What is lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure specifically designed to treat the presence of calculi, commonly known as stones, in the urinary tract or biliary system by using shock waves to break them into smaller pieces. This method allows for the stones to be eliminated more easily from the body, either through urine or bile, depending on their location. Hence, the procedure's definition directly corresponds to the process of crushing these stones, making it highly effective in alleviating symptoms associated with their presence and preventing potential complications related to larger stones obstructing the urinary or biliary pathways.

In contrast, while removing stones or performing surgical procedures may be relevant in a broader context of treating stones, those options do not specifically describe the method of destruction that defines lithotripsy. Additionally, creating an opening in the urinary tract is a different surgical procedure and not associated with the breaking down of stones. Thus, the focus on crushing calculi precisely captures the essence of lithotripsy.