Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL) is a medical procedure which uses targeted shockwaves to break up kidney stones and gallstones.[1] This form of extracorporeal lithotripsy is unique in that the shockwaves are produced by a vaporization bubble expanding and collapsing repeatedly, creating a pressure wave.[1] The procedure is non-invasive and has a 90% success rate,[2] which makes it a first-line treatment for smaller kidney stones.[1][3]
EHL was the first modern extracorporeal lithotripter invented in 1954 by an engineer from Kyiv, but because he was out of favor with the Stalinist government, he was banished and the use of his invention was delayed for around 10 years.[4]
This procedure is also used to treat gallstones in the bile or pancreatic ducts that are difficult to remove with other methods of lithotripsy.[5] While being less expensive than laser lithotripsy, EHL does carry a greater risk of ureteral injury.[6] When treating gallstones, EHL can be used in conjunction with a spyglass camera,[5] a camera inserted through the throat and esophagus and down into the stomach and duodenum to visualize the bile or pancreatic duct.[7]
References
- ^ a b c Manzoor, Hassan; Saikali, Shady W. (2022), "Renal Extracorporeal Lithotripsy", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 32809722, retrieved 2022-12-30
- ^ Başar, H.; Ohta, N.; Kageyama, S.; Suzuki, K.; Kawabe, K. (1997-05-01). "Treatment of ureteral and renal stones by electrohydraulic lithotripsy". International Urology and Nephrology. 29 (3): 275–280. doi:10.1007/BF02550922. ISSN 1573-2584. PMID 9285297. S2CID 12662012.
- ^ "Lithotripsy". National Kidney Foundation. 2016-01-07. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
- ^ Tefekli, A.; Cezayirli, F. (2013). "The History of Urinary Stones: In Parallel with Civilization". The Scientific World Journal. 2013: 423964. doi:10.1155/2013/423964. PMC 3856162. PMID 24348156.
- ^ a b "Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy Procedure | Aurora Health Care". www.aurorahealthcare.org.
- ^ Begun, F. P. (February 16, 1994). "Modes of intracorporeal lithotripsy: ultrasound versus electrohydraulic lithotripsy versus laser lithotripsy". Seminars in Urology. 12 (1): 39–50. PMID 8197336 – via PubMed.
- ^ "Spyglass Endoscopic Camera Probe | Aurora Health Care". www.aurorahealthcare.org.