What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a highly effective procedure recommended for the treatment of larger kidney stones or in cases where the patient is overweight. This minimally invasive procedure requires the patient to undergo general anesthesia. During PCNL, a small incision is made in the patient’s back, through which a narrow instrument is inserted. The surgeon then navigates this tool into the kidney, aiming to either extract or break up the stone, often utilizing a laser beam for this purpose. With an exceptional success rate, PCNL can effectively treat kidney stones measuring up to one inch in diameter, or even slightly larger.
The Surgeon’s Scalpel
In extremely uncommon situations, such as when the kidney stone surpasses the size limit for conventional removal techniques, a surgeon may choose to perform traditional surgery. During this procedure, the patient is given a general anesthetic. The surgeon creates an incision in the patient’s back to reach the specific area where the stone is lodged, and then skillfully removes it using their surgical instruments.