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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.
- Sedation or Anaesthesia: Based on the patient's status and expected pain, mild sedation or light anaesthesia may be employed to reduce discomfort during surgery.
- Application of Shock Waves: The stone is the very specific target of high-energy shock waves generated from outside. These waves fragment the stone into smaller pieces as they travel through the soft tissues.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Imaging is employed to monitor the process continuously. To ensure accurate targeting, shock wave position or intensity may be altered.
- Recovery and Completion: After treatment is completed, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, the patient is monitored for a brief period and then discharged.
- Obstruction of your ureter
- Bleeding
- Infection
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Carthage International Medical Center
Monastir, Tunisia
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Carthage International Medical Center located in Monastir, Tunisia has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The Hospital covers an area of about 15,000 sqm with a capacity of about 133 beds
- Standard Rooms & Suites facility is available in order to give them physical and psychological comfort to the patients
- Furthermore, the rooms are equipped with plasterboard partitions for optimum sound and thermal comfort, individual bathrooms, a television with satellite reception, and a fire door, etc.
- Ambulance of the Hospital is fully equipped with all the necessary medical equipment of latest technology ensuring the best medical transportation services of the patients
- The hospital has a Department for international patients offering interpreter services for various languages
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+99Process Involved for ESWL in Monastir
- Consultation: See a urologist to check the kidney stone's size, location, and nature.
- Pre-operative evaluation: Evaluate medical history and conduct imaging studies to verify the stone's nature.
- Discussion of Treatment: Consider whether or not ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is appropriate or whether other treatment will be required.
- Treatment Procedure: Discover the process of ESWL, pain to be anticipated, and experience to be looked for.
- Post-Treatment Follow-up: Observe for stone fragments, control pain, and see no complications develop.
- Kidney Stones
- Ureteral Stones
- Urinary obstruction, pain, or hematuria are the signs of ureteric or kidney stones.
- The stones are also too large to pass through individually.
- Medication and other non-surgical treatments have failed.
- Stones are verified by imaging (CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray).
- Non-invasive: No cuts are needed.
- Reduces the necessity of general anesthesia and hospital stay.
- High success rate in breaking down stones into smaller fragments.
- Shorter recovery time compared to surgery.
- Urologist
- Fill out the inquiry form: Fill out the form to provide us with the relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert views and cost breakdowns for various choices.
- Choose your preferred option: Choose the treatment option that suits you the best.
