Learn about Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by a nephrologist or urologist to remove large or complex kidney stones. It is considered the gold standard for stones larger than 2 cm. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the patient's back, and a nephroscope (a thin viewing tube) is inserted directly into the kidney through this tract. The surgeon then locates the stone and uses specialized instruments to break it into fragments, which are then removed. This technique offers a high success rate for stone clearance while minimizing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery compared to open surgery. It is particularly effective for staghorn calculi and stones resistant to other treatments like shockwave lithotripsy.

Key Highlights

    Highly effective for large kidney stones (typically 2 cm).Minimally invasive with smaller incisions than open surgery.Higher stone-free rates compared to shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for complex stones.Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.Allows direct visualization and removal of stone fragments.Can be performed using various energy sources (laser, ultrasonic) to break stones./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Large kidney stones (greater than 2 cm in diameter).
  • Complex or branched stones, such as staghorn calculi.
  • Stones that have failed treatment with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
  • Stones located in the lower pole of the kidney with an unfavorable anatomy for other procedures.
  • Patients with obesity where ESWL may be less effective.
  • Kidney stones causing obstruction, severe pain, or recurrent infections.
  • Abnormal kidney anatomy that prevents other stone removal methods.

How to prepare

  • Complete medical evaluation, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging (CT scan or IVP).
  • Discussion of all medications; may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) several days prior.
  • Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Pre-operative antibiotics may be administered to prevent infection.
  • Possible placement of a ureteral stent a week or two before PCNL in some cases to facilitate the procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, which may rarely require a blood transfusion.
  • Infection or sepsis.
  • Injury to surrounding organs (e.g., colon, spleen, liver, lungs).
  • Incomplete stone removal, requiring additional procedures.
  • Leakage of urine from the kidney (urinoma).
  • Formation of a tract between the kidney and skin (fistula).
  • Reactions to anesthesia.
  • Damage to the kidney or its collecting system.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay typically lasts 1-3 days for monitoring.
  • A nephrostomy tube may be left in place temporarily to drain urine and blood; it is usually removed before discharge.
  • Pain at the incision site is managed with prescribed medications.
  • Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids (2-3 liters daily) to help flush the system.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving for 1-2 weeks post-procedure.
  • Follow-up imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) is scheduled to confirm all stone fragments are cleared.
  • Report any signs of fever, severe pain, or excessive bleeding to the doctor immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for strenuous work

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering percutaneous nephrolithotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for percutaneous nephrolithotomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 870 – USD 2,719 1-3 days ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for strenuous work Know More
Turkey USD 6,442 – USD 20,131 1-3 days ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for strenuous work Know More

Top hospitals for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated nephrology teams and experience managing patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Gem Hospital Coimbatore

  • IconRamanathapuram, India
  • Icon20 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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Nephrologists for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Explore experienced nephrologists who regularly perform percutaneous nephrolithotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Shilpa Shetty
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Dinesh Kumar Yadav
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ritesh Mongha
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sagar Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Neha Manhas
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pooja P Lokkur
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Shiv Chadha
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Ravi Jangamani
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Ankur Mittal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Kumar T
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanta Datta
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tanmoy Roy
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Avinandan Banerjee
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Upal Sengupta
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Brig. Nikhiles Raychaudhury
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

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Dr. Dilip Kumar Pahari
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Suman Lata
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tarun K Jeloka K
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saurabh Khiste
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Nephrologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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