Best Doctor List Near You for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Wilmette

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones that are too large, numerous, or resistant to other treatments like shock wave lithotripsy. The procedure involves creating a small incision in the patient's back to access the kidney directly. Through this incision, a nephroscope and other specialized instruments are inserted to break up and remove the stones. PCNL is typically recommended when stones are larger than 2 centimeters, are causing significant pain, infection, or obstruction, or when other treatments have failed. The primary cause necessitating PCNL is the presence of kidney stones, which can develop due to a variety of factors, including dehydration, dietary habits, genetic predisposition, or metabolic disorders that lead to high concentrations of stone-forming substances in the urine. While PCNL is effective in clearing large or complex stones, it does come with potential complications. These can include bleeding, which might require a blood transfusion; infection, possibly leading to sepsis; injury to the kidney or surrounding organs; and postoperative pain or discomfort. Additionally, there is a risk of residual stone fragments being left behind, which may necessitate further treatment. In rare cases, more severe complications such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion) can occur, especially when the stones are located in the upper part of the kidney. Despite these risks, PCNL remains one of the most effective methods for treating large and complex kidney stones, offering a high success rate with a relatively short recovery time.