When is PCNL Recommended?

• Kidney stones larger than 2 cm

• Staghorn stones (stones filling large parts of the kidney)

• Stones resistant to other treatments (laser, shockwave)

• Stones causing repeated infections or blockages

• Multiple stones in the kidney

 How is PCNL Done?

1. Patient under general or spinal anesthesia

2. A small (1 cm) cut is made on the back

3. A nephroscope (thin tube with a camera) is inserted into the kidney

4. The stone is broken using ultrasonic, pneumatic, or laser devices

5. Stone pieces are removed through the tube

6. A nephrostomy tube or stent may be placed temporarily for urine drainage

 Advantages of PCNL

✅ Effective for very large stones
✅ Higher stone clearance rate than other methods
✅ Less invasive than open surgery
✅ Shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery

 Recovery & Aftercare

• Hospital stay: usually 2–4 days

• Rest required for about 1–2 weeks

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent new stones

• Stent/tube (if placed) usually removed in 1–2 weeks

• Follow-up imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check clearance

 Risks (Rare but Possible)

• Mild bleeding

• Infection

• Injury to nearby organs (rare, since guided by imaging)