What happens when a kidney stone is too big to pass?

Lithotripsy: They either shock it into crumbles with a process known as lithotripsy or they go in and get it surgically.

Kidney Boulder: Your doctor may recommend a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (swl). Swl uses sound waves to create strong vibrations (shock waves) that break the stones into tiny pieces that can be passed in your urine. If that doesn't work then the stone can be surgically removed using small telescopes and instruments inserted through a small incision in your back.