litotripsi

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to fragment stones, such as kidney stones, bladder stones, or stones in the ureter, into smaller pieces that can be naturally expelled from the body or removed more easily. The term derives from the Greek words "lithos" (stone) and "tripsis" (breakdown). This minimally invasive technique is commonly employed when stones cause pain, obstruction, or infection.

There are several types of lithotripsy, with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) being the most prevalent. ESWL uses focused shock waves generated outside the body to break down stones nondestructively. The waves pass through soft tissue and concentrate energy on the stone, fragmenting it into tiny pieces. Other methods include laser lithotripsy, which employs a laser fiber inserted via endoscopy to target and disintegrate stones directly, and pneumatic lithotripsy, which utilizes mechanical impulses to shatter stones during invasive procedures.

The choice of lithotripsy method depends on various factors, including the stone's size, location, composition, and patient health. The procedure is generally performed under local or general anesthesia and may require sedation. Post-procedure, patients often pass the fragmented stones through urination, though some may need additional treatment if fragments are too large or if complications occur.

Lithotripsy offers a less invasive alternative to surgical removal of stones and generally has a good success rate with minimal recovery time. However, potential risks include bleeding, infection, damage to the urinary tract, or residual stone fragments requiring further intervention. Ongoing advancements aim to improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects associated with lithotripsy.

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