PCNL Surgery Full Form in Medical Terms

Full Form of PCNL - Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

What is the Full Form of PCNL?

PCNL surgery full form is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy refers to a minimally invasive process that helps remove very large kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally.

In general, a healthcare provider recommends a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure when other methods to pass a kidney stone become unsuccessful or not possible.

A Brief History of PCNL Full Form Medically

In 1976, the Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure was first mentioned and performed by Fernström and Johansson at the famous Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Since then, this minimally invasive process, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), has slowly become famous as one of the major treatment choices in Endourology.

What is PCNL?

PCNL surgery involves a small incision in the back to create direct access to the kidney, permitting stone removal or fragmentation.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is generally preferred when the large kidney stones block one branch of the collecting system of the kidney. These are called staghorn kidney stones.

For kidney stone removal, PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is usually used for larger stones (over 2 cm), and RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is preferred for tiny stones or for complex cases, in which PCNL may result in higher risks. This removal procedure involves keyhole surgery that is done via a 1cm incision in the skin. We have seen the PCNL surgery full form; let’s discuss the PCNL surgery procedure.

To say clearly, in the PCNL procedure, a tube is kept through the incision into the kidney using X-ray guidance. A small telescope is then passed using the tube for the purpose of seeing the stone, breaking it up and clearing it off from the body. If needed, a laser or other device known as a lithotripter might be used to break up the stone before it is removed.

The advantages of PCNL surgery are high stone-free rates, particularly for larger stones.

The disadvantages of PCNL surgery are it is more invasive, takes longer recovery time, and has higher complications such as bleeding and infection. PCNL is often considered suitable for large stones, but it is least suitable for patients with certain conditions or complications.

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) benefits include removing kidney stones, high stone clearance rates, apt for large or complex stones, and a minimally invasive approach when compared to open surgery. Also, this results in a faster recovery and less pain. Its other benefits are early convalescence, mini PCNL, better access and the vacuum cleaner effect.

The average cost of a percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedure may depend on different variables, ranges and locations.