Stone-breaking treatments are quite safe when performed on appropriately selected patients using the correct technique.

Temporary bruising or minor bleeding may occur in the kidney following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), but these usually resolve on their own. Thanks to the modern devices used today, the risk of permanent kidney damage is quite low.

When selecting a treatment method, the size, hardness, and location of the stone should be taken into account.