Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is PCNL surgery?
PCNL is performed under general anaesthetic, typically taking one to two hours. Under X-ray or ultrasound guidance, a narrow tract is created through a small incision in the back directly into the kidney. A nephroscope (a thin telescope with a camera) is then passed through this tract to locate the stone. The stone is fragmented using laser energy or ultrasound and the pieces are removed through the nephroscope. A temporary tube (nephrostomy tube) may be left in the kidney overnight to allow drainage during healing.
PCNL is generally recommended for kidney stones larger than 2cm, stones in certain positions within the kidney, or stones that have not responded to other treatments such as laser lithotripsy or shockwave therapy. Most patients stay in hospital for two to three nights following the procedure. Based in St John’s Wood (NW8), our specialist urologists treat patients from across London.
Who needs large kidney stone removal?
PCNL is typically recommended if you:
- Have kidney stones larger than 2cm that cannot pass naturally or be treated with laser lithotripsy
- Have stones in a position within the kidney that makes laser or shockwave treatment less effective
- Have stones causing significant pain, recurrent infections or blockage of the urinary tract
- Have not achieved clearance of stones with previous less invasive treatments
Your consultant will assess your stone size, location and density using CT imaging before recommending the most appropriate treatment. For smaller stones, laser kidney stone removal (ureteroscopy) may be more suitable.
Kidney Stones Explained – watch our video
In this informative video, Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr. Leye Ajayi explains everything you need to know about kidney stones — from how they form to the most advanced treatment options available.
Surgeons who perform Large Kidney Stone Removals in London
How Much Does Private Large Kidney Stone Removal Cost?
from £5,995*
The cost of private Large Kidney Stone Removal starts from £5,995* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
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
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the surrounding areas.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Private large kidney stone removal (PCNL) at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £5,995*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs, the complexity of the stone and the surgical approach used.
*Please note that this guide price covers hospital charges and excludes consultant, anaesthetist and diagnostic fees. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking as prior authorisation is usually required for surgical procedures.
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.
Large kidney stones are typically removed using percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive procedure. This involves making a small incision in the back – usually around 1cm for a standard PCNL or 5mm for a mini-PCNL -to access the kidney and remove or break up the stone.
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.
You may need large kidney stone removal, rather than laser kidney stone removal if you have:
- 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)