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Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure that involves breaking up stones in the urinary tract, bile ducts, or pancreatic ducts by using shock waves generated by a lithotripter.
The shock waves enter the body and are accurately targeted using X-ray imaging. The procedure aims to break the stones into smaller pieces that can either pass naturally through the body or be more easily collected.
For stones in the kidneys and ureter, the fragments will be expelled with urine. For Larger stones in the bile ducts or pancreatic duct, they are removed using an endoscope—a flexible tube inserted through the mouth.
Classification
The following are the main classifications:
Based on the Shock Wave Generator Type
- Electrohydraulic Lithotripters: They use underwater sparks to generate shock waves.
- Electromagnetic Lithotripters: They use electromagnetic coils to produce shock waves.
- Piezoelectric Lithotripters: They employ piezoelectric crystals that expand and contract to produce shock waves.
Based on the Targeting Method
- Fluoroscopy-Guided ESWL: Uses X-ray imaging to locate and target the stone.
- Ultrasound-Guided ESWL: It uses ultrasound imaging to locate and target the stone.
Based on Stone's Characteristics
- Size of Stone
- Composition of Stone
- Calcium-based stones
Based on the Location of Stone
- Kidney stones: Typically easier to treat with ESWL.
- Ureteral stones: May require different positioning or additional treatments.
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Saudi German Hospital
Cairo, Egypt
- Saudi German Hospital, Cairo, is a leading tertiary care hospital in Egypt, delivering comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare across a wide spectrum of medical and surgical specialities.
- As part of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, the hospital combines international clinical standards with advanced medical technology to provide high-quality diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
- The hospital is internationally accredited and recognised for excellence in patient safety, clinical outcomes, and service quality. With access to global expertise through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Saudi German Hospital Cairo offers multidisciplinary care supported by evidence-based practices and collaborative medical decision-making.
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Saudi German Hospital
Alexandria, Egypt
- Saudi German Hospital Alexandria is a modern tertiary care hospital delivering comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare across multiple medical specialities.
- Backed by the Saudi German Hospitals Group’s regional expertise and international accreditations, the hospital offers advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and high clinical safety standards.
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