What is lithotripsy?

It is common to develop stones in the kidneys, gallbladder, or ureters.

f stones do not pass, they can damage the kidneys and urinary tract. When medications do not help, a lithotripsy procedure can break the stones down into smaller pieces so that they can come out in the urine..

The two main types of lithotripsy are extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and laser lithotripsy. Laser lithotripsy is sometimes known as flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL) because doctors use a tool called a ureteroscope.

Both procedures can help eliminate bothersome stones quickly and effectively. The type of treatment a doctor recommends will depend on a range of factors, such as the type of stones the person has and their overall health.

ESWL

ESWL uses shock waves to break down stones.

During this procedure, a doctor will use a machine called a lithotripter to aim sound waves directly at the stones through the body.

The sound waves break down the stones into small pieces. They are designed to affect the stone, but they can also harm other tissues in the body if the doctor does not carefully administer and monitor them.

The procedure takes about 1 hour and usually happens in a hospital. In most cases, a person can go home the same day. After the treatment, they should pass the stone particles over several days or weeks through urination.

It is important to note that there can be complications with this treatment. One complication can be bleeding due to damage to the kidney.

FURSL

This procedure involves using an endoscope to treat stones in the ureter. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a light and camera attached that helps a doctor see inside an organ or body cavity.

The doctor can see the stones using the ureteroscope and use a laser to break them down. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and most people can go home the same day.

However, the procedure may take up to 2 hours depending on the number of stones the doctor needs to remove and their hardness.

The broken stone fragments should pass easily through urine in the days and weeks following the procedure.