Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of kidney stones. Kidney stones are also called renal calculi. They can form anywhere in the urinary system, however usually develop in the kidney. Kidney stones range in size from microscopic groups of crystals to objects as large as golf balls. Most calculi, however, pass through the urinary tract without causing problems. PCNL is most suitable to remove stones more than 2 cm in size.

A needle is inserted through the skin into the renal collecting system (under image guidance)and then the tract is dilated to approximately 1 cm. Surgical instruments (nephroscope) are then inserted through this tract to break up and remove stones. Large stones are first crushed using ultrasound and then the fragments are safely removed. In contrast to laparoscopy, no insufflation is used; the percutaneous tract provides direct access to the kidney for stone removal. Post procedure care:

Get yourself checked if you have the following symptoms

• If you have difficulty in urination or cannot urinate.
• Progressive breathing problems or chest pain.
• Your nephrostomy tube is leaking or has not drained urine for two hours.

BPH symptoms include:

• Increase in urination frequency, and the need to urinate during the night
• Difficulty starting urine flow
• A slow, interrupted flow and dribbling after urinating
• Sudden, strong urges to pass urine
• A sensation that the bladder is not completely empty
• Pain or burning during urination

If you suffer from any of these symptoms get yourself checked. TURP reduces symptoms in 88% of BPH patients.