PCNL (kidney):

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of larger kidney stones. It is performed by a keyhole surgery through a 1 cm incision in your back.

In nephrolithotomy procedure, the surgeon removes the stone through a hollow tube inserted into your kidney and a probe through the tube. In nephrolithotripsy, the stone is fragmented and then removed through the tube.

You will need PCNL preparation before the procedure. Some specific imaging tests will be conducted to mark the stone. Your doctor will suggest you to stop blood thinning medicines and you are suggested not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to treatment.

The PCNL procedure will start with giving you a general anaesthesia. The procedure is performed with the help of x-ray or ultrasound to guide the entry of the hollow tube into the kidney. Now, the stone will be fragmented and removed with the assistance of laser or stone grasping instruments.

You will need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. The catheter will be removed before you are discharged. You will need follow-up checks and complete recovery will take up to 6 weeks.

Some complications associated with PCNL procedure are excessive bleeding, infection and adjacent organ injury.