We hope to empower patients seeking kidney stone care with a full understanding of all treatment options. By knowing what is available, and what is least invasive, we believe patients will have more meaningful conversations with their physicians and ultimately a better experience.
Non-Invasive Kidney Stone Treatment Options
ESWL - Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
What is ESWL?
ESWL is a noninvasive treatment that targets and breaks down kidney stones from outside the body using focused shock waves. Using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guided localization, technologists are able to monitor stones throughout the procedure and deliver shock waves at various power levels until the stone is reduced to fine particles that are easy to pass. ESWL is the least invasive treatment option and patients often are back to their normal routine in a day or two. When physicians get kidney stones of their own EWSL is overwhelmingly their preferred treatment method
Preferred by Physicians with Kidney Stones. 1-2 Day Recovery is Common
Ureteroscopy, otherwise known as a laser producer, is commonly utilized to treat large kidney stones and stones near the bladder. During the procedure a small scope is inserted into the urethra, bladder, and ureter. This allows physicians to see the stone and treat it via direct contact. The stone is either removed by a small wire basket or broken apart using a laser fiber. A stent is inserted post treatment to prevent ureteral collapse, obstruction, and is removed approximately two weeks after treatment.
Stent Placement is Common 1 Week Recovery is Common
A PCNL, commonly referred to as a "Perc" is an invasive treatment option often used for stones between than 2cm to 3cm in size. The patient is placed prone (on their stomachs) and an incision and made in the patients’ lower back. A guide wire and ureteroscope are inserted through the back and into the patient’s kidney. Laser treatment is performed and a stent is placed for drainage and to prevent obstruction.
Stent Placement is Common Hospitalization Sometimes Required 2-4 Week Recovery is Common
