Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

What is a PCNL?

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a special procedure for larger and more complicated kidney stones. It is performed via a puncture site in the back, which allows access to the stone through the kidney.

What are the potential complications of a PCNL?

The surgery can result in severe bleeding or infection and may result in respiratory complications such as lung collapse or blood or urine in the chest cavity.

What is the recovery after PCNL?

Patients usually stay in hospital for a minimum of 2 days and may get back to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.

  • Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
  • Sydney Adventist Hospital
  • American Urological Association (AUA)
  • Australian Medical Association (AMA)
  • Norwest Private Hospital
  • The University of Sydney
  • European Association of Urology (EAU)