Page 2 - Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
P. 2
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Once stone removal is complete, a small tube may Major complications from PCNL are uncommon, but,
be left in the kidney, through the access tract to allow potentially, these can be serious.
urine to drain. This tube usually can be removed in Possible complications include:
a few days. In some, temporary kidney drainage is
obtained with an internal drainage tube known as a • Injury to other organs, particularly the bowel
ureteric stent running from the kidney to the bladder. • Major bleeding requiring blood transfusion
A bladder drainage catheter may be left for a few or additional procedures for control
days. • Infection
• Collection of fluid in the chest requiring drainage
After your surgery
You may be asked to take antibiotics for a period of
A short hospital stay is usually all that is required. An time after percutaneous stone removal. A follow up
x-ray may be performed during your stay to determine visit with your urologist will be recommended. At that
if all the stones have been removed. Occasionally, time you will have X-rays to determine if there are any
some fragments may remain and your doctor residual stones.
may decide to perform another procedure. Some
fragments may be so small that they will likely pass on Conclusion
their own.
Recovery from percutaneous stone removal is PCNL is a surgical procedure to safely remove large
usually rapid. Patients may return to normal but not stones from the kidney through a small skin incision
excessively strenuous activity as soon as they leave allowing more rapid recovery.
hospital. Return to work is often possible within a week
after discharge from hospital.
Your percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedure has been scheduled for:
Day:________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________
Time:_______________________________________ Location: _______________________________________
Notes: _______________________________________________________________________________________
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information contained in or referenced by this brochure. cua.org 37E-PNLE-06-10
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