PCNL for Large Kidney Stones
Keyhole kidney stone surgery, Lucknow

Large or complex kidney stones are often removed through a small keyhole in the back. In percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the urologist makes a tunnel about 1 cm wide into the kidney, breaks the stone and removes the pieces. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, M.Ch urologists perform standard and mini PCNL.

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NABH-accredited hospital M.Ch urologists CT & ultrasound on campus 24×7 emergency

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About PCNL

What is PCNL?

Under anaesthesia, a needle is guided into the kidney using X-ray or ultrasound, and the track is widened to pass a telescope. The stone is broken with a laser or ultrasound probe and removed. A drainage tube and/or stent may be left for a short time.

  • For stones larger than about 2 cm, or staghorn stones
  • Small keyhole in the back
  • Laser or ultrasonic stone breaking
  • Mini PCNL for selected stones
  • Hospital stay of 2 to 4 days for most

Large stones

Over about 2 cm.

Staghorn stones

Filling the kidney’s drainage system.

Mini PCNL

A smaller track for selected stones.

Clearance

Aims to clear the stone in one sitting where possible.

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Tests

Tests before PCNL

Planning tests make the procedure safer.

CT KUB

Size, position and density of the stone.

Urine culture

Infection treated first.

Blood tests

Kidney function, clotting and blood count.

Fitness check

Anaesthesia review.

Plan

Standard or mini PCNL.

Standard or mini PCNL?

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The procedure

What to expect

Here is what usually happens.

Preparing

Infection is treated and blood thinners are stopped as advised.

Urine cultureBlood thinners stopped as advisedFasting

Bring

  • CT reports
  • List of medicines
  • A family member

Ask us about

  • Tubes and stents
  • Stay
  • Costs
Your journey

From consultation to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

Symptoms and CT reviewed.

Step 2

Tests

Urine, blood and fitness checks.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Procedure and costs.

Step 4

PCNL

1 to 2 hours.

Step 5

Stay

2 to 4 days.

Step 6

Follow-up

Scan and prevention.

Preventing stones

Lowering the chance of new stones

About half of people who have had a stone get another within some years. These steps help.

Drink enough

Drink enough water to pass about 2.5 litres of urine a day — more in summer.

Pale yellow urine is a good sign.

Diet

Cut down on salt, packaged foods and excess meat.

Do not cut out calcium-rich foods unless advised; normal dietary calcium helps.

Stone analysis

Analysis of the removed stone and blood and urine tests can show why stones form.

Follow-up

An ultrasound or X-ray at intervals checks for new stones.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever with chills
  • Severe pain not relieved by medicines
  • Unable to pass urine
  • Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
  • Heavy bleeding in the urine
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common beliefs about kidney stones

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Beer helps pass stones.”

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Fact

Alcohol dehydrates you and is not a treatment. Water is.

Myth

“All stones need surgery.”

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Fact

Many small stones pass on their own with fluids and medicines.

Myth

“Stones never come back after removal.”

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Fact

Stones can recur. Drinking enough water and follow-up lower the risk.

Myth

“Avoid all calcium.”

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Fact

Cutting dietary calcium can increase some stones. Follow your doctor’s diet advice.

Our doctors

Meet our urologists

Urology Laser stone removal
Practical help

Preparing, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • CT reports and films
  • Urine culture and blood reports
  • A list of medicines, including blood thinners
  • Insurance card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the stone size, standard or mini PCNL, laser or other equipment, stents and the length of stay. Ask for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How big is the cut?

About 1 cm in the back for standard PCNL; smaller for mini PCNL.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually 2 to 4 days.

Will all the stone be removed?

The aim is complete clearance; some large stones need a second sitting.

What are the risks?

Bleeding, infection, and rarely injury to nearby organs. Your urologist will explain your own risk.

When can I go back to work?

Light work in 1 to 2 weeks.

Is PCNL better than laser through the urine passage?

For large stones, PCNL often clears more stone. Your urologist will advise.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover this treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

PCNLPercutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Staghorn stoneA large branching stone.
Nephrostomy tubeA drainage tube from the kidney through the back.
Mini PCNLPCNL through a smaller track.
Stone clearanceRemoval of all stone fragments.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Urology Laser stone removal Kidney stones

Talk to our specialists

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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