Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Urolithiasis is a common condition with a lifetime prevalence of 12% in the United States. It is more common in men than women and most often presents in the third to fourth decade of life. Most urinary stones can be passed spontaneously; however, 10% to 30% require urologic intervention. Since the introduction of the first lithotripter in 1980, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (Figure 167-1) has gradually replaced open and percutaneous surgical approaches as the treatment of choice for most urinary stones requiring intervention in the kidney or upper ureter.