PCNL (Kidney Stone Removal)
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) removes large or complex kidney stones through a small cut in the back, using a telescope passed directly into the kidney.
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About this Procedure
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) is keyhole surgery to remove kidney stones directly from the kidney. A small cut is made in the back, a track is created into the kidney, and a thin telescope (nephroscope) is passed through it. The stone is then pulled out or broken into smaller pieces using a laser or other energy.
It is usually recommended for stones that are too large to pass on their own or to be treated by going up through the bladder, and for stones that are blocking urine flow, causing infections, causing ongoing pain or damaging the kidney. The choice between PCNL, ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy depends on the size and position of your stones.
PCNL is always carried out under general anaesthetic. After the stone is removed, a small drainage tube (nephrostomy tube) may be placed in the kidney and a stent in the ureter to help the kidney heal. According to MedlinePlus, you may be able to go home within 24 hours, although your surgeon may keep you longer if there are problems. The tubes are removed once X-rays show the stones are gone and the kidney has healed. Sometimes a further procedure is needed to clear remaining fragments.
PCNL is offered at Medwell's partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, including BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, Fortis Memorial Research Institute and Paras Health in Gurugram, and Fortis Hospital, Noida. Medwell helps you share your CT scan in advance and plan enough time for tube removal and follow-up.
Why travel for this procedure?
- Accredited partner hospitals
Urology departments at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Paras Health and Fortis Hospital, Noida. - Experienced stone surgeons
Urologists who manage large and complex stones and can compare PCNL with other options. - Shorter waiting times
Consultations and planned procedures can usually be scheduled soon after your reports are reviewed, without long waiting lists. - English-speaking teams
Doctors, nurses and international patient desks communicate in English, and Medwell can arrange an interpreter for other languages. - Medwell coordination
Free personalised quote, visa invitation letter help, hotel near the hospital, airport pickup coordination and support after you go home.
Dr. Yajvender Pratap Singh Rana
Share your CT scan and get a free quote
Send your CT scan and urology reports to Medwell. A partner hospital urologist reviews whether PCNL is suitable for your stone and we share a personalised quote.
Travel and pre-surgery evaluation
Medwell helps with your visa letter, flights and hotel. In Delhi NCR the urologist completes blood and urine tests and confirms the surgical plan.
PCNL, recovery and follow-up
The stone is removed under general anaesthetic and a follow-up X-ray checks clearance before tubes are removed. Medwell helps you plan your stay so follow-up can be completed before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy)?
PCNL is keyhole surgery to remove kidney stones through a small cut in the back. A thin telescope called a nephroscope is passed directly into the kidney, and the stone is pulled out or broken up with a laser or other energy. It is always done under general anaesthetic and is often used for large stones.
Who needs PCNL for kidney stones?
PCNL is usually recommended when a kidney stone is too large to pass naturally or to be treated through the bladder, or when it blocks urine flow, causes infections, ongoing pain or kidney damage. A urologist at a Medwell partner hospital decides whether PCNL, ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy suits you after reviewing your CT scan.
How long is the hospital stay after PCNL?
After PCNL you may be able to go home within 24 hours, according to MedlinePlus, although your surgeon may keep you longer if there are problems. A drainage tube and stent may be left in place and removed once X-rays show the stones are gone and the kidney has healed. International patients should allow time for this follow-up.
How much does PCNL cost in India?
The cost of PCNL in India depends on the hospital, the specialist team, the size and complexity of the stone and your overall health, so there is no single fixed price. Share your medical reports with Medwell and we will send a free, no-obligation personalised quote from our partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, usually within 24 hours.
Is PCNL safe?
PCNL is generally safe, according to MedlinePlus, but possible complications include bleeding around the kidney, infection, stone fragments left behind that need further treatment, and fragments blocking urine flow. Your urologist explains the risks for your stone before surgery. PCNL often clears kidney stones completely, but sometimes another procedure is needed.
Which hospitals in Delhi NCR offer PCNL?
PCNL is offered at 6 of Medwell's partner hospitals in Delhi NCR (New Delhi, Gurugram and Noida). Medwell helps you choose a hospital and urologist based on your scans and travel plans.
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Paras Health, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram
- Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
- Fortis Hospital, Noida
How do I plan PCNL in India with Medwell?
To plan PCNL in India, send your CT scan and reports to Medwell for a free, confidential review and personalised quote, usually within 24 hours. We book the urology consultation and help with your visa invitation letter, flights, hotel near the hospital and airport pickup, and plan your stay around follow-up X-rays and tube removal.