Doctors for Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in Chennai

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones, urinary tract stones, bile duct stones, and pancreatic duct stones. The treatment involves the use of shock waves that are delivered through the body, targeting the affected area and breaking down the stones into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be passed out of the urinary tract naturally.

There are different types of ESWL treatments available, each type uses a slightly different technique for delivering shock waves to break up stones. ESWL has proven effective in treating many cases of kidney stones with minimal risk involved. It's often recommended as a first-line treatment before resorting to more invasive surgical interventions. In general, ESWL is considered one of the safest and most effective ways of removing kidney stones without surgery or invasive procedures, allowing individuals to return quickly to their daily activities within a few days after treatment.

There are two types of ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) procedures that a patient can undergo. These procedures are:

• Electromagnetic ESWL : The first type is the electromagnetic ESWL, which uses an electromagnetic generator to produce shock waves. These shock waves then pass through a water cushion and into the body to break down kidney stones. It has been found to be more efficient in breaking larger stones.
• Piezoelectric ESWL : The second type is the piezoelectric ESWL, which generates shock waves using high-voltage electric charges instead of electromagnetism. Piezoelectric ESWL also requires a water cushion for effective transmission of the shock waves into the patient's body. It works well with smaller-sized stones.
• It's important to note that regardless of which type of procedure you undergo, it should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals with experience performing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedures.

Before undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in Chennai, a proper diagnosis and tests are essential. These diagnosis and tests are:

• Physical examination : During this evaluation, your doctor will assess various factors such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, weight, and height.
• Medical history : The medical history assessment involves an evaluation of past illnesses, surgeries, medications taken, and any known drug allergies. It's important for patients to be honest when providing this information as it can affect the success of ESWL treatment and prevent any possible complications from arising.
• Urine tests : These tests help doctors to evaluate kidney function, detect any underlying infections or abnormalities and ensure that it is safe to perform the procedure. The doctor will examine your urine for various factors including the presence of blood cells, protein levels, sugar levels, and bacteria.
• Blood test : A blood test is another important diagnostic tool used in the pre-treatment evaluation of patients undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). The results can provide valuable information about various aspects of the patient's health, including kidney function, liver function, electrolyte levels, and red and white blood cell counts.
• X-rays : X-rays can help identify the size, shape, location, and number of kidney stones present in your urinary tract. They can also determine if there are any blockages or abnormalities that could interfere with ESWL treatment.
• CT scan : A CT scan can provide valuable information about the size, shape, location, and composition of stones. This helps doctors determine whether ESWL treatment is appropriate or if other treatments might be more effective.
• Ultrasound : Before undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), your doctor may recommend an ultrasound test to determine the size, shape, and location of the stones. This information helps doctors plan the best approach for breaking up the stone during ESWL.

Getting diagnosed before undergoing any medical procedure is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. It helps doctors determine what's best for their patient's health while minimizing any potential risks involved during the process.

ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), shock waves are used to break down kidney stones or other organ stones into small pieces that can pass through the urine.

• Anesthesia : Before starting the ESWL procedure, patients will be given sedation or anesthesia to avoid discomfort during the process.
• Procedure : Once comfortable, the patient lies on a cushioned table above a water-filled tub. A device called a lithotripter delivers high-energy sound waves that pass harmlessly through your skin and focus directly on the stone in your kidney or ureter. The energy from these soundwaves breaks up the stone into smaller fragments that can then be passed more readily in your urine. The entire process takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on how many stones are being treated and their location. Patients may experience mild discomfort as some people describe feeling like they have been hit by tiny electric shocks as each wave passes through their body.
• Recovery : After completing ESWL treatment, patients are monitored for an hour before being discharged with instructions to drink plenty of fluids for several days while monitoring symptoms such as pain, fever, and difficulty urinating which could indicate complications.

ESWL, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, is a non-invasive procedure that has become increasingly popular in Chennai for treating kidney stones. There are several benefits of ESWL that make it an attractive option for patients. These benefits are:

• No incision : As a minimally invasive procedure, ESWL does not require incisions, so patients can avoid surgery-related risks and recover more quickly.
• Less pain and discomfort : ESWL has been shown to be effective at breaking up kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass through the urinary tract more easily. As a result, patients experience less pain and discomfort during the stone-passing process.
• Protect surrounding organs from damage : Another benefit of ESWL is its accuracy in targeting specific areas of the kidney where stones are located. This precision reduces damage to surrounding tissues and organs during the procedure.
• Improve the quality of life : ESWL has become a popular treatment option for those suffering from kidney stones because it can significantly improve their quality of life. One of the most significant benefits is that this procedure doesn't require any incisions or invasive surgery, making it less painful and risky than other treatments.
• Fast recovery : Another benefit of ESWL is faster recovery, ESWL does not require hospitalization after treatment, and patients can go home the same day.

These benefits make ESWL an appealing option for those suffering from kidney stones in Chennai.

Although ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is considered safe, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind.

• Pain and discomfort : One common side-effect of ESWL is pain and discomfort during or after the procedure.
• Swelling : Swelling is to be expected, as shock waves are being used to break up kidney stones from outside the body. The pressure and vibrations created by these shock waves can cause some degree of tissue damage, which in turn leads to swelling.
• Bruising : Bruising is another common side effect of ESWL that patients may experience. The shock waves used in the treatment can cause trauma to the tissues surrounding the affected area, leading to visible bruises on the skin.
• Urine infection : ESWL has been known to cause blood in the urine or infections in the urinary tract. If you notice any unusual symptoms following your procedure, it's important to contact your doctor right away.

It's important for patients undergoing this procedure to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before making an informed decision on whether or not they want ESWL treatment for their kidney stones.

After undergoing ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), it is important to take proper care of yourself during the recovery period. The duration and intensity of recovery may vary depending on the individual's health condition, but generally, patients can return to normal activities within a week or two.

• Rest : After undergoing ESWL, you should rest as much as possible. It's common to feel fatigued and experience pain in the abdominal area after this procedure, so taking some time off to rest can be incredibly beneficial.
• Pain medication : Patients may experience discomfort and pain in the treated area during the initial days following ESWL. Painkillers prescribed by your doctor can help alleviate these symptoms.
• Stay hydrated : It is also essential to drink plenty of fluids as this will help flush out small stone fragments that are broken down during treatment.
• Avoid strenuous activities : It is recommended that patients refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity for a period of three to four days following ESWL treatment.
• Avoid heavy lifting : Lifting heavy objects and engaging in contact sports should be avoided for a few weeks post-treatment.
• Follow-up appointments : Follow-up appointments with your urologist will ensure that any complications arising from the procedure are identified early on.
• Follow a healthy diet: After undergoing ESWL, it is important to maintain a healthy diet as it plays a crucial role in your recovery process.