Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)

Creator: Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Atikeler
Published: 2024-09-21T00:44:16+03:00

Towards a Stone-Free Life with A Life Health Group

Kidney stone disease is a health issue that causes severe pain and reduces quality of life. At A Life Health Group, we strive to offer our patients the most effective and safe treatment options. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a minimally invasive surgical method used to break and remove kidney stones.

On this page, we will cover what PNL treatment is, how it is performed, its advantages, risks, recovery process, and the expertise of A Life Health Group.

What is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)?

PNL is a procedure in which a small incision (puncture) is made in the kidney to remove stones. This incision is made from the outside of the kidney and is approximately 1 cm in size. Specialized instruments are inserted through the incision to break up or extract the stones.

Who is Suitable for PNL Treatment?

PNL may be an appropriate treatment option for the following conditions:

Medium or large stones: Minimally invasive methods like ESWL may be ineffective for stones larger than 2 cm.
Stones in the upper or lower poles of the kidney: Stones located in the upper or lower poles of the kidney can be difficult to break with ESWL.
Recurrent stones: If stones have not been successfully broken by previous ESWL treatments, PNL may be preferred.

Advantages of PNL Treatment at A Life Health Group

At A Life Health Group, we strive to provide our patients with the best treatment options. The advantages of PNL treatment are as follows:

Minimal Invasive: It is less invasive compared to open surgery.
Faster Recovery: Patients recover more quickly after PNL treatment and can return to daily activities sooner.
Less Pain: Causes less pain compared to ESWL.
High Success Rate: PNL has a high success rate in kidney stone treatment.
Effective in Preventing Recurring Stones: PNL is effective in preventing recurrent stones.

Preparation for PNL Treatment

At A Life Health Group, a personalized treatment plan is prepared for each patient. During the preoperative preparation phase, a detailed examination of the patient is conducted and necessary tests are performed. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT), and kidney function tests. Additionally, patients may receive instructions such as following a preoperative diet, quitting smoking, and discontinuing certain medications.

Preoperative Information

At A Life Health Group, detailed information sessions are organized to help our patients make informed decisions about the preoperative process. Doctors discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery, alternative treatment options, and the recovery process in a clear and understandable manner. All patient questions are answered, ensuring that any concerns are addressed.

PNL Treatment Process at A Life Health Group

A Life Health Group’s experienced surgical team uses state-of-the-art equipment to perform PNL treatment in the safest and most effective way. The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The duration of the procedure depends on the size and location of the stone as well as the patient’s overall health.

Incision: A small incision is made in the skin to access the kidney.
Accessing the Stone: Specialized instruments are used to reach the kidney.
Stone Fragmentation: The stone is broken into smaller pieces using specialized tools.
Removal of Stone Fragments: The broken pieces are removed from the body using the instruments.
Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with sutures or skin adhesives.

Recovery Process After PNL Treatment

At A Life Health Group, a personalized post-operative care plan is applied for each patient. This plan includes pain management, use of antibiotics to reduce infection risk, adequate fluid intake, and regular follow-ups. Patients are guided to gradually return to their daily activities and routines.

Hospital Stay: After PNL treatment, the hospital stay is usually 1–2 days.
Pain Management: Pain relievers are prescribed to reduce discomfort and ensure patient comfort.
Activity Restrictions: During the first few days after surgery, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sports.
Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet should be followed after the surgery.
Dressing: The incision area is dressed during the first days after surgery.
Follow-ups: Regular check-ups are conducted to monitor the patient’s recovery.

Risks of PNL Treatment

As with any surgical procedure, PNL treatment carries certain risks. These include:

Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery.
Infection: There is a risk of infection following the surgery.
Kidney Damage: There is a risk of damaging the kidney during the procedure.
Urinary Tract Injury: There is a risk of injury to the urinary tract during the surgery.

Complication Management

A Life Health Group works meticulously to prevent and manage potential complications following PNL treatment. Precautionary measures applied before, during, and after the surgery minimize the risk of complications. If any complications occur, our experienced doctors and teams intervene in the fastest and most effective manner.

A Life Health Group’s PNL Treatment Experience

A Life Health Group has specialized in PNL treatment for many years. Our experienced surgical team has performed thousands of PNL procedures and achieved high success rates. Our patient-focused team closely monitors the recovery process and provides the support patients need.

For More Information About PNL Treatment with A Life Health Group

If you want to get rid of your kidney stones and say hello to a stone-free life, visit A Life Health Group. Our expert team will provide detailed information about PNL treatment, determine the most suitable treatment plan for you, and answer all your questions.

You can find A Life Health Group’s contact information by visiting our website.

This information is for general informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. To get more detailed information about kidney stone treatment and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you, please consult A Life Health Group.

Prepared by A Life Medical Editorial Board.

Last Updated: 6 Kasım 2025 14:05

Publish Date: 21 Eylül 2024 00:44