Intermediate
Technical
IVT
lithotripsy
Pronunciation: LITH-oh-trip-see
Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments.
Full Definition
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses focused acoustic energy to fragment urinary stones into smaller pieces that can pass naturally through the urinary tract. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and is most effective for stones less than 2 cm in diameter located in the kidney or proximal ureter. Success rates vary based on stone composition, size, and location.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with lithotomy (surgical position) or stone removal procedures.
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful lithotripsy for a 12mm calcium oxalate stone in the renal pelvis." — Procedure note
- "Post-lithotripsy imaging showed fragmentation of the stone with passage of debris." — Follow-up imaging report
Also known as
ESWL
shock wave lithotripsy
Don't confuse with
lithotomy
ureteroscopy