Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Studies have shown that over 80 percent of all surgical stone disease can be treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL™,Dornier Medical Systems, Marietta, GA).

This outpatient procedure (shown in photo at right) uses high-frequency sound waves to crush kidney stones into granules small enough to be passed in the urine.

ESWL is completely noninvasive; patients do not require an incision and often do not require a general anesthetic.

The UWSP is equipped with its own full-service, highly effective Dornier lithotriptor. Our efficiency results have been reported at the 2001 meeting of the American Urological Association. We have treated over 300 patients using our instrument at UWHC with excellent results. We are a certified lithotripsy site with the American Lithotripsy Society and our program is run by Joy Schluckebier, RT, a certified lithotripsy technician.