Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Treatment (ESWL)

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment is one of the most advanced treatments for stones in the kidney, gall bladder or liver that we offer to patients suffering from these conditions. In this process, we apply shock waves from outside the patient’s body to target the stones in his kidney in order to break them up into fragments. Stones in the kidney develop inside the body when minerals and other substances in the urine begin to crystallize in the kidneys. These take the form of solid pieces that may appear like sharp-edged crystals or smoother and heavier pieces that appear like smooth-layered river rocks. Generally these stones flow out of the body during urination but in some cases they remain stuck to kidneys.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedure is in use for nearly four decades as the treatment of choice for removal of larger stones in the kidney. It became popular mainly because it is a non-invasive procedure wherein no surgery is required. The ESWL process uses high-energy shock waves to break the stones in the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) with minimum discomfort to the patient. As a result the stones turn into smaller fragments and even into dust making it easier for them to flow out with the urine. In most cases the stones clear out in a single treatment, proving why this treatment is so effective. Moreover, as a non-invasive procedure, it is much safer, easier and faster to recover than a surgery.

At Mannat Fertility we don’t recommend extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy stone treatment in case of certain individuals like pregnant women, as well as those with bleeding disorders, infections, severe skeletal abnormalities and unusual obesity. We will not recommend this treatment if you have complications other than stones in your kidney. For heart patients fitted with pacemakers too, this treatment is not recommended although in select cases, if your cardiologist allows, we might do it in a mild way. However, there are emergency situations that may require us to decide quickly on doing the treatment just to avoid a life-threatening situation.

We will seriously consider the treatment if you have severe pain due to problems in your kidney, have just one kidney or have had a kidney transplant. Rest assured, we will do a thorough examination of your overall condition and a review of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment cost in India before deciding on which procedure is best suited to remove the stones in your kidney.