PCNL vs RIRS: Choosing the Right Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones can cause severe pain and discomfort, often striking without warning. While small stones may pass naturally, larger or more complex stones often require medical intervention. In the world of advanced urology, PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) and RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) have emerged as two of the most effective procedures for stone removal. But how do these treatments differ? Which one is best for your condition? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about PCNL and RIRS—without just throwing technical terms at you. Our goal is to help you understand your options and feel confident when speaking to your urologist. What is PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)? PCNL is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove large or complex kidney stones. It’s often recommended when the stone size is more than 2 cm or when the stone is located in a place that other treatments can’t reach effectively. How it works: The patie...