Lithotomy

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.

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."

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.

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.

See also

• Kidney stone
• Bladder stone
• Ureteral stone
• Urolithiasis
• Lithotripsy

References

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