Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy
Shock waves are used to break up stones in the kidneys and ureters during lithotripsy (the tube that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder). The small bits of stone flow out of your body in your urine after the treatment.
What is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and how does it work?
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-surgical treatment for kidney and ureter stones. Instead, high-energy shock waves are sent through the body and utilized to shatter stones into sand-sized fragments. These particles, due to their tiny size, can travel through the body with the urine.