Final answer:
Shock-wave lithotripsy is a procedure used for fragmenting kidney stones to allow them to pass through the urinary tract more easily. It employs high-intensity ultrasound waves and is a noninvasive alternative to surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shock-wave lithotripsy is a medical procedure used for fragmenting kidney stones. This noninvasive treatment utilizes high-intensity ultrasound pulses, applied externally, to shatter kidney stones into smaller fragments. These fragments are then able to pass more easily through the urinary tract. The procedure is designed to clear blockages caused by stones that are too large to pass naturally, and while it can sometimes cause damage to the kidneys, it is generally preferred over more invasive surgical methods.
Other methods for managing kidney stones include medication to facilitate passage or reduce pain, inserting a stent to expand the ureter and allow both urine and the stone to pass, or surgery to physically remove the kidney stone. Diagnosis of kidney stones typically involves imaging techniques such as X-ray, with CT scans representing the gold-standard diagnostic test for detection.