Call Us020 3325 4699 Book Online
Home » Treatments » ESWL

Treatments · Kidney Stones ESWL for kidney stones, no surgery required.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses focused shock waves to break kidney stones into fragments that pass naturally - a non-invasive outpatient procedure. No GP referral needed.

Mr Maneesh Ghei Performed personally by Mr Maneesh GheiConsultant Urological Surgeon · GMC 5208045 BupaPlatinum Consultant
Book a Consultation Call 020 3325 4699
4.93★★★★★Doctify142 verified reviews
DaysNot months -
to be seen
45 MinTypical
session length
Insured or Self-PayAll major insurers accepted
In short

ESWL is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment for kidney stones smaller than 2cm, using focused shock waves in sessions of around 45 minutes, with no incisions and a quick recovery.

Medically reviewed by Mr Maneesh Ghei·GMC 5208045·September 2026

Is ESWL For You?

ESWL may suit you if

Your stone is smaller than 2cm

ESWL is most effective for stones located in the kidney or upper part of the ureter.

You prefer a non-invasive option

Or surgery poses greater risk for you - for example with bleeding disorders or if you are morbidly obese.

You want minimal downtime

Most patients can return to normal activities within one to two days, avoiding strenuous activity for around a week.

Alternatives To Consider

If ESWL is not suitable

Ureteroscopy

A minimally invasive procedure where a small scope is inserted into the ureter to locate and remove or break up stones directly.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

A surgical procedure for larger or more stubborn stones, involving a small incision in the back to remove the stones directly.

What's Involved

The facts, and the fees

How ESWL works

You are positioned for optimal access to the stone, using imaging guidance
Pain medication is given beforehand to manage discomfort during treatment
The stone is located using real-time X-ray or ultrasound imaging
A lithotripter directs shock waves at the stone, breaking it into fragments small enough to pass naturally

Fees, explained up front

ESWL fees depend on the number of sessions required for your stone. Every cost is set out and agreed before you decide anything.

SettingOutpatient
Session lengthApprox. 45 minutes
Sessions neededDepends on stone size and number
AnaesthesiaNot usually required
Blood in the urine and abdominal discomfort are common as fragments pass, and typically resolve within a few days.
Book a ConsultationSee All Fees
Simple, Fast, Clear

From stone to clear in 3 steps

1

Book your consultation

Most patients are seen within a few days for imaging and an assessment with Mr Ghei.

2

Your ESWL session

Around 45 minutes, using focused shock waves to fragment the stone from outside the body - no incisions.

3

Passing fragments and follow-up

Fragments pass naturally over the following days, with imaging to confirm the stone has cleared.

Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon
GMC 5208045 · FRCS (Urol)
Your Consultant

Mr Maneesh Ghei

MBBS, MS, MRCSEd, MD (UCL), FRCS (Urol)

Mr Ghei is a consultant urological surgeon with a specialist focus on prostate diagnosis and treatment. He holds a Research MD from University College London and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

In his NHS role he is Cancer Lead and Academic Lead at Whittington Hospital London - one of a small number of consultant urologists in the UK to hold both positions. Every private patient is cared for by Mr Ghei personally, from first appointment through to any treatment that follows.

Cancer Lead · Whittington Hospital BupaPlatinum recognised consultant English · Hindi · Punjabi · Urdu
Book With Mr Ghei Read Full Profile
Common Questions

Before you book

Is ESWL a major operation?
No. ESWL is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that involves no incisions or stitches, using external shock waves rather than surgery.
How long does an ESWL session last?
Each session takes about 45 minutes. Some patients need only one session, while others may require several depending on the stone's size, density and number.
What side effects should I expect?
Blood in the urine is common and typically resolves within a few days. Some patients notice abdominal discomfort, urgency or frequency as fragments pass, and occasionally bruising around the treated area.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Self-pay patients can book directly with no referral. If you plan to claim through insurance, some insurers ask for a GP referral first - we can guide you on what your policy needs.
Take the First Step

Get seen this week and put your mind at rest

Book an appointment or get in touch.

020 3325 4699Mon-Fri, answered personally
contact@urocarelondon.comWe reply within 24 working hours
Book onlineLive diary, choose your hospital

Request an appointment

We reply within 24 working hours

Need help to book a consultation or got an enquiry regarding what tests you may need?

Fill in your details and we will contact you

🔒 Your data is secure. We’ll only use it to arrange your appointment.

020 3325 4699 Book Online