Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive, drug-free technology that pulverizes hardened deposits of salts and minerals — kidney stones — into tiny fragments for easier elimination.
At Family Urology Associates, kidney stone expert Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD, uses ESWT to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms of kidney stones. We understand the highly disruptive nature of kidney stones, and that's why we don't rest until you feel better. Here’s what you should know about shock wave therapy and what to expect at your treatment session.
ESWT uses ultrasound energy to treat a broad range of conditions by pulverizing dense tissue or hard growths like kidney stones. It has many applications, including easing pain in people with musculoskeletal issues, such as frozen shoulder and tennis elbow. As a urologist, Dr. Haseeb uses a specific application of ESWT called lithotripsy.
The lithotripter device shatters kidney stones into microscopic pieces so you can easily pass them through normal urination.
The outpatient treatment is nonsurgical and doesn't require injections or incisions. Dr. Haseeb performs ESWT conveniently in our office, and you can return home shortly afterward.
ESWT is usually best suited for small or medium kidney stones — generally those 2 cm or smaller. It's most effective for kidney stones within the kidneys or upper ureters.
Dr. Haseeb may recommend ESWT if you have kidney stones that haven't passed naturally and are causing considerable pain.
ESWT is adaptable for individual needs, with low- or high-energy sound waves based on kidney stone size and complexity. Patients might need only mild sedation for low-energy treatments, while those with bigger kidney stones could need local anesthesia for their higher-energy treatments.
During treatment, Dr. Haseeb uses imaging guidance — X-ray or ultrasound — to locate the kidney stones. He then targets them with the shockwaves. Each kidney stone needs around 1,000-2,000 rapid-fire pulses to fully pulverize the stone. You may feel a tapping sensation, but it’s not uncomfortable.
You relax for a while after treatment as our team monitors you, and then you head home. Most patients get back to regular activities in just 24-48 hours.
Many patients choose extracorporeal shock wave therapy because it’s safe, effective, and easier on the body than surgery. Here are some of the top benefits:
Another huge advantage: ESWT success rates are excellent. With one to three treatments, patients typically experience clearance of up to 90% of their kidney stones.
Dr. Haseeb helps you decide if ESWT is right for your specific case based on your stone size, location, and overall health.
If you’re in Frederick, Maryland, or the surrounding area and need treatment for kidney stones, we’re here to help. At Family Urology Associates, Dr. Haseebuddin combines medical expertise with leading-edge tools to get you feeling like yourself again quickly.
Call us today at 301-606-0551 to book your consultation. Relief from kidney stones awaits!
