Treatment Methods for Upper Ureteral Stones

The treatment methods for upper ureteral stones mainly include: 1. **General treatment**: For stones smaller than 5mm, increased water intake and physical activity can promote natural stone passage. 2. **Medical treatment**: For smooth-surfaced stones measuring 5–10mm in diameter with unobstructed ureters, medications such as tamsulosin or Jinshi Tong granules may be used to facilitate stone expulsion, along with adjunctive anti-inflammatory drugs if needed. 3. **Surgical treatment**: When stones are larger than 10mm or when medical treatment is ineffective, surgical interventions such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopic lithotripsy and stone extraction may be recommended. Treatment selection should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors including stone size, location, and the patient's overall health status, and should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.