Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

What is PCNL?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for large kidney stones (≥2 cm) or stones that cannot be treated by ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy.

How it is Performed

A small incision is made in the back under general anesthesia. A narrow working channel is created directly into the kidney. Instruments are then used to visualize, break, and remove the stone.

Recovery

Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days. Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks.

Benefits

• Effective for very large or complex stones
• Can remove the entire stone in a single procedure
• Less invasive than traditional open surgery