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Short answers only. Individual decisions belong in a consultation with access to your imaging and medical history.
Many patients use the word for ESWL. Urologists also call holmium fragmentation, ultrasonic and pneumatic PCNL probes, and bladder lithotrites forms of lithotripsy because they all break stone.
It depends on stone size, location, density on CT, kidney anatomy, infection, anticoagulation, and your preferences. Broadly, selected small distal ureteric stones can try medical expulsive therapy; ESWL or ureteroscopy are discussed for many stones up to about 1 to 2 cm; flexible laser or PCNL dominate larger renal burdens; PCNL is first-line for stones over about 2 cm and staghorns.
ESWL is usually avoided on anticoagulants. Flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser is commonly used when tablets cannot safely be stopped, with a plan agreed with your cardiologist or haematologist.
Prolonged obstruction or obstruction with infection can impair kidney function. That is why fever with a blocked kidney is treated as an emergency. Brief uncomplicated colic that resolves usually does not cause lasting harm.
Without prevention, roughly half of people form another stone within 5 to 10 years. Hydration, diet, and targeted medication after metabolic testing can reduce recurrence risk.
The rooms can arrange a consultation to review imaging and outline which form of lithotripsy, if any, fits your situation.