Lithotripsy Clinic

Tel: 486-1077, 486-1053 or 493-0051 Ext.1444, 1441, 1077

Aga Khan University Hospital offers a comprehensive stone management programme with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) being one of its critical constituents. The other constituents are Endoscopic Lithotripsy including Ureterorenoscopy and Cystolitholapexy (endoscopic fragmentation of urinary bladder stones), Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and conventional surgery.

Shock wave lithotripsy offers a method of fragmenting stones through focused high-pressure shock waves on the stone. Used in cases of kidney, ureter and rarely urinary bladder stones, these shock waves are applied by an external device. In certain circumstances, a tube known as Double J-stent is placed via cystoscope through the normal urinary passage. The stent is removed when the patient is stone free. Prior to lithotripsy, routine blood biochemistry, urine DR and culture, and an ultrasound, CT KUB or an IVU are required. In adults the procedure is safely performed under sedation and general anaesthesia is required only in a few cases. The patient is called to Surgical Day Care in the morning for the procedure after a light breakfast or an overnight fast. A high liquid intake is recommended the evening before the treatment. The average treatment time is 40 to 60 minutes. All patients for lithotripsy are booked through the urology clinics.