If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, you know the urgency of wanting relief—fast. For that reason, many urologists will recommend a ureteroscopy, which has become the favored treatment over the past 15 years. But while ureteroscopy is often presented as the go-to option, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) still has an important role to play and may be the right choice for many patients.
Why Isn’t Lithotripsy Offered More Often?
Urologists are increasingly steering patients toward ureteroscopy, and there are a few reasons why:
- Efficacy: ESWL is most effective for smaller, less dense stones, while ureteroscopy can treat a wider range and gives physicians more control.
- Training bias: Many residency programs have limited access to ESWL machines due to cost and availability, meaning newer urologists often receive more hands-on training in ureteroscopy.
- Patient expectations: Today’s patients often want an immediate solution, and ureteroscopy can feel like a quicker fix compared to scheduling an ESWL treatment.
Why Lithotripsy Still Matters
While these factors explain the trend, it’s important to remember that ureteroscopy is still surgery. It requires anesthesia, an overnight hospital stay, the placement of a stent, and a follow-up procedure to remove that stent.
By contrast, ESWL is the only non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. It comes with lower complication risks, avoids stent discomfort, allows for faster recovery, and usually means less time away from work.
Ask Your Doctor About Lithotripsy
If you’re facing a kidney stone and weighing your options, be sure to ask your doctor about lithotripsy. We’ve even created a free script you can download, complete with key talking points to help you have an open, informed conversation with your provider.
When you’re ready to line up your lithotripsy consultation or appointment, fill out our contact form here, or call us at (919) 404-7255.