Question

Which of these is a criterion for conservative treatment in a ureteric calculus?

• A. Infection and hydronephrosis present
• B. Size under 6 mm
• C. No movement for 2 weeks
• D. Highly symptomatic

Hint:

Small stones under about 6 mm have a high chance of passing on their own.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Ask what makes a stone pass on its own.
The chance a ureteric stone passes without surgery depends mostly on how big it is, since it must squeeze through narrow points in the ureter.

Step 2: Apply the size rule.
Stones smaller than about 5 to 6 mm pass spontaneously in the large majority of cases, so doctors are comfortable trying pain control and waiting when the stone is this small.

Step 3: Check the other three options.
Infection plus hydronephrosis means the kidney is blocked and infected, a combination that needs urgent drainage, not waiting. A stone that has not moved in two weeks is likely stuck and unlikely to pass by itself. Severe, uncontrolled symptoms also push doctors toward removing the stone rather than waiting it out.

Step 4: Conclude.
Only small stone size supports a conservative approach.
\[ \boxed{\text{Size under 6 mm}} \]