Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure used to break down kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily through the urinary tract. Dr. Choi of Choi Urology, utilizes the most recent Dornier lithotripsy device for his ESWL at the Camp Lowell Surgery Center.
During the procedure, the patient lies on a table, and a specialized machine generates shockwaves, which are focused on the location of the kidney stone using ultrasound or X-ray guidance. These shockwaves pass through the skin and tissue until they reach the stone.
When the shockwaves hit the stone, they create a focused pressure wave that travels through the stone and causes it to fragment into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be passed through the urinary tract more easily without causing significant pain or discomfort.
The mechanism of action of ESWL used in urology in Tucson, Arizona, is based on the principle of acoustic cavitation, which refers to the formation of small bubbles or voids in a liquid when exposed to high-intensity pressure waves. These bubbles rapidly expand and then collapse, generating localized high pressure and temperature that can cause mechanical disruption and fragmentation of the stone.
The shockwaves used in ESWL are typically generated by an electromagnetic or electrohydraulic device and are carefully controlled to minimize damage to surrounding tissue while maximizing the effect on the stone. The procedure is generally considered safe and effective and can be performed on an outpatient basis for urology services without requiring general anesthesia.
Make sure to contact us at 520-200-3548 to learn more about men’s health in Arizona.
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