• UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
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ESWL for Kidney Stones: Advanced, Non-Invasive Treatment at UPNT

Fast, Effective Kidney Stone Removal in the DFW Area
At Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT), we offer state-of-the-art kidney stone treatment, including Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) using the Dornier Delta III lithotripter. This non-invasive procedure allows for early treatment—often within 24–48 hours—and offers fast recovery without surgery, incisions, or scars.
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Why Choose UPNT for Kidney Stone Treatment?

  • Early Treatment Access at USMD Hospital Arlington and SCNT Surgery Center
  • Non-Invasive—No Surgery or Incisions
  • General Anesthesia for a Completely Comfortable Experience
  • Fast Recovery—Most Patients Return to Normal Activities Within 24–48 Hours
  • High Success Rates for Kidney Stones in the Kidney and Upper Ureter
  • Convenient Online Self-Scheduling—Book Your Appointment Anytime
Our expert urologists focus on quick, effective relief from kidney stones, using the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcome.

What is ESWL and How Does It Work?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break kidney stones into tiny fragments, which are then naturally passed through your urine.

Why "Shock Waves"?

The term “shock wave” refers to powerful pressure waves that break the stone apart. For easy understanding, we’ll call them sound waves, because they behave like sound waves traveling through your body to target the stone.

How Does ESWL Work?

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  • No Incisions—Just a Bubble Cushion: The Dornier Delta III machine uses a soft, bubble-like cushion that presses gently against your back. This cushion delivers the sound waves through your skin to target the kidney stone. There are no cuts or incisions at all.
  • General Anesthesia: You’ll be comfortably asleep during the procedure, so you won’t feel any pressure or tapping from the sound waves.
  • Fluoroscopy Imaging: We use continuous X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to track the kidney stone in real time, ensuring the sound waves are precisely focused on the stone.
  • What is Fluoroscopy? Think of it as a live X-ray that shows a moving picture of your kidney, helping us accurately aim the sound waves.
  • Breaking the Stone: Thousands of sound waves "shake" the stone, breaking it into tiny fragments.
  • Passing the Fragments: Over the next few days or weeks, your body naturally flushes out the stone fragments through your urine.
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Why the Dornier Delta III is a Game-Changer

The Dornier Delta III is one of the most advanced lithotripters available, offering precise, comfortable, and highly effective treatment for kidney stones.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • No Incisions—Sound Waves Delivered via Bubble Cushion
  • Fluoroscopy Guidance: Real-time imaging allows us to track and target the stone with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Non-Invasive and Outpatient: No surgery, no hospital stay, and a quick recovery.

How Long Does ESWL Take?

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll go home the same day. Most patients resume their normal activities within 24–48 hours.

What is a Ureteral Stent and Why is it Sometimes Needed?

In some cases, your UPNT surgeon may recommend placing a ureteral stent during your ESWL procedure. While most patients don’t need a stent, it can be essential in certain situations to prevent complications and ensure that stone fragments and urine flow freely from the kidney to the bladder.

What is a Ureteral Stent?

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube that is placed inside the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). It acts as a temporary bypass, keeping the ureter open and allowing urine and stone fragments to pass without blockage.
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How is a Ureteral Stent Placed?

We place the stent using a procedure called cystoscopy:
  • 1. Cystoscopy Explained:
  • A cystoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end.
  • The cystoscope is gently inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) and into the bladder.
  • Under real-time imaging, the surgeon carefully advances the stent from the bladder up to the kidney.
  • 2. Timing:
  • The stent is usually placed during the same procedure as your ESWL while you’re under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel or remember anything.
  • 3. Purpose:
  • The stent helps ensure proper drainage of urine and prevents stone fragments from blocking the ureter, which can cause pain or complications.

What You Need to Know About Ureteral Stents:

  • Temporary Solution: Ureteral stents are typically removed within 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure.
  • Not Everyone Needs a Stent: Your UPNT surgeon will discuss whether you need a stent before the procedure.
  • Stent Removal is Simple: Removal is done as an outpatient procedure, usually with minimal discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ESWL for Kidney Stones

Is ESWL painful?
No, ESWL is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or cramping as your body passes the stone fragments, but this typically resolves within a few days.
Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. It’s common to experience mild fatigue and blood in the urine for a few days, but these symptoms improve quickly.
Stone fragments may pass over a period of days to several weeks after the procedure. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the fragments out faster.
Most patients do not require a ureteral stent. However, if your surgeon believes it’s necessary, they’ll place it during the ESWL procedure. The stent is typically removed within 1–3 weeks.
  • Blood in the urine (common for a few days)
  • Mild back or flank pain
  • Urinary frequency or urgency (especially if a stent is placed)
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure.
  • Stop certain medications, such as blood thinners or GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic or Trulicity), as advised by your doctor.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Yes, it’s possible to develop new kidney stones. Your UPNT surgeon can help you create a kidney stone prevention plan with diet, fluids, and medications.

Make an Appointment now with our self-scheduling appointment system and get back to living.

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866-367-8768
  • 5005 S. Cooper St. Suite 250 Arlington, TX 76017
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