Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a painful procedure, but most patients can tolerate it.
The principle of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is to locate the stone with the help of ultrasound, and then by focusing and repeatedly releasing shock wave energy to the stone, the stone will be broken and then discharged.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment, the pain is mainly manifested in the shock wave excitation after the shock waves on the skin produced by the pain, do not need to anesthesia, for most patients can hardly feel any pain.
The process of lithotripsy takes about 15 minutes, and the patient only needs to lie on the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy machine. Most patients can only feel a sense of shock, but not accompanied by pain. Most patients simply feel a sensation of impact, but no pain. A very small number of patients experience mild pain, but this can be tolerated without the need for any anesthesia.
Patients who experience severe urinary pain after lithotripsy should seek prompt medical attention.