Ureteroscopy
A small telescope is passed through the urinary tract to locate and treat stones or investigate an obstruction without an external incision.
Renal Stone Treatment
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
A minimally invasive procedure designed to remove larger kidney stones through a small access point in the back.
- Dr. Anand Arumugam, MBBS, MS, M.Ch
- Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road
Procedure overview
What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?
PCNL is commonly considered for stones larger than about 2 cm, complex stones or stones positioned near the renal pelvis. A small tract provides direct access to fragment and remove stone material.
Important. This page provides general education. Your diagnosis, treatment choice and recovery plan must be confirmed in consultation.
When it may be considered
Clinical needs come before technique.
- 01Large or complex kidney stones
- 02Stones unlikely to pass naturally
- 03Stones not suited to ureteroscopy or shock-wave treatment
- 04Persistent symptoms, obstruction or infection risk
Diagnosis & preparation
What happens before a decision.
Assessment may include
- A focused history and physical examination
- Urine and blood tests relevant to the condition
- Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI or other appropriate imaging
- Anaesthesia and general-health assessment when surgery is planned
Specific tests vary. Bring existing reports so unnecessary repetition can be avoided where possible.
Potential benefits
Why this option may be discussed.
Direct removal of a large stone burden
Smaller access point than open surgery
Useful for complex stone patterns
Treatment plan guided by precise imaging
All procedures have potential risks and may not achieve the same result for every patient. Alternatives, risks and expected outcomes should be discussed personally.
Recovery & follow-up
Plan the return to everyday life.
A hospital stay and follow-up imaging may be needed. Return to normal activity varies, and your doctor will advise on wound care, hydration, medicines and signs that require urgent review.
Contact your care team urgently if advised warning signs occur
These may include fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or inability to pass urine. Follow the discharge instructions given to you.
Procedure FAQs
Questions patients commonly ask.
How do I know whether Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is right for me?
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, test results, general health and treatment goals. A consultation is needed to compare this procedure with observation, medicine or other procedural options.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Bring relevant imaging, laboratory reports, discharge summaries, a medicine and allergy list, and details of previous surgery or treatment.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies by procedure and patient. Dr. Anand and the hospital team will explain the expected stay, activity limits, medicines, follow-up and warning signs for your individual plan.
Related procedures
More in renal stone treatment.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
A flexible endoscope and laser are guided through the natural urinary passage into the kidney to treat stones without a kidney incision.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Focused shock waves generated outside the body break selected urinary stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract.
Take the next step
Let’s make your next decision feel clearer.
Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call directly. No forms, no waiting for an email reply.