Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a commonly used treatment option for kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally through urine. This procedure involves the use of an ultrasound device to precisely locate the position of the kidney stone. Once located, shock waves are directed towards the stone, causing it to break up into smaller fragments that can be easily passed out of the body through urine. It is important to note that ESWL can be a painful procedure; however, surgeons typically administer pain medication before initiating the treatment. ESWL has proven to be highly effective for kidney stones measuring up to ¾ inch in diameter, and in some cases, even slightly larger stones can be successfully treated with this method.
Ureteroscopy: A Less Painful Alternative to ESWL
When it comes to treating kidney stones in the ureter, ureteroscopy is often considered a milder alternative to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). Ureteroscopy, also known as retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), is the preferred method for dealing with these stones.
During a ureteroscopy procedure, a surgeon inserts a ureteroscope into the bladder through the urethra. The surgeon then utilizes a unique instrument to remove the stone. The entire process is conducted under general anesthesia and has proven to be successful in most cases, as long as the stone is not larger than ½ inch.