Lithotripsy is a process of treating kidney stones and stones found in other body organs like gallbladder or liver. Kidney stones are rock-like crystals formed of minerals or other substances. They are sharp, heavy or smooth solid masses. If they do not pass through urine, they can damage your kidney or other organs where they are present.
If stones that are formed inside your kidneys or other organs are too large, they obstruct your blood vessels. These stones are unable to pass through urine because of their size. Some stones are sharp that rupture blood vessels and tissues causing internal damage. Lithotripsy Surgery is the only method to deal with larger stones.
Lithotripsy is classified into two main categories:
1.Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy uses non invasiveness to treat stones present in the kidney, gallbladder or liver. This method uses acoustic pulse during the treatment procedure.
2.Intracorporeal or Endoscopic LithotripsyEndoscopic Lithotripsy includes visualizing kidney stones or gallbladder stones and using applications of various energy sources to extract or surpass the stone masses. Based on the applications of energy used in this technique, Endoscopic Lithotripsy mechanism is classified further into four sub-types.
Endoscopic Lithotripsy is sub-divided into:
Physical examination is recommended before opting for Lithotripsy surgery. Make sure you inform your doctor about your medical condition like diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Your doctor may prescribe necessary tests like sonography before undergoing the surgery, in order to study about your condition.
After you have undergone Lithotripsy Surgery, you can resume your daily activities within one or two days based on your recovery status. Take your medication on time for proper recovery.