percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a procedure to remove a kidney stone or stones. Percutaneous means 'through the skin' and nephrolithotomy means 'taking stones out of the kidney'. The surgery is done telescopically. Allows large or complicated stones to be treated in a minimally invasive fashion, where in the past this would have necessitated a large skin incision.