Clinical Insignificant Residual Fragments (CIRF) after Extracorporeal Lithotripsy: Implications and Treatment

Abstract

The stone-free status depends on the appropriate selection of the urologic treatment according to the stone and excretory tract characteristics, and/or to the patient parameters. Although the gold standard for the treatment is the stone-free status, the authors believe that the presence of non-infected, nonobstructive, asymptomatic residual fragments, smaller than 4–5 mm, can be treated with an adequate medical therapy in order to prevent stone growth. Further urological treatment is recommended if the clinical indications for stone removal persist.