Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

This is a technique that uses high-pressure waves similar to sound waves that can be "focused" on a very small area, thereby fracturing small solid objects such as gallstones, kidney stones, etc. The small fragments can pass more easily and harmlessly into the intestine or can be dissolved with medications.

Mentioned in: Cholangitis