Yashoda Hospitals > Surgeries > PCNL and Nephrostomy

PCNL and Nephrostomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally-invasive surgery that helps in removing all types of stones from the kidney. Larger than two centimetre-sized stones of any kind can be removed with this treatment from the kidney and higher urinary tubes.

Nephrostomy is a procedure where the doctor places a tube inside the kidney or ureter. It helps in draining the urine from the kidney after PCNL. It gives time for the kidney to heal quickly post PCNL

How is PCNL and Nephrostomy performed? Before, during and after.

Medical professionals ask the patient to stop using certain medications they are currently taking that may alter the clotting effect of the blood. It is to prevent excessive bleeding during the surgery.

The doctors will check for any signs of urinary tract infections or (UTIs). The patient must also undergo necessary tests and treatment before the procedure.

Healthcare professionals place the patient under anaesthesia during PCNL + Nephrotomy. The surgeon will send a device through a small incision in the skin. The needle tract contains a small camera to view the stones. After mapping the stones with a telescope, doctors break and remove them from the body using a laser or mechanical device.

After that, they place a nephrostomy tube to drain the urine into a bag so the kidney can heal.

The patient may experience some side effects such as pain, nausea, etc.

Cost of the PCNL and Nephrostomy

Cost of the PCNL + Nephrostomy in India and Hyderabad

Ranges typically from Rs. 49,000 to Rs. 2,00,000

Number of days in the hospital	Around 2-3 days
Type Of surgery	Major
Anaesthesia Type	General
Recovery	1-2 weeks
Duration of procedure	3 to 4 hours
Surgery(Laser/Minimal invasive)	Minimally invasive

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Risks and complications of the PCNL and Nephrostomy

Some risks and potential complications that are associated with PCNL are:

Bleeding: Blood loss during this procedure is generally minimal, and the risk of bleeding ranges from 2-12%, depending on the size and location of the stones.
Infection: In some cases, bacteria can grow within the kidney stones and cause an infection. Hence, urinary infections should be treated before the PCNL procedure with antibiotics to lower the risk.
Failure to Remove the Stone: There is a slight risk of this happening with PCNL.
Organ Injury: Rarely, some organs surrounding the kidney may experience injury during surgery.

Who needs a PCNL and Nephrostomy?

Medical professionals typically recommend PCNL and Nephrostomy in the following conditions:

Large kidney stones are blocking the collecting system branch of the kidney
Kidney stones are larger than 2 centimetres
Large stones are in the collecting tubes
Other treatments have failed

References

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about PCNL and Nephrostomy

Doctors insert the nephrostomy tube to help the patient heal quickly. They remove it before discharging the patient from the hospital. Sometimes, the doctor may remove it several days later during a follow-up check-up.

Most people need a nephrostomy tube if there is a blockage in the urinary tract due to kidney stones or other conditions like infection.

The nephrostomy tube can remain in the kidney as long as a blockage in the urinary tract or kidneys. Post a procedure, and it may need to stay for a few days so the kidney can recover.

If there is a nephrostomy tube in only one kidney, the other kidney still produces urine, so have to urinate. Even with two tubes, some urine may still pass normal, which should be urinated.

In most cases, nephrostomy tubes can harm the patient’s quality of life. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort due to these tubes.

The nephrostomy tubes can be challenging to live with for a long duration. For procedures like PCNL, they are only placed for a shorter duration.

The nephrostomy tube is placed after PCNL to lower the urine leak and reduce hospital stay. These tubes will enable the kidneys to heal quickly and reduce the hospital stay.

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