How many times can extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones be performed?

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for ureteral stones is a commonly used treatment method, and the number of sessions required should be determined based on the patient's specific condition and the physician's recommendations. Although there is no strict limit on the number of ESWL treatments, potential damage to surrounding organs must be carefully considered in clinical practice. It is generally recommended that the interval between two consecutive procedures be at least one week to allow sufficient time for stone passage and tissue recovery. In clinical practice, the typical number of lithotripsy sessions ranges from 3 to 5. If multiple treatments fail or if the patient has special circumstances, alternative approaches such as ureteroscopic surgery may be necessary. Additionally, it is not advisable to perform more than two ESWL sessions within one month, and the total number of ESWL treatments in a year should not exceed four to five to avoid long-term damage to the ureter.