Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWL) for the treatment of kidney stones has been around since the 1980s. The latest application techniques combined with high-precision live ultrasound centering of the stones take the therapy to the next level and make it a gentle option for breaking up kidney stones. The special feature of this treatment is that the stones are destroyed from the outside, i.e. non-invasively and without anesthesia.
ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that does not require an incision or surgery.
The stone is first precisely centered using high-precision ultrasound. The shock waves are then focused on the stone from the outside (extracorporeally). The shock waves are high-energy pressure waves that shatter the stone into small pieces. These small fragments can be excreted by the body in the urine over the following days and weeks.
ESWL is particularly suitable for patients who are not suitable for an invasive procedure or anesthesia due to a health risk. Preferably, smaller stones up to a maximum diameter of approx. 8-10 mm, which are easily visible in ultrasound, are shattered using this technology. Even if many smaller stones are present, ESWL may be the treatment of choice.
In addition to shock wave therapy, we offer various treatment alternatives for the destruction or removal of kidney, ureter or bladder stones. In a detailed consultation and diagnosis, the right type of treatment is chosen together with you.
An ESWL session lasts approx. 45-60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. During treatment, the patient lies comfortably on his or her back on the treatment table. The stone is precisely centered using ultrasound. This centering is so precise that there is no need for X-ray centering, as was previously the case. Depending on the location, size and composition of the stone, several treatments may be necessary until it is completely crushed, at intervals of approx. 4-8 weeks. The treatment is usually carried out without the need for anesthesia or painkillers. As a rule, only a small pinch is felt on the back.
After the treatment, the stone debris may be removed immediately or only after a few days and may last for several weeks. The shock waves cause minor injuries to the mucous membrane, resulting in the release of bloody urine, particularly immediately after treatment. However, this bleeding usually disappears within 24 hours.
Control examinations (ultrasound) are required to assess the stone situation and are determined according to the personal situation. A decision is also made here as to whether further ESWL sessions are necessary.
Drink a lot! Successful flushing out of the stone crystals requires good flushing of the kidneys and ureters. To prevent stones from forming again, you should also drink at least 2 liters of liquid (preferably unsweetened) throughout the day.
A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables reduces the likelihood of kidney stones forming. If you avoid large quantities of foods that contain oxalic acid (such as rhubarb, spinach, chard, almonds and nuts), you reduce the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones, a subgroup of kidney stones.
Make sure you get enough exercise. Aside from being generally good for your health, exercise may prevent small kidney stones from lodging.
Senior Attending Physician, Department of Urology
You can either self-register for a consultation or be referred by your primary care physician, specialist.
Easily assign your patient online.
University Hospital Zurich
Department of Urology
Frauenklinikstrasse 10
8091 Zurich