Understanding Lithotripsy: A Modern Solution to Kidney Stones
By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Sr. Consultant Nephrologist Kidney stones —those small, hard deposits of minerals and salts—are a common but often painful problem. While many stones can pass on their own, larger or more problematic stones may require medical intervention. One such intervention is lithotripsy , a groundbreaking procedure that has revolutionized the way we treat kidney stones. As a urologist with years of experience, I frequently recommend lithotripsy to my patients, and here’s why. What is Lithotripsy? Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves or lasers to break kidney stones into tiny fragments. These fragments can then pass out of the body through urine. The word “lithotripsy” comes from the Greek words lithos (stone) and tripsis (crushing), which is exactly what this procedure does—breaks down stones. Types of Lithotripsy There are a few types of lithotripsy, each suited for different situations: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (...