My wife went through that several years ago. They tried to 'basket' it out twice, I think they tried to break it in pieces. Don't think they claimed it would disintegrate. Anyway no good. Got infections..Went through weeks of BS. Finally found out the reason the Dr was trying all the alternatives was cause he was not able to do the surgery! She went to Johns Hopkins. They made a small incision in her back and took it out. Not saying there was nothing to it, but the surgery and recovery was easier than the weeks before it!