BAMS
Dr. Jagan Bandhu Nath, Ayurvedacharya B.A.M.S. from Calcutta University, is one of the oldest serving vaidyas in Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital. He has sound kn…
416 doctors in India — verified profiles, ratings, fees and clinic or online consultation.
BAMS
Dr. Jagan Bandhu Nath, Ayurvedacharya B.A.M.S. from Calcutta University, is one of the oldest serving vaidyas in Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital. He has sound kn…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology, DNB - Urology/Genito - Urinary Surgery
Dr. Shailendra Kumar Goel is Director & Senior Consultant Urologist , Andrologist / Sexologist, Robotic and Renal Transplant Surgeon associated with Max Supe…
MBBS, MCh - Urology
Dr. G. Purushotham is a Urologist in Kothapet, Hyderabad and has an experience of 41 years in this field. Dr. G. Purushotham practices at Sai Sanjeevini Hosp…
MBBS, DNB - Nephrology
Dr. Satish M Rao is a Nephrologist/Renal Specialist in Adyar, Chennai and has an experience of 34 years in this field. Dr. Satish M Rao practices at RSR'S Tr…
MBBS, MCh - Urology
Dr. Ravi Chandar is a Urologist,Genito Urinary Medicine Physician and General Physician in Secunderabad, Hyderabad and has an experience of 27 years in these…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology
Dr. Amod is an Urologist, Urological Surgeon and Sexologist and has an experience of 16 years in these fields. Dr. Amod practices at Dr. Amod Uro-Gynae centr…
MBBS, MCh - Urology
Dr. Priyadarshi Ranjan is a leading Uro-Oncologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon of the country and has pioneered the Kidney Transplant Programme at Fortis H…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Dr. Ravindra Kumar Sah did his MBBS in1985 and MS in surgery in 1988 both from Institute of Medical Science, BHU Varanasi. He had his initial Urology trainin…
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology
Dr. Visweswar Reddy is a Nephrologist/Renal Specialist in Vanagaram, Chennai and has an experience of 26 years in this field. Dr. Visweswar Reddy practices a…
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB - Nephrology
Dr. Rohan Augustine is a consultant nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. After completing his MBBS from Jawaharlal Nehru Medial College, Belgaum as a…
MBBS, MCh - Urology
Dr. Francis Sridhar Katumalla, is a Consultant Urologist and Transplant Surgeon practicing at KIMS, Secunderabad. Trained from the best Institutes of the Cou…
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, FRCS - Urology
Dr. Shivaji Basu, one of the most well-known urologists of his time, has been practicing since the last 3 decades with a record of more than 22,000 urologica…
Showing 265–276 of 416
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to break kidney stones or urinary tract stones into smaller pieces so they can pass out of the body through urine. It is commonly recommended when kidney stones are too large to pass naturally or cause severe pain, blockage, or infection.
The procedure usually uses high-energy shock waves or laser energy to break the stones into tiny fragments. These shock waves travel through the body and target the stone without making a large incision.
Lithotripsy is considered a minimally invasive or non-invasive treatment and has largely replaced traditional surgery for many kidney stone cases. The procedure typically takes about 45–60 minutes and is often performed as an outpatient treatment.
Lithotripsy is performed to treat kidney stones and relieve symptoms caused by them.
Benefits of lithotripsy include:
● Breaks kidney stones into smaller fragments
● Helps stones pass naturally through urine
● Minimally invasive treatment
● Avoids major surgery in many cases
● Short procedure time
● Faster recovery compared to open surgery
● Reduces pain and complications caused by stones
This treatment is widely used because it allows patients to recover quickly and return to normal activities sooner.
Doctors may recommend lithotripsy for patients with kidney or urinary tract stones that cause symptoms or complications.
You may need lithotripsy if you have:
● Kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally
● Severe pain caused by kidney stones
● Blockage of urine flow
● Blood in the urine
● Repeated urinary tract infections caused by stones
● Stones located in the kidney or ureter
However, not all kidney stones require lithotripsy. Smaller stones may pass naturally with medication and hydration.
Different types of lithotripsy procedures are used depending on the location and size of the stone.
1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):
This is the most common type of lithotripsy. Shock waves generated outside the body are directed toward the stone to break it into smaller pieces that can pass through urine.
2. Laser Lithotripsy
In this method, a thin tube called a 'ureteroscope' is inserted through the urinary tract to reach the stone. A laser is used to break the stone into fragments.
3. Intracorporeal Lithotripsy
Shock waves or mechanical devices are delivered directly to the stone using an endoscope inserted into the urinary tract.
The doctor selects the most suitable technique based on the stone’s size, location, and composition.
Lithotripsy is usually performed in a hospital or specialized clinic by a urologist.
1. The patient may be asked to fast before the procedure and change into a hospital gown.
2. Sedation or anesthesia is given to help the patient remain comfortable during the procedure.
3. X-ray or ultrasound imaging is used to locate the kidney stone accurately.
4. A machine called a lithotripter generates high-energy shock waves that travel through the body and break the stone into small pieces.
5. Once the stones are fragmented, the procedure ends. In some cases, a ureteral stent may be placed to help stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.
Most procedures take about one hour, and many patients can go home the same day.
Recovery after lithotripsy is usually quick.
Patients may experience:
● Mild pain or discomfort
● Blood in the urine for a few days
● Passing small stone fragments in urine
● Temporary bruising near the treatment area
Doctors often recommend the following:
● Drinking plenty of water to help flush out stone fragments
● Taking prescribed medications
● Avoiding heavy activities for a short period
● Attending follow-up appointments and imaging tests
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days.
Lithotripsy, a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones, is generally safe, but some complications may occur.
Possible risks include the following:
● Pain while passing stone fragments
● Blood in the urine
● Infection
● Blockage of the ureter by stone fragments
● Bruising near the kidney area
● Rare injury to nearby tissues
Doctors monitor patients carefully to reduce these risks and ensure proper healing.
Lithotripsy is often compared with other treatments for kidney stones.
Lithotripsy
● Non-invasive or minimally invasive
● Uses shock waves or laser energy
● Faster recovery time
Ureteroscopy
● Uses a thin scope inserted through the urinary tract
● Stones may be removed directly
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
● Surgical procedure used for large kidney stones
● Requires a small incision in the back
Lithotripsy is usually recommended for small to medium-sized stones, while larger stones may require surgical procedures.
Lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones or urinary tract stones that are too large to pass naturally. The procedure breaks the stones into smaller pieces so they can pass out of the body through urine.
Lithotripsy is usually performed with anaesthesia or sedation, so patients do not feel significant pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort may occur afterwards as the stone fragments pass through the urinary tract.
The lithotripsy procedure usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of stones being treated.
Some patients may need only one session to break the stones, while others may require multiple sessions if the stones are large or difficult to fragment.
Yes, lithotripsy is generally considered safe and effective for many kidney stones. It is widely used because it avoids major surgery and has a shorter recovery time.
If large kidney stones are not treated, they can cause severe pain, urinary blockage, infection, and possible kidney damage.
Stone fragments may pass through urine over several days to a few weeks after the procedure, depending on the size and number of fragments.
Lithotripsy may not be recommended for pregnant individuals, patients with bleeding disorders, untreated infections, or huge kidney stones. A doctor will evaluate the patient before recommending the procedure.