Lithotripsy is a procedure involving the physical destruction of hardened masses like kidney stones,[1] bezoars[2] or gallstones, which may be done non-invasively.
The term is derived from the Greek words meaning "breaking (or pulverizing) stones" (litho- + τρίψω [tripso]).
[6] Ureteroscopic methods use a rigid or flexible scope to reach the stone and direct mechanical or light energy at it.
American Urological Association guidelines consider ESWL a potential primary treatment for stones between 4 mm and 2 cm.
Pulsed dye lasers emit 504 nm (cyan-colored) light that is delivered to the stone by optical fibers through a scope.