I have a kidney stone of 1.5 centimeters. my urologist wants to surgically remove it. is there any risk? what is the recovery time? what does recovery look like?

A "kidney stone of 1.5 cm" is a large stone in the pelvis of the kidney. This size stone is unlikely to be transmitted to the ureter intact, but fragments of this stone can be, which can cause significant pain/discomfort. Removal of the large stone will not prevent future stones from forming, but will avoid episodes of pain by fragments in the ureter. Get second opinion from another urologist.

Agree with Dr. Berryman. It is imperative to get a second opinion, especially to consider if lithotripsy may be an option. Sound waves can be used to break up the stone into small pieces that could pass along with urine. Visit this site for info: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007113.htm