what is intracorporeal lithotripsy

Intracorporeal Lithotripsy. Author: Michael Grasso, III, MD; Chief Editor: Bradley Fields Schwartz, DO, FACS more... Background. Endoscopic lithotripsy refers to the visualization of a calculus in the urinary tract and the simultaneous application of energy to fragment the stone or stones into either extractable or passable pieces.

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How is intracorporeal lithotripsy used to treat urolithiasis?

Intracorporeal lithotripsy to treat urolithiasis means the fragmentation and removal of urinary calculi. These procedures are performed through endoscopes in the urinary tract.

What is a laser lithotripsy procedure?

Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses energy (shock wave therapy) to break up kidney stones (calculi), bladder stones, or deposits in the ureter ( ureter stones) when they cause complications or are too large to make their way through the urinary tract without intervention.

What is lithotripsy for kidney stones?

Known as intracorporeal lithotripsy, the procedure is most often performed via ureteroscopy, in which a small, long tube with a light source and camera at its tip is inserted into the urethra and guided up the urinary tract until the stones are located. A variety of instruments can be used to apply energy and break up the calculi:

What is intracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for kidney stones?

In cases where this form of treatment fails, a minimally invasive technique known as intracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be conducted. When stones are unable to be fractured by way of extracorporeal lithotripsy due to position, density, or size, the surgeon may have to take an endoscopic approach.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal is the most common and widely used form of lithotripsy. During this non-invasive procedure, a fluoroscopic x-ray imaging system or a...

Intracorporeal Lithotripsy

When stones are unable to be fractured by way of extracorporeal lithotripsy due to position, density, or size, the surgeon may have to take an endo...

Complications of Lithotripsy

While the lithotripsy is typically safe, hematuria (blood in the urine) and edema (swelling in and around the organ) are the most common symptoms....