Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

An extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy machine uses shockwaves to break down stones. During this process, a doctor will use a machine called a lithotripter to aim sound waves directly at the stones throughout the body. The sound waves break down the stones into small pieces. The waves only change stones and will not damage muscle, bone, or skin. The process takes about 1 hour and generally takes place in a hospital. In the majority of cases, a person can go home the same day. After the therapy, a person should pass the stone particles over numerous days or weeks throughout urination.