Got a Massive Kidney Stone? Let’s Talk About PCNL Surgery. 🩺
PACE Hospitals offers advanced percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in Hyderabad, India, for effective treatment of large and complex kidney stones. Our expert urologists perform the PCNL procedure using minimally invasive techniques to safely remove stones, relieve pain, and restore kidney function with precision.
The PCNL surgery procedure involves a small incision in the back to directly access and remove stones, making it ideal for large or difficult cases. We follow standardized PCNL procedure steps to ensure safety, minimize complications, and support faster recovery.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a kidney stone larger than 2 cm, a branched stone (Staghorn calculi), or multiple complex stones, your urologist will likely recommend a procedure called PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy).
When smaller, non-invasive treatments like Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) or standard Ureteroscopy fail, PCNL is considered the gold standard for stone-free results.
Here is a practical breakdown of what happens during PCNL surgery, how long it takes to bounce back, and what to expect clinically, based on protocols used at PACE Hospitals.
🔍 What exactly is PCNL Surgery?
"Percutaneous" means through the skin, "nephro" means kidney, and "lithotomy" means stone removal.
Instead of an open, traditional surgery that requires a large wound, a Best Urologists in Hyderabad, India makes a small 1 cm incision in your back. Using advanced 3D imaging and fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), a specialized tube called a nephroscope is inserted directly into the kidney. The stone is then broken down into tiny fragments and completely extracted through the tube.
Depending on the size of the instruments used, modern urology has progressed into even smaller iterations:
Standard PCNL:Â The traditional, highly effective route for massive stones.
Mini & Ultra-Mini PCNL:Â Utilizing much thinner scopes (often less than 20 French) which cause significantly less tissue damage, minimal blood loss, and a faster hospital exit.
⏱️ Recovery Time: How long do you stay in the hospital?
One of the biggest advantages of modern PCNL is how quickly you get back on your feet.
Hospital Stay: Typically ranges between 1 to 3 days. This allows the medical team to monitor your kidney drainage and ensure there is no internal bleeding.
Stents & Tubes:Â A small internal stent or temporary drainage tube is commonly kept in place for a few days to make sure urine drains cleanly past any post-surgical swelling.
Back to Work: Most patients can resume light, routine daily tasks within 1 to 2 weeks, achieving a full recovery shortly after.
đź©ş Frequently Asked Questions About PCNL
1. Is PCNL surgery painful? You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, meaning you won’t feel a thing. Post-surgery, it is normal to feel mild to moderate soreness around the incision on your back, but this is highly manageable with standard prescription painkillers.
2. Does it damage the kidney? Because the procedure requires a precise puncture to reach the stone, there is a minor, temporary impact on the targeted renal tissue. However, long-term studies show that removing a massive, obstructing stone actually saves and improves overall kidney function by preventing severe chronic infections or permanent blockages.
3. Can the stones come back after PCNL? PCNL is incredibly successful, achieving a ~82% stone-free rate after the very first procedure. However, while it removes existing stones, it does not alter your genetics or metabolic habits. If dietary changes, fluid intake, and lifestyle aren’t managed post-surgery, new stones can form in the future.
🏥 Choosing the Right Care
Because PCNL involves direct, precise access to the kidney, it requires a highly skilled surgical ecosystem. Hospitals like PACE Hospitals - Private Hospital in Hyderabad, India specialize in these minimally invasive tracts, utilizing state-of-the-art modular operating suites, specialized urologists, and full insurance/TPA support to ensure a stress-free recovery.
If you’ve been advised to undergo PCNL, it’s always best to have a thorough pre-surgery CT scan to map the exact location of the stone for your surgeon.
