Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is the technology that allows us to break up stones inside the body (such as kidney, ureteral and urinary bladder stones) using shockwaves. Prior to having this technology available, surgeons had to operate on patients and the kidney stones were removed manually resulting in pain, the risks of general anesthesia, blood transfusions, prolonged convalescence and possible infections. At Phuket International Hospital, with lithotripsy, the stones are simply crushed into sand-like particles which pass out, harmlessly, in urine.