Lithotripsy is Greek for stone breaking. It is a treatment used to break up kidney stones. Without entering the kidney with surgery, kidney stones can be broken up with sound waves. The fragments are then passed in the urine.

The process uses a device called a lithotriptor. One type makes sound waves, while the other type makes ultrasound (sound waves we cannot hear). These waves travel easily through the soft tissues of the body without any damage. The stones absorb the energy from these waves, and break up. Stone fragments are then passed in the urine. The treatment is not painful, but passing the stone fragments may be.

Kidney stones are crystal masses that form from minerals and proteins in the urine. Stones come in various sizes, and compositions. Certain types of stones will respond to this treatment better than others.

If you have kidney stones, lithotripsy may make removal fairly simple. Your recovery time will be much shorter than with surgery. However, this procedure does not alter the reasons that the stones formed. To prevent future stones follow the therapy and dietary changes that you your healthcare provider orders.

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