Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to destroy kidney stones (or sometimes in other organs such as the gallbladder). The main purpose of lithotripsy is to destroy stones inside the body without the need for open-access surgery.
There are several methods of lithotripsy. One of the most common is extracameral ultrasound lithotripsy (ESWL). During this procedure, the patient is exposed to ultrasound waves, which are created by a special device - a lithotripter. Ultrasound waves are directed at the kidney stone, which leads to its fragmentation into smaller parts, which can then be removed naturally from the body through the urinary system.
Another method of lithotripsy is intravesical lithotripsy, in which the stone is destroyed using ultrasound waves that are directly directed at the stone through a special endoscope inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
Both methods of lithotripsy are often preferred over surgical removal of stones due to their less invasive nature and shorter recovery time after the procedure. However, the exact choice of method depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as on the general condition of the patient.
