Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

What is ESWL?

Extra Corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a method of treating stones using a ultrasonic wave that is focused on the stone from outside the patient’s body to break up the stone.

Are all stones suitable for ESWL?

No. Stones that are large or particularly hard are not suitable. When there are multiple stones ESWL is not the preferred method. ESWL has a lower success rate in the treatment of stones (stone free rate) compared to ureteroscopy or pyeloscopy.

  • Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
  • Sydney Adventist Hospital
  • American Urological Association (AUA)
  • Australian Medical Association (AMA)
  • Norwest Private Hospital
  • The University of Sydney
  • European Association of Urology (EAU)