Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large kidney stones or stones that are difficult to treat with other methods. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our urology experts specialize in PCNL procedures, offering patients effective relief from kidney stone-related symptoms and complications.

Understanding Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy:

Purpose and Importance:

• PCNL is performed to remove kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally, causing pain, obstruction, infection, or kidney damage.
• The procedure aims to clear kidney stones efficiently, reduce associated symptoms, prevent complications like kidney infections or blockages, and improve kidney function.

Procedure Overview:

Pre-procedure Evaluation:

• Patients undergo comprehensive evaluations, including medical history reviews, imaging studies (CT scans, X-rays), blood tests, and urine analysis to assess stone size, location, composition, and overall kidney health.
• Pre-operative assessments help determine the best approach for stone removal and identify any potential risks or challenges.

Surgical Techniques:

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort and safety during the procedure.
• Access and Stone Removal: A small incision is made on the patient’s back, and a nephroscope (thin tube with a camera) is inserted through the incision into the kidney. The surgeon visualizes the stones and uses specialized instruments to break them into smaller pieces for extraction.
• Placement of Drainage Tube: After stone removal, a nephrostomy tube may be temporarily placed to drain urine and facilitate kidney healing. The tube is usually removed a few days after surgery.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery:

Hospital Stay and Monitoring:

• Patients are monitored closely in the hospital post-surgery for pain management, fluid balance, and kidney function.
• Imaging studies may be performed to ensure complete stone clearance and assess kidney condition.

Follow-up and Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery, evaluate kidney function, and discuss stone prevention strategies.
• Patients receive guidance on hydration, dietary changes, and medications (if needed) to prevent future kidney stone formation.

 

Who is a candidate for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?

Candidates include individuals with large kidney stones (>2 cm), stones causing kidney blockages, recurrent stones, stones resistant to other treatments, or stones associated with complications like infections or kidney damage.

 

How long does recovery take after PCNL?

Recovery times vary, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks post-procedure. Full recovery and stone passage may take several weeks.

 

What are the potential risks or complications of PCNL?

Risks may include bleeding, infection, kidney injury, residual stone fragments, and rare instances of damage to surrounding structures. Urology teams take precautions and provide post-operative care to minimize risks.

 

Can PCNL be combined with other stone treatments?

Depending on stone complexity and patient factors, PCNL may be combined with other treatments like shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy to optimize stone clearance.

 

Is PCNL suitable for all types of kidney stones?

PCNL is effective for most types of kidney stones, including calcium-based stones, struvite stones, and uric acid stones. Stone composition and size influence treatment decisions.

 

Does insurance typically cover Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy procedures?

Insurance coverage for PCNL depends on medical necessity, insurance plans, and policy specifics. Patients should consult with their insurance providers and healthcare teams to understand coverage details and potential out-of-pocket costs.