Is a 6 mm kidney stone considered large?

A 6 mm kidney stone is considered to be a moderate-sized stone. Kidney stones are typically measured in millimeters (mm), and the size of a kidney stone can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Stones smaller than 4 mm are usually able to pass through the urinary tract without causing any problems. Stones that are between 4 and 6 mm have a about a 50% chance of passing on their own. Stones larger than 6 mm are more likely to get stuck in the urinary tract and cause problems, such as pain, bleeding, and infection.

If a kidney stone is larger than 6 mm, your doctor may recommend treatment to break up the stone or remove it surgically. Treatment options may include:

* Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to break up the kidney stone into smaller pieces that can be passed through the urine.

* Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the back and using a laser to break up the kidney stone.

* Ureteroscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves using a small camera to view the inside of the ureter and remove the kidney stone.