ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy)
ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy) uses focused shock waves from outside the body to break kidney and ureter stones into small pieces that pass out in the urine.
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Free, no-obligation quote, usually within 24 hours
About this Procedure
ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) is a non-surgical treatment for kidney stones. Shock waves generated by a machine outside the body are focused on the stone to break it into small pieces, which then pass out of the body in the urine. No cuts are made.
Most small kidney stones pass on their own, but stones that are too large to pass naturally, or that cause ongoing pain, may need treatment. ESWL is used for stones in the kidney and parts of the ureter. The type of treatment recommended, whether ESWL, ureteroscopy or PCNL, depends on the size and location of your stones.
Ultrasound or X-ray is used to pinpoint the stone before the shock waves are delivered. Because ESWL can be uncomfortable, it is usually carried out after giving painkilling medicine, and some people are given general anaesthetic. According to MedlinePlus, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and most people go home the same day after up to about 2 hours in the recovery room. You may be given a strainer to collect stone fragments. More than one session is sometimes needed to clear the stones.
ESWL is offered at Medwell's partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, including BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, Artemis Hospital and Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, and Fortis Hospital, Noida. Medwell helps you share scans in advance so the urologist can advise whether ESWL is the right option.
Why travel for this procedure?
- Accredited partner hospitals
Urology and stone clinics at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Artemis Hospital, Fortis Memorial Research Institute and Fortis Hospital, Noida. - Full range of stone treatments
Urologists can compare ESWL with ureteroscopy or PCNL and recommend the option that suits your stone. - Day procedure
Most people go home the same day, making ESWL well suited to a short trip. - English-speaking teams
Doctors, nurses and international patient desks communicate in English, and Medwell can arrange an interpreter for other languages. - Medwell coordination
Free personalised quote, visa invitation letter help, hotel near the hospital, airport pickup coordination and support after you go home.
Dr. Yajvender Pratap Singh Rana
Share scans and get a free quote
Send your CT scan or ultrasound and urology reports to Medwell. A partner hospital urologist checks whether ESWL suits your stone size and position, and we share a personalised quote.
Travel and urology consultation
Medwell helps with your visa letter, flights and hotel. In Delhi NCR the urologist confirms the plan and completes pre-procedure tests.
ESWL session and follow-up
The stone is treated as a day case and you go home with advice on passing fragments. A follow-up scan checks clearance, and Medwell helps arrange any further session if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy)?
ESWL, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, is a kidney stone treatment that uses shock waves from a machine outside the body to break stones into small pieces. The fragments then pass out in the urine. It needs no cuts and is used for stones in the kidney and parts of the ureter.
Who is ESWL suitable for?
ESWL may suit people with kidney or ureter stones that are too large to pass naturally or that keep causing pain. Whether ESWL, ureteroscopy or PCNL is best depends on the size and location of the stone. A urologist at a Medwell partner hospital recommends the right option after reviewing your CT scan or ultrasound.
How long does ESWL take and do I need to stay in hospital?
ESWL takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, according to MedlinePlus. Afterwards you stay in the recovery room for up to about 2 hours, and most people go home the same day. Painkilling medicine or anaesthesia is given because the treatment can be uncomfortable. Some people need more than one session to clear their stones.
How much does ESWL cost in India?
The cost of ESWL in India depends on the hospital, the specialist team, the number of sessions needed and your overall health, so there is no single fixed price. Share your medical reports with Medwell and we will send a free, no-obligation personalised quote from our partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, usually within 24 hours.
Is shock wave lithotripsy safe?
Shock wave lithotripsy is a widely used non-surgical kidney stone treatment, but complications can occur. The NHS lists possible problems after stone treatment such as infection, a ureter blocked by stone fragments, bleeding and pain. Your urologist explains the risks for your stone before treatment and advises what to watch for afterwards.
Which hospitals in Delhi NCR offer ESWL?
ESWL is offered at 6 of Medwell's partner hospitals in Delhi NCR (New Delhi, Gurugram and Noida). Medwell books the urology consultation and ESWL session at the hospital that fits your plans.
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Paras Health, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram
- Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
- Fortis Hospital, Noida
How do I plan ESWL in India with Medwell?
To plan ESWL in India, send your scans and reports to Medwell for a free, confidential review and personalised quote, usually within 24 hours. We book your urology appointment and help with your visa invitation letter, flights, hotel near the hospital and airport pickup. If a follow-up scan or another session is needed, we help arrange it.