Which procedure uses shock waves to fragment stones?

Which procedure uses shock waves to fragment stones?

• A. Lithotripsy
• B. Nephrectomy
• C. Cystoscopy
• D. Dialysis

Answer: (A)

Lithotripsy uses shock waves to fragment stones. In extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, focused sound waves travel from outside the body to kidney or urinary tract stones, breaking them into small pieces that can pass in the urine. This is a noninvasive approach to stone treatment. Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney, not a stone-breaking method. Cystoscopy involves inserting a scope to visualize the bladder and urethra (and can be used to treat stones endoscopically), but it does not rely on shock waves to fragment stones. Dialysis provides kidney function support and does not address stone fragmentation.

Lithotripsy uses shock waves to fragment stones. In extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, focused sound waves travel from outside the body to kidney or urinary tract stones, breaking them into small pieces that can pass in the urine. This is a noninvasive approach to stone treatment.

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney, not a stone-breaking method. Cystoscopy involves inserting a scope to visualize the bladder and urethra (and can be used to treat stones endoscopically), but it does not rely on shock waves to fragment stones. Dialysis provides kidney function support and does not address stone fragmentation.