There are a number of well-recognised complications associated post ESWL and these include ureteric colic, steinstrasse (impacted fragments in the ureter) infection and perinephric haematoma. The question of whether ESWL leads to significant renal damage and hypertension remains unanswered till today. So after 30 years of ESWL existence this could well be stated as a Myth.

There are a few contraindications to ESWL and these include anticoagulation, pregnancy and an abdominal aortic aneurysm It is like you usually do not have ESWL if you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder kidney infection, urinary tract infection, kidney cancer, or kidneys with abnormal, structure or function.

MORE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Treatment of Urinary System Stones with ESWL’ is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Patients with cardiac pacemakers.
• When X-ray imaging must be used and X-ray exposure is contraindicated, e.g., pregnant patients.
• The anatomy of the patient does not permit focusing of the device, i.e. lungs or bones are in the shock wave path, or excess body fat.
• The anatomy of the patient urinary obstruction.
• There is aortic or renal artery calcification on the treated side.

 

Caution must be exercised in treating the following patients:

• Patients with high risk of heart failure or pneumonia.
• Patients with very low diaphragms.
• Patients who have abnormalities of coagulation, or who are using drugs, including aspirin, which may affect coagulation.
• Patients with neurogenic bladders.

Biliary System Stones is contraindicated in the following cases: -

• Patients with cardiac pacemakers.
• When x-ray imaging must be used and x-ray exposure is contraindicated, e.g., pregnant patients.
• The anatomy of the patient does not permit focusing of the device, i.e. lungs or bones are in the shock wave path, or excess body fat.
• Presence of: (a) acute cholecystitis, ,cholangitis, biliary obstruction  (b) gastroduodenal ulcers  (d) coagulopathy  or current medication with anticoagulants, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and (e) vascular aneurysms or cysts in the shock wave path.

Caution must be exercised in treating the following patients: -

• Patients with high risk of heart failure or pneumonia.
• Patients with very low diaphragms.
• Patients who have abnormalities of coagulation, or who are using drugs, including aspiring, which may affect coagulation