Eswl therapy: treatment of kidney stones with shock waves

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a treatment option used to treat kidney stones. ESWL treatment relies on shock waves to crush rocks. However, not all patients can undergo this therapy.

So, who is recommended to undergo ESWL therapy and what are the preparations?

What is ESWL treatment?

This shock wave therapy aims to break down kidney stones into smaller fragments. After that, the stone fragments will be disposed of through the urinary tract with urine.

Generally, this method is recommended for patients who experience symptoms of kidney stones in the form of pain in the bladder. In addition, patients with kidney stones with a maximum size of 2 cm are also advised to undergo ESWL therapy. If the diameter of the stone is more than this size, the doctor will recommend other treatments.

Can everyone get ESWL therapy?

Not everyone can take ESWL treatment to destroy kidney stones. Although quite effective in most people, there are some people with certain health conditions who are not recommended to undergo this surgery, namely:

pregnant women because X-rays and sound waves on therapy can interfere with pregnancy,
people with bleeding disorders,
kidney disease patients, such as kidney cancer and chronic kidney infections,
abnormal kidney shape and function, as well
the patient has a history of urinary tract infections.

Things that need to be prepared before the ESWL action

Before starting this shock wave surgery, of course there are a number of things you need to pay attention to. Anything?

1. Ask for support from family or relatives

Before taking action, you need to make a plan list of what needs to be done during the treatment until the recovery process. You should also consider how much time off work or when you are living alone. Is there a need for someone to look after you during the recovery process.

Don't forget to make sure someone can pick you up after the ESWL is done. Ask for help and support from others to replace your duties while you are resting.

2. Tell the type of medicine you are taking to the doctor

After making plans and asking for help from those closest to you, consult your doctor if you are taking certain drugs. This aims to anticipate bad situations from happening. Medicines such as aspirin might increase the risk of bleeding when ESWL surgery is performed.

Therefore, it is better to tell the doctor in advance so that they can recommend which drugs to avoid.

3. Stop smoking

Before and after ESWL treatment, your doctor will likely recommend that you quit smoking. This is because respiratory problems often occur in smokers when this process takes place.

In addition, recovery is also slower than non-smokers. Try to quit smoking for 6-8 weeks before surgery.

4. Fasting

The day before ESWL is initiated, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything past midnight. You are also required to follow a diet set by your doctor.

5. Asking medical personnel

Don't forget to ask what you want to know before starting ESWL treatment. You have to understand what your doctor is going to do, so that you understand that this choice is what you really want.

How is the ESWL treatment process?

Similar to other surgeries, you will be asked to lie down on an operating table. After that, the doctor will sedate you before the ESWL procedure begins. Once you are unconscious, the doctor will insert a tube-shaped instrument called astent to the urethra.

Stent which is inserted into the urinary tract aims to accelerate the process of breaking down kidney stones. It also opens a path for shards of rock to escape from the channel. With the help of X rays, the doctor will tell you where the kidney stones are to destroy the kidney stones.

Once the location of the kidney stone is known, a shock wave will be sent and it can eventually break down the kidney stone. The ESWL operation is fast, because it only takes about 1 hour.

Recovery process after undergoing ESWL surgery

If the surgery is complete and successful, you will be admitted to the treatment room for several hours before being discharged home. There is a chance that you will experience pain if the kidney stone passes out of the body through the urinary tract.

Therefore, the doctor prescribes painkillers and asks you to drink water. As part of the process of treating kidney stones, drinking water can prevent stone formation and get rid of the remains.

Stent which is inserted into the urinary tract will be removed 3-10 days after surgery. You may urinate more frequently while the object is still in the ureter.

A side effect of the shock wave that you may experience is back or abdominal pain. Therefore, you should follow the recommendations of your doctor and efforts to prevent kidney stone formation.

Risks of ESWL therapy

Every treatment has risks, whether it's small or big. Well, here are some of the consequences that can be generated from surgery with this shock wave, as reported by UF Health.