What happens if the fragmented stones are not seen after lithotripsy for ureteral calculi?

Reasons why碎石 fragments are not seen after fragmentation of ureteral stones include: 1. Small stone size: After extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or surgical treatment, the stone may be fragmented into very small particles that pass out of the body with urine and are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. 2. Stone location: If the stone is located in a narrow segment of the ureter, even after being fragmented, the pieces may remain impacted and difficult to expel, making it impossible to observe their passage. 3. Inflammatory effects: Following lithotripsy, the ureter may become irritated, triggering an inflammatory response that causes swelling and narrowing of the ureter, thereby hindering the passage of stone fragments. Once inflammation subsides, the fragments may then pass. 4. Residual stones: Although most of the stone has been fragmented and expelled, some residual fragments may remain, which might be difficult to detect or observe.