Researchers at the University of Washington have found that an ultrasonic pushing procedure used during kidney stone treatment can lower the chance of recurrence by about seventy percent. This meaningful improvement adds a new option to the toolbox for managing stones and reducing the need for repeat interventions. The finding comes from a study that tracked patients after stone removal and used ultrasound to influence how fragments behaved inside the urinary tract. The results point toward a more effective, noninvasive means of reducing relapse in people who have experienced stones.
In a recent study, 82 volunteers with clean ureters participated. After initial removal, small fragments remained in some participants for months. The 82 volunteers were divided into two groups. Forty received ultrasound treatment intended to nudge the fragments toward the ureter so they could pass naturally. The remaining 42 served as a control group and did not receive ultrasound. The investigators monitored both groups over time to assess how often stones recurred.
Doctors used a device that generated ultrasound pulses and sent them through the skin. The energy interacts with the stone fragments, applying gentle pressure while guiding them toward the natural exit at the ureter. In practical terms, the pulses create tiny motion within the kidney, encouraging fragments to move closer to the channel through which they would normally pass. The approach aims to convert stubborn fragments into passable material rather than leaving a scattered burden inside the kidney. Patients experience a noninvasive procedure that does not require incisions or anesthesia for many cases.
Following the treatment period, ultrasound was associated with a substantial drop in the risk of recurrence. In the ultrasound group, the probability of stones forming again after removal dropped by about seventy percent compared with the control group. The trial tracked participants over several months and found that even fragments left behind after initial treatment were less likely to coalesce into larger, troublesome deposits when ultrasound was used. The results point to a meaningful shift in long term outcomes for patients who have already faced stone removal.
By focusing on noninvasive methods, researchers say ultrasound pushing could reduce the need for additional procedures, shorten recovery times, and lead to lower treatment costs for many patients. In recent years, UW investigators developed ultrasound technology that pushes stones toward the ureter, and SonoMotion has begun commercializing the approach. The hope is to bring this method into routine clinical practice, offering clinicians another tool to manage urolithiasis without resorting to more invasive options.
While the potential is encouraging, experts emphasize the importance of safety, proper patient selection, and equitable access. Large, diverse trials are needed to confirm long term safety and effectiveness and to determine which patients benefit most from the technique. As with any new medical technology, regulatory reviews, training requirements, and reimbursement decisions will shape how quickly this approach becomes a standard option in hospitals and clinics.
From the patient perspective, the ultrasound method could mean less discomfort and shorter hospital stays compared with procedures that physically break or remove stones. If broader research confirms these benefits, clinicians could adopt a hybrid approach that combines standard stone removal with the pushing technique to reduce the chance of relapse. Recovery feels smoother when there is less tissue disruption, and the overall journey from initial pain to resolution could be faster and less stressful for many patients.
Developing this technology for widespread use will require collaboration among researchers, device manufacturers, insurers, and regulatory bodies. SonoMotion is pursuing clinical translation, while UW researchers continue to refine the method and monitor real-world outcomes. The field is positioned for a shift toward safer, less invasive management of stones when appropriate.
Overall the ultrasound pushing approach represents a meaningful advance in noninvasive stone care. It aligns with patient priorities for effective relief with minimal downtime while helping clinicians lower relapse rates and avoid additional surgeries where appropriate. The pathway to routine adoption depends on accumulating robust evidence, clear safety profiles, and practical integration into existing care pathways. Still, the momentum is toward a future where ultrasound guided management plays a larger role in keeping urinary stones from returning and reducing the burden on patients and healthcare systems alike.