Kidney full of stones - Earlier the better to save kidney from removal Kidney stone removal is a medical procedure to extract or break down stones formed in the kidneys. Methods include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. ESWL uses sound waves to break stones into small pieces, while ureteroscopy involves inserting a scope into the urinary tract to retrieve stones. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a surgical option for larger stones. Open