29 Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Pcnl Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is a surgical procedure that helps in removing the large kidney stones from the body. In this procedure, the kidney stones that cannot be passed out of the body are removed. Mostly, this procedure is performed if other methods are not possible or unsuccessful. It is recommended if the size of the kidney stones are larger than 0.8 inch or 2 centimeters in diameter and are irregular in shapes.

What are the advantages of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

The following are the advantages of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy:

1. Less invasive procedure
2. Several kidney stones can be removed
3. Less pain after the surgery
4. Larger and complex kidney stones can be removed

What are the indications of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Kidney stones that are large and complex
2. Renal calculus [Kidney stones] that are in irregular shapes
3. Severe kidney pain
4. Recurrent urinary tract infections
5. Decreased renal function

What is the preparation for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

1. Physical examination may be performed to check the status of the patient's health condition.
2. The doctor will ask about the patient's past, present medical, and medications history.
3. Certain tests such as X-ray, intravenous pyelogram, and Ultrasound, etc.will be done to locate and determine the size and shape of the kidney stones.
4. The patient needs to inform the doctor regarding any allergies.
5. Discuss with the doctor about all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

What are the steps involved in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

1. General anesthesia will be given to sedate the patient.
2. After the patient is sedated, a cystoscope is used to check inside of the bladder and urethra.
3. Then, a stent or urethral catheter will be placed on the affected area to prevent the swelling and blockage from stone fragments. It helps for easier insertion of the nephrostomy tube.
4. After this, the patient will be transferred to the recovery care unit.
5.  When the patient is awake, he/she will be transferred to the hospital room and will wait for the next step.
6. The nephrostomy tube is placed into the kidney using freezing.
7. This tube will drain urine out of the kidney.
8. Next, the surgeon will look for kidney stones and remove or crush them with the help of a nephrostomy tube.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

1. The patient may get back to their daily activities within a week after the surgery.
2. The patient should drink copious amount of water and this helps to pass out any remaining small particles of stone while urination.
3. Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as directed by the doctor.
4. If any risks and complications are seen or noticed, consult the doctor immediately.
5. Make appointments for follow-ups and check-ups with the doctor after surgery.

Who can perform Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy [Right specialist type for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy]?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy can be performed by:

1. An experienced Nephrologist
2. An experienced Urologist who has performed several successful Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy surgeries

What is the cost of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Cost of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Size and shape of the kidney stone
5. The medical condition of the patient.
6. Unilateral or bilateral surgery
7. Post-surgical complications that are involved
8. Type of hospital
9. The admission room that you opted for
10. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc.

The minimum cost in Bangalore starts from Rs.45,024

An average cost in Bangalore is approximately Rs.71,695

The maximum cost in Bangalore can rise up to Rs.1,78,125

Cost of Unilateral Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may be Rs.80,000

Cost of Bilateral Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may be Rs.1,20,000

Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy major surgery or minor surgery?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy surgery is used to remove the large and irregular shaped kidney stones. It is a minor surgery as it is less invasive and has a few risks and complications than open surgery.

What is the eligibility criteria for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

People who can undergo Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy are:

1. Individuals who are suffering from severe kidney pain.
2. People who are having larger kidney stones more than 2cm in diameter.
3. Individuals with the irregular shape of kidney stones.
4. People who do not get any benefit from other types of kidney stone removal.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

People who cannot undergo Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy are:

1. People who get benefited from other types of kidney stone removal procedures such as lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or medications.
2. Individuals with severe kidney disease.
3. People with a poor medical condition.

What are the risks and complications associated with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Risks and Complications associated with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy are:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Kidney injury
4. Tissue or organ damage that is located near to the kidney
5. Incomplete kidney stone removal
6. May require additional treatments

How long does it take to complete Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete the procedure and sometimes it may take more than usual time to complete depending on shape and size of the kidney stones.

What is the recovery time?

Most of the people who undergo Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may take up to 6 weeks for complete recovery.

What is the success rate of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

The success rate of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Size and shape of kidney stones

However, the success rate of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy maybe 85% to 87%.

Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under general anesthesia. There may be some discomfort and pain after completion of the procedure.

What are the long-term results of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

1. Relieves chronic kidney pain
2. Reduces blood while urinating
3. Improved kidney function
4. Decreased chances of recurrence of kidney stones

What are the options if Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy fails?

If Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy surgery fails then the doctor may recommend performing open surgery to remove the kidney stones.

What are the alternatives for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy? 

The following are the alternatives for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy:

1. Shock wave lithotripsy
2. Ureteroscopy
3. Open surgery
4. Diuretics