Lithotripsy

1. Destruction of calculi (stones) using special waves, which lead to fragmentation of stones existing in the bladder. In the case of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), used to break up stones in the upper urinary tract and gallbladder, waves are generated by an external energy source and transmitted from it to the surgical site. A special device (lithotripter) consists of a complex X-ray machine that allows you to accurately identify the location of the stone using a biplanar X-ray beam or ultrasonic waves and a special head or sensor in which the waves that destroy the stone are generated and focused. In old-style devices, the patient must be pre-anesthetized and his body immersed in a bath of water. This is not required in the new type of devices, and the process of crushing stones in the human body is greatly simplified. In the case of electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), which is used to crush stones in the urinary tract, waves generated by an electric current are transmitted to the stone through a contact probe; it is brought to the stone through a nephroscope.

2. See Litholapaxy.

Lithotripsy is a procedure used to remove stones from the urinary tract and gallbladder. It involves using special waves to break stones into small pieces, which are then removed from the body naturally.

There are two main types of lithotripsy: extracorporeal wave lithotripsy and contact lithotripsy. In the first case, waves are generated outside the patient's body and transmitted to the stone through a special device (lithotripter). In the second case, the stone is removed by contact using tools.

Extracorporeal wave lithotripsy is commonly used to remove stones in the kidneys, ureter, and bladder. It can be performed either on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting. The procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes and does not require prior anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient can immediately return to normal life.

Contact lithotripsy is used to remove large stones in the ureter or bladder that cannot be removed using the extracorporeal wave method. The procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and can take from several hours to several days. After the stone is removed, the patient must remain in the hospital until complete recovery.

Overall, lithotripsy is an effective method for removing stones from the urinary tract and gallbladder, which avoids the complications associated with surgery. However, like any medical procedure, it can have side effects such as pain, bleeding, infection and tissue damage. Therefore, before undergoing lithotripsy, it is necessary to conduct a full examination and discuss all possible risks with your doctor.