Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure used to
shatter simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract.
Ultrasonic waves are passed through the body until they strike the
dense stones. Pulses of sonic waves pulverize the stones, which are
then more easily passed through the ureter and out of the body in
the urine.
Review Date: 09/28/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
