Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Treatment in India

Saanvi Saxena, a 42-year-old software project...

Saanvi Saxena, a 42-year-old software project manager and mother of two, had been battling recurrent, excruciating flank pain for months. The pain would strike suddenly, often during her busy workdays, radiating to her groin and accompanied by nausea. A CT scan revealed a 9mm calcium oxalate stone stubbornly lodged in her left ureter. Her urologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that due to its size and location, it was unlikely to pass on its own. He recommended Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) as a non-invasive first line of treatment to break the stone into passable fragments. Saanvi was anxious about the procedure but relieved to avoid surgery. During the ESWL, she was under light sedation. She felt a series of rapid, tapping sensations on her back, like a strong heartbeat, but no sharp pain. The emotional toll of chronic pain had made her irritable and withdrawn from her family. Post-procedure, she passed gravel-like particles over the next few days with manageable discomfort. A follow-up X-ray confirmed the stone was gone. The relief was profound, not just physical, but emotional. She felt like she had regained control of her life and could be fully present for her children and work again, free from the shadow of the next painful attack.