IP Journal of Urology, Nephrology and Hepatology Science

Current role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis

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Article Type : Review Article

Author Details: Prashant Gupta*

Volume : 2

Issue : 4

Online ISSN : XXXX

Print ISSN : XXXX

Article First Page : 50

Article End Page : 52

Abstract

ESWL is a non invasive modality for stone treatment based on shock wave therapy (SWT). It’s an old technique but lost its popularity due to unsatisfactory and inferior results. This happened because of indiscriminate utilization of ESWL with respect to stone size, type and location etc. The older shock wave generators could disintegrate any stone but damaged the kidney and surrounding tissue as well. In twenty first century we have 4th generation highly powerful and efficient ESWL machines which are less traumatic, virtually painless and almost bloodless treatment modality for renal stones. It was thus concluded that ESWL is a minimally invasive treatment, that with an appropriate technique and patient selection achieves high effectiveness, thus maintaining an important role at this time. ESWL will remain first line treatment modality for nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis in well selected patients with limited stone burden.

Keywords: ESWL, Nephrolithiasis, Renal stones, Shockwave therapy, Urolithiasis.

Doi No:-10.18231