Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Kidney stones can cause severe pain and lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Surgery is often necessary for larger kidney stones due to their potential to cause severe pain, complications, and ineffectiveness of non-surgical treatments.

Procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) offer a minimally invasive and highly effective solution for removing large or complex stones. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, consult with the best urologists at CK Birla Hospital to explore the most suitable treatment options for your condition.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can effectively remove large or complex kidney stones that cannot be extracted using any other method.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is inserted into the kidney to locate and remove the stones.

PCNL is typically recommended for stones larger than 2 cm, staghorn calculi, or stones that have not responded to other treatments.

What are the Types of Kidney Stones?

Calcium Oxalate Stones: These are the most common type of kidney stones which are formed from calcium and oxalate compounds in our body.
Calcium Phosphate Stones: Formed from calcium and phosphate, often due to high urinary pH.
Struvite Stones: Associated with urinary tract infections, can grow rapidly.
Uric Acid Stones: Formed from uric acid, often due to low urinary pH.
Cystine Stones: Rare, formed due to a genetic disorder causing cystinuria

What are the Types of Kidney Stone Treatments available?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): The widely used procedure where shock waves break down the kidney stones into smaller pieces.
Ureteroscopy: A scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to the ureter to remove stones.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Minimally invasive removal of large stones.
Open Surgery: Rarely used, involves a large incision to remove stones directly.
Medical Management: Medications to dissolve certain types of stones or prevent their formation.

Any Complications associated with Untreated Kidney Stones?

Severe Pain: Persistent pain in the back or side, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
Urinary Tract Infections: Frequent infections due to obstructed urine flow.
Hydronephrosis: Swelling of the kidney over time due to regular urine buildup.
Kidney Damage: Chronic kidney disease or permanent damage if stones block urine flow for a prolonged period.
Sepsis: A life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body.

Preventive Measures Against Kidney Stones

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to dilute urine and prevent stone formation.
Dietary Changes: Reduce intake of salt, protein, and oxalate-rich foods.
Medications: Use prescribed medications to prevent stone formation if you have a history of kidney stones.
Regular Check-Ups: Monitor kidney health with regular medical check-ups.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Treat conditions like hyperparathyroidism and urinary tract infections promptly.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery Over Traditional Open Surgery

Aspect	Minimally Invasive Surgery	Traditional Open Surgery
Incisions	Smaller incisions	Larger incisions
Recovery Time	Shorter recovery period	Longer recovery period
Pain and Scarring	Less pain and minimal scarring	More pain and noticeable scarring
Hospital Stay	Shorter hospital stay	Longer hospital stay
Infection Risk	Reduced risk of infection	Higher risk of infection

Meet Our Top Nephrologist DoctorMeet Our Top Nephrologist Doctor

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

For accurate detection of kidney stones, a physical examination by a urologist is required. The doctor will review your medical history and may analyze the condition based on the following tests:

Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, or ultrasound to locate the stones.
Urine Analysis: To detect stone-forming substances and infections.
Blood Tests: To identify any underlying conditions contributing to stone formation

Pre-Treatment/Surgery Instructions

Follow the doctor’s instructions for medication.
Avoid consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
Doctors often instruct avoiding food or drink 8 hours prior to surgery.
Make sure you have a caregiver with you post-surgery.

Post-Surgery Instructions

The patient will be observed for a few hours post-surgery.]
Hospital discharge typically occurs on the same day or the next day, depending on the surgery type and recovery progress..
Post discharge timely follow-ups will be scheduled to actively monitor recovery.
Drink plenty of fluids in order to flush out any remaining traces of stone fragments

Recovery After PCNL

Depending on the type complications associated to each case, patients can expect:

Initial recovery within 1-2 weeks.
Full recovery and return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
The ability to perform daily tasks improves significantly after the initial recovery phase.

FAQs Around Percutaneous NephrolithotomyFAQs Around Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Q. What is the Average Cost of Kidney Stone Treatments?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Typically ranges from
Ureteroscopy: Generally costs between
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Can range from
Open Surgery: Often the most expensive, ranging from
Medical Management: Varies widely depending on the specific medications and duration of treatment.

Q. How long does the PCNL procedure take?

PCNL procedure typically takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the kidney stones.

Q. Will I need to stay in the Hospital Overnight?

Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure to monitor recovery and manage any immediate complications.

Q. How soon can I return to normal activities after PCNL?

Patients can usually return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery and return to normal activities may take up to 4-6 weeks.

Q. Are there Alternatives to PCNL for large Kidney Stones?

Yes, alternatives include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy, but PCNL is often preferred for larger or more complex stones.

Q. What should I do if I Experience Pain or Complications after PCNL?

If you experience severe pain, fever, or other complications after PCNL, contact your surgeon or healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and management.

Q. How effective is PCNL in the long term?

PCNL is highly effective in removing large kidney stones, with a high success rate and low recurrence rate when patients follow preventive measures post-surgery.

If you are considering PCNL in <City>, the CK Birla Hospital is here to provide you with expert care and support. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced urologists.