Search Health Information Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
(ESWL) is a procedure used to shatter simple stones in the
kidney or upper urinary tract. Ultrasonic waves are passed
through the body until they strike the dense stones. Pulses of
sonic waves pulverize the stones, which are then more easily
passed through the ureter and out of the body in the urine.
|Review Date: 1/15/2009| Reviewed By: Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD,
Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston
University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided
herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for
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