lithotripsy

[ lith-uh-trip-see ]

noun

, plural lith·o·trip·sies.

1. the pulverization and removal of urinary calculi using a lithotripter.

lithotripsy

/ ˈlɪθəʊˌtrɪpsɪ /

noun

1. the use of ultrasound, often generated by a lithotripter, to pulverize kidney stones and gallstones in situ

lithotripsy

/ lĭth′ə-trĭp′sē /

1. The procedure of crushing a stone in the urinary bladder or urethra by means of a lithotriptor , a device that passes shock waves through a water-filled tub in which the patient sits. The resulting stone fragments are small enough to be expelled in the urine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithotripsy¹

1825–35; litho- + Greek trîps ( is ) rubbing, wear + -y ³; lithotripter

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithotripsy¹

C20: from litho- + Greek thruptein to crush