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'''Lithotomy''' is a [[surgical procedure]] that involves the removal of [[stones]] from the [[bladder]], [[kidney]], or [[ureter]] (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). The term is derived from the Greek words "lithos," which means stone, and "tomē," which means cutting.  
{{short description|Surgical method for removal of stones}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
 
==Lithotomy==
[[File:Nefrolit.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of a lithotomy procedure]]
'''Lithotomy''' is a surgical procedure for the removal of [[calculi]] (stones) from the [[urinary tract]], including the [[kidney]], [[ureter]], [[bladder]], and [[urethra]]. The term is derived from the Greek words "lithos" meaning "stone" and "tomos" meaning "cut".


==History==
==History==
The practice of lithotomy dates back to ancient times. The earliest known reference to the procedure is found in the [[Hippocratic Corpus]], a collection of medical works from ancient Greece. The [[Hippocratic Oath]], traditionally taken by doctors, contains an explicit reference to this procedure: "I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art."
The practice of lithotomy dates back to ancient times, with evidence of the procedure being performed in ancient [[India]] and [[Greece]]. The [[Hippocratic Oath]] even includes a clause that advises physicians to "leave the cutting of the stone to those who are practitioners of this work."


==Procedure==
==Procedure==
The procedure of lithotomy has evolved significantly over the centuries. In the past, it was performed without [[anesthesia]] and was associated with a high risk of infection and other complications. Today, it is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's body and uses specialized instruments to remove the stone.
Lithotomy involves making an incision in the body to access the stone. The specific approach depends on the location of the stone:
 
* '''[[Nephrolithotomy]]''': This is performed to remove stones from the [[kidney]]. It involves making an incision in the flank to access the kidney directly.
* '''[[Ureterolithotomy]]''': This procedure is used to remove stones from the [[ureter]]. An incision is made in the abdominal or flank area to access the ureter.
* '''[[Cystolithotomy]]''': This involves removing stones from the [[bladder]]. An incision is made in the lower abdomen to access the bladder.
* '''[[Urethrolithotomy]]''': This is performed to remove stones from the [[urethra]].
 
==Modern Techniques==
In modern medicine, lithotomy has largely been replaced by less invasive techniques such as [[extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy]] (ESWL), [[ureteroscopy]], and [[percutaneous nephrolithotomy]] (PCNL). These methods reduce the need for open surgery and have shorter recovery times.


==Complications==
==Complications==
Like any surgical procedure, lithotomy carries risks. These may include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and complications related to anesthesia. However, with modern surgical techniques and postoperative care, the risk of complications is significantly reduced.
As with any surgical procedure, lithotomy carries risks of complications, including infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues. Advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care have significantly reduced these risks.


==See also==
==Position==
* [[Kidney stone]]
The term "lithotomy position" refers to a common position used in various surgical procedures, including gynecological and urological surgeries. In this position, the patient lies on their back with the legs flexed 90 degrees at the hips and knees, often supported by stirrups.
* [[Bladder stone]]
* [[Ureteral stone]]
* [[Urolithiasis]]
* [[Lithotripsy]]


==References==
==Related pages==
<references />
* [[Urology]]
* [[Nephrology]]
* [[Surgery]]
* [[Kidney stone disease]]


[[Category:Medical procedures]]
[[Category:Surgical procedures]]
[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:Surgery]]
[[Category:Nephrology]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:19, 21 February 2025

Surgical method for removal of stones



Lithotomy[edit]

Illustration of a lithotomy procedure

Lithotomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of calculi (stones) from the urinary tract, including the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra. The term is derived from the Greek words "lithos" meaning "stone" and "tomos" meaning "cut".

History[edit]

The practice of lithotomy dates back to ancient times, with evidence of the procedure being performed in ancient India and Greece. The Hippocratic Oath even includes a clause that advises physicians to "leave the cutting of the stone to those who are practitioners of this work."

Procedure[edit]

Lithotomy involves making an incision in the body to access the stone. The specific approach depends on the location of the stone:

  • Nephrolithotomy: This is performed to remove stones from the kidney. It involves making an incision in the flank to access the kidney directly.
  • Ureterolithotomy: This procedure is used to remove stones from the ureter. An incision is made in the abdominal or flank area to access the ureter.
  • Cystolithotomy: This involves removing stones from the bladder. An incision is made in the lower abdomen to access the bladder.
  • Urethrolithotomy: This is performed to remove stones from the urethra.

Modern Techniques[edit]

In modern medicine, lithotomy has largely been replaced by less invasive techniques such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). These methods reduce the need for open surgery and have shorter recovery times.

Complications[edit]

As with any surgical procedure, lithotomy carries risks of complications, including infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues. Advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care have significantly reduced these risks.

Position[edit]

The term "lithotomy position" refers to a common position used in various surgical procedures, including gynecological and urological surgeries. In this position, the patient lies on their back with the legs flexed 90 degrees at the hips and knees, often supported by stirrups.

Related pages[edit]