PCNL is a surgical procedure that is commonly used to remove kidney or upper ureter stones. During this procedure, a small incision, usually less than 1cm, is made in the flank and a guide wire is passed through it into the kidney.  A nephroscope is then passed through a passage that is created around the guide wire by dilatation to visualize and remove the stones. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopy or x-ray control and larger stones can be fragmented and removed. Compared to traditional open surgery, PCNL has the advantage of only requiring a small incision and enables stones to be removed in the same sitting. If a patient has stones larger than two centimeters, upper ureteric stones larger than one centimeter, or stones in the lower pole of the kidney that pose a unique challenge, this approach is recommended to assist them. After the procedure, patients are generally hospitalized for 2-3 days and may require additional x-rays or ultrasound studies to check for residual stone fragments. The procedure has a success rate of 90-95%, but sometimes a second procedure may be required for complete clearance of the stones. Similar to any treatment, PCNL has many risks, including bleeding and infection. Patients may develop prolonged loss of urinary flow or require ureteric stent placement, and a fever could necessitate a new antibiotic prescription. However, PCNL is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for kidney or upper ureter stones.