Logo textual del Dr. Carlos A. Brugiati UroPanama.

Urologic procedure

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

A procedure that may be considered for selected larger or more complex kidney stones.

This page explains when a percutaneous approach may be discussed and what information is reviewed before deciding.

Ask about complex stonesWhatsApp
Visual educativo de planificación para nefrolitotomía percutánea.

Decision pathway

1

Evaluate

Symptoms, studies, and reason for consultation.

  • Review the main symptom and its timeline.
  • Organize studies, reports, and relevant history.
2

Plan

Confirm whether the procedure is appropriate.

  • Compare alternatives before deciding.
  • Clarify preparation, general risks, and expectations.
3

Recover

Follow-up and aftercare.

  • Define follow-up and warning signs.
  • Adjust care according to recovery and findings.

The pathway may change according to available studies, patient safety, and medical judgment.

Understand the procedure

What makes it different

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be considered for selected stones with greater size, stone burden, or complexity. It does not replace medical evaluation; it is discussed after reviewing imaging, symptoms, kidney function, and alternatives.

The indication for any procedure depends on medical evaluation, available studies, and the patient’s overall condition.

When it is discussed

When it may be considered

  • Large or multiple kidney stones.
  • Stones with more complex anatomy.
  • Cases where other options may not be enough.
  • Need to review a prior surgical recommendation.

Decision and follow-up

How the next step is organized.

The indication is defined after reviewing studies, patient goals, alternatives, and safety considerations.

Before the procedure

What is reviewed first

Planning depends heavily on imaging and overall condition, so the prior review needs to be organized and complete.

  • CT scan and complete reports.
  • Labs and urine testing.
  • History of infections or prior surgeries.
  • Medications and individual risk factors.

Afterward and follow-up

Follow-up

Follow-up depends on the procedure performed, recovery, control studies, and prevention guidance.

  • Recovery monitoring.
  • Review of follow-up studies when appropriate.
  • Care and medication instructions.
  • Prevention planning according to evaluation.

Questions for your visit

Useful questions

  • Why might another option not be enough?
  • What do the images show?
  • What preparation would be required?
  • How would follow-up be handled?

Frequently asked questions about percutaneous nephrolithotomy

No. It is discussed for selected stones with greater size or complexity, based on imaging and medical evaluation. During the visit, available studies, the reason for consultation, and overall condition are reviewed to explain whether this procedure is appropriate and what alternatives may exist.

Ask about complex stonesWhatsApp

The information on this page does not replace a medical consultation. If you have blood in your urine, urinary retention, fever, severe pain, or an elevated PSA, request an evaluation with a urologist.