ESWL Treatment for Kidney Stones
In Delhi, India
Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta, a renowned Urologist and Kidney Stone Specialist, offers advanced ESWL Kidney stone treatment in Delhi. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes shockwaves to break kidney stones into small fragments, allowing them to pass out of the body naturally. This treatment is painless, does not require incisions or stitches, and ensures a quick recovery with minimal risk of complications. ESWL has a high success rate in effectively breaking down kidney stones, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
As the Best Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Doctor in Delhi, Dr. Gupta ensures personalized care and optimal results for his patients. His state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with the latest technology, providing precise and effective kidney stone treatment. With an affordable ESWL treatment cost in Delhi, Dr. Gupta is the trusted choice for those seeking safe and effective kidney stone removal.
What Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?
ESWL is a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones, originally developed in Germany by Dornier. This technique uses high-intensity sound waves that are focused on the kidney stone inside the body. The shockwaves break the stone into smaller fragments, which then pass out through urine.
Key Features of ESWL:
âś… No surgery or anesthesia required
âś… Quick outpatient procedure
âś… Minimal recovery time
âś… No hospital stay
The main advantage of ESWL lies in its ability to treat kidney stones without incisions or general anesthesia, making it an attractive option for patients.
Advantages of ESWL
ESWL was once considered the gold standard for kidney stone treatment due to its non-invasive nature. Many urologists incorporated ESWL machines into their clinics, making it widely available. However, with advancements in minimally invasive procedures like PNL and RIRS, ESWL is now recommended in select cases.
Ideal Candidates for ESWL:
âś” Small kidney stones (less than 1 cm)
âś” Stones in locations not suitable for RIRS or PNL (e.g., narrow infundibulum, lower calyx stones)
âś” Residual stone fragments post-PNL
Disadvantages of ESWL
Despite its benefits, ESWL has some limitations:
Accuracy Challenges – The procedure is blind, meaning stone movement due to breathing can affect precision.
Potential Kidney Damage – Shockwaves may cause collateral damage to kidney tissue.
Risk of Bleeding & Infection – Some patients experience minor bleeding or infections post-treatment.
Pain During Procedure – Though non-invasive, some discomfort is expected.
Not Effective for Large Stones – Larger kidney stones do not respond well to ESWL.
Patient Restrictions – Not suitable for obese, muscular, or pregnant individuals.
Children Require Anesthesia – Pediatric patients need general anesthesia for the procedure.
In such cases, RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) or Mini PNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) are preferred alternatives for effective kidney stone treatment.
FAQ on ESWL Treatment for Kidney Stones in Delhi
ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity sound waves to break kidney stones into small fragments. These fragments are then naturally passed out of the body through urine.
ESWL is most effective for small kidney stones (less than 1 cm) located in areas difficult to access with other treatments, such as the lower calyx. It is also suitable for patients with residual stone fragments after PNL.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day.
Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure. However, pain management options are available, and most patients tolerate the procedure well.
- Non-invasive — No surgery or incisions required
- No general anesthesia needed
- Quick recovery time
- Outpatient procedure with no hospital stay
Potential risks include minor bleeding, infection, and bruising of the kidney. In some cases, not all stone fragments may pass, requiring additional treatment.
ESWL is not recommended for large stones (greater than 1 cm) as the shockwaves may not effectively break down larger stones. For larger stones, PNL or RIRS may be more effective.
Repeated ESWL sessions may cause minor damage to kidney tissue due to the intensity of the shockwaves. However, this risk is minimized when performed by an experienced urologist like Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta.
Patients may notice blood in their urine and mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out the stone fragments.
The cost of ESWL treatment in Delhi is affordable and competitive, depending on the size and location of the stone and the facility used. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta offers advanced ESWL treatment at a reasonable cost with high success rates.