Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a surgical procedure to remove stones from the kidney by a small puncture wound (up to about 1 cm) through the skin. It is most suitable to remove stones of more than 2 cm in size and which are present near the Pelvic region. It is usually done under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

Kidney stone fragmentation is mechanically performed via ultrasound or electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Check is performed for residual kidney stones via fluoroscopy and nephrostomy, which removed after 2-4 days.

If appropriate, the patient may undergo additional ESWL a few days later, while nephrostomy allows any second surgery for residual kidney stone.

Indications of PCNL:

• Kidney Stone> 2,0 cm

• Residual stones after ESWL or failed surgery

• Stone lower calyx in combination with cervical stenosis

Complications of PCNL:

• Spinal renal pelvis

• Bleeding requiring transfusion

• Spinal bowel

• Pneumothorax / hemothorax

• Fever / sepsis