Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Procedures we perform

ABOUT PCNL

What is a PCNL?

A percutaneous nephro-lithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones via a small incision in the back.

Why is a PCNL required?

PCNL is peformed to remove large or complex stones in the kidney and the ureter.

It is reserved for the treatment of kidney stones which can’t be treated with less invasive techniques such as ureteropyeloscopy or shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are rock-like crystals which form in the kidneys from the salts and minerals in urine. Kidney stones can cause pain when the flow of urine is blocked by a stone which has moved from the kidney into the ureter.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a PCNL involve?

PCNL involves passing a telescope (known as a nephroscope) through the back into the kidney to remove kidney stones.

A small incision is made in the back. A tract is created into the kidney, and a nephroscope is inserted.

The stones are broken up with an ultrasound or laser and removed through the tract.

PCNL is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes between one and three hours.

What is the recovery after PCNL?

PCNL usually requires a one to two nights stay in hospital.

A catheter tube may be placed in the bladder after the procedure. It will usually be removed before discharge from hospital.

A ureteric stent (a flexible tube running from the kidney to the bladder) may be inserted during the procedure. It will usually require a minor procedure to remove it a few weeks later.

You can usually return to most activities one to two weeks after PCNL, but you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for up to six weeks.

OUR TEAM

Meet our Urologists

The following doctors in our practice perform PCNL

Dr Peter Burke

Urologist