Which term refers to the treatment using external energy to break up stones in the urinary system?

• A. Renal transplantation
• B. Hemodialysis
• C. Intravenous pyelogram
• D. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Answer: (D)

This concept is about using energy from outside the body to fragment urinary stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy delivers focused shock waves through the skin and tissues to break kidney or upper-urinary tract stones into smaller pieces that can pass in the urine. It’s noninvasive and typically guided by imaging, with the patient sometimes lightly sedated. The procedure works best for certain stone sizes and locations—smaller stones in the kidney or upper ureter respond well, while very large stones or those in harder compositions may require alternative treatments. Complications are possible but usually mild, such as transient pain or small bleeding; more rarely, renal injury or steinstrasse can occur.

Renal transplantation, hemodialysis, and intravenous pyelography are not treatment methods for breaking stones. Transplantation replaces a diseased kidney, hemodialysis cleanses blood in kidney failure, and an intravenous pyelogram is an imaging test, not a therapy.