Which statement correctly addresses the treatment of kidney stones larger than 5mm?

Kidney stones larger than 5mm are less likely to pass spontaneously through the urinary tract, making Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) a common and effective treatment option. ESWL involves using shock waves to break the stones into smaller pieces, which can then be more easily passed through the urinary system. As the size of the stone increases, the chances of natural passage decrease and complications can increase, necessitating more intervention.

While smaller stones (typically 5mm or less) may often pass without intervention, larger stones frequently require additional treatments. Medication alone is usually not enough for larger stones, as they may not provide adequate relief or facilitate stone passage. Surgical intervention might be necessary in some cases; however, it is not a blanket requirement for all instances. Instead, ESWL serves as a non-invasive procedure that can mitigate the need for surgery for many patients with larger stones.