Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the recommended method for treating large stones which are having diameter above 2cm, they can be too numerous or dense . PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy or stone extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure of removing large stones. It may involves a keyhole process done by a 1cm incision in the skin overlying the kidney. This treatment may also has a higher success rate of clearing all stones in only one treatment compared to other procedures like ESWL, which is having many procedures. And recovery time of PCNL when compared to traditional open surgeries it is very shorter.
Procedure of PCNL:
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The surgery was done after performing general anaesthetic and the total time of surgery ends approximately 2 to 3 hours.
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Patient will be positioned on the operating room table lying on front side “stomach” while doing the surgery.
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The surgery was performed with the assistance of x-ray imaging to guide passage of a 1cm tube into the kidney. This will provides an access into the kidney drainage system and allows telescopes and instruments to view and visualize, fragment and remove stones.
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A drainage catheter (nephrostomy tube) which exits from the skin was left in the kidney till the end of the procedure.
After the treatment some safety steps need to be follow such as consuming plenty of fluids particularly water (8 to 10 cups). Ignoring alcholic beverages, tea, coffee and pop. Foods with high fiber is suggested to consume as pain medications can be constipating.
Risk factors: The procedure makes a hole in the kidney that generally heals without other treatment. Patient may feel mild or slight to moderate pain at sides after the operation. Risks of infection like nausea and vomiting, bleeding, chills and fever. May feel foul smell discharge from around tubes. And other complications such as-Injury to other abdominal organs, such as the colon or bladder damage that affects normal function of the kidney.
