Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
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Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses shock waves to break a kidney stone into small pieces that can more easily travel through the urinary tract and pass from the body.
You lie on a water-filled cushion. X-rays or ultrasound tests are used to precisely locate the stone. High-energy sound waves pass through your body without injuring it and break the stone into small pieces.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
| Last Updated | May 30, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
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