Type of Surgery

During a percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the surgeon inserts a needle through the patient's back directly into the kidney (B). A nephroscope uses an ultrasonic or laser probe to break up large kidney stones (C). Pieces of the stones are suctioned out with the scope, and a nephrostomy tube drains the kidney of urine (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.) During a percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the surgeon inserts a needle through the patient's back directly into the kidney (B). A nephroscope uses an ultrasonic or laser probe to break up large kidney stones (C). Pieces of the stones are suctioned out with the scope, and a nephrostomy tube drains the kidney of urine (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)




Other Information

In 2000, the estimated number of doctor visits and outpatient hospital visits by adults aged 20 or older with “calculus of kidney and ureters” as a listed diagnosis was of 2 million visits with urolithiasis as the primary diagnosis.


From: NKUDIC

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