<s>[INST] I have a kidney stone that is 2.7 cm in size. I have seen my urologist and he has given me 2 options. 1 to have the stone blasted in 2 separate procedures, or be hospitalized and have the stone removed through a small incision (a tube placed in the incision.) I know that the procedure through my back will allow them to remove all of the stone at one time, but I am concerned that I will have to be off of work for over 10 days. However I have read that there are side affects from the blasting technique as well. I don't know which procedure to do... [/INST] Dear Sir,Sorry to hear about your problem. Your stone is quite big and the blasting procedure would require multiple sittings to completely get rid of the stone. Such a big stone usually mandates a surgery although with the new blasting techniques these days doctors are able to deal with such stones as well. The blasting technique is associated with a small risk of pain during and after each procedure and a risk of infection but you do not require prolonged admission.On the other hand the surgical part will take care stone in one sitting but would require a lengthy admission.Hoping for the best. Please feel free to clarify any other query. </s>