American scientists have developed a new technique called “sound wave burst lithotripsy” to quickly destroy kidney stones. This method could be an effective, less invasive and more accessible alternative for patients.
- Renal lithiasis affects 10% of the population in France.
- The main causes of kidney stones are insufficient hydration, excess salt and protein of animal origin, lack of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
They form in the kidneys. Stones are stones of varying size formed by mineral salts that accumulate in his vital organs. These can migrate into the urinary tract and be evacuated naturally with the urine. But sometimes, the calculations remain blocked and prevent the passage of urine, which can cause renal colic, namely sudden and intense pain in the lumbar and abdominal region. According to the Lyon University Hospital, in 50% of patients, a second crisis is observed within the next five years.
Lithotripsy by burst of sound waves, the new technique against lithiasis
To better treat renal lithiasis, researchers at the University of Washington (USA) have developed a new method to quickly drive out stones. This is sound wave burst lithotripsy. This short-term technique uses ultrasound to destroy the stones, without anesthesia. In order to confirm the effectiveness of this device, scientists conducted a study, including the results were published in the journal The Journal of Urology March 21th.
For the purposes of their work, the scientists recruited 19 people suffering from kidney stones. The patients were going to perform a ureteroscopy. Before this examination of the upper urinary tract, the volunteers had recourse to lithotripsy by burst of sound waves. “Up to 3 stones per subject were targeted, each for a maximum of 10 minutes”, the authors said. Using the ureteroscope, they were able to directly observe the effectiveness of ultrasound in destroying stones.
Kidney stones destroyed in 10 minutes
Overall, a median of 90% of the stone volume was completely destroyed and 21 of 23 (91%) stones were fragmented. Fragmentation within 10 minutes of sound wave burst lithotripsy occurred in 9 of 23 stones. “Among the six least fragmented calculations, likely factors for decreased efficiency included calculations larger than beamwidth or smaller than wavelength,” can we read in the results.
“The ability to non-invasively destroy stones and evacuate fragments from patients on their first visit to the ER or clinic could help deliver treatment on time, reducing pain, costs and the resources associated with the formation of a calculation”, concluded the scientists in a statement.
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