14 April, 2025
By Admin
Kidney stones are a painful and common urological condition that can cause severe discomfort and urinary complications. While small kidney stones may pass naturally through urine, larger stones often require medical intervention. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgery is a highly effective minimally invasive procedure designed for the removal of large, complex, or multiple kidney stones that cannot be treated with non-surgical methods.
PCNL kidney stone surgery offers a high success rate, reduced recovery time, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery. It is the preferred choice for patients with large kidney stones, providing faster relief and quicker return to normal life. At Pratham Urology, we specialize in advanced PCNL surgery in Ahmedabad, performed by top urologists using state-of-the-art technology.
What Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive kidney stone removal procedure performed under general anesthesia. It is recommended for patients with:
- Kidney stones larger than 2 cm.
- Multiple stones in the kidney.
- Staghorn calculi (stones filling the kidney’s collecting system).
- Hard stones resistant to shock wave therapy (ESWL).
- Kidney stones causing severe pain, infections, or obstruction.
How Does PCNL Surgery Work?
- A small incision is made in the patient’s back to access the kidney.
- A nephroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light) is inserted through the incision to visualize the kidney stones.
- Using ultrasonic, laser, or pneumatic energy, the kidney stones are broken into smaller fragments.
- The stone fragments are removed using suction devices or forceps.
- A temporary drainage tube (nephrostomy tube) may be placed to help with healing.
The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications compared to open kidney stone surgery.
How Effective Is PCNL for Kidney Stone Removal?
- 1. High Success Rate
PCNL surgery boasts a success rate of over 90% for removing large kidney stones. Unlike shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which may leave behind fragments, PCNL provides direct access to the kidney for complete stone removal. - 2. Minimally Invasive with Faster Recovery
This procedure requires only a small incision, leading to:- Less post-operative pain
- Minimal blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays (typically 1–2 days)
- Quicker return to normal activities
- 3. Effective for Large and Complex Kidney Stones
PCNL is the gold standard for treating large, complex, or multiple kidney stones, and is more effective than ureteroscopy (URS) or ESWL in such cases. - 4. Lower Risk of Recurrence
Because PCNL enables complete removal of kidney stones, the risk of recurrence is significantly reduced compared to non-surgical treatments. - 5. Safe and Well-Tolerated
With a low complication rate, PCNL is a safe and reliable option for patients dealing with severe kidney stones.
For patients seeking PCNL kidney stone surgery in Ahmedabad, Pratham Urology provides expert surgical care with high success rates and advanced technology.
Who Is a Candidate for PCNL?
PCNL is recommended for patients who:
- Have kidney stones larger than 2 cm.
- Experience severe pain, infections, or urinary blockages due to kidney stones.
- Have staghorn calculi (branched kidney stones filling the kidney's collecting system).
- Have kidney stones that failed to break down with ESWL or other non-invasive treatments.
For smaller stones, alternative treatments like ESWL or ureteroscopy may be recommended. Consulting a urologist helps determine the best kidney stone treatment based on stone size, location, and overall health.
What to Expect After PCNL?
- Hospital stay: 1-2 days.
- Mild pain or discomfort, manageable with pain medications.
- Temporary blood in urine, which resolves within a few days.
- Gradual return to daily activities within 1-2 weeks.
Post-Surgery Care Tips
- Drink plenty of water to prevent new stones.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
- Follow a low-oxalate diet to prevent kidney stone recurrence.
- Attend follow-up appointments to check for any residual stones.
For expert PCNL recovery guidance, visit Pratham Urology, the leading PCNL surgery center in Ahmedabad.
Best PCNL Kidney Stone Surgeon in Ahmedabad
If you need kidney stone surgery, choosing a skilled urologist is crucial for the best results. Dr. Kalpesh Kapadia – Leading Urologist for PCNL Surgery in Ahmedabad with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Kalpesh Kapadia specializes in:
- PCNL kidney stone surgery for large and complex stones.
- Advanced minimally invasive urological procedures.
- State-of-the-art kidney stone treatments for effective recovery.
At Pratham Urology, we provide cutting-edge PCNL kidney stone surgery with personalized patient care.
Why Choose Pratham Urology?
At Pratham Urology, we specialize in advanced kidney stone treatments, offering high success rates with minimally invasive procedures. Our expert urologists, led by Dr. Kalpesh Kapadia, use modern technology to perform PCNL kidney stone surgery with precision and safety. We focus on patient comfort, quick recovery, and comprehensive post-surgery care. Whether you need PCNL for large kidney stones or an alternative stone removal treatment, we provide personalized solutions for every patient.
Conclusion
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for large and complex kidney stones. With a success rate of over 90%, faster recovery time, and lower risk of complications, PCNL kidney stone surgery is the gold-standard treatment for patients with large kidney stones. If you are suffering from recurrent or severe kidney stones, consulting an expert urologist can help you determine the best treatment plan. At Pratham Urology, we offer the best PCNL surgery in Ahmedabad, ensuring safe and successful kidney stone removal.
