For kidney stones too large to be passed, a procedure known as lithotripsy is used in most cases. Lithotripsy causes little or no pain and costs less than invasive surgery. In lithotripsy, which is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, shock waves are directed to the areas where the stone is located. The shock waves break it into fragments. After the treatment, the patient drinks lots of water to flush the stone fragments from his or her system.
Kidney stones can and do recur, though.
Follow your doctor's dietary advice. If you tend to form calcium stones, he or she will probably advise you not to take calcium in excess. If you form uric acid stones, your doctor may recommend that you eat less protein and take sodium bicarbonate. See your doctor frequently to be sure your kidneys are functioning as they should. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.