Treatment of urethral stones by non-invasive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy using STORZ system

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is the use of focused high frequency shock waves to break up stones into small pieces; the patient does not suffer from any other intervention. The fragments are then passed through the ureter into the bladder and will be eliminated out of the body together with the urine.

This intervention is an innovation in the application of high technology to treat urinary stones; minimized open surgeries; decreased length of hospitalization & saved cost.

ESWL is normally used on people with a kidney stone smaller than 2 cm & ureteral stone (except stone in pelvic ureter) without urinary tract abnomalities. Urinary tract must be with no obstacle on film after injection of contrast dye (UIV). Cases of cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, scoliosis will be considered by urologists.

At L’Hôpital Francais de Hanoi, ESWL is realized under general anasthesia. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes & causes no pain. The hospitalization period is half- day. During ESWL, the images on digital screen allow surgeons know the process & results of the procedure. Before discharge, patient will take an x-ray to see if the stone has been smashed, normally it has. After 10-15 days waiting for all fragments to pass, 2nd x-ray will be taken.

Urology Department of L’Hôpital Francais de Hanoi is now using the device named STORZ MODULITH SLK inline (made in Germany) of the latest generation & it is used to perform lithotripsy & urinary stones treatment, ensuring the provision of patients with safe and quality treatment service.

STORZ MODULITH SLK inline breaks kidney stones by mechanisms of shock wave action, controlled by digial computer screen; coordination between optical and ultrasonic; positioning the three-dimensional space allows accurately pinpoint the position of stone. Supply of shock waves with large capacity help lithotripsy with high efficiency.

Advantages of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy:

• No harm to adjacent organs
• Less pain
• Anesthesia is not required

Storz system allows the treatment of most types of renal calculi <2 cm including kidney stones, bladder stones, ureter stones (except the pelvic ureter stones and some contraindications of ESWL) with low complication rate.

Early detection to coordinate with the ESWL is a strategy for the treatment of urinary stones. It brings economic & health effective. However, in fact, due to the diversity and complexity of the stones, the urologist is required combining some treatments such as: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Ureteroscopy, laparoscopy & open surgery… for thorough urinary treatment.

With the support of advance device, the surgeon plays a decisive role in giving the treatment; combine the proper treatment methods for each patient, such as: combine ESWL with ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy will be more completed with ESWL treatment. The purpose is to achieve treatment guidelines: “STONE FREE – LESS PAIN – QUICK RECOVERY”

For further information about this non-invasive method, please contact us at: (84-24) 3577 1100 or send us an inquiry here