For patients and families
Understand your stone before you discuss treatment.
This patient area explains shock wave lithotripsy in simple language, helps patients prepare for consultation and clearly shows when urgent medical help is needed.
Patient journey
What happens around SWL?
The purpose is to reduce fear by showing the treatment journey clearly, responsibly and without overpromising.
1
Before treatment
Your doctor reviews stone size, location, imaging, infection risk and whether SWL is suitable.
2
Day of SWL
You are positioned carefully so the stone can be targeted using X-ray or ultrasound.
3
During treatment
Shock waves are delivered from outside the body. The team monitors targeting and comfort.
4
After treatment
Stone fragments may pass over time. Pain, blood in urine and follow-up imaging should be discussed.
Safety first
When should a patient seek urgent help?
!
Fever, chills or feeling seriously unwell
!
Severe pain not controlled by medication
!
Persistent vomiting or inability to drink
!
Inability to pass urine
!
Heavy bleeding or worsening symptoms after SWL
This patient section is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Consultation support
Questions patients should ask their urologist.
This checklist supports patient engagement without giving direct medical instructions.
✓
What is the exact size and location of my stone?
✓
Is the stone hardness or CT density favorable for SWL?
✓
What are the chances I may need a second treatment?
✓
Will targeting be done with X-ray, ultrasound or both?
✓
What should I expect during fragment passage?
✓
What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help?
Patient myth breaker
Tap or click each card.
Myth
SWL works for every stone.
Tap to reveal
Reality
Selection matters.
Size, location, density, anatomy, infection and patient factors influence suitability.
Myth
Stone broken means treatment is finished.
Tap to reveal
Reality
Fragments must pass.
Follow-up, hydration advice and warning signs remain important after treatment.
Myth
SWL is the same everywhere.
Tap to reveal
Reality
Technique varies.
Targeting quality, coupling, energy strategy and team experience can change treatment quality.