Treatments
PCNL in India
Quick answer
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) removes large kidney stones through a small cut in the back, using a scope placed directly into the kidney. It is the usual choice for large or staghorn stones. Hospital stay is commonly one to a few days, and many patients fly home after about a week.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
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At a glance
Cost of pcnl in India
Publicly listed package prices range from $734 to $4,400 across 2 sources (latest retrieved 2026-10-23). The final figure depends on the hospital, room category, implants and length of stay; every quote we send is in writing from the hospital.
| Hospital / source | City | Price | Includes | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACE Hospitals | Hyderabad | $734–$1,572 | Cost components listed; bundling not stated | 2026-06-12 |
| Max Healthcare (Max Super Speciality Hospitals network) | Delhi NCR | $4,400 | retrieved 2026-10-23 |
In PCNL, the urologist makes a narrow passage from the skin of the back to the kidney. A nephroscope (a rigid kidney scope) passes through it. The stone is broken with ultrasound, pneumatic or laser energy and removed in pieces.
PCNL clears large stone burdens more effectively than procedures done through the urinary passage. It is usually done under general anaesthesia, with X-ray or ultrasound guiding the puncture.
Who needs pcnl
- Large kidney stones
- Staghorn stones
- Stones in kidneys where other methods have failed
- Stones with associated infection that need complete clearance
- Hard stones such as cystine stones
How it is done
- Under anaesthesia, a ureteric catheter may be placed to outline the kidney with dye.
- The kidney is punctured through the back under imaging guidance.
- The tract is dilated and a sheath is placed.
- The nephroscope is inserted and the stone is broken and removed.
- The kidney is checked for remaining fragments.
- A nephrostomy tube or stent is placed, or the procedure is done tubeless.
Before you travel to India
- CT KUB scan with images
- Kidney function tests and blood count
- Urine culture with any infection treated
- Clotting profile and blood thinner details
- An attendant to help after surgery
Recovery and flying home
- Hospital stay is commonly one to a few days
- Flank pain and blood in urine settle over several days
- Plan around a week in India for review and tube or stent decisions
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks
- Stone analysis guides future prevention
Risks
- Bleeding, sometimes needing a transfusion or embolisation
- Fever and infection
- Leftover stone
- Injury to surrounding organs, which is uncommon
- Urine leak from the tract
Alternatives
- RIRS, for smaller stones
- Shock wave lithotripsy, for suitable stones
- Laparoscopic or open surgery, in rare complex anatomy
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for pcnl
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams RoadChennai
Specialists
- Dr Gagan GautamMedanta - The Medicity
Dr Anil MandhaniFortis Memorial Research Institute- Dr T B YuvarajaKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Dr Himesh GandhiRuby Hall Clinic
Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy NYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City- Dr Puneet AhluwaliaMedanta - The Medicity
Frequently asked questions
Why is PCNL recommended for large stones?
It removes large amounts of stone quickly through a direct route. Other methods may need several sessions for the same stone.
Will I have a tube after surgery?
Some patients have a nephrostomy tube for a day or two. Others have tubeless surgery with a stent. The surgeon decides based on bleeding and stone clearance.
How painful is recovery?
Some flank pain is expected and controlled with medicines. Most patients walk the day after surgery.
Do I need a second procedure?
Most patients do not, but complex stones may need a second look. A follow-up scan guides this.
Can PCNL be done safely for international patients on a short trip?
Yes, many international patients have PCNL. Plan about a week to cover recovery and review. Bring all scans to avoid delays.
Sources
- PCNL Surgery Cost in Hyderabad, India - PACE Hospitals
- Max Healthcare International - Assured Best Cost For All Treatments
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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