What are the PCNL Procedure Steps
Large kidney stones that do not get expelled from your body through urine or do not respond to conservative treatments might need surgical removal. The procedure to remove these stones surgically is called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNCL) and is often reserved as a last resort. It may sound complex, but PCNL surgery in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for kidney stone removal. To help you understand how it works, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on PCNL. Here’s a look:
PCNL Procedure Steps
Before Surgery
The pre-surgical preparations for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy are similar to those for other surgeries. A urologist may conduct blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging tests before surgery.
You are advised to avoid eating and drinking 6-8 hours before the surgery is scheduled. You may need to stop blood thinners (if you are taking them). Antibiotics may be recommended to prevent infections.
During Surgery
- Your surgeon administers general anesthesia, so you will remain asleep throughout the surgery.
- The surgical site is sterilized.
- The surgeon makes a small (around 1 cm) incision right above your kidney and inserts a needle.
- The area is widened, and a nephroscope is inserted into the kidney to give your surgeon a clear picture of the stone. If the stone is too large to be removed in one piece, it’s broken into multiple pieces using a shock-wave device before extraction.
- The surgeon will check the kidneys and the surrounding areas to ensure no fragments of the stones are left before closing the incision. A ureteral stent is placed to ensure the smooth drainage of urine while your kidneys heal.
The procedure typically lasts between two and four hours. Sometimes, the stones are sent to the lab for thorough evaluation. The technicians check the composition of the stone to identify the components it’s made up of. This helps prevent its recurrence.
After PCNL, you will be taken to the recovery room, where your vitals will be checked regularly to ensure you are healing well.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery period is different for each patient. However, most people resume their basic activities within a week after PCNL. Walking is recommended after surgery to prevent blood clots, constipation, and other complications. However, you must not lift heavy weights, especially objects that weigh more than 8 pounds. Make sure you attend the follow-up visits, as a urologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, will most likely run tests to ensure the stones are completely removed. They may also provide instructions regarding diets, lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapies for faster healing.
When to See Your Doctor
Modern surgical approaches and advanced equipment make complications after surgery less likely, but it’s best to watch for these signs and head to your urologist immediately if you notice any.
- High-grade fever
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Excessive blood in your pee
- Blood clots
- Severe pain on the incision site that doesn’t improve with medication
While PCNL may sound intimidating, it’s a safe and effective surgical treatment for kidney stone removal, specifically for stones that cause immense pain.
