Urinary stones are a common urological condition that many people may experience at least once in their lifetime. According to domestic statistics, the lifetime risk of developing urinary stones is approximately 8.8 percent, and the condition is known to occur about two to three times more frequently in men than in women. In recent years, however, the incidence among women has also been increasing due to changes in diet and lifestyle. Urinary stones are particularly common among people in their 30s to 50s who have obesity, diabetes, or metabolic disorders.
A key characteristic of urinary stones is the severe pain that occurs when stones formed in the kidney move down through the ureter. Typical symptoms include sharp flank pain, hematuria, and vomiting. In many cases, the pain can be so intense that patients seek treatment in the emergency room.
Depending on the size and location of the stone, some stones may pass naturally through the urinary tract. However, when the pain is severe or when the stone is too large to pass on its own, active treatment is often required. Among the available options, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is widely used as a non-surgical treatment that can remove stones in a relatively simple manner.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy works by focusing high-energy shock waves generated outside the body onto the stone, breaking it into small fragments. The shock waves create a cavitation effect within fluid, delivering high-pressure energy that precisely targets the stone and causes it to fragment. Because the shock waves are designed to concentrate energy on the stone while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, the procedure is generally considered safe.
The procedure is typically performed without hospitalization or general anesthesia. During treatment, the patient lies on or beside the treatment table while receiving the shock waves. Before the procedure, pain medication is administered to reduce discomfort, and the patient is stabilized to minimize movement during treatment. Using X-ray or ultrasound imaging, the exact location of the stone is identified. Shock waves are then delivered at a rate of approximately 60 to 90 pulses per minute, usually totaling between 2,000 and 4,000 shocks. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to one hour. After treatment, the fragmented stones are expected to pass naturally through the urine.
Following lithotripsy, patients may experience mild pain at the treatment site, hematuria, or discomfort during urination, but these symptoms usually improve within one to two days. In some cases, stone fragments may temporarily block the ureter again, causing pain to recur, so careful monitoring is necessary. After the procedure, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory pain medication and alpha-blockers to help reduce discomfort and facilitate stone passage. Drinking approximately 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day and engaging in light physical activity, such as jump rope or walking, can also help promote the passage of stone fragments.
Because urinary stones vary widely among patients in terms of size, location, and symptom severity, individualized treatment is essential. Treatment should not focus only on removing the stone but also on preventing recurrence. Metabolic evaluation, dietary modification, and regular follow-up monitoring can help reduce the likelihood of future stone formation.
Dr. Kim Byunghoon of the Incheon branch of Goldman Urology Clinic explained that urinary stones can be effectively managed when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. He emphasized that patients experiencing sudden flank pain, blood in the urine, or vomiting should seek medical attention promptly rather than trying to endure the symptoms. He also noted that understanding one’s physical condition and maintaining consistent health management are important steps in preventing recurrence. In particular, the incidence of urinary stones tends to increase as temperatures rise, so extra caution is recommended during the hot summer months.