In 2010, a miraculous invention occurred to the world of medical science, known as lithotripsy. This technology has been a godsend for those who suffer from kidney stones. It uses shock waves to fragment a stone into smaller pieces, so that those pieces can be passed easily through urine. The reason why the invention of lithotripsy is so miraculous is because it has enabled Kidney Stone patients to successfully pass their stones with relatively little pain. In comparison, before lithotripsy, the only options available to Kidney Stone patients were either to wait for the stones to pass in the urine, or to undergo surgery to remove the stones.
Lithotripsy is best known as an effective treatment of kidney stones. It is estimated that 80-90% of all kidney stones can be effectively treated with lithotripsy. A study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases indicated that lithotripsy is effective for stones up to 5mm in size. The technology works by using a machine that operates at around 100,000 times the force of gravity. This produces shockwaves of an ultrasonic frequency which travel through the skin, tissue and bones. When these waves reach the stone, they vibrate it, causing it to break into small pieces. The small pieces are then flushed out of the kidney through the ureter, which connects the kidney to the bladder.
Besides lithotripsy being an effective treatment for kidney stones, it is also relatively painless and fast. The process of breaking up a stone reliably takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which makes it attractive to those who suffer from kidney stones. Furthermore, the procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis, meaning that most patients can go home after it is done.
The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the size of the stone, the size of the machine being used and the complexity of the procedure itself. Generally, it can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000. As with any medical procedure, it is also important to consider the side effects and risks associated with lithotripsy. While severe complications are rare, some of the possible side effects from lithotripsy include nausea, vomiting, fever, and infection.
All in all, lithotripsy has revolutionized the treatment of kidney stones and offered a much more effective and simpler solution to a painful and debilitating condition. While it is important to consider the cost and risks associated with the procedure, it is clear that lithotripsy is a safe and reliable solution for those who suffer from the condition.
