Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shock waves or a laser to break down stones in the kidney, gallbladder, or ureter.

The remaining particles of small stone will exit the body when a person urinates.

It is common to develop stones in the kidneys, gallbladder, or ureter. Sometimes stones are small enough to leave the body during urination without a person noticing. Large stones, however, can cause pain and block the flow of urine.

If stones do not pass, they can damage the kidneys and urinary tract. When medications do not help, a lithotripsy procedure can break the stones down into small pieces so they can pass out in the urine.