PCNL Surgery in Bangalore for Large Kidney Stones

PCNL removes large or complex kidney stones through a small opening in the back. A urologist may recommend it when a stone is unlikely to respond well to other treatments. Your scans, infection status, kidney function and general health guide the decision. This page explains preparation, possible risks, recovery and follow-up.

Santosh Hospital brings four decades of excellence and 50 million+ patients treated across its hospital-wide history. Its urology and nephrology services support assessment of urinary tract and kidney problems, with care tailored to the diagnosis.

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1 cm keyhole access

Large stone removal option

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What Is PCNL Surgery?

PCNL, or Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove kidney stones typically larger than 20 mm. "Percutaneous" means through the skin. A small opening in the back allows the surgeon to access the kidney, break the stone into smaller pieces, and remove it directly.

Who Is PCNL Recommended For?

PCNL is recommended for specific stone patterns identified through imaging and clinical assessment.

• Kidney stones larger than 20 mm

• Staghorn stones occupying multiple parts of the kidney

• Stones that have not responded to ESWL

• Lower pole kidney stones that may be difficult to clear naturally

• Stones causing obstruction or hydronephrosis

• Recurrent large kidney stones

• Complex stone anatomy

• Infected stones associated with urinary blockage

Only a urologist reviewing your scans can determine whether PCNL is the most appropriate treatment option.

Why Is PCNL Recommended Instead of ESWL, URS, or RIRS?

PCNL is recommended when stone size, location, or complexity makes less invasive options unlikely to achieve complete clearance in a single treatment.

Stone Size Is the Primary Factor: Stones above 20 mm carry too much material for shock waves or laser fragmentation to clear reliably in one session. PCNL removes fragments directly as they are broken, achieving higher single-session clearance.

Stone Location Matters: Stones in the lower pole or areas a flexible scope cannot reach are better accessed through the direct keyhole tract PCNL creates.

When Other Treatments Have Not Worked: Stones that did not respond to ESWL or have regrown after previous treatment are better managed by physically removing the stone rather than fragmenting it again.

Staghorn Stones Need Direct Removal: Stones branching across multiple parts of the kidney cannot be cleared with ESWL, URS, or RIRS alone. PCNL is the standard approach for this stone pattern.

Only a urologist reviewing your imaging can confirm whether PCNL is the right option for your case.

How does PCNL work?

PCNL is performed under anaesthesia using imaging guidance. A small keyhole opening is created in the back to access the kidney. A specialised scope identifies the stone, which is then fragmented and removed through the access channel. A temporary nephrostomy tube may be placed after surgery to support drainage and healing.

What support does Santosh Hospital provide?

Your consultation focuses on the diagnosis, suitable options, likely recovery and follow-up. Bring your reports so the urologist can explain the reasons for the recommended plan.

What hospital facilities support your care?

Santosh Hospital is a 200-bed multispeciality facility with 24×7 emergency services, critical-care support, an on-site diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy and ambulance services. Imaging services include ultrasound, X-ray and CT. Your doctor selects investigations and care according to your needs.

Who are the urology consultants at Santosh Hospital?

Dr Mohd Saad Belgami

Consultant Urologist. MBBS, MS, FRCS (Urology).

Dr Tejus Chiranjeevi

Consultant Urologist. MBBS, MS, DNB, Fellowship in Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery.

Bring previous scans, test results and prescriptions. Call 080 4084 8888 to book a consultation.

How should you prepare for PCNL?

Preparation begins a few days before surgery, and the care team will guide you through each step.

• Your doctor will advise regarding regular medications.

• Bring previous reports, insurance documents, and identification.

• A pre-anaesthesia review is usually completed before surgery.

What should you expect after PCNL?

Recovery is typically faster than traditional open surgery, although timelines vary between patients.

First Week

Rest, hydration, wound care, and avoiding heavy lifting are usually recommended.

Weeks 2 to 4

Long-Term Follow-Up

Follow-up imaging may be recommended to assess stone clearance. Patients with recurrent stone disease may benefit from stone analysis and prevention planning.

Contact the hospital if you experience fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, difficulty passing urine, or concerns regarding the wound site.

What happens during your treatment journey?

Book Your Appointment Call the hospital to schedule a consultation.

Consult and Assess A urologist reviews your symptoms, reports, and stone history to understand your case.

Imaging and Evaluation CT KUB or ultrasound confirms stone size, location, and density , the details that determine whether PCNL is right for you.

Treatment Planning Your surgeon walks you through the procedure, recovery, costs, and insurance options before anything is decided.

PCNL Surgery Performed under anaesthesia through a small keyhole access tract, typically completing stone removal in a single session.

Recovery and Follow-Up The care team guides your recovery and schedules follow-up imaging to confirm clearance and plan recurrence prevention.

What affects the cost of assessment and treatment?

The cost depends on the diagnosis, investigations, recommended procedure, anaesthesia, consumables and hospital stay. Ask Santosh Hospital for a written estimate after assessment. Confirm whether follow-up, stent or catheter removal and any repeat procedure are included. Insurance approval depends on your policy.

How can you check insurance and cashless eligibility?

Santosh Hospital provides insurance assistance. Ask the team to check documentation and pre-authorisation requirements for the recommended treatment. Coverage and cashless approval depend on your insurer, policy terms, exclusions and waiting periods. Request a written estimate and confirm any amount payable by you before planned admission.

When is prompt treatment important?

When large kidney stones have been identified and treatment is recommended, delaying care may lead to ongoing symptoms or complications.

Persistent PainLarge stones can continue causing repeated episodes of severe discomfort.

Recurring InfectionsObstructing stones may increase the risk of urinary infections.

Urinary ObstructionBlocked urine flow can lead to kidney swelling and ongoing symptoms.

Stone GrowthStones often increase in size over time, making treatment more complex.

Reduced Kidney FunctionLong-standing obstruction or infection may affect kidney function in some patients.

Getting assessed does not mean agreeing to surgery. It helps you understand the available options and the reasons PCNL may have been recommended.

Schedule a Consultation

Where can you consult the urology team?

Santosh Hospital, 6/1, Promenade Road, behind Coles Park, Pulikeshi Nagar, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Call 080 4084 8888 for appointments and enquiries. Bring previous reports and your current medicine list.

Frequently asked questions

When is PCNL considered?

PCNL is commonly considered for large or complex kidney stones. Scans, infection, kidney function and other health factors guide the decision.

Is PCNL the same as open stone surgery?

No. PCNL uses a small access tract through the back rather than a large open incision. It still requires anaesthesia and recovery monitoring.

Will I need a drainage tube or stent?

Some patients need a nephrostomy tube, ureteric stent or both. Your surgeon decides according to the findings and drainage needs.

How long will I stay in hospital?

The stay depends on the procedure, recovery, bleeding, infection and other health conditions. Ask your surgeon for an estimate for your case.

Can another procedure be needed?

Yes. Remaining fragments or a large stone burden can require further treatment. Follow-up imaging helps assess clearance.

When do urinary symptoms need urgent care?

Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, fever with severe side pain, persistent vomiting or severe uncontrolled pain. Heavy bleeding or clots affecting urine flow also need urgent assessment.

How can I book an appointment?

Call Santosh Hospital on 080 4084 8888. The team can guide you on booking and the relevant records to bring.

Explore our Urology Department at Santosh Hospital for specialist assessment and related treatments.