Treating Kidney Stones with ESWL at Advanced Urology

Kidney stones are a painful and common condition that affect millions of people each year. While some small stones may pass on their own, larger stones often require treatment. At Advanced Urology, we are proud to offer patients the latest, safest, and least invasive technology for stone management: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).

Performed in our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), ESWL is a non-surgical treatment that uses sound waves to break kidney stones into tiny fragments that can pass naturally in the urine. With our Dornier Delta 3 Pro lithotripter, one of the most advanced stone treatment systems available, we provide patients with world-class care in a comfortable outpatient setting.

What Is ESWL?

ESWL stands for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. “Extracorporeal” means the treatment is performed outside the body.

The procedure uses focused shock waves directed at the kidney stone from outside the body.
These shock waves break the stone into very small pieces, almost like turning a boulder into gravel.
The fragments then pass naturally through the urinary tract over the course of days to weeks.

No incision, no scopes, and no invasive surgery are required.

Benefits of ESWL

ESWL remains one of the most popular treatments for kidney stones worldwide because of its many advantages:

Completely non-invasive: No cuts or instruments are placed inside the body.
Outpatient procedure: Patients go home the same day.
Quick recovery: Most return to normal activity within a day or two.
Safe and effective: Particularly effective for stones in the kidney and upper ureter.
Minimal discomfort: Pain is usually mild and managed easily with oral medication.

For the right stones and the right patient, ESWL is one of the easiest and most patient-friendly treatment options available.

Advanced Urology’s Advantage: The Dornier Delta 3 Pro

Not all ESWL treatments are the same. The success of shock wave lithotripsy depends heavily on the technology used.

At Advanced Urology, we use the Dornier Delta 3 Pro, the newest generation lithotripter from Dornier, a leader in kidney stone treatment technology.

Key Benefits of the Dornier Delta 3 Pro:

Precision targeting: Advanced imaging and energy focusing ensure that shock waves are delivered directly to the stone with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
High efficiency: Stones are fragmented more effectively, often in a single session.
Patient comfort: The design allows treatments with less energy and fewer side effects, reducing discomfort.
Adaptability: Can treat a wide range of stone sizes and locations in the kidney and upper urinary tract.

This advanced equipment allows us to deliver the most effective and comfortable ESWL treatments available today.

What to Expect During ESWL

Before the procedure: Patients are evaluated with imaging such as CT or ultrasound to confirm the size and location of the stone.
During the procedure: Patients are given sedation or anesthesia for comfort. The Dornier Delta 3 Pro is positioned against the patient’s back, and shock waves are applied for 30–60 minutes.
After the procedure: Patients usually go home the same day. They may notice some blood in the urine or mild flank soreness for a few days. Stone fragments typically pass gradually in the urine.

Follow-up imaging is performed to confirm that the stone has been cleared. If fragments remain, additional treatments may be recommended.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ESWL?

ESWL works best for:

Kidney stones smaller than 2 cm
Stones located in the kidney or upper ureter
Patients without significant obstruction or infection

Patients with very large, hard, or lower ureteral stones may benefit from other treatments such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, which we also offer at Advanced Urology.

Why Choose Advanced Urology for Stone Treatment?

At Advanced Urology, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge stone care in a patient-centered environment.

State-of-the-art ASCs: Our outpatient surgery centers are designed for safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Latest technology: We use the Dornier Delta 3 Pro, one of the world’s most advanced lithotripters.
Expert team: Our fellowship-trained urologists have extensive experience in stone management.
Prevention focus: Beyond treatment, we offer blood work and 48-hour urine testing to identify why stones form and how to prevent them from returning.

Conclusion

Kidney stones don’t just cause pain—they disrupt lives and can harm kidney health if left untreated. Fortunately, with modern technology like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), stones can be treated quickly and non-invasively.

At Advanced Urology, our state-of-the-art ASCs and the latest Dornier Delta 3 Pro lithotripter ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care, with safe, effective, and comfortable treatment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with kidney stones, Advanced Urology is here with the expertise and technology to help you get back to living pain-free.