What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, or **ESWL**, uses high-energy, low-frequency sound waves directed through the skin toward the stone. These waves shock the stone, causing it to break into tiny fragments that can then be passed out with urine. This procedure is non-surgical, highly safe, causes minimal pain, and allows for quick recovery, enabling patients to return to their normal lives sooner.

ESWL is primarily used to treat kidney stones and ureteral stones, with patients often presenting with the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain, pain in the lower back (flank)
• Frequent urination, painful urination (dysuria), blood in urine (hematuria)
• Inability to ur urinate or passing urine in small amounts (dribbling)
• Passing small, gravel-like stones with urine
• May be accompanied by a fever

ESWL can be performed in the following cases:

• Kidney stones measuring no more than 2 centimeters, or ureteral stones no more than 1 centimeter.
• There must be no obstruction of the urinary tract below the stone.
• The kidney on the side with the stone must still be functional.
• Patient must not be pregnant.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Procedure

• Before the treatment, the doctor will administer medication to sedate the patient, or general anesthesia will be used.
• The patient lies on a special bed. The lithotripter machine then sends shock waves from below the bed, through the skin, directed precisely at the kidney stone. The doctor uses X-ray imaging to locate the stone during the procedure.
• The machine delivers approximately 3,000 - 5,000 shock waves until the stone breaks into small pieces.
• The procedure takes about 1.5 hours, but may be longer depending on the size and location of the stone.
• After the procedure is complete, the patient will be moved to a recovery room for about 2 hours and then transferred to a patient room. After a hospital stay of about 1-2 days, the doctor will consider discharging the patient to go home.

Preparation Before ESWL

• Fast (no food or water) for at least 8 hours.
• Inform your doctor of any underlying medical conditions and stop taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications for at least one week before the procedure.

Self-Care After ESWL

• Drink about 3-4 liters of water per day.
• You can apply a cold compress to the treatment area to reduce swelling and bruising of the skin.
• For the first 1-2 days, avoid strenuous work or activities.
• Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled.
• If you experience difficulty urinating or a decrease in urine output, see a doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Recurrence of Kidney Stones

1. Drink 2-3 liters of clean water daily.
2. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of vegetables. Reduce or avoid meat consumption, or substitute with fish.
3. Avoid salty and pickled foods, as they can strain the kidneys and reduce their function.
4. Exercise regularly for at least 20-30 minutes every day to help prevent the sediment formation that causes stones.

Cost of ESWL for Kidney Stones

Approximate Price: 80,000 - 90,000 THB

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Note

• 1 night, 2 days hospital stay.
• Price includes doctor's fees, service fees, room charges, meals, and take-home medication.
• Price does not include pre-procedure assessment and follow-up examinations.
• The price may change depending on the doctor's assessment or in case of complications.
• The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
• Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
• The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.

For More Information

• Urology Clinic, G Floor, Building 1, Tel. 043-002-002 ext. 1920
• Health Information Center, ext. 1905

The price is valid from January 1 to December 31, 2025.