Dear Dr. Roach: About a year ago, a test revealed that I had an 8-mm stone in my kidney. My kidney doctor was not worried about it. I have had no infections or symptoms, and I have normal kidney function. My general doctor recommended a urologist.

All three doctors thought that it was 50-50 whether it would just stay there forever and that there was really no issue waiting for it to dislodge. But if it did try and pass, it would take surgery. Now less than a year later, over the phone, my urologist is telling me at 74 years old that I should immediately get the surgery; otherwise they will have to put in a temporary stent and have to replace it every three months for as long as I live.

I am going to get a second opinion. My real issue is being 74 years old. I am in very good health. I exercise regularly. I felt pressured to have the surgery due to a fear of replacing the stent every three months versus removing the stone now. What are your thoughts? — M.A.R.

Answer: Kidney stones are common. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent infections as well as the loss of kidney function. Since you have not had an infection, have no symptoms, and have normal kidney function, there is no need for acute intervention that I can see.

It is possible that the kidney stone is in a location where it looks like it could potentially cause an obstruction, so I can’t say for sure that there will never be a need to treat the kidney stone. But I agree with you that a second opinion is wise.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.