Introduction
PCNL surgery in Delhi is an advanced treatment for large kidney stones. Kidney stones are a common urological condition that can cause severe flank pain, blood in urine, vomiting, and urinary obstruction. While many small kidney stones can pass naturally or be treated with minimally invasive procedures such as RIRS or ureteroscopy, very large stones often require a specialized surgical technique known as Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
PCNL surgery in Delhi is one of the most effective procedures for removing large or complex kidney stones, especially those larger than 2 cm or occupying multiple parts of the kidney.
At Uronova – Advanced Laser Kidney Stone Centre, PCNL surgery in Delhi is performed by Dr. Amit Kumar Kundu, Consultant Urologist, using modern endourological techniques and equipment to safely remove large kidney stones.
What is PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)?
PCNL is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large kidney stones directly from the kidney.
Unlike RIRS, which uses the natural urinary passage, PCNL involves creating a small keyhole incision (usually about 1 cm) in the back through which a sheath is placed in the kidney, establishing a direct track through which instruments are passed directly into the kidney.
Through this small channel, the surgeon can visualize the stone and break it into fragments using specialized energy sources such as ultrasonic, pneumatic, or laser lithotripsy, and then remove the pieces.
When is PCNL Surgery Recommended?
PCNL is typically recommended in the following situations:
• Kidney stones larger than 2 cm
• Staghorn stones occupying multiple parts of the kidney
• Multiple large kidney stones
• Stones resistant to ESWL or RIRS
• Stones causing persistent obstruction or infection
Step-by-Step PCNL Procedure
1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia, and a ureteric catheter is placed in the kidney via the urethra.
2. A small puncture is made in the back to access the kidney under X-ray guidance.
3. A narrow tract is created in the kidney using imaging guidance.
4. A nephroscope is inserted through the tract.
5. The stone is visualized inside the kidney.
6. The stone is broken using ultrasonic, pneumatic, or laser lithotripsy.
7. Stone fragments are removed using specialized instruments.
8. A temporary tube or stent may be placed to ensure proper drainage.
Advantages of PCNL Surgery
• Highly effective for large kidney stones
• High stone clearance rate
• Suitable for complex stones
• Minimally invasive compared with open surgery
• Faster recovery than traditional surgery
Recovery After PCNL Surgery
Hospital stay: 1-2 days
Return to routine activity: 1 week
Complete recovery: 2–3 weeks
Patients may experience mild discomfort in the back or temporary blood in the urine during the early recovery period.
PCNL Surgery by Dr. Amit Kumar Kundu
Dr. Amit Kumar Kundu is a consultant urologist practicing in Delhi NCR, specializing in PCNL surgery in Delhi and minimally invasive kidney stone treatments.
Qualifications:
MBBS – University of Delhi
MS (General Surgery) – University of Delhi
MCh Urology – King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Specializations include:
• PCNL surgery for large kidney stones
• RIRS laser kidney stone surgery
• Ureteroscopy (URS)
• Advanced endourological procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – PCNL Surgery
- What size kidney stones require PCNL?
PCNL is usually recommended for kidney stones larger than 2 cm or complex stones such as staghorn stones.
- Is PCNL surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under spinal or general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Mild back discomfort may occur after surgery.
- How long does PCNL surgery take?
PCNL surgery usually takes about 1–2 hours depending on the size and complexity of the stone.
- How long is the hospital stay after PCNL?
Most patients stay in the hospital for about 1-2 days after surgery.
- Is PCNL better than RIRS?
Both procedures have specific indications. RIRS is usually used for stones up to 2 cm, while PCNL is preferred for larger or complex stones.
- Can kidney stones recur after PCNL?
Yes. Kidney stones can recur if the underlying cause is not treated. Adequate hydration and dietary changes help prevent recurrence.
Consult a Kidney Stone Specialist
Uronova – Advanced Laser Kidney Stone Centre
Consult: Dr Amit Kumar Kundu
Consultant Urologist
Locations: Dwarka & Nangli – Delhi NCR
WhatsApp Appointment: 7878330033