Intracorporeal Lithotripsy
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Intracorporeal lithotripsy is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to fragment kidney stones within the urinary tract or bladder. Unlike extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses shock waves outside the body to break stones into smaller pieces, intracorporeal lithotripsy employs endoscopic techniques to access the stones directly inside the body. Various energy sources, such as laser, ultrasonic waves, or pneumatic pressure, are used to break the stones into tiny fragments that can be naturally passed through urine or extracted with specialized instruments.
This procedure is commonly performed using an endoscope, which is inserted into the ureter, bladder, or kidney through natural body openings or small incisions. The type of lithotripsy selected depends on factors like the size, composition, and location of the stone. Laser lithotripsy, for instance, is particularly effective for hard stones, while ultrasonic lithotripsy can be beneficial for softer stones that may require a different fragmentation approach.
Intracorporeal lithotripsy is usually chosen when stones are large, irregularly shaped, or lodged in locations that make them difficult to treat using other non-invasive techniques. It provides an efficient way to target and remove stones that are causing pain, infection, or urinary obstruction, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Due to its precision and success rate, it is a preferred option for complex urolithiasis cases.
Procedure Duration
The duration of intracorporeal lithotripsy depends on the size, type, and number of stones, as well as the specific method used. Generally, the procedure can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. It is performed under regional or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
The process begins with the insertion of an endoscope through the urethra to visualize the stone. Once located, the selected energy source (laser, ultrasound, or pneumatic) is directed towards the stone to fragment it. In some cases, the stone fragments are left to pass naturally through urination, while in others, fragments may be removed using a specialized extraction basket or suction device. The need for stent placement may arise to ensure proper drainage of urine and facilitate the passage of remaining fragments, especially in cases where the stones are large or the ureter is narrow.
Post-procedure recovery is usually quick, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days. However, some may experience mild discomfort, hematuria (blood in urine), or need to follow specific dietary and activity restrictions to enhance recovery and prevent complications. The presence of a stent, if placed, may cause some discomfort until it is removed, typically after a week or two.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike open surgery, intracorporeal lithotripsy requires only small incisions or natural body openings, leading to minimal tissue damage and faster recovery.
- High Success Rate: Effective at treating a wide range of stone sizes, compositions, and locations, ensuring thorough stone fragmentation and removal.
- Short Recovery Time: Patients can often resume normal activities within a few days, with minimal downtime compared to open surgical procedures.
- Precise Targeting: The use of endoscopic visualization allows for direct targeting and treatment of stones, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Compared to open surgery or traditional methods, intracorporeal lithotripsy is associated with less postoperative pain and discomfort.
Potential Destinations
- India:
India is known for its advanced urology departments and offers world-class medical facilities at affordable prices. The availability of highly trained urologists and state-of-the-art technology makes it an ideal destination for intracorporeal lithotripsy.
- Turkey:
Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism due to its modern healthcare infrastructure and highly qualified medical professionals. With internationally accredited hospitals and experienced urologists, the country provides high-quality intracorporeal lithotripsy procedures at competitive rates.
- Thailand:
Thailand's medical tourism industry is well-established, offering cutting-edge treatments at affordable costs. Hospitals are known for their hospitality, quality of care, and adherence to international healthcare standards, making it an attractive option for those seeking urological treatments.
- Mexico:
Proximity to the United States, high-quality medical care, and affordable prices make Mexico a convenient option for intracorporeal lithotripsy. Many hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and experienced urologists who are well-versed in minimally invasive procedures.
- Germany:
Germany is recognized for its excellence in medical care and innovative technologies. With a strong emphasis on research and education, German hospitals and specialists are often at the forefront of urological treatments, including intracorporeal lithotripsy.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: The procedure involves inserting instruments into the urinary tract, which may increase the risk of infection. Preventative antibiotics are usually administered to reduce this risk.
- Bleeding or Hematuria: Postoperative bleeding or blood in the urine is common but usually subsides within a few days. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water to help clear any blood clots.
- Ureteral Injury: The use of endoscopic tools may cause damage to the ureter or surrounding tissues, although this risk is low with skilled practitioners. Any injury typically heals with time and may require stent placement.
- Stone Fragment Retention: In some cases, not all fragments are passed naturally, which may necessitate additional procedures to remove residual stones or fragments.
- Stent Discomfort: If a stent is placed to assist with drainage, it may cause temporary discomfort, urinary urgency, or mild pain until it is removed.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting a qualified doctor and hospital for intracorporeal lithotripsy requires careful consideration of several factors. First and foremost, seek a urologist who has extensive experience with endoscopic stone removal techniques and intracorporeal lithotripsy specifically. Review their credentials, surgical outcomes, and patient testimonials, if available. Additionally, choose a hospital or clinic that is well-equipped with advanced lithotripsy technologies, adheres to high standards of patient care, and has comprehensive facilities to handle potential complications.
It is also essential to consider the overall reputation of the hospital, including its international accreditation status, patient safety protocols, and the availability of a multidisciplinary team. Medical tourists should inquire about the hospital’s support services for international patients, such as language assistance, follow-up care, and accommodation arrangements.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
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When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
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Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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