Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive procedure in which sound waves are sent through the back and focused onto a kidney stone.

The sound waves create a shock wave that causes the kidney stone to fragment.

The ideal patient for shock wave lithotripsy is someone with a small stone (< 2 cm in diameter) in the kidney or the ureter that is not causing significant obstruction.

The procedure is an outpatient procedure done under sedation or general anesthesia. Patients will usually go home the same day the procedure is done.