Dr Samarth Agarwal - Gold medalist urologist and urosurgeon

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and lithotripsy are surgical interventions used to treat kidney stones, a prevalent issue among populations worldwide. This article elucidates the differences and individual attributes of these techniques, focusing particularly on their effectiveness as stone-removal therapies.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) refers to the technique of removing renal stones through small incisions or catheter insertion with the aid of various tools and methods such as sound waves (ultrasonic) or a pneumatic hammer.