What is Lithotripter?
Lithotripter is a piece of medical equipment that uses sound waves on the patient to break the kidney stones. There are different kinds of kidney stones that are formed when mineral salts crystallize in the kidneys or urea. The ureter is a tube that leaves the kidneys and carries urine on the bladder. Kidney stones can be very painful and can reduce urine flow. Lithotripter provides non -surgical means to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces that naturally release from the body.
There are several components that make up lithotripter. The horizontal table supports the patient and there is a display device. The display device can be either an X -ray machine or an ultrasound. Below the table is a barrel in the shape of an electromagnetic shock wave (EMSE) that creates shock waves. Shock waves or sound waves must pass water, so during the procedure the patient is wrapped in a pillow filled with water.
The table on the lithotripter can be tilted at an angle toIt allowed the technician to get the best image of the kidney stone. Once the kidney stone focuses on the X -ray machine, EMSE will also focus on the kidney stone. The shock waves are focused on the accurate location of the kidney stone, while the technician watches the stone to break into pieces.
shock waves emitted from the lithotripter range at an energy level from high energy to low energy. High energy waves create strong vibrations and break the kidney stone, but these waves can be unpleasant for the patient. Low energy waves are more comfortable, but it may take several sessions to break the kidney stone.
The procedure for breaking the kidney stones is known as lithotrips and is performed as an outpatient procedure. It usually takes about an hour and is the most successful on kidney stones that are less than 1.2 -inch (3 cm). During the procedure, the patient may be given a mild sedative medicine and treatment BOLESTI. Lithotripter makes noise because shock waves are issued, which can be disturbing for the patient.
Because this is a non -invasive procedure, the patient should be obtained in a few days. When broken pieces of kidney stone pass through the urinary bladder, the patient can see blood in the urine. This should be cleaned in a few days. The patient may also be administered to antibiotics to prevent infection.