ESWL: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Following are the diagnostic tests used to diagnose the conditions before undergoing ESWL:

Imaging Studies

• X-ray (KUB: Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder)
• Ultrasound: To detect the location of stones, useful for patients who avoid radiation exposure.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: To accurately determine the size, location, and density of stones; often considered the gold standard for diagnosing kidney stones.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): To assess the anatomy of the kidneys and ureters and identify any blockages.

Laboratory Tests include:

• Urinalysis
• Blood Tests
• 24-hour Urine Collection
• Stone Analysis (if a stone has already been passed)

The ESWL procedure typically takes about an hour, though it can sometimes take longer depending on the size and number of stones. During the procedure:

The patient lies on a table in a specialized treatment room equipped with a shock wave machine and imaging equipment.

After receiving anesthesia, the patient is analyzed by the doctor, who uses a computerized X-ray machine, sometimes in combination with ultrasound, to pinpoint the stone’s location.

The doctor positions the patient to aim the shock waves accurately at the stone.

A series of shock waves (several hundred to several thousand) is directed at the stone. The doctor adjusts the power and intervals of the shock waves as needed to break up the stone.

For stones in the pancreatic duct or bile duct, the fragments broken up by ESWL may need to be extracted with an endoscope, a procedure typically performed immediately after the ESWL.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the stones are effectively broken down and removed from the body.

The recovery period after ESWL treatment varies based on the size of the stone, the extent of the procedure, and the overall health of the patient. If the patient has other conditions that could interfere with the procedure, follow-up treatments may be necessary to prevent complications. Generally, patients can return to their daily activities within a few days, but in more severe cases, recovery may take more than a week. Painkillers and antibiotics are typically prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection. Additionally, patients are advised to drink twice their usual amount of water to aid in flushing out stone fragments.