Are there methods of kidney stone removal, other than eswl, that do not require stents? i don't want eswl due to risks for diabetes, htn, renal harm.

Yes: Yes, but it depends on the type of stone, location, size, and associated anatomic factors (eg calyceal diverticulum, upjo, parenchymal atrophy, .....). "organic" stones can be managed medically. Pcnl is more invasive, and on occasion does require insertion of a stent at the completion of the procedure. You could have a nephrostomy tube placed, but it is also invasive. Eswl is considered very safe.

No,...: If clinical necessity to remove kidney is justified, eswl without stent can be tried, but one has to be willing and ready to cope if stent after eswl is needed. If ureteroscopic route with laser lithotripsy is taken, the likelihood to use stent is very high. So, there is no easy out to manage kidney stone. Besides, stone size, load, ; density may affect the decision on how to handle it....