Kidney stones, medically termed nephrolithiasis, can lead to intense pain and serious complications if not managed appropriately. For larger or more complex rocks that cannot pass naturally or respond to other treatments, a progressive surgical option called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is often recommended. This imaginary invasive process gives a practical solution when other methods are ineffective.
Understanding Pediatric PCNL
Pediatric PCNL is a small-incision surgery used to treat large or complex kidney stones in children. It consists of making a minor surgical cut in the child’s back to directly access and remove the kidney stone using a thin telescope and laser or ultrasonic energy.
At RG Hospital Ludhiana, we offer state-of-the-art PCNL techniques, primarily designed for pediatric patients, to ensure your child receives safe, efficient, and comfortable treatment.
When is PCNL Recommended?
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is mainly recommended in some instances where other treatment choices may be ineffective. These includes:
Large Kidney Stones
Stones measuring over 2 cm in diameter are usually too large to pass naturally or be effectively treated with non-trespassing methods, such as ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy).
Hard-to-Treat Stone Composition
Stones composed of cystine or calcium oxalate are frequently resistant to fragmentation by shock waves, making percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) a more effective treatment option.
Irregular or Composite Stones
Unusually shaped stones, such as staghorn calculi (which resemble the antlers of a deer), often form in multiple branches of the kidney and need direct surgical removal through percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Abortive Previous Treatments
If procedures like ureteroscopy or ESWL have failed to clear the stones, PCNL is often recommended as a more definitive treatment option.
Understanding PCNL process
PCNL is executed under some overall anesthesia, which involves different steps
- Imaging: This is a method that is imaging the requirement, for example, CT scan, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy
- Minor surgical cut: This is always a 1 cm length, which is done at the back side where a need is instead inside at the of the kidney
- Establishing an access channel: This is a navigation through the incision, which is the minor surgical cut.
Recovery after PCNL
Healing from PCNL is mostly smooth when post-operative care rules are followed carefully; the list below outlines what the patient can expect.
Pain control: The patient may experience some pain at the incision site.
Post-surgical care: This involves proper wound care and following the doctor’s guidance.
Returning to routine involves resuming and restarting the usual daily activities.
Conclusion
When other treatment methods fail to resolve kidney stones. PCNL could be the best solution for you. Be sure to discuss your individual needs with your healthcare specialist to check the most suitable treatment. By sticking to post-surgery care instructions and adopting a healthy lifestyle routine, you can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones again and promote better long-term kidney health.
