PCNL
Medical abbreviation · Nephrology & Urology
| Stands for | Percutaneous nephrolithotomy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PCNL stands for Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a nephrology & urology abbreviation.
Minimally invasive surgery for large kidney stones in which a tract is created through the back into the kidney and the stone is fragmented and removed with a nephroscope. It is the preferred treatment for stones larger than about 2 cm and staghorn calculi.
Example: Right partial staghorn calculus, 3.2 cm; PCNL via lower pole access planned.
Usage notes
Mini-PCNL uses smaller tracts to reduce bleeding. Main risks are bleeding, infection and injury to nearby organs such as the pleura or colon. Stone-free rates are higher than with shock wave lithotripsy for large stones. A nephrostomy tube may be left in place afterward.
Related abbreviations
More nephrology & urology abbreviations
- LUTS – Lower urinary tract symptoms
- MCD – Minimal change disease
- NS – Nephrotic syndrome
- OAB – Overactive bladder
- PCa – Prostate cancer
- PCN – Percutaneous nephrostomy
- PD – Peritoneal dialysis
- PE – Premature ejaculation
- PKD – Polycystic kidney disease
- PUL – Prostatic urethral lift
- PVR – Post-void residual
- RALP – Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
See all 71 nephrology & urology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.