Treatments

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - UCI Kidney Stone Center

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most common treatments for kidney stones. High-energy shock waves are directed at a kidney stone, causing it to break apart. ESWL is one of the most commonly used methods for getting rid of kidney stones. With this procedure, a lithotripter sends
Laser Lithotripsy - UCI Kidney Stone Center

Laser Lithotripsy

With Laser Lithotripsy, a laser is used to break stones into very small pieces. The pieces can then be removed during the same procedure or pass out of the body through urine. Laser lithotripsy is often used for stones that are too large to pass or are irregularly shaped. General
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - UCI Kidney Stone Center

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the surgical removal of kidney stones through a minimally invasive approach. It's often used for larger or irregularly shaped stones. If kidney stones are too large to treat with other methods, like ureteroscopy, PCNL may be utilized. This often applies to stones that are 2cm or
Ureteroscopy - UCI Kidney Stone Center

Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy utilizes a small scope to provide visibility to the ureter and remove stones that are close to the bladder. The stone can be removed with a small basket or fragmented with a laser or shockwaves. With a ureteroscopy, stones located at any position in the ureter and kidney can