Thank you for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Our hold times may be longer than usual as our team is currently undergoing a transition and training to serve you better.
For faster service, we encourage you to use our patient portal to message your care team, request appointments, or access health information anytime.
Thank you for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Our hold times may be longer than usual as our team is currently undergoing a transition and training to serve you better.
For faster service, we encourage you to use our patient portal to message your care team, request appointments, or access health information anytime.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
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  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
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866-367-8768
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PCNL for Kidney Stones: Advanced Treatment at UPNT

Expert Care for Large or Complex Kidney Stones in the DFW Area

At Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT), we offer Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)—a minimally invasive surgery to remove large or complex kidney stones. PCNL is considered the gold standard for stones larger than 2 cm and provides complete stone clearance in a single procedure.

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What Does "Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy" Mean?

Let’s break down this term so you can better understand what the procedure involves:

  • Percutaneous: This means "through the skin." In PCNL, your UPNT surgeon makes a small incision in your back to access the kidney.
  • Nephro: Refers to the kidney, the organ where kidney stones form.
  • Litho: Means stone, as in kidney stones.
  • Tomy: Means cutting into or making an incision in this procedure
Put it all together, and PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure to remove large kidney stones through a small incision. It’s an excellent option for stones that are too large or stubborn for other treatments like ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy) or ureteroscopy.

Who Are the Best Candidates for PCNL?

PCNL is often recommended for patients with:

  • Large Kidney Stones: Typically larger than 2 cm or stones that fill the kidney (staghorn stones)
  • Multiple Stones: When there are several stones in different parts of the kidney
  • Hard-to-Reach or Resistant Stones: Stones that don’t respond to ESWL or ureteroscopy
  • Recurrent Kidney Stones: Patients with complex stones that are unlikely to pass on their own
Your UPNT surgeon will evaluate your condition and recommend PCNL if it’s the safest and most effective option for you.
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How is PCNL Performed?

PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. Accessing the Kidney:

  • A small incision (about 1 cm) is made in your back, directly over the kidney.
  • Using real-time imaging (ultrasound or X-ray), the surgeon carefully inserts a thin tube into the kidney to reach the stone.

2. Fragmenting the Stone:

  • Once the tube is in place, a nephroscope (a thin camera) is passed through the tube to locate the stone.
  • The stone is broken into small fragments using a laser or ultrasonic probe.
  • Fragments are either removed with a special basket or flushed out of the kidney.

3. Finishing the Procedure:

  • If traditional PCNL is performed, a nephrostomy tube is left in place temporarily to drain the kidney.
  • For tubeless PCNL, no external tube is left, which means a faster recovery and less discomfort.

4. Procedure Time:

  • The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on the size and number of stones.

What is Tubeless PCNL?

Tubeless PCNL is an advanced version of the standard PCNL that offers patients a faster recovery and fewer complications.

How is Tubeless PCNL Different?

  • No Nephrostomy Tube: In traditional PCNL, a nephrostomy tube is placed temporarily to drain the kidney. Tubeless PCNL avoids this tube, making recovery easier.
  • Less Pain and Faster Recovery: Patients experience less discomfort and return to normal activities more quickly.
  • Fewer Hospital Days: Many patients go home within 24–48 hours after tubeless PCNL.
Not all patients are candidates for tubeless PCNL, but your UPNT surgeon will determine the best approach for you.

Why Choose UPNT for PCNL?

Urology Partners of North Texas is recognized as a regional leader in kidney stone care in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our highly experienced surgeons offer both traditional and tubeless PCNL, providing patients with cutting-edge care and excellent outcomes.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Expert Surgeons in DFW: Among the most experienced PCNL specialists in the region
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques
  • Comprehensive Kidney Stone Care: From ESWL to PCNL, we offer the full spectrum of treatments to ensure the best outcome for each patient
  • Collaborative Care: Our team works closely with radiologists and anesthesiologists to ensure your safety and comfort
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Recovery and Aftercare

PCNL is minimally invasive, but recovery still requires some care. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–2 days and return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks.

What to Expect After PCNL

  • Mild Pain or Discomfort: Especially at the incision site, which improves over a few days
  • Monitor for Symptoms: Contact your surgeon if you experience fever, worsening pain, or difficulty urinating
  • Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
  • Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out any remaining fragments and prevent future stones.

Your UPNT surgeon will provide personalized aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PCNL

How do I know if I’m a candidate for PCNL?

You may be a candidate if you have:

  • Large stones (> 2 cm)
  • Staghorn stones
  • Stones that don’t respond to ESWL or ureteroscopy
  • Traditional PCNL: A nephrostomy tube is left in place temporarily to help drain the kidney.
  • Tubeless PCNL: Avoids the nephrostomy tube, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during surgery. Afterward, you may experience mild pain or soreness at the incision site, which improves within a few days.

Many patients are discharged home the same day and most patients have fully recovered within 1-2 weeks

Yes, it’s possible to develop new kidney stones. Your UPNT surgeon will help you create a prevention plan, including dietary changes, hydration, and medications.

Book an Appointment for PCNL at UPNT

At Urology Partners of North Texas, we offer advanced kidney stone treatments like PCNL to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.

Conveniently located in Arlington and Fort Worth, our expert surgeons are here to help you find relief from kidney stones.

Why Wait? Book Your Appointment Today!

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Dr. Weber Chuang will be retiring from medical practice effective September 26, 2025. To ensure that your medical care continues seamlessly, your ongoing care will be transitioned to another physician within our practice. You may schedule appointments directly by contacting our office at 866-367-8768 or via your patient portal. Your medical records will remain securely within the practice, so there is no additional step required on your part unless you wish to request a transfer elsewhere.
Dr. Weber Chuang will be retiring from medical practice effective September 26, 2025.
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