Micro-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a cutting-edge procedure that is revolutionizing the way we approach kidney stone removal, offering patients a faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved outcomes. It combines the benefits of traditional PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) with modern technology and minimally invasive techniques. This results in a procedure that is both highly effective and less traumatic for the patient. The success rate is between 85% to 95% but can be even higher when performed by a skilled urology surgeon.
Why Choose Micro-Mini PCNL?
- Highly Effective: It is highly effective at treating even large and complex kidney stones. It allows for precise targeting and removal of stones, resulting in better outcomes and reduced risk of recurrence.
- Reduced Pain: Micro-Mini PCNL is associated with significantly less postoperative pain compared to traditional kidney stone removal methods. This means a more comfortable and less painful recovery for you.
- Lower Complication Rates: The advanced technology and expertise involved in this procedure contribute to lower complication rates, ensuring a safer procedure for patients.
- Faster Recovery: Micro-Mini PCNL utilizes small incisions, typically less than 5 mm in diameter, which reduces tissue damage and promotes a quicker recovery.
Who Is Eligible For Micro-Mini PCNL?
The success rate of this surgery depends greatly on the type, size, and location of the stones. The following are the basic criteria that make you a good candidate for this procedure:
- Larger kidney stones cannot be treated effectively with less invasive methods like shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.
- Stones located at a tricky spot that cannot be directly targetted from the outside without incision.
- Stone made of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, struvite, and uric acid stones.
- Structural abnormality in the kidney or a history of previous kidney surgery, needing the urologist to be extra careful while removing the stones.
How Is It Done?
- On the day of the procedure, you will report to the clinic after a few hours of fasting.
- You will be given some anesthesia to ease any pain and ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Your surgeon will make tiny incisions (less than 5 mm) in your back.
- Using advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, he will guide specialized instruments to access the kidney stone.
- The stones will be fragmented and removed through the small incisions.
- After the procedure, you’ll be closely monitored and can typically return home within a day or two. You can resume your regular life after a week; although strenuous physical activities can be restricted for another week.
- A few follow-up are made appointments to ensure a successful recovery and monitor for any potential complications.
Micro-Mini PCNL represents a significant advancement in kidney stone treatment, offering patients a minimally invasive, highly effective, and faster recovery option. If you are struggling with kidney stones, consult our chief urologist, Dr. Priyank Salecha, to discuss whether Micro-Mini PCNL can be a viable treatment option for you.
