PCNL — Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) is the gold-standard surgical approach for kidney stones > 2 cm or for staghorn calculi. This page summarizes the procedure, the device choices that affect outcomes, and which Neimor consumables map to each step.
Procedure overview
- Retrograde pyelography — opacify the collecting system with contrast.
- Renal puncture — fluoroscopic or ultrasound-guided access through the posterior calyx.
- Tract dilation — serial Amplatz or balloon dilation over a super-stiff wire.
- Nephroscopy + stone fragmentation — laser, ultrasonic or pneumatic lithotripsy.
- Drainage — nephrostomy tube and / or DJ stent.
Mini-PCNL vs Standard PCNL
Mini-PCNL uses a smaller tract (14–20 Fr) versus standard PCNL (24–30 Fr). Trade-off: less bleeding and shorter hospital stay vs. longer operative time and lower clearance for large stones. The choice depends on stone burden, anatomy and surgeon experience.
Ureteroscopy and ESWL alternatives
Ureteroscopy (URS) works for stones < 2 cm in the ureter or lower pole. ESWL is non-invasive but less effective for >1 cm stones and dense compositions (e.g., calcium oxalate monohydrate, cystine).
Neimor consumables for PCNL
- UroPath™ PCNL Set — full access kit
- ApexFlow™ PCNL Guidewire — super-stiff tract anchor
- ApexFlow™ Vista Zebra Guidewire — fluoroscopic confirmation
- DynaCore™ Ureteral Stent — post-procedure DJ stenting
OEM
Custom configurations on demand. Talk to us.