.

• You’ll have a follow-up visit in a few weeks. If you received a stent, it will be removed. Your healthcare provider will also check for pieces of stone. If large pieces remain, you may need a second lithotripsy or another procedure.

Passing the stone

It can take a day to several weeks for the pieces of stone to leave your body. Drink plenty of liquids to help flush your system. During this time:

• Your urine may be cloudy or slightly bloody. You may even see small pieces of stone.

• You may have a slight fever and some pain. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medicine as instructed by your healthcare provider.

• You may be asked to strain your urine to collect some stone particles. These will be studied in the lab.