Pyelolithotomy is a medical procedure used to remove stones from the kidney. The spelling of pyelolithotomy is derived from the Greek words "pyelo" meaning kidney and "litho" meaning stone, thus indicating the nature of the procedure. The word is phonetically transcribed as /ˌpaɪələʊlɪˈθɒtəmi/. Its pronunciation requires careful attention to the combination of vowel sounds in the word. Pyelolithotomy is a specialized surgical intervention that is used to improve the quality of life of patients with kidney stones.
Pyelolithotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of stones or calculi from the renal pelvis, which is the area within the kidney where urine collects before it flows into the ureter. This procedure is typically performed when the stones cannot be treated or managed effectively through non-surgical methods such as medication or lithotripsy.
During a pyelolithotomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and an incision is made in the side or abdomen to access the kidney. The surgeon then locates the pyelocalyceal system, which consists of the renal pelvis and the calyxes where the stones are present. The stones are carefully removed from the kidney using specialized instruments, and the incision is closed with sutures.
Pyelolithotomy is considered a relatively invasive surgery and is therefore usually reserved as a last resort when other treatment options have been exhausted or are inappropriate for the patient. This procedure may be necessary in cases where the stones are too large to pass naturally and are causing significant pain, urinary blockage, or recurrent urinary tract infections.
After a pyelolithotomy, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor their recovery and manage any post-operative complications. Pain medications are prescribed to alleviate discomfort, and patients are advised to follow a specific diet and fluid intake regimen to prevent the formation of new kidney stones. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon may also be necessary to ensure proper healing and monitor the kidney's function.
Incision into the pelvis of the kidney for the removal of a calculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pyelolithotomy" is derived from Ancient Greek. It is made up of three components: "pyelos" (meaning "pelvis" or "basin"), "lithos" (meaning "stone"), and "tomē" (meaning "incision" or "cutting").
In medical terminology, "pyelolithotomy" refers to a surgical procedure performed to remove a stone (lithos) from the renal pelvis (pyelos) of the kidney.