Extracorporeal
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure that uses shock
waves to break up stones in the kidneys, ureter, and bladder
into tiny, sand-like particles that can safely pass out
of the body through urination. It is an outpatient procedure
usually lasting an hour for patients with kidney stones
2 cm or less in size. Those with stones bigger than 2 cm
may require more than one ESWL session.
In ESWL, the urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases
of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive
system) uses x-ray or ultrasound to locate the kidney stone
while the patient lies on a water-filled cushion. High-energy
sound waves pass through the patient’s body, breaking
up the stones into particles small enough to be safely passed
out in the urine.
Aside from being less expensive than surgery, ESWL reduces
risk of complications, length of hospital stay, and recovery
time. In fact, a patient may resume normal activities a
day after the procedure.
The best ways to prevent kidney stone formation is to drink
plenty of water everyday and to eat a diet rich in calcium.
Although some people with kidney stones experience the symptoms
discussed above, others don’t. Therefore, people 50
years of age and older should consult a urologist regularly.
The Lithothripsy Unit is located within the Radiology Services
complex in the ground floor of the hospital. For inquiries,
please contact us at (63 2) 771-9000 to 02 ext. 8102.
