Final answer:
Lithotripsy is a medical procedure for breaking down large kidney stones using high-intensity ultrasound waves. If it's not suitable, a stent might be inserted or surgery performed. Patients can catch passed stones for examination to aid in future prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lithotripsy: Understanding A Medical Procedure for Kidney Stones
Lithotripsy is a noninvasive medical procedure that is used to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract on their own. The process involves the use of high-intensity ultrasound pulses that are applied externally to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces. These pieces can then be passed more easily and with less pain through the urinary tract. It is important to note that while lithotripsy is generally safe, it can sometimes cause damage to the kidneys, which is why it must be carried out under proper medical supervision.
In cases where lithotripsy may not be suitable, alternative treatments include the insertion of a stent into the ureter. This stent serves to widen the ureter, thus allowing both urine and the stone to pass. For particularly large stones that cause a significant blockage, surgery might be required to physically remove the stone.
Patients are sometimes advised to catch passed stones at home, typically by urinating through a filter, such as a tea strainer, so that the stone can be later examined by a doctor to determine its composition and inform future treatment strategies to prevent stone reformation.