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Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

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Left and right kidneys in person's back, with detail inside kidney showing kidney stone broken into pieces and being removed through tube.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy are procedures in which a small incision is made in a person's back to remove kidney stones. In both cases, the doctor puts a tube into the kidney and a scope through the tube. In nephrolithotomy, the doctor removes a stone through the tube. In nephrolithotripsy, the stone is broken up and the fragments of the stone are removed through the tube.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.