lithotripsy
Lithotripsy
LiThOtRiPsY
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) means destruction of a kidney stone or gallstone by ultrasonic waves traveling through water.
lithotripsy
Kidney Stones
Ultrasonic Destruction
Yes, the destruction of stones using high-energy ultrasonic waves traveling through water or gel is a medical procedure known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This non-invasive technique is commonly used to break down kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed out of the body through urine.
Ultrasonic waves are used to break kidney stones into smaller fragments, making them easier to pass through the urinary tract. The waves are produced by a device called a lithotripter, and are directed at the stone from outside the body while the patient is immersed in a water bath. The high-energy waves cause the stone to fragment without the need for surgery.
Sometimes ultrasound is used to break up kidney stones so that they will pass with the urine. This is not always possible.
Lithotripsy is a general term meaning stone crushing, and can be applied to the destruction of both kidney stones and gallstones.
Lithotripsy is the use of high-energy shock waves to fragment and disintegrate kidney stones.
Before the advent of lithotripsy, surgery was used to remove kidney stones. This approach is uncommon today
Ultrasonic waves are used in various medical applications, including imaging techniques like ultrasound scans which can visualize internal organs and tissues. They are also used in lithotripsy to break down kidney stones and in physical therapy for deep tissue heating to promote healing. Additionally, ultrasonic waves can be used in surgery for cutting, coagulating tissues, and accelerating drug delivery through enhanced permeability of cell membranes.
"Litho-" means stone, "-lysis" is degradation, or dissolution, therefore, Im assuming "Litholysis" would be the term you are looking for.] Also to add to the previous definition, the word you could be looking for may be lithrotripsy which means the breaking up of stones. This is a procedure done by doctors to help a patient pass a stone.
In some patients a 4mm kidney stone may not need lithotripsy, however, for some patients this may be too large to pass without assistance.
A LITHOTRIPSY uses sound waves to break up kidney stones (renal calculi or nephrocalculi).