ESWL Shockwave Lithotripsy Melbourne
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. The procedure uses focused shock waves generated outside the body to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can then pass naturally through the urinary system. ESWL is performed as a day procedure without any incisions or instruments entering the body.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Brendan Dias
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Urology), IntFRCS (England), FUSANZ, FRACS (Urology)
Last clinically reviewed: 26 August 2026
Benefits
- Non-invasive with no incisions or instruments entering the body
- Day procedure with same-day discharge
- Quick procedure time (45-60 minutes)
- Minimal anaesthesia requirements
- Short recovery with return to work within 1-2 days
- Effective for appropriately selected stones (70-90% success for stones <10mm)
The Procedure
The procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes. You will lie on a treatment table and receive sedation or light anaesthesia for comfort. The stone is located using X-ray or ultrasound. A water-filled cushion is positioned against your body and shock waves are focused on the stone (typically 2,000-3,500 shocks). You may feel a tapping sensation during treatment. After observation for 1-2 hours, you are discharged the same day.
Who Is a Candidate?
ESWL is most effective for stones up to 20mm in the kidney, stones in the upper or middle kidney, and certain stone compositions (calcium oxalate, struvite, uric acid). It may be less suitable for very hard stones, lower pole kidney stones, obese patients, pregnancy, or patients on blood thinning medications.
Recovery
Light activities can resume immediately. You may experience mild discomfort in the treated area and blood in urine for a few days (normal). Stone fragments typically pass over days to weeks. Drink 2-3 litres of water daily to help fragment passage. Most patients return to work within 1-2 days.
Risks & Considerations
Common effects include blood in urine and bruising over treatment area. Occasional complications include renal colic as fragments pass, steinstrasse (fragments blocking ureter), need for repeat ESWL, or need for alternative procedure. Rare complications include kidney damage, infection, or persistent fragments requiring surgery.