Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) at Urology Clinic DRHC Dubai

Understanding Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)

Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure for the removal of large or complex kidney stones. Unlike traditional PNL, which often requires the placement of a nephrostomy tube for drainage, tubeless PNL eliminates this step, reducing patient discomfort and facilitating faster recovery.

When is Tubeless PNL Used?

Tubeless PNL is recommended for:

• Large Kidney Stones: Stones that are too big to be treated effectively with non-invasive methods like SWL.
• Complex Stone Burdens: Multiple or irregularly shaped stones that require precise removal. 
• Patients Seeking Minimally Invasive Treatment: Individuals who prefer reduced post-operative discomfort and quicker recovery.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Tubeless PNL

Symptoms that may indicate the need for tubeless PNL include:

• Severe Flank Pain: Intense pain in the side or back, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Pink, red, or brown urine indicating the presence of stones.
• Frequent Urinary Tract Infections: Recurrent infections caused by obstructing stones.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanying severe pain due to stones.
• Difficulty Urinating: Reduced urine output or discomfort during urination.

The Tubeless PNL Procedure at DRHC Dubai

At DRHC Dubai, the tubeless PNL procedure is performed with the highest standards of care:

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment including imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans to determine the size, location, and composition of the stones.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3. Percutaneous Access: A small incision is made in the skin, and a nephroscope is inserted into the kidney through this opening.
4. Stone Removal: The stones are fragmented using specialized instruments and removed through the nephroscope.
5. No Nephrostomy Tube: Unlike traditional PNL, a nephrostomy tube is not placed. Instead, a ureteral stent may be used to ensure drainage and facilitate healing.
6. Post-Procedure Care: Monitoring for any immediate complications and providing pain management and instructions for recovery.

Kidney stones are formed in the urinary tract due to crystallization of chemical compounds in the urine. PCNL is a technique used to remove certain stones in the kidney or upper ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder) that are too large for other forms of stone treatment such as shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although this procedure has been shown to be very safe, as with all surgical procedures, there are risks and potential complications. Safety and complications are similar compared to open surgery. Potential risks include:

• Bleeding: This procedure causes blood loss, but rarely do patients need a blood transfusion. If you are interested in an autologous blood transfusion (donating your own blood), you must inform your surgeon. When you are sent an information packet about your surgery, you will also receive an authorization form that you can take to the Red Cross. You will need to coordinate this with the Red Cross in your area.
• Infection: All patients are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection after surgery. If you develop signs or symptoms of infection after surgery (fever, discharge from the incision, urinary frequency or discomfort, pain, or anything that worries you), contact us right away.
• Tissue/Organ Damage: Although rare, potential damage to surrounding tissues/organs including intestine, vascular structures, spleen, liver, lungs, pancreas and gallbladder may require additional surgery. Loss of kidney function is a rare but possible risk. Scar tissue can also form in the kidneys or urethra, requiring further surgery.
• Conversion to open surgery: This surgical procedure may require conversion to standard open surgery if difficulties arise during the procedure. This can result in a larger standard open incision and potentially a longer recovery period.
• Failure to remove stone: It is possible that the stone cannot be completely removed, usually due to the size or location of the stone. Further treatment may be necessary.

Why Choose DRHC Dubai for Tubeless PNL?

At DRHC Dubai, we provide exceptional care for patients undergoing tubeless PNL. Our multidisciplinary team of urologists and healthcare professionals ensures:

• Expertise: Highly skilled urologists with extensive experience in performing tubeless PNL.
• Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art surgical equipment for precise and effective treatment.
• Comprehensive Care: Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Compassionate care focused on patient comfort and well-being.

If you are in search of the best Urology clinic in Dubai or an urologist in Dubai, then call on +97142798200 for consultation with our consultant urologist. Dubai at Urology Clinic - DRHC offers the best urologist for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in Dubai. Our DRHC is headed by a urologist with several years of experience.