What tools are used to remove a large kidney stone during surgery?

UCLA Health

During PCNL to remove a large kidney stone, doctors can advance a larger camera directly into the kidney. Since the procedure provides direct access into the kidney, doctors can use larger instruments to remove larger stones. Most commonly used are an ultrasound that can grind the stone up and suction it out, or a pneumatic device that operates like a jackhammer to shatter hard stones along with a variety of graspers to remove the pieces through the sheath in your back. The surgeon will usually have all these devices at his or her disposal and will use whatever works best for the type of stone.

This procedure is often done in the hospital with an overnight stay because it is invasive.

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