Electrohydraulic Shockwave Lithotripsies is a mouthful, but its spelling can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Electro-" pronounced as "ɪˈlɛktrəʊ-" refers to electricity, "hydraulic" pronounced as "haɪˈdrɔːlɪk" refers to fluid mechanics, while "shockwave" pronounced as "ʃɒkˌweɪv" describes a sudden and powerful pressure wave. "Lithotripsies" pronounced as "lɪθəʊˈtrɪpsiz" means breaking up stones. Therefore, Electrohydraulic Shockwave Lithotripsies is a treatment that uses electric and hydraulic energy to create a shockwave that breaks up stones in the body.
Electrohydraulic shockwave lithotripsies (EHL) is a medical procedure used for the non-invasive treatment of kidney stones and other urinary tract stones. It involves the use of specialized devices that generate shockwaves to break down the stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to be easily passed out of the body through the urine.
The procedure is performed under the guidance of imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to precisely focus the shockwaves onto the targeted stone. An electrical spark is generated inside a water-filled cushion, creating a hydraulic shockwave that propagates through the water medium and enters the body, targeting the stone. The shockwaves cause disruption and fragmentation of the stone, turning it into smaller pieces that can be expelled naturally.
Electrohydraulic shockwave lithotripsies are typically carried out on an outpatient basis, without the need for general anesthesia. The procedure involves positioning the patient on a treatment table and ensuring that the stone is accurately located through imaging techniques. A series of shockwaves are then generated, each wave lasting only a fraction of a second. The patient may experience mild discomfort or pain during the procedure, but pain medication is usually provided to alleviate any discomfort.
As the stone fragments pass through the urinary tract, the patient may notice blood in their urine and experience some discomfort during urination. These symptoms generally subside within a few days. Electrohydraulic shockwave lithotripsies offer several advantages, including non-invasiveness, reduced hospital stay, and quicker recovery compared to surgical stone removal methods. However, it may not be suitable for all types of stones or medical conditions, and the success of the procedure depends on the specific characteristics of the stone and the patient.