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Added: (Wed Oct 21 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) In India

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a preferred treatment for large stones within the kidney or upper ureter. The procedure involves making a small incision (1 cm) in the back overlying the location of the kidney. A tunnel is then created from the skin into the kidney to allow passage of a nephroscope. The nephroscope is used to locate the existing stone and any small stones that may not have been visible by X-ray...


Why It Is Done

This procedure may be used to treat kidney stones that are : -

* Larger than in diameter.
* Large and caused by an infection (staghorn calculi).
* Blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney.
* Not broken up by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)...


Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) provides the urologist with an important treatment option for patients with : -

* Stones located in the kidney
* Stones accompanied by urinary tract anomaly
* Stones in locations that preclude effective ESWL or endoscopic retrieval...


A wide variety of instrumentation is required for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Each case will present unique challenges. It is imperative that instrumentation is properly selected to match the requirements of the case. ...


The following phases in a PCNL procedure can be identified : -

* Access: guidewire
* Dilatation: balloons and access sheaths
* Retrieval: baskets, lithotripsy devices
* Drainage: catheters..


What To Expect After Treatment

You will be in the hospital for at least 2 to 3 days. Most people are able to return to work within a few weeks. ...


How Well It Works

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy successfully removes stones in the kidney about 95 times out of 100 and successfully removes stones in the ureter about 88 times out of 100. ...


Risks

Risks of this procedure include : -

* Bleeding.
* Holes (perforation) in the kidney. They usually heal without further treatment.
* Injury to other abdominal organs, such as the bladder or colon.
* Damage that affects normal kidney function...


Complications

The following complications may take place : -

* Injury to the colon
* Injury to the renal blood vessels
* Urinary leak may persist for few days
* Sepsis..


What To Think About

These procedures are technically difficult. A stone that has left the kidney may need to be pushed back into the kidney with a small tool (ureteroscope) before the surgeon can do the procedure.

These procedures are used more frequently than extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to remove larger stones, such as staghorn calculi. Every fragment of a staghorn calculus must be removed to prevent the stone from returning. ..