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 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 removal or cutting. In PCNL, it refers to removing the stone through a minimally invasive process.

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.

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:

2. Fragmenting the Stone:

3. Finishing the Procedure:

4. Procedure Time:

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

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
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

1. What is PCNL, and how does it work?

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones. The surgeon makes a small incision in your back and uses a thin tube and camera to break up and remove the stone.

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

You may be a candidate if you have:

3. What is the difference between traditional and tubeless PCNL?

4. Is PCNL painful?

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.

5. What is the recovery time after PCNL?

Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks, with a hospital stay of 1–2 days.

6. Can kidney stones come back after PCNL?

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.

Still have questions?

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!