Kidney stones can be a painful and disruptive condition. When stones are too large to be treated with less invasive methods, a more specialized procedure is often required. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one such advanced treatment that can help patients suffering from large or multiple kidney stones. This minimally invasive surgical procedure is designed to remove kidney stones effectively and safely. If you’re looking for a reliable solution to your kidney stone problems, PCNL may be the answer.

Dr. Aditya Sharma, the top urologist in Lucknow, specializes in painless kidney stone treatment and offers PCNL as a treatment option for patients who need more than just basic care.

What is PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)?

PCNL is a surgical technique used to remove large kidney stones or multiple smaller stones located within the kidney. Unlike other treatments like shockwave lithotripsy, which uses external methods to break up stones, PCNL allows the surgeon to directly access and remove the stones through a small incision in the back. This method is particularly beneficial when stones are large, difficult to reach, or have not responded to other treatments.

When is PCNL Recommended?

PCNL is typically recommended when:

• Kidney stones are too large for non-surgical treatments like ESWL or ureteroscopy.
• The stones are located in difficult-to-reach areas of the kidney.
• Other treatments have failed to remove or fragment the stones effectively.

If you're struggling with recurrent kidney stones, PCNL offers a promising solution, especially if you’ve been looking for a painless kidney stone treatment option.

The PCNL Procedure: Step by Step

1. Anesthesia: PCNL is usually performed under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure, and you won’t feel any pain. The anaesthesia ensures a smooth and comfortable experience, allowing Dr. Aditya Sharma, your top urologist in Lucknow, to perform the procedure with precision and care.

2. Access and Placement: To begin the procedure, a small incision is made in your back or side. Through this incision, a hollow tube called a trocar is inserted to create access to the kidney. Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound imaging, the surgeon guides the trocar through the muscle and into the kidney.

3. Creating the Tract: Once the trocar is in place, Dr. Sharma creates a tract, or tunnel, from the skin to the kidney. This allows for better access to the stones. The tract passes through the renal tissue and creates a direct pathway for the surgical instruments used in stone removal.

4. Stone Removal: With the tract in place, the surgeon passes a nephroscope or flexible endoscope through the access point. This instrument helps visualize the stones inside the kidney. Once the stones are located, they are fragmented using laser or ultrasound energy, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. The smaller fragments are then removed with specialized instruments like graspers or suction devices.

5. Drainage Tube Placement: After the stones are successfully removed, a drainage tube may be placed in the kidney. This helps drain urine and prevents any residual stone fragments from causing obstruction. The drainage tube is typically connected to a bag outside the body and is left in place for a few days to a week, depending on your condition.

6. Incision Closure: Once the stones have been cleared and the drainage tube is in place, the small incision made at the start of the procedure is closed with sutures or surgical glue. The procedure is minimally invasive, and recovery is usually quick.

Benefits of PCNL

• Minimally invasive
• Effective for large stones
• Quick recovery
• Fewer complications

What to Expect After PCNL?

You will be monitored in the hospital for a few days to ensure everything is healing correctly. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to remove any drainage tubes or stents and to ensure that the kidney is functioning properly. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks, with a gradual decrease in pain and discomfort.

Contact Dr. Aditya Sharma Today

If you’re struggling with kidney stones and need an effective treatment, PCNL could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact Dr. Aditya Sharma, the top urologist in Lucknow, to schedule a consultation and explore how this advanced treatment can help you live stone-free.