Which method is used for disintegrating kidney stones through a liquid medium?

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The method used for disintegrating kidney stones through a liquid medium is the extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor. This technique involves generating shock waves that are focused on the kidney stones from outside the body (extracorporeal). The shock waves travel through the liquid medium (usually water) to target and break the stones into smaller fragments, allowing for easier passage through the urinary tract.

This non-invasive procedure is minimally painful compared to other surgical methods, and it has become a preferred option for many patients suffering from kidney stones. The effectiveness and the ability to avoid direct surgical intervention are key advantages, making this method widely used in urology.

In comparison, methods like nephroscopy and cystoscopy involve direct visualization and manipulation within the urinary tract but do not specifically utilize shock waves or a liquid medium for the purpose of breaking down stones. Lasers can be used for stone disintegration, but they do not employ a liquid medium in the same way that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy does.

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