A scientific perspective on Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for urinary stone disease.
Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), launched in the 1980s, was initially seen as a non-invasive panacea. However, modern clinical evidence shows that it must be used selectively to be effective.
ESWL can break a stone, but it cannot "bring the stone out." Success depends on the stone breaking into small enough pieces and the body's ability to pass them. In unselected cases, the failure rate is high.
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Marketing Claim
"Painless & Non-Invasive" |
The Truth
Not entirely painless and carries specific internal risks. |
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Marketing Claim
"Highly Effective for all stones" |
The Truth
70% efficacy even in expert hands and best machines. |
At Urogyn, we use ESWL scientifically and selectively for:
Our medical coordinators are available 24/7