ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy)
Istanbul
ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy) in Istanbul is available at 2 hospitals in the Voumed network.
ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is a non-surgical way to break up stones in the urinary system, such as kidney and ureter stones, without any incision. High-energy shock waves are generated outside the body and focused precisely onto the stone, shattering it into small fragments that can then pass naturally with the urine. Because nothing is inserted into the body and no cut is made, ESWL is one of the gentlest stone treatments available. It is typically a same-day procedure, after which most people return home and pass the broken fragments over the following days.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- non-invasive shock wave stone treatment
- Used for
- kidney and upper ureter stones, mainly under about 1.5 cm
- Key benefit
- breaks stones without surgery or incisions
- Session
- roughly 45 to 60 minutes, usually with sedation or light anaesthesia
- Where it is used
- leading accredited urology centres abroad
What it is
ESWL is a treatment that uses focused sound energy, in the form of shock waves, to crush a stone from outside the body. A device positioned against the skin generates the waves, which travel harmlessly through soft tissue and concentrate their energy at the exact location of the stone. The stone is pinpointed using X-ray or ultrasound imaging, so the waves can be aimed with precision and repeated many times during the session to gradually break the stone apart. Because the energy is focused only on the stone, surrounding tissues are largely spared.
How it works
The patient lies on a treatment table while imaging locates the stone and aligns it with the shock wave focus. Sedation or light anaesthesia keeps the patient comfortable, as the repeated pulses can feel like firm tapping. Over roughly 45 to 60 minutes, several thousand shock waves are delivered, each adding to the cracking of the stone until it breaks into small pieces, ideally fine enough to pass in the urine. Afterwards, the patient is monitored briefly and usually goes home the same day. The fragments then clear naturally over the following days, sometimes helped by drinking plenty of fluids.
What it treats and who it helps
ESWL is used for stones in the kidney and the upper part of the ureter, and it works best for stones under about 1.5 centimetres. It suits people who want to avoid surgery and who have stones in a suitable position, size and density. It can be especially helpful for those who prefer a non-invasive option or who are not ideal candidates for more invasive procedures. Stone hardness, size and exact location all affect success, and a urologist decides whether ESWL or another method, such as a keyhole or laser technique, is the best fit for a given stone.
Benefits and what to expect
The main benefit is effective stone breakdown without surgery, incisions or instruments inside the body, which means a quick recovery and an early return to normal life. Most people experience only mild discomfort during and after treatment. It is normal to see some blood in the urine for a short time and to feel occasional twinges as fragments pass. Sometimes more than one session is needed to clear a stone fully. The care team explains how to support fragment passage and arranges follow-up imaging to confirm the stone has cleared.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Is ESWL painful?
The procedure is usually done with sedation or light anaesthesia, so you stay comfortable, though you may feel a tapping sensation. Afterwards, mild discomfort and some twinges as the fragments pass are common and are managed with simple pain relief.
How long does the treatment take?
A session usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. It is typically a same-day procedure, so most people go home soon afterwards and resume normal activities quickly.
Will I pass the stone fragments easily?
In most cases, the broken pieces are small enough to pass in the urine over the following days, helped by drinking plenty of fluids. You may notice some blood in the urine and occasional twinges, which is expected as the fragments clear.
Will one session be enough?
Often a single session breaks the stone sufficiently, but larger or harder stones may need more than one treatment. Follow-up imaging checks whether the stone has cleared and whether another session is required.
Which stones are suitable for ESWL?
It works best for kidney and upper ureter stones under about 1.5 centimetres. Very large, very hard or awkwardly placed stones may be better treated with another method, which a urologist will recommend after reviewing your imaging.
Is ESWL safe?
Yes. It is a well-established, non-invasive treatment with a strong safety record, as the shock waves pass through soft tissue and focus their energy on the stone. As with any procedure, minor side effects such as blood in the urine can occur, and the team explains these beforehand.
Not sure which hospital fits your case?
Upload your medical records and let AI match you to the right hospital.
Upload records and get matchedAvailable at these hospitals
Specialties
Not sure which hospital fits your case?
Upload your medical records and let AI match you to the right hospital.
Upload records and get matched