LASER LITHOTRIPSY Meaning and
Definition
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Laser lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to break down or fragment stones in the body, particularly in the urinary tract, using laser energy. It is a minimally invasive technique, commonly employed to treat kidney stones, ureteral stones, and bladder stones.
During laser lithotripsy, a thin fiber-optic endoscope or ureteroscope equipped with a laser fiber is inserted into the urinary tract through the urethra. The endoscope allows the surgeon to visualize the stones and deliver laser energy directly to them. The laser energy is concentrated and focused on the stone, causing it to heat up and break into smaller pieces. These fragments are then easier to pass naturally through the urine.
Laser lithotripsy is preferred over other stone removal methods due to its precision and effectiveness in fragmenting stones, even those that are larger or harder. The procedure offers several advantages, including decreased pain, shorter recovery time, and reduced risk of complications compared to open surgery.
However, laser lithotripsy may have some potential side effects and risks, such as urinary tract infection, bleeding, and injury to surrounding tissues. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or sedation, and patients may need to follow special post-operative instructions, such as increased fluid intake, to help flush out the stone fragments.
Overall, laser lithotripsy is a widely used medical technique that enables the safe and efficient removal of stones from the urinary tract, providing relief to patients suffering from stones and related symptoms.
Common Misspellings for LASER LITHOTRIPSY
- kaser lithotripsy
- paser lithotripsy
- oaser lithotripsy
- lzser lithotripsy
- lsser lithotripsy
- lwser lithotripsy
- lqser lithotripsy
- laaer lithotripsy
- lazer lithotripsy
- laxer lithotripsy
- lader lithotripsy
- laeer lithotripsy
- lawer lithotripsy
- laswr lithotripsy
- lassr lithotripsy
- lasdr lithotripsy
- lasrr lithotripsy
- las4r lithotripsy
- las3r lithotripsy
- lasee lithotripsy
Etymology of LASER LITHOTRIPSY
The word "laser" is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It was coined in the 1960s to describe a device that produces a narrow, intense beam of light. The term "lithotripsy" comes from the Greek words "lithos" (stone) and "tripsis" (rubbing or grinding). It refers to the medical procedure of using shockwaves or laser beams to break down or disintegrate stones or calculi in the body. Therefore, "laser lithotripsy" combines the usage of laser technology with lithotripsy to describe a procedure that employs lasers to fragment or destroy stones in various parts of the body, typically focusing on the urinary tract.
