What procedure is used for the crushing of stones such as kidney stones or gallstones?

Lithotripsy is a procedure specifically designed for the treatment of stones in the urinary tract or bile ducts, including kidney stones and gallstones. The term "lithotripsy" literally means "stone crushing." This technique utilizes high-energy sound waves to break up the stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to pass more easily through the urinary system or be removed via other methods.

This method is minimally invasive and generally preferred because it avoids the need for open surgery, leading to shorter recovery times and less postoperative discomfort for the patient. It is widely used for both renal and biliary calculi, highlighting its effectiveness and utility in treating these conditions.

Other procedures listed, while related to surgical or minimally invasive techniques, do not specifically denote the process of crushing stones. For instance, laparoscopy generally refers to minimally invasive surgeries performed using small incisions. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a form of lithotripsy but is a specific technological variation that uses shock waves generated outside the body, emphasizing the importance of knowing that "lithotripsy" can encompass various methods, including this one. Nephroscopy involves direct visual examination of the kidney, which is not aimed at stone removal but rather at