Therapy
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break kidney stones into tiny pieces that can pass out in the urine, without surgery.
Quick answer
Lithotripsy: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) focuses sound-wave energy from outside the body onto a kidney stone, breaking it into small fragments that the body can then pass naturally.
- Why it is done: It is used for kidney or upper ureter stones of a suitable size and position that are causing pain, blockage or infection, offering a non-surgical way to clear them.
- What happens: You lie on a machine that delivers focused shock waves to the stone, located by X-ray or ultrasound.
What it is
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) focuses sound-wave energy from outside the body onto a kidney stone, breaking it into small fragments that the body can then pass naturally.
Why it is done
It is used for kidney or upper ureter stones of a suitable size and position that are causing pain, blockage or infection, offering a non-surgical way to clear them.
What happens
You lie on a machine that delivers focused shock waves to the stone, located by X-ray or ultrasound. It usually takes about 45–60 minutes, often with pain relief or light sedation, as an outpatient.
Recovery
You can usually go home the same day. Passing the stone fragments over the following days and weeks can cause discomfort and some blood in the urine. Drinking plenty of fluids helps.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include pain, blood in the urine, infection and, occasionally, fragments blocking the ureter and needing further treatment. Large or hard stones may not break up well and need another approach.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Lithotripsy: frequently asked questions
Is lithotripsy painful?
You may feel a tapping sensation and some discomfort during treatment, which is managed with pain relief or light sedation. Passing the broken fragments afterwards can also cause temporary pain.
Will one treatment clear the stone?
Often, but not always. Larger or harder stones may need more than one session, or a different procedure if they do not break up well or fragments cause a blockage.
Related
Other therapy
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Association of Urological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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