Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive and one of the most frequently used treatments for urinary stones and kidney stones. Major open surgery on the kidneys to remove stones is very rarely needed as they can now be treated with ESWL.

In ESWL, shock waves that are created outside the body travel through the skin and body tissues until they hit the denser stones. The stones break down into small particles and are easily passed through the urinary tract in the urine.

Different ESWL machines exist. X- rays or ultrasound is used to help the surgeon pinpoint the stone during treatment. The ESWL machine at Mount Elizabeth has both modes of localization and a powerful generator. The ESWL treatment time is about an hour and usually does not required anesthesia or hospitalization. The patient can be discharged immediately after ESWL.