ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) therapy uses shock wave technology to break up stones in the urinary tract. Urinary tract stones can cause problems in everyday life, especially when urinating. The Urologist Specialist will split the stone without surgery, general anesthesia, or hospitalization using ESWL therapy. The fractured stone will be flushed out with the urine. ESWL therapy has become a standard hospital treatment for urinary tract stones.
The stone can break up into small fragments as a result of the shock wave, making it easier to move through the urinary tract. However, ESWL therapy does not break down all urinary tract stones. Only small stones with a diameter of 4 millimeters to 2 centimeters are likely to be handled with this method.
Who needs an ESWL Therapy?
Urinary tract stones are usually so tiny that they move through urine on their own. Larger stones, on the other hand, are more difficult to pass and can become lodged in the urinary tract, resulting in bleeding, kidney swelling, kidney damage, and urinary tract infections. ESWL therapy is needed for people who have been diagnosed with such kidney stones before the disease worsens. Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Pain in the back, chest, and waist, as if they were stabbed
- Pain when urinating
- Urinating frequently but just slightly coming out
- Urine contains blood, is cloudy, or smells bad
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
ESWL for the Treatment of Non-Surgical Urinary Tract Stones
Strong deposits in the kidneys, renal tract, bladder tract, and bladder are referred to as urinary tract stones. When urine contains more crystalline substances than fluid or the body is dehydrated, these deposits, among others, form. Infection, excessive salt intake, and the use of some medications are all possible causes.
Urinary tract stones may be treated with ESWL therapy without the need for anesthesia or surgery. Patients benefit more from this approach because:
- the process is faster;
- there is no need for hospitalization;
- recovery time is shorter.
- there are no visible cuts on the skin surface;
- and there are fewer complications than surgery.
After ESWL therapy, the patient will resume normal activities immediately. In general, ESWL therapy has a high rate of effectiveness. However, a number of factors, such as the size, type, and position of the stone, may affect the procedure’s success.
ESWL Therapy Procedure
Doctors who specialize in treating urinary tract stones are urologists. Before starting ESWL therapy, patients must be tested by a doctor. Laboratory examinations, ultrasound, and radiology are also part of the study. ESWL therapy will be scheduled if the doctor decides it is possible. Before beginning treatment, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers. X-ray technology may be used to assist doctors in locating the stone’s position. Shock waves are delivered to the skin’s surface over the stone’s location as part of the treatment. The ESWL therapy treatment does not use electricity. Depending on the form and size of the stone, this therapy will last approximately from 30 to 60 minutes.
Preventing Stones in the Urinary Tract
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Urinary tract stones can be avoided by doing the followings:
- Drink plenty of water per day, around 2-3 liters. Drinking tea and coffee will also help you get enough fluids. You can, however, boost your water intake.
- Stay away from carbonated beverages.
- Limit your salt consumption.
- Limit the intake of fast food.
- Limit your intake of animal protein-rich foods.
- Eat less lettuce, tea, nuts, chocolate, and strawberries, which are rich in purines and oxalates.
ESWL therapy at Primaya Hospital
To know more about the details of ESWL therapy, contact Primaya Hospital. To assist you with urinary tract stone issues, Primaya Hospital has a Urologist Specialist with an experienced and professional medical staff. Primaya Hospital employs cutting-edge technology in its operations. Consult Primaya Hospital about your health issues to get the best advice.
