Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy - Novel Technologies, Innovations and Contemporary Applications provides a comprehensive overview of urolithiasis management. Lithotripsy, the act of stone fragmentation, achieved either extracorporeally (ESWL) or intracorporeally (ISWL), has experienced tremendous progress in the last 40 years. ESWL, using an electrohydraulic energy source, which was introduced in the early 1980s, revolutionized the management of stones for which there were very limited options besides open surgery. Two chapters in this book discuss the history of ESWL and its contemporary applications and indications. The remaining four chapters discuss intracorporeal energy sources for stone fragmentation, including pneumatic, ultrasonic, and laser sources. Whereas pneumatic and ultrasound lithotripsy are the current workhorses of endourologists, particularly in the management of large and medium-sized kidney stones, lasers, on the other hand, are predominantly used for small renal and most ureteral stones. Due to innovations and rapid developments, laser technology is quickly replacing other energy sources for most kidney stones as well.