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Clear, patient-friendly education to help you understand kidney stones, SWL treatment, preparation, recovery, and prevention.
Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive medical procedure used to break kidney stones into smaller pieces using focused sound waves. Unlike traditional surgery, SWL does not require any incisions or instruments entering the body.
SWL is commonly used to treat kidney and ureteral stones that are too large to pass on their own but can be broken down into fragments that the body can expel naturally
A step-by-step look at the treatment process
While every patient is unique, clinical data shows that SWL has an overall success rate of 60% to 90%. Think of your success as a combination of four “Key Factors.” Our technology is designed to optimize each one.
Smaller stones (under 1cm) are the easiest to break and pass. For larger stones, your doctor may suggest a two-stage treatment to ensure all fragments are cleared.
Some stones are brittle like chalk, while others are hard like granite. Using CT scans, your doctor can measure the "Hounsfield Units" (HU) of your stone to predict how easily it will crumble.
Stones located in the upper or middle part of the kidney have a "downhill" path and often clear faster than those in the lower sections of the kidney.
The closer the stone is to the skin's surface, the more energy the shockwaves can deliver. This is why personalized positioning during your procedure is so important.
We don’t believe in “guessing.” The Lithotripsy Academy provides your physician with an Advanced Protocol Calculator. This professional-grade tool allows your doctor to input your stone’s specific size, density, and location to create a treatment map tailored precisely to your body.
By using data-driven protocols, your care team ensures you receive the optimal number of shockwaves at the perfect intensity for your specific stone.
Why many patients choose Shockwave Lithotripsy?
Typically completed in a few hours—no hospital stay needed.
Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours.
SWL is suitable for pediatric patients when performed by specialists.
Not every stone is treated the same way. The location of your stone plays an important role in deciding whether Shockwave Lithotripsy may be suitable for you. Click on the kidney or ureter areas below to learn whether SWL may be considered for that stone location.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy is commonly used for kidney stones that are small to medium in size, usually up to about 15–20 mm. Very large stones may need other treatments. The exact suitability also depends on stone hardness and position, which your doctor will assess.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy works best for upper ureteric stones that are up to about 10–15 mm in size. Stones that are too large or very hard may not break easily and may require alternative procedures
Lower ureteric stones are usually considered for SWL when they are small, typically up to about 8–10 mm. Larger stones in this area are often better treated with other methods.
Stone size is only one factor. Your doctor will also consider stone location, hardness, body type, and symptoms before recommending SWL.
