ESWL, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, is a non-invasive procedure used to break up kidney stones using shock waves. It's a common treatment for kidney stones, allowing them to be passed naturally through urination.
How it works:
Non-invasive: ESWL is performed externally, meaning there are no incisions or internal instruments.
Shock waves: A machine generates high-energy shock waves that are focused on the kidney stone.
Fragmentation: These shock waves break the stone into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass.
Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound are used to pinpoint the stone's location and guide the shock waves.
Passage: The fragmented stones are then passed out of the body naturally through urination.
