What is PCNL Surgery?
PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large, complex, or hardened kidney stones that cannot be treated with medication, ESWL, or laser ureteroscopy.
PCNL allows direct access to the kidney through a tiny incision on the back, enabling surgeons to break and remove stones safely and effectively.
It is considered the gold-standard treatment for stones larger than 2 cm or located deep within the kidney.
Why is PCNL Surgery Needed?
PCNL is recommended for patients with:
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Large kidney stones (usually > 2 cm)
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Staghorn stones filling multiple kidney chambers
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Stones resistant to laser or shockwave treatment
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Recurrent infections caused by stones
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Stones blocking urine flow, causing swelling (hydronephrosis)
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Stones located in hard-to-reach areas of the kidney
PCNL offers a very high stone-free rate, especially for large or complicated stones.
Types of PCNL Surgery
At Büyük Anadolu Hospital, our urology team performs:
Standard PCNL
For large and complex stones.
Mini PCNL
Uses smaller instruments and causes less tissue disruption.
Ultra-Mini & Micro PCNL
For selected patients requiring minimal access procedures.
Combined PCNL + Ureteroscopy
For patients with stones in multiple kidney locations.
Learn the Most Suitable Treatment for Your Kidney Stones from Our Expert Urologists
How is PCNL Surgery Performed?
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Performed under general anesthesia
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Duration: 1–2 hours
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A 1 cm incision is made on the back
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A thin channel is created directly into the kidney
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Stones are broken with ultrasonic or laser devices
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Fragments are removed through suction
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A temporary nephrostomy tube or internal stent may be placed
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Hospital stay: 2–3 days
Possible Risks & Our Preventive Measures
| Possible Risks | Our Preventive Measures |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Minimally invasive access & controlled dilation |
| Infection | Pre- and post-op antibiotics & sterile technique |
| Kidney injury | Ultrasound/fluoroscopy guidance & expert surgeons |
| Urine leakage | Proper tube placement & careful closure |
| Residual stones | Complete inspection & post-op imaging |
| Pain or discomfort | Modern anesthesia & pain management protocol |
Why Choose Büyük Anadolu Hospital for PCNL?
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Experienced endourology surgeons specializing in stone disease
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Advanced imaging (CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy) for precise access
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Mini and micro PCNL options for faster healing
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High stone-free success rates
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Full pre- and post-operative metabolic stone evaluation
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International patient coordination for travel, accommodation, and follow-up
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Affordable treatment compared to the UK, Europe, and the US