Treatment

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Uses sound waves to break kidney stones.

Duration

Approx. 4 hours

Recovery

4–6 weeks

Anesthesia

General

Cost range

$2750 – $11600

Indications

End-stage kidney disease, severe fluid overload, uremic symptoms unresponsive to medication.

Risks

Bleeding, infection, vascular access issues. Risks are minimised by careful patient selection and experienced teams.

Pre-procedure

Standard blood work, imaging, anaesthesia consultation, fasting per protocol.

Follow-up

Scheduled clinic visits at 1, 4, 12 weeks; long-term monitoring of kidney function and complications.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a specialized medical procedure classified under Stone & Obstruction treatments. Uses sound waves to break kidney stones. This procedure is performed by trained specialists and may require specific equipment and facilities. The treatment approach is tailored to each patient’s specific condition, overall health status, and medical history. Patients undergoing this procedure receive comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, detailed procedural explanation, and appropriate post-procedural care and monitoring. Success rates and outcomes vary based on individual patient factors and the specific indication for the procedure.

Most common questions

How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to light activities within days. Full recovery depends on the procedure and individual health; your team will provide a personalised timeline.

Is this covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and country. Most major insurers cover medically necessary procedures; please confirm pre-authorisation with your insurer in advance.

What are the success rates?

When performed by experienced teams in accredited centres, success rates exceed 90% for selected indications. Your specialist can provide centre-specific outcomes.