: 
:    Isn't there a relatively new treatment for kidney stones involving
:    a non-invasive use of ultra-sound where the patient is lowered
:    into some sort of liquid when he/she undergoes treatment? I'm sure
:    I've read about it somewhere. If I remember it correctly it is a
:    painless and effective treatment.
The use of shock waves (not ultrasound) to break up stones has been
around for a few years.  Depending on the type of machine, and intensity
of the shock waves, it is usually uncomfortable enough to require
something...  The high-power machines cause enough pain to require
general or regional anesthesia.  Afterwards, it feels like someone
slugged you pretty good!

