Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large kidney stones. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the skin, and a thin tube is inserted directly into the kidney. Using specialized tools, doctors can break up and extract the stones. This method is often chosen when stones are too large to pass naturally or to be treated with other, less invasive techniques. PCNL is typically performed under anesthesia in a hospital, allowing for quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.