Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) equipment crushes stones into fine powder by delivering high-energy shock waves from outside the body. This is a non-surgical procedure carried out without anesthesia when there are stones in the kidney or ureter or gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct. The equipment at KYUH is the latest model incorporated with cutting-edge technology.
When using this equipment, the procedure is performed without anesthesia, so the patient can return to his/her normal life immediately, and it can be provided as outpatient treatment in most cases. The patient experiences little to no pain when the crushed stones are discharged, and complications after the procedure are minimal.