Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Providers often use ESWL to treat kidney stones that: Are too large to pass on their own (larger than 5 millimeters in diameter — about the size of a pencil eraser). Block urine flow. ... Providers will use X-rays or ultrasound to pinpoint the stone's location. These images help providers aim shock waves as precisely as possible at the stone.
