Main types

1. Shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL/ESWL)
   • Shock waves are directed from outside the body to fragment a stone.
   • Usually an outpatient procedure, sometimes with sedation or anesthesia.
   • Best suited to selected kidney or upper-ureter stones. The fragments then leave through urine. NIDDK kidney-stone treatment
2. Laser lithotripsy
   • A scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney.
   • A laser breaks the stone under direct vision. Fragments may be removed or allowed to pass.
   • This is an intracorporeal method, meaning the device works inside the body.
3. Ultrasonic, pneumatic/ballistic, or electrohydraulic lithotripsy
   • Other intracorporeal ways of breaking stones, generally used during endoscopic or percutaneous procedures.
   • Four key intracorporeal technologies described in urology are electrohydraulic, laser, ultrasonic, and ballistic lithotripsy. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology, section “Intracorporeal Lithotripsy.”

Possible effects and risks

• Temporary pain while fragments pass
• Blood in urine for a short time
• Bruising or discomfort
• Incomplete stone clearance, requiring another treatment
• Urinary blockage by fragments, infection, or rarely injury to the urinary tract