12 Eswl Doctors in Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESWL?

ESWL [Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy] is a medical procedure that helps to break stones in the kidneys, ureter, and gall-bladder or hardened masses like gallstones and bezoars. This procedure uses shock waves to break down the stones. ESWL helps in reducing pain while urinating and decreases the blockage to the flow of urine.

What are the advantages of ESWL?

The advantages of ESWL are as follows:

1. Break large kidney or ureter stones into small stones without open surgery
2. Fewer complications are involved
3. Less recovery time
4. Improves kidney function

What are the indications of ESWL?

ESWL is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Recurrent urinary tract infections
2. Decreased renal function
3. Cholelithiasis
4. Chronic kidney pain due to the presence of several kidney stones
5.  Urethral stones

What is the preparation for ESWL?

1. A physical examination will be done by the doctor to check if the patient is in good health condition.
2. The doctor will ask about the patient's past, present medical, and medications history.
3. Certain tests such as X-ray, intravenous pyelogram and Ultrasound, etc.will be done to locate and determine the size, and shape of the kidney stones.
4. Discuss with the doctor about all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with ESWL.

What are the steps involved in ESWL?

 ESWL involves the following steps:

1. The patient will be asked to lie on the couch.
2. Lithotriptor is placed to target the stones present in the kidney.
3. A water-filled cushion is passed between the body and the lithotriptor to conduct the shockwaves properly. 
4. These shockwaves help in breaking the stones into small pieces.
5. A stent is also placed in the ureter to make the broken stones pass through it.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for ESWL?

1. The patient may get back to their daily activities within 1 to 2 days after the surgery.
2. The patient should drink a lot of water and this helps to pass out any remaining small particles of the stone while urination.
3. The doctor may prescribe alpha-blockers for an easy pass out of the small kidney stones.
4. Take the prescribed painkillers as directed by the doctor.
5. Make appointments for follow-ups and check-ups with the doctor after surgery.
6. Contact the doctor if you experience any symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Low urine production
• Bad smell of the urine
• Blood clots or bleeding during urination

Who can perform ESWL [Right specialist type for ESWL]?

ESWL may be performed by a certified Nephrologist and Urologist.

What is the cost of ESWL?

Cost of ESWL depends on factors such as

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Size and shape of the  stone
5. Location of the kidney stones
6. The medical condition of the patient
7. Unilateral or bilateral surgery
8. Post-surgical complications that are involved
9. Type of hospital
10. The admission room that you opted for
11. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc.

Minimum charges in Mumbai starts from Rs.16,500

Average cost in Mumbai is approximately Rs.60,500

Maximum price in Mumbai may rise up to Rs.88,000

Is ESWL a major surgery or minor surgery?

ESWL involves the breakdown of the large and irregular shaped kidney stones into small fragments. It is a minor surgery as it is less invasive and has a few risks and complications than other surgeries.

What is the eligibility criteria for ESWL?

People who can undergo ESWL are:

1. Individuals who are suffering from severe kidney pain
2. People who are having kidney stones more than 2-cm in diameter
3. Individuals with the irregular shape of kidney stones

What is the ineligibility criteria for ESWL?

People who cannot undergo ESWL are:

1. People who get benefited from other types of kidney stone removal procedures
2. Individuals with severe kidney disease
3. People with a poor medical condition
4. People suffering from acute urinary tract infections

What are the risks and complications associated with ESWL?

Risks and Complications associated with ESWL are:

1. Internal bleeding
2. May cause kidney damage
3. May block flow of urine due to blockage by the fragmented kidney stones
4. Can lead to high blood pressure
5. May cause tissue or organ damage that is located near to the kidney
6. Incomplete stone removal
7. May require additional treatments

How long does it take to complete ESWL?

ESWL may take almost 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete the procedure and sometimes it may take more than the usual time to complete the procedure depending on the shape, size, and location of the kidney stones.

What is the recovery time?

Most of the people who undergo ESWL may take up to 1 to 2 days for complete recovery.

What is the success rate of ESWL?

The success rate of ESWL depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Size, shape, and location of the kidney stones

However, the success rate of ESWL maybe 90%.

Is ESWL painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under anesthesia.

Is ESWL Permanent?

ESWL is a procedure which will break the kidney stones that cannot pass through the urinary tract. Sometimes the fragments of the stones may remain and obstruct the urinary tract and cause infection or there may be recurrences of the formation of the kidney stones.

What are the long-term results of ESWL?

The following are the long-term results of ESWL:

1. Relieves chronic kidney pain
2. Reduces blood while urinating
3. Improves kidney function

Can ESWL be detected in the future?

ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that cannot be detected in the future.

What are the options if ESWL fails?

If ESWL surgery fails then the doctor may recommend performing Open surgery to remove the kidney stones.

What are the alternatives for ESWL?

The following are the alternatives for ESWL:

1. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
2. Ureteroscopy
3. Open surgery