Urinary stones are a common urological condition that many people may experience at least once in their lifetime. Although they are generally known to occur more frequently in men, the incidence among women has recently been increasing due to changes in diet and lifestyle. Urinary stones are particularly common among individuals in their 30s to 50s, as well as those with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic disorders.
When urinary stones develop, the stone may move from the kidney down through the ureter, causing severe flank pain along with symptoms such as hematuria and vomiting. Depending on the size and location of the stone, it may pass naturally through the urine. However, when the pain is severe or the stone is too large to pass spontaneously, active treatment becomes necessary. One commonly used treatment method is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), a non-surgical and relatively simple procedure for breaking down stones.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy works by focusing high-energy shock waves generated outside the body onto the stone, breaking it into tiny fragments. The shock waves create a cavitation effect within fluid, delivering high-pressure energy that precisely reaches the stone and breaks it apart. The treatment is designed to concentrate the energy on the stone while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, making it a relatively safe procedure.
In most cases, ESWL is performed without hospitalization or anesthesia. The patient lies on or beside the treatment machine while receiving shock waves. Pain relievers are typically administered beforehand to reduce discomfort, and the patient is positioned to remain stable during the procedure. Using X-ray or ultrasound imaging, the physician identifies the exact location of the stone and delivers shock waves at a rate of approximately 60 to 90 pulses per minute, for a total of about 2,000 to 4,000 shocks. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour, after which the fragmented stones are encouraged to pass naturally through the urine.
After 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 recurrent pain, so careful observation is necessary. After the procedure, anti-inflammatory pain relievers and alpha-blocker medications may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and help facilitate stone passage. Drinking approximately 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day and engaging in light physical activities such as jumping rope can also help promote the elimination of stone fragments.
It is important to remember that each patient differs in terms of stone size, location, and severity of symptoms, making personalized treatment essential. In addition to removing the stone, metabolic evaluation, dietary modification, and regular follow-up examinations can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Ryu Je-man of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Seoul Station branch explained that urinary stones are a condition that can be effectively managed when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. He emphasized that if symptoms such as sudden flank pain, hematuria, or vomiting occur, patients should seek medical attention promptly rather than enduring the discomfort, adding that understanding one’s health condition and maintaining consistent self-care are the first steps in preventing recurrence.