How long does PCNL surgery take?

Typically, the length of the surgery is three to four hours. The surgery is performed by making a small 1 cm incision in the patient’s flank area (Figure 1). A tube is placed through the incision into the kidney under x-ray guidance.

Is PCNL a major surgery or minor surgery?

In the era of minimally invasive surgery, RIRS and PCNL are two major surgical techniques for removing large renal stones [3], and PCNL has become the standard treatment with which all other approaches should be compared.

Is PCNL surgery painful after surgery?

Pain Most patients experience mild to moderate pain at the surgery site, especially if a nephrostomy (kidney) drain is present. The pain improves significantly following removal of the nephrostomy tube. Nevertheless, it can take several weeks for the pain to resolve.

How safe is PCNL?

Conclusion: PCNL in solitary kidneys is safe with an acceptable complication rate if performed in a high volume center. Outcomes are good, although auxiliary procedures may be necessary. Renal function remains stable or improves after procedure.

What should I avoid after PCNL surgery?

You should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the week following the procedure. After that week, most people can resume normal activities without pain. You will have a follow up visit with your urologist approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

Is stent necessary after PCNL?

Recent studies in the past decade showed that totally tubeless PCNL without inserting ureter stents and tion rates and safety of use of this technique after multiple access PCNL.

Is PCNL life threatening?

PCNL is a relatively safe procedure for treating upper tract calculi.

Is PCNL permanent?

The results of PCNL are more or less permanent. New kidney stones may form until the underlying cause is rectified. The procedure required for the removal of the newly formed stones will be determined by your treating urologist.

How long is blood in urine after PCNL?

Hematuria Hematuria (blood in the urine) will always be present following the procedure and usually lasts until a few days after the ureteral stent is removed. The amount of blood in the urine is typically heaviest over the first one to two days.