Mid-Atlantic Stone Center /  Atlantic Lithotripsy

100 Brick Road; Suite 103
Marlton, NJ 08053

Phone: 856.983.7337
Fax: 856.983.6970

Monday thru Friday
7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Notice of Privacy Practices

• A licensed Radiologic Technologist specifically trained in renal lithotripsy will position you on the treatment table.


• To continuously monitor your vital signs during the treatment, a blood pressure monitor will be placed on your arm and several EKG electrodes will be attached to your chest. To ensure your comfort throughout the treatment, an intravenous (I.V.) fluid will be started by a member of the clinical staff.


• The anesthesiologist will administer sedation through the I.V. to control any pain that you may have.


• As you are positioned on the treatment table, the area where the stone is located will be placed in contact with a water cushion that is attached to the shock wave unit of the lithotripter.


• To prevent air gaps from forming, a gel is applied between the area of treatment and the therapy head.


• Fluoroscopy (moving x-ray) and/or ultrasound is then used to locate and target the stone. Once the stone is in focus, the treatment begins and the shock waves will pass through the water cushion, enter your body and break up the targeted kidney stone.


• Your physician will administer a series of consecutive shockwaves aimed directly at your stone. A typical ESWL treatment averages between 2,000 to 3,000 shock waves.


• Throughout the procedure your physician will monitor the disintegration of the stone on the x-ray / ultrasound monitors.


• You may hear a popping sound with each shock wave that is administered.


• During the treatment you may also experience some pressure at the treatment site; a sensation that feels much like a slapping against the skin.


• You should not feel significant pain with ESWL. If you are at all uncomfortable during the treatment, inform your anesthesiologist and he/she will address any needs you may have.


• Once the treatment and recovery periods are completed, it is imperative that you drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to help flush the stone fragments out of your urinary tract.