"Unveiling Lithotripsy: Breaking Down Kidney Stones with Shock Waves and Lasers"

 

What is Lithotripsy?

It's a procedure using shock waves or a laser to break down stones. The small stone particles eventually pass out of the body during urination.

Types of Lithotripsy:

• ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): Uses shock waves directed at stones through the body. It's non-invasive and generally takes about an hour.
• FURSL (Flexible Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy): Involves using an endoscope with a camera and laser to break stones. Takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Success Rates:

Success depends on stone composition, size, and location. Studies report high success rates, with FURSL showing about a 93.7% success rate for stones around 2.5 centimeters in size.

Preparation:

Doctors will conduct tests to determine stone size and location. Some medications might need to be stopped before the procedure. Usually performed under general anesthesia.

What to Expect:

Patients might need to fast before the procedure. After waking up, there might be some discomfort, blood in urine, and mild bruising. Recovery time varies; returning to work could take a few days to a week or more.

Risks and Side Effects:

Possible side effects include bruising, soreness, fever, chills, and rare cases of heavy bleeding or blockages.

Limitations:

Lithotripsy may not work for large or complex stones. It's not recommended for pregnant individuals due to potential risks to the fetus. Some cases might require multiple procedures or the placement and removal of a stent.

Summary:

Lithotripsy offers a non-invasive way to break down stones, with different methods available depending on the situation. It's generally effective but may not be suitable for all stone types or sizes.

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