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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.
The purpose of ESWL is to destroy kidney or ureteral stones using shock waves and fragment them into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through the urinary tract. It is a non-surgical alternative to removal that can relieve pain, prevent infection, and restore normal urine flow.
If you experience symptoms such as a bad case of flank pain, hematuria, recurrent UTIs, vomiting or nausea, or difficulty urinating, you need to consult a doctor. These may be ureteric or kidney stone symptoms.
Blood and urine analyses, imaging studies, and checking current prescriptions are a few examples of preparation. In addition to possibly having to discontinue the use of blood thinners or other medications that inhibit clotting, patients are often asked to fast for several hours before the surgery.
- 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.
ESWL typically lasts about an hour. However, depending on the number and size of your kidney stones and overall health, your treatment could take longer or less time.
- Obstruction of your ureter
- Bleeding
- Infection
ESWL can allow you to pass kidney stones by yourself without requiring more invasive surgery to have them removed.
Patients can take pain medication and fluids in larger quantities to help pass fragments. Straining urine may be advised to collect stone fragments for analysis. To confirm the stone has been removed, follow-up imaging can be scheduled.
The size, composition, and location of the stone all influence success. The clearance rate for stones under 2 cm is 70–90%. Larger or more complex stones require more than one session.
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Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Types of ESWL in Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah and its associated cost
| Treatment Option | Approximate Cost Range (USD) | Approximate Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| ESWL (Overall) | 2765 - 5595 | 10434 - 20923 |
| Standard ESWL | 2864 - 4402 | 10440 - 16152 |
| Laser ESWL | 3870 - 5508 | 14236 - 20699 |
- Address: Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah - Al Kuwait Street - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
- Facilities related to Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah: Online Doctor Consultation, Post operative followup, Mobility Accessible Rooms, Rehabilitation, Air Ambulance
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+99Process Involved for ESWL in Sharjah
- 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.
