Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is a stone removal procedure that involves breaking down calculi into fine particles, allowing them to be naturally expelled through urine (in urolithiasis) or with bile flow (in cholelithiasis).

Modern types of lithotripsy:

• Extracorporeal: a non-invasive shock wave method used to fragment low- to medium-density stones up to 20 mm in size. This technique does not require skin incisions or punctures.
• Contact: effective for stones of any density up to 25 mm. The main types of contact lithotripsy include: ultrasound lithotripsy (for low-density stones, breaking them down into fine dust) and laser lithotripsy (for hard, dense stones, ensuring complete destruction). The endoscope to perform the procedure is inserted through the urethra.
• Percutaneous (through-the-skin): used for multiple stones.

Features of the procedure in global clinics

According to the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines, ureteroscopy with lithotripsy is considered the first-line treatment for stones in the ureter and kidneys.

The best surgical centers worldwide employ highly experienced specialists who ensure optimal treatment outcomes. To achieve the maximized effectiveness of lithotripsy, doctors conduct careful diagnostics, determining the stone’s type, size, and location, and selecting the most suitable fragmentation method for each individual case.