Nephroscope Health Dictionary

The process of using shock waves or ultrasonic waves to break up calculi (stones) inside the kidneys, upper ureters, and gallbladder for excretion.

There are 2 different procedures: extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), performed to break up small stones, and percutaneous lithotripsy, performed on larger stones. ESWL uses a machine called a lithotripter, which produces external shock waves. In percutaneous lithotripsy, a nephroscope (an instrument for viewing the kidney) is inserted into the kidney and an ultrasonic probe is directed through the nephroscope to destroy the stone. Ureteric colic (severe spasmodic pain in the side, occurring if the ureter is obstructed by small fragments of stone) may occur after ESWL. People treated for gallstones may need drug treatment to aid the final elimination of stone residues.... lithotripsy

Introduction of ?uid into the RECTUM via the

Percutaneous nephroscope used for examining the interior of the kidney. It is passed into the pelvis of the kidney through a track from the surface of the skin. (The track is made with a needle and guide wire.) Instruments can be passed through the nephroscope under direct vision to remove calculi.

ANUS. Enemas may be given to clear the intestine of faeces prior to intestinal surgery or to relieve severe constipation. They may also be used to give barium for diagnostic X-rays as well as drugs such as CORTICOSTEROIDS, used to treat ULCERATIVE COLITIS. The patient is placed on his or her side with a support under the hips. A catheter (see CATHETERS) with a lubricated end is inserted into the rectum and warmed enema ?uid gently injected. Disposable enemas and miniature enemas, which can be self-administered, are widely used; they contain preprepared solution.... enema

n. inspection of the interior of the kidney with a *nephroscope.... nephroscopy

n. drainage of urine from the kidney by a tube (catheter) passing through the kidney into the renal pelvis via the skin surface. The procedure is performed by a urologist or an interventional radiologist, often under ultrasound guidance. This is commonly used as a temporary procedure to alleviate renal obstruction. Long-term urine drainage by nephrostomy may be complicated by the attendant problems of infection and obstruction of the catheter by debris. Nephrostomy is also performed to enable the passage of a *nephroscope.... nephrostomy

(PCNL) a technique of removing stones from the kidney via a *nephroscope passed into the kidney through a dilated track established from the skin surface into the renal pelvis.... percutaneous nephrolithotomy