How does Lithotripsy Work?
Lithotripsy uses shock waves to pulverize urinary calculi (kidney stones) non-invasively. In contrast, other methods of stone removal require open surgery (surgical nephrotomy); extraction of the stone through a puncture in the side of the patient (percutaneous extraction); or the insertion of a ureteroscope via the urethra with subsequent stone fragmentation and removal by mechanical means. All invasive procedures carry a higher risk of infection complications than non-invasive procedures such as lithotripsy. Occasionally, if the stone blocks the flow of urine (an obstructive calculus) the patient experiences severe pain (renal colic). This pain can be controlled by introducing a stent into the ureter. The stent is basically a tube which is placed in the ureter and allows the urine to drain past the obstruction. The stent may be left in after lithotripsy in case of obstruction due to fragments becoming lodged in the ureter. A shock wave is characterized by a very rapid pressure increa
