Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Dr. Berookhim and his team have a long track record of treating larger stone burdens that cannot be well treated with ESWL or ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. In patients where the previous options are not sufficient to treat the stone burden, or there is a concern that multiple surgical sessions may be needed if the other options are utilized, we will frequently consider the use of PCNL.

In this surgery, general anesthesia is induced and a small, approximately 5mm incision is made in the flank overlying the affected kidney. A tube is then introduced into the kidney, and small telescope is then placed directly into the kidney through the back. The stone is then pulverized and destroyed, and is removed completely and sent for chemical analysis to guide future stone prevention. A small tube called a nephrostomy tube is then left at the end of the surgery through the back and into the kidney to drain the kidney and to allow for healing. This procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Patients will stay overnight in the hospital. The majority of patients will have the nephrostomy tube removed prior to discharge.