Do kidney stones require surgery?

I was reading about this because my uncle had a stone. Apparently, modern procedures like lithotripsy aren't even proper surgeries—they just use sound waves to break the stone from outside. So even if it needs a procedure, it is usually very quick and simple nowadays.

Not necessarily. If the stone is small, doctors usually give medicines to relax the tract and let it pass naturally. I kept up my hydration and did some light movement, and my 4mm stone passed without any procedure. Get a scan first to see the size.

I completely understand how terrifying the word 'surgery' sounds when you are already in pain. It is completely natural to feel anxious about this. Just know that the vast majority of kidney stones pass with simple medication and water, so take a deep breath and let the doctor evaluate it.

I was literally crying thinking I would have to go under the knife for my stone. But my doctor said it was only 3mm and prescribed some syrup and painkillers instead. Don't panic right away, most small stones pass with just fluids and medicine.