Kidney stones are one of the most common kidney diseases in the Philippines, along with Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease. Most of the time, people only get diagnosed with kidney stones once they experience pain in the abdomen and land in the hospital emergency room. Kidney stones cause severe pain that leads to lost workdays and increased anxiety, especially when confronted with expensive surgical fees and long recovery periods. Some small kidney stones can pass naturally through urine, while larger stones may require medical treatment.
At Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center in Biñan, Laguna, we offer Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL, a revolutionary, non-invasive procedure that has transformed kidney stone treatment. The ESWL procedure is a safe, effective, and patient-friendly treatment we are bringing into our community, making us a leading choice for kidney stone removal without surgery.
A Gentle Solution to a Common Problem
What are kidney stones?
As the kidneys filter your blood, they remove the excess minerals, salts, and other waste products from it through your urine (pee/ihi). What causes kidney stones to form is when there are too many minerals and salts but not enough water. These materials stick together and form the “stones” in one or both your kidneys, or in the urinary tract.
Kidney stones can affect people of different ages and backgrounds, but most commonly affect men between 30 to 60 years old especially those who:
- have had kidney stones before or have a family history
- have existing conditions like diabetes and gout
- are overweight or obese
- have a high protein, salt, or sugar diet
- do not drink enough water or other fluids
- are taking medicine or supplements that may contribute to kidney stone formation
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
If your kidney stones are small, you may not experience any symptoms as they can pass through with your urine. However, if they are bigger, they will need to be treated in another way, such as by ESWL. When a stone moves through the urinary tract, it can also cause significant discomfort. Here are the first signs that you may have kidney stones:
- Sudden or severe pain in the side or back (biglaang pananakit sa gilid o likod)
- Stomachache that doesn’t seem to go away (pananakit ng tiyan na hindi naalis)
- Pain or burning sensation when you pee (pananakit o mainit na pakiramdam habang umiihi)
- More frequent feeling of wanting to pee (pagdalas ng pag-iihi)
- Blood in your urine (dugo sa ihi)
- Smelly or cloudy urine (normal urine is clear and has no strong smell) (ihi na may matapang na amoy o malabo)
- Nausea and vomiting (pagduduwal at pagsusuka)
- Fever or chills (lagnat o panlalamig)
Sometimes, kidney stone symptoms in women may feel different than with men. For women, the pain often goes to the lower abdomen and pelvis, often mistaken for menstrual cramps, an ovarian cyst, or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). For men, the pain usually goes to the groin, testicles, or the tip of the penis.
Regardless of gender, if you have pain that is really bad coupled with a fever and chills, this means you may have a dangerous infection, and you should go to the emergency room immediately.
Complications of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones that remain untreated may cause complications, particularly when they block the normal flow of urine. Possible complications include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Persistent or recurring pain
- Urinary obstruction
- Permanent kidney damage
- Reduced kidney function
- Kidney failure
- Sepsis
Why is ESWL perfect for kidney stone treatment?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a groundbreaking procedure that offers an advanced and accessible solution, addressing the need for an affordable kidney stone removal procedure in the Philippines. It’s quick and painless with a short recovery time, and is more affordable than traditional surgery.
Investing in this technology aligns with our commitment at USHMC as a trusted hospital in Southwoods, Biñan, Laguna, to provide up-to-date, non-invasive treatments that prioritize our patients’ comfort and quick return to better health.
ESWL in a Nutshell
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL literally means “outside the body shock wave stone breaking”. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical kidney stone removal treatment that uses shock waves, specifically sound waves, made by a machine called lithotripter to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces.
Unlike surgical procedures that require an incision, ESWL does not involve cutting into the skin to reach the kidney stones. The smaller stone fragments can then pass through the urinary tract naturally.
The ESWL procedure may be recommended for selected kidney stones based on size, location, number, and the patient’s overall health. Your urologist will assess your condition and determine whether ESWL is an appropriate treatment option.
What to Expect During Your ESWL Procedure at Unihealth Southwoods?
Before Your ESWL Procedure
Knowing what to expect can greatly ease any anxiety you may have before your kidney stone treatment. Before you receive your ESWL Procedure, here are some things you may be required to do:
- Urologist Consultation – You will get a thorough evaluation from one of our expert Urologists. They will assess your medical history and any medications you may be taking and confirm whether ESWL is an appropriate option for kidney stone removal. The doctor may consider the stone’s size, location, and other factors before recommending treatment.
- Laboratory Testing – You will be asked to get a blood or urine test to determine your current kidney function and to check if you have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
- Imaging – Imaging may be performed to identify the stone and determine its size and location. This information helps your doctor plan the appropriate approach to ESWL.
- Restrictions – You will need to avoid eating and drinking for around 6 hours before your procedure to safely and effectively treat kidney stones.
After ESWL Treatment
After ESWL, you may be monitored for a period of time before going home, depending on your condition and treatment plan. You may experience some discomfort as stone fragments pass through your urine.
Your doctor may provide instructions regarding fluid intake, medications, activity, and follow-up care. Follow-up imaging or consultations may also be recommended to determine whether the stone has been effectively cleared.
Preventing Kidney Stones as Our Commitment to Your Long-Term Health
While ESWL is an effective treatment, as your partner in leading you to better health, we want to make sure that you are in good health in the long term. Here are some ways we can help you prevent the recurrence of your kidney stones:
- Dietary Guidance – Our medical team provides advice on dietary changes to make that fits the type of stone you’ve had. For example, reducing your intake of food that is high in sodium or causes an increase in your uric acid and calcium levels.
Here is a list of foods good for your kidneys that are locally available in the Philippines:
- Vegetables:
- Moringa (Malunggay)
- Pechay/Bok Choy
- Radish (Labanos)
- Cabbage (Repolyo)
- Water Spinach (Kangkong)
- Eggplant (Talong)
- Jicama (Singkamas)
- Fruits:
- Pineapple (Pinya)
- Apple (Mansanas)
- Grapes (Ubas)
- Watermelon (Pakwan)
- Protein Sources:
- Fresh Fish (e.g., tilapia, bangus, lapu-lapu)
- Chicken Breast (skinless)
- Egg Whites
- Grains and Fats:
- White Rice
- White Bread/Pandesal
- Olive Oil
- Foods to Avoid:
- High sodium sauces (e.g., Soy Sauce (toyo), Fish Sauce (patis))
- Canned meats (e.g., SPAM, Corned Beef)
- Dried salted fish (e.g., daing, tuyo)
- Instant noodles
- Dark colas
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all kidney stone diet, discuss your dietary needs with your healthcare provider.
Hydration Strategies – Our team gives a recommendation for your water intake per day. Drinking water is the most effective way to prevent kidney stones in the future.
Lifestyle Changes – Our team will recommend healthy lifestyle habits such as increasing your physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, or reducing stress.
By combining cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments like ESWL with proactive actions to prevent having kidney stones again, USHMC truly offers a holistic approach to managing kidney stone disease and achieving better health.
Why Choose ESWL at Unihealth Southwoods?
- Non-Invasive Kidney Stone Treatment – There is absolutely no cutting, no stitches, or surgical entry into your body in ESWL. This gets rid of the potential risks associated with surgery such as infection, bleeding, and scarring, providing peace of mind and comfort for those looking to have kidney stone treatment.
- Quicker Recovery Time – ESWL is usually done on an outpatient basis. You just come in, have the procedure done, and then you can go home right after the observation period. Since there is also no surgical wound to heal, you can return to your normal activities almost immediately after kidney stone removal.
- Safe & Effective – ESWL is a time-tested, safe, and effective treatment method to treat most kidney stones. For stones of the right size and location, ESWL has a high success rate in breaking down stones effectively, providing a reliable treatment for kidney stones. ESWL’s non-invasive quality reduces the risk of complications often linked to more aggressive treatments like surgery.
- Modern Lithotripsy Technology – Unihealth Southwoods Hospital uses modern ESWL technology to support accurate treatment and patient comfort. Our team takes appropriate measures to ensure that the ESWL procedure is performed according to your individual treatment needs.
- Experienced Urologists – Our experienced urologists evaluate each patient before recommending ESWL. If you are looking for a urologist in Laguna that you can consult for kidney stone concerns, our team can assess your condition and discuss available kidney stone treatment options.
- Affordable & Accessible Care – ESWL stands out as a more affordable treatment option compared to traditional surgery. No general anesthesia, no long hospital stays, and no extensive post-operation care needed, meaning it greatly lowers the overall cost of kidney stone treatment.
At USHMC, we actively assist our patients in handling their PhilHealth and HMO benefits such as securing Letters of Authorization (LOAs) by working closely with PhilHealth representatives and our HMO providers. This ensures that this advanced treatment is accessible and will not break the bank for our community.
Break Free from Kidney Stone Pain: Get Kidney Stone Treatment in Laguna
Don’t just endure your pain. Fight it with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy at Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center. ESWL provides a non-invasive, safe, and affordable solution to break your kidney stones down and put you back on the path to better health. Experience the difference of advanced, patient-centered kidney stone treatment that gets you back to living your life, faster.
For patients looking for a urologist in Laguna, Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center provides specialized urologic care in Biñan, Laguna. See our Urologists schedule to check their availability and book a consultation.
Ready to explore your kidney stone treatment options?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for kidney stones to pass after ESWL?
- The stones may start passing immediately, but it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for all the pieces to pass. This is why you’ll need a follow-up check up with your Urologist to make sure all the pieces have passed.
What are some common side effects of ESWL?
- You may have blood in your urine for a few days which is normal as the kidney stone pieces pass. You may also get minor bruising on the back or side where the shock wave was directed.
Does ESWL work for all types and sizes of kidney stones?
- No. It works best on kidney stones that are around 2 cm and below. Stones in the lower part of the kidney may also be harder to clear and very hard stones may need multiple sessions or a different procedure.
Is ESWL covered by PhilHealth or my HMO in the Philippines?
- Usually, yes. ESWL is covered under the PhilHealth Case Rate system but for HMOs, it depends on your plan, and you will need to secure a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
To view our PhilHealth Insurance Guide, you may visit this page.
To view our HMO Insurance Guide, you may visit this page.
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Experiencing other kidney problems? Need a consult or referral?
Using PhilHealth or HMO for your ESWL?