Patient's question:
I heard that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal calculi can have some impact on the kidneys. So, does ESWL affect upper ureteral stones, and is the harm significant?Doctor's answer:
Hello: It is recommended to use extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for stone removal treatment; and to undergo early treatment as soon as possible, as the effect is better. First, it should be explained that the principle of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is entirely different from that of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). The advantage of ESWL lies in its lack of any damage to organs, thorough stone removal, minimal patient pain, and easy acceptance. In contrast, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) causes organ damage and is more painful. ESWL technology is the latest national patented technology, employing high-frequency superconducting fluid dynamic shock wave three-dimensional integrated stone removal technology, assisted by large digital B-ultrasound for positioning. It features accurate positioning, rapid stone removal, effective treatment of bile duct stones, ureteral stones, allowing stones to pass as they are removed, and particularly thorough removal of stones in intrahepatic bile ducts. The most prominent feature of this equipment is its humanized operability, thorough stone removal for various types of stones, wide range of indications, almost no side effects on the human body, painless stone removal process, generally no need for hospitalization, and low treatment costs, making it easily accepted by patients. It is a reliable, effective, simple, and practical treatment device with unique equipment and technical advantages. Therefore, it is the best choice for treating various types of stones. The indications and scope of treatment for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are as follows: (1) For various kidney stones and ureteral stones smaller than 1.2 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) should be the preferred method for stone removal. This is because it causes no kidney damage, ensures thorough stone removal, is safe and painless, and avoids the side effects of shock wave lithotripsy. If the stone diameter is greater than 1.2 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) should first be used for crushing, followed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for thorough stone removal, achieving complementary advantages. (2) This equipment is particularly suitable for acute ureteral stones and the resulting hydronephrosis, renal pelvic dilation, ureteral hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation, and renal colic. It can quickly remove ureteral stones, immediately relieve pain, and rapidly alleviate the above symptoms, making it the preferred treatment for ureteral stones. (3) For patients with multiple kidney stones on the same side combined with ureteral stones, the ureteral stones should be removed first, followed by the removal of multiple kidney stones, to prevent the formation of a "stone street" in the ureter. (4) For larger kidney stones that remain in the lower pole of the kidney pelvis or calyces after ESWL, the residual small stones are the best indication for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for thorough stone removal. This is because the handheld high-frequency superconducting shock wave transducer can directly touch the lower pole kidney stones, allowing them to move into the kidney pelvis and ureter for removal. (5) Suitable for the treatment of mud-like gallbladder stones smaller than 4 mm. The stone removal is thorough and painless, making it the best choice for treating gallstones. It is also the only stone removal device in the world that can remove stones from the liver and bile system. (6) Particularly suitable for the treatment of mud-like stones in intrahepatic bile ducts and common bile ducts. The stone removal is thorough, symptoms are rapidly relieved, and there is no pain or side effects. It solves the global medical of poor treatment effectiveness in traditional medicine, the difficulty and incompleteness of surgical stone removal in modern medicine, and the occurrence of severe complications and postoperative recurrence. (7) For the treatment of various types of stones due to concurrent urinary tract infections leading to pyelonephritis, ureteritis, cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, as well as infections of the liver and bile system leading to cholecystitis and intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangitis, the inflammation caused by mucosal hyperemia and edema may affect stone removal. Therefore, antibiotic anti-inflammatory treatment must be administered first, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment can only be performed after the inflammation subsides. According to clinical observations, Professor Chen Bangjing believes that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the leading new technology for treating stones in the world, having obtained national patent protection. It is the preferred method for treating kidney stones, ureteral stones (ureteral stones can generally be removed within two hours), gallstones, and extrahepatic bile duct stones, as well as intrahepatic bile duct stones. Its completely thorough stone removal effect, lack of any side effects on organs, and low cost have brought benefits to a vast number of patients. For stones beyond the scope of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should first be used for crushing, followed by stone removal. For larger kidney cast stones and gallstones, surgical stone removal should be recommended as soon as they are discovered.