If you suffer from kidney, ureteral or bladder stones, you are by no means alone. The good news is that there are effective treatment options available to you today.
One proven treatment method is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL). This involves the external application of shock waves to the stone to disintegrate it into sand-like fragments. These are then excreted naturally in the urine.
What are urinary stones and how do they develop?
Urinary stones are one of the most common urological problems worldwide. The main causes of urinary stones include today's lifestyle and dietary habits, such as a lack of exercise, excess weight or inadequate fluid intake.
Urinary stones are crystalline deposits, which can separate and pass into the urinary tract. Depending on the location of the stone, it is referred to as a kidney, ureteral or bladder stone.
Smaller stones often go unnoticed and are excreted in the urine. If the stones become too large, they can block the renal pelvic junction or ureter, which results in very severe, cramping pains known as renal colic.
What is the procedure for SWL?
For the lithotripter to target the stone, it must be localised using X-ray or ultrasound. In order to do this, the patient lies on a treatment table and is given a painkiller, if needed. In order to ensure optimal conduction of the shock waves into the body, a gel or water is applied between the patient and the source of the shock waves.
An SWL treatment usually lasts around 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, the doctor adjusts the strength of the shock waves as needed. The sand-like fragments can then be excreted in the urine without difficulty. It is often the case that only a single treatment is required.
Advantages of SWL
- Non-invasive
The treatment does not injure the skin. - Outpatient
The patient is usually able to return home after a few hours. - Minimal problems following treatment
Following the procedure, the patient has fewer side effects compared to invasive procedures.1 - No anaesthesia required
The treatment can be performed without anaesthesia. - Preferred treatment in children
The procedure can be performed without radiation and has a high rate of treatment success.2
Possible side effects of SWL2
Possible side effects include: fever, infections, slight discomfort or bruising in the treatment area. Haematoma requiring active intervention are rare (<1%).
Aftercare tips for urinary stones
- Drink lots of water in the weeks following SWL. This makes it easier to pass the stone fragments.
- Any type of movement, such as climbing stairs or jumping, will also facilitate this process.
- Speak to your doctor about the cause of the stones, as there is an increased probability that you will develop stones again.
Sources
1Hamamoto, S. (2018). Determinants of health-related quality of life for patients after urinary lithotripsy: ureteroscopic vs. shock wave lithotripsy. Urolithiasis, 46(2):203-210.
2European Association of Urology (2023): EAU-Guidelines-on-Urolithiasis-2023