Ultrasound can be used to move, reposition, or break up kidney stones, all while the patient is awake, a new study finds.
The new technique, which combines the use of two ultrasound technologies, may offer an option to move kidney stones out of the ureter with minimal pain and no anesthesia, the researchers report.
In the procedure, the physician uses a handheld transducer placed on the skin to direct ultrasound waves towards the stone.
The ultrasound can then be used to move and reposition the stones to promote their passage, a process called ultrasound propulsion, or the break up the stone, a technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL)….