Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a medical procedure used to remove kidney stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract on their own or cannot be treated with other less invasive methods such as shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy. Here's an overview of the procedure:
PCNL is typically indicated for:
- Large kidney stones (usually larger than 2 cm in diameter).
- Stones that are causing significant obstruction and/or infection.
- Stones that have not responded to other treatments.
- Complex stone burdens such as staghorn calculi.
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding requiring blood transfusion.
- Infection.
- Injury to adjacent organs or structures.
- Incomplete stone removal necessitating further treatment.
- Urine leakage around the nephrostomy tube site.
Advantages
- Effective for large and complex stones.
- Direct visualization of the stone for complete removal.
Disadvantages
- Invasive compared to other stone treatments.
- Requires anesthesia and hospitalization.
- Potential for significant complications.
