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extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (eswl)

how lithotripsy for kidney stones works

extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (eswl) uses shock waves to break a kidney stone into small pieces. these pieces can more easily move through the urinary tract and pass from the body.

for this procedure you lie on a water-filled cushion. x-rays or ultrasound tests are used to locate the stone. high-energy sound waves pass through your body without injuring it and break the stone into small pieces.

current as of: november 15, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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