Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Percutaneous removal of kidney stones (PCNL) is keyhole surgery. Under general anaesthetic the stone is removed by passing a small telescope through your side directly into the kidney. The stone is broken up and the fragments are removed.

Before your operation

The operation and outcomes will be explained to you by your Urologist. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form.

Blood test / Urine test

A blood test will need to be performed and a urine sample may need to be taken 4-5 days prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you a form to take to the laboratory to have these tests done.

Operation day

A small tube is inserted up the ureter via a telescope passed into the bladder. Then you are positioned face down and a small keyhole incision is made into the kidney using x-ray guidance. A Radiologist is present for this part of the operation to help gain access to your kidney. A telescope is then passed into the kidney, the stone is located and broken into pieces using a laser.

When you wake up:

Nephrostomy - a small tube on your side draining urine into a bag, usually removed the following day
Catheter - tube in the bladder draining urine, also removed the following day.

Recovery

You will be in hospital 1-2 nights after surgery.

On the day after surgery, a further x-ray is normally done to assess stone clearance. If the x-ray is satisfactory, the tube in your kidney and catheter in your bladder will be removed.

There is often some leakage from the kidney tube site for 24-48 hours after the tube is removed. This is nothing to be concerned about and you will be provided with some dressings to take home.