How To Remove Gallstones - 6 Important Things You Should Know About Lithotripsy Or Eswl

If you have a gallbladder problem, you may want to take a closer look on laser technology as another alternative on how to remove gallstones that have been causing you pain and discomfort.

This laser technology is called Extra-corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL and was approved by the FDA for gallstones removal in 1985. A non-invasive treatment often recommended to patients whose gallstones are too large to be dissolved by drug medication or through alternative herbal medicines.

Patients who consider this non-surgical treatment are those saddled with the problem of how to remove gallstones without resorting to surgery. Even the alternative forms of treatment dont work due to the size of the problem stones.

To help you decide on ESWL or Lithotripsy, here are important facts you should know about this high-tech procedure:

1. The whole process will take about an hour of discomfort and pain, although analgesics will be administered to provide relief.

2. Before the actual procedure is done, the patient will be examined to evaluate the number, the stone sizes and the location where the blockage has taken place. Doctors will utilize a test known as Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) to pinpoint the stones location.

3. During the actual lithotripsy procedure, the patient will lie down on water-filled cushions in a tub full of water.

4. A machine called Lithotripter will be used to produce about 8, 000 individual shock waves, directed at the pre-determined location of the stone. However, the number of shock waves will depend on the patients threshold for pain.

5. The shock waves are created by a high-voltage electrical output passed underwater through a gap and will be transmitted through a person's skin to penetrate the soft tissues. Shock waves in increasing pressures will concentrate at the spot where the stones are located with the help of a machine called C-Arm Image Intensifier.

6. The pressures of the shock waves are expected to pulverize the stones into gravel-like consistency and will be made to pass out of the urethra.

These are the steps on how to remove gallstones with the use of laser technology. In case you decide on this kind of gallstones removal method you should inform your doctor if you are taking other medications including herbal medicines because your condition may require further evaluation.

Obviously, this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women, although certain tests will be done to determine if a woman is pregnant which even she may not be aware of.