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PCNL · Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Bangkok
PCNL is the gold-standard surgery for large or complex kidney stones · a small puncture through the back gives direct access to the kidney, where stones are fragmented and removed in a single session. It’s the preferred option for stones over 2 cm, staghorn stones filling the renal pelvis, and stones that have failed ESWL or ureteroscopy.
Our solutions
Why patients choose PCNL
What Our Patients Say
Male Surgery
The difference was night and day. I hadn’t felt a strong stream like that in years.
Wachirawit, 67
Male Surgery
I was nervous about surgery, but the relief was almost instant. Sleeping through the night feels incredible again.
Khom, 64
Book your consultation today.
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How to Prepare for PCNL
Imaging
CT KUB to map stone position, size, and kidney anatomy.Urine culture
Treat any urinary infection · PCNL has higher infection risk than other stone surgeries.Stop blood thinners
5-7 days before surgery only if cleared by your prescribing doctor.Pre-anesthesia assessment
Bloods, ECG, chest X-ray as indicated.Fast pre-surgery
No food or water for 6-8 hours before the procedure.Plan for 2-3 night hospital stay
PCNL recovery is longer than ESWL or URS · plan accordingly.
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What Happens During PCNL
Anesthesia
General anesthesia.Positioning
Lying on your front (prone) or modified flank position depending on stone location.Puncture and tract creation
Under ultrasound and X-ray guidance, a needle is passed through the back into the kidney · the tract is dilated to fit the nephroscope.Stone fragmentation
Holmium laser, ultrasonic lithotripter, or pneumatic lithotripter breaks the stone into removable fragments.Stone removal
Fragments are extracted under direct vision through the scope.Drainage
A nephrostomy tube or ureteric stent may be left in for a few days to allow drainage and healing.
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Explore Our Topics
About PCNL
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High-Volume Endourology Team
PCNL outcomes depend heavily on surgeon experience · our urology team performs PCNL regularly for complex and staghorn stone cases.
Mini and Micro PCNL Available
We offer the full range of tract sizes · standard PCNL for large stones, mini-PCNL (around 18Fr) for moderate stones, micro-PCNL for select cases. Smaller tract = less bleeding + faster recovery.
Combined Procedures When Needed
For complex stone burden, we can combine PCNL with retrograde URS in the same anesthesia session to clear stones from multiple kidney positions.
Private, Discreet Recovery
Confidential care, WhatsApp recovery support, English-language follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
When is PCNL the right choice over ESWL or URS?
PCNL is preferred for stones over 2 cm, staghorn stones, or stones in unfavorable kidney positions where ESWL and URS would require multiple sessions with lower success rates.
How big is the incision?
PCNL uses a single small puncture (5-10 mm depending on tract size) in the flank · no large incision.
How long is the recovery?
Hospital stay is typically 2-3 nights. Most patients return to light activity within 7-10 days and full activity within 3-4 weeks.
What are the risks?
Main risks are bleeding (usually self-limiting · transfusion uncommon), infection, and damage to nearby organs (rare in experienced hands). We discuss all risks at consultation.
How much does PCNL cost in Bangkok?
Cost depends on stone burden, tract size, hospital admission length, and any disposable equipment used. Book a consultation for a personalized quote.
THE GOLD STANDARD FOR LARGE KIDNEY STONES
THE GOLD STANDARD FOR
LARGE KIDNEY STONES
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