Advanced PCNL Surgery For Kidney Stone

What Happens During PCNL Surgery?

Diagnosis

As with any other surgery, the doctors suggest some diagnostic tests before PCNL surgery. These tests help them determine the size and number of stones and rule out underlying diseases or conditions that might affect the efficacy of the procedure. Some common diagnostic tests performed before PCNL surgery include: 

• Imaging tests (X Rays, abdominal ultrasound, MRI)
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
• Blood test
• Urinalysis

Procedure

PCNL surgery is performed in the following steps: 

• The patient is sedated with general anesthesia before the surgery. This helps in keeping the patient asleep throughout the surgery. 
• Next, the surgeon makes a small incision in the flank area and then inserts a nephroscope with x-ray guidance to determine the exact location of the stone. 
• Upon locating the stone, the surgeon uses a thin needle to access the kidney’s urine-collecting system. This is done with the help of a guidewire, which permits safe access for the nephroscope. 
• When access is achieved, the surgeon proceeds to extract the stones. In some cases, the stones are removed using microforceps. However, if the stones are too large in size, the surgeon might use a laser to break them into smaller fragments before extracting them from the system. 
• Finally, after removing all the stones, the surgeons use contrast to confirm that no stones or fragments are left in the ureter and then place a drainage catheter. 
• In some patients, the surgeons use DJ stents, thin and tiny tubes that ensure that swelling does not affect the drainage of urine. They are generally kept for 10 to 14 days and then removed. 

How to take care after PCNL surgery for kidney stones?

Complete recovery after PCNL surgery takes about 4 to 6 weeks. However, the recovery period can vary from person to person. The doctor will give you some postoperative instructions that will help you boost your recovery, including: 

• Avoid lifting heavy objects or indulging in strenuous activities for a couple of weeks after the surgery. 
• Minor discomfort and pain is normal after this surgery. Your doctor will prescribe some pain-relieving medicines to help you manage the discomfort. If you notice bleeding or other abnormalities, make sure you get in touch with your doctor immediately. 
• Drink ample fluids to help small fragments of stones flush out of the system naturally. 
• Eat a fiber-rich diet to avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements. This will help in promoting the inner healing process.

What Are The Benefits of PCNL Surgery?

PCNL has emerged as the preferred treatment method for kidney stones that are 200 mm or larger in size, in recent times. It’s chiefly because it’s an advanced, minimally invasive procedure with very little chance of complications and a high success rate. Listed below are some more benefits of PCNL surgery: 

• It involves minimal incision and leaves no visible scars. 
• It causes minimal to no bleeding, and the procedure is absolutely painless.
• It causes minimal to no complications and ensures faster recovery in comparison to other treatment methods. 
• It requires a shorter hospital stay.
• Patients can resume their day-to-day activities within a week of the surgery.