Kidney stone removal (PCNL and ureteroscopy) in India
Stones are broken and removed through a small hole in the back (PCNL) or via the urinary tract with a laser (ureteroscopy).
At a glance
- Type
- Endoscopic procedure
- Typical procedure time
- About 1–3 hours
- Typical hospital stay
- 1–3 days
- Time to plan in India
- About 1 week
These are broad, typical ranges for planning a trip. Your doctor sets the real plan for you, and it can be shorter or longer.
When people ask about it
- Large or painful stones, or those that do not pass
Whether it suits you is a decision for a doctor who has examined you and seen your results.
How it usually works
- Review and preparationThe doctor reviews your history and explains any fasting, bowel preparation or medicine changes.
- Sedation or anaesthesiaMost endoscopic procedures use sedation so that you are comfortable.
- The procedureA flexible camera is passed through the mouth, back passage or other opening; treatment is done through it when needed.
- Recovery and resultsYou rest until the sedation wears off. Biopsy results usually follow within days.
- Follow-up planYou receive advice on diet, warning signs and when to repeat the test or see the doctor.
Recovery and follow-up
- Mild blood in urine is common.
- A temporary stent may be left; its removal is planned.
- Drinking more fluids helps prevent new stones.
Every procedure carries risks, and they differ from person to person. Ask your doctor to explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.
What affects the cost
We do not publish prices we cannot stand behind. The total depends on you, the hospital and the doctor. After a doctor has reviewed your records, you receive an itemised written estimate before you decide anything.
- The hospital and the doctor
- Whether treatment is added to the test (for example removal of polyps)
- Day-care or an overnight stay
- Biopsy and laboratory tests
- Your stay and local travel
Documents to prepare
- Previous endoscopy or colonoscopy reports and biopsy results
- A list of all medicines, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines
- Recent blood tests
- A summary of allergies and long-term conditions
- Passport and visa documents
Travel and stay
- Most people can go back to their accommodation the same day, with an escort after sedation.
- Ask when you can fly and whether you can eat normally on the trip.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which technique do you recommend for my stone?
- When will the stent be removed and where?
- Is this the least invasive option that will work?
- Will I have a stent or catheter, and for how long?
Also known as
- PCNL
- RIRS
- Ureteroscopy
- Lithotripsy
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Read the planning guidePlanning information only. This page gives general information to help you prepare questions and plan a trip. It does not diagnose, recommend a treatment or promise an outcome, a price or the availability of a doctor or hospital. Figures are broad, typical ranges and vary from person to person. Only a doctor who has examined you can say what is right for you. This page was prepared by Prognova's editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician.