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What is PCNL for large kidney stone removal?
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove large kidney stones that cannot be passed naturally. This treatment involves making a small incision in the back to access the kidney directly, allowing for the effective removal of stones that are too large or complex for other methods.
You may need to have PCNL if you have the following:
- Large Kidney stones – bigger than 2 cm
- Lower pole kidney stones – bigger than 1.5cm
- Staghorn Calculi
- Complex intrarenal anatomy (caliceal diverticulum, horseshoe)
- Associated distal obstruction (PUJ, ureter)
- Reconstructed urinary tracts (ileoconduit)
…or if other treatments have not worked.
Hospital Fee Guaranteed
£5,495
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge.
Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about PCNL
If you’re experiencing kidney stone pain or have been diagnosed with kidney stones, book an appointment with one of our consultant urologists. Your urologist may request a CT scan, blood tests to check your kidney function, and a urine test to check for a urinary tract infection. If PCNL is recommended, they will explain the procedure, its risks and benefits, and address any questions so that you can make an informed decision.
PCNL surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. It’s a keyhole procedure with a very small incision made in your skin—usually around 1 cm for a standard PCNL or 5 mm for a mini-PCNL. The incision is made on your flank for easy access to the kidney, and the procedure may be done with you positioned on your front (prone) or back (supine). Once accessed, the stones are disintegrated using advanced lasers or broken down with ultrasound or ballistic devices.
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery ward before moving to your private room. Our nursing team will check on you regularly to ensure your recovery is going well. Most patients can go home 24–48 hours after the procedure, and you’ll be given painkillers and antibiotics to take over the next few days. Please arrange for someone to take you home and help care for you initially.
A temporary drainage tube is often placed after PCNL surgery. Your urologist may leave a ureteric stent (internal) or a nephrostomy (external drainage tube) along with a urethral catheter to help drain your bladder while you wake up from anaesthesia. These are typically removed a few days after the procedure.
It’s essential to keep the incision site clean and dry. Monitor yourself for signs of bruising, fever, or unusual odours from the incision area—contact us immediately if any of these occur. Additionally, follow any guidance provided regarding pain management and antibiotics.
Most people can resume their normal activities around two weeks after PCNL surgery. However, be sure to follow any specific guidance given by your doctor for a safe and steady recovery.