Signs & Symptoms
Recognize the early signs that indicate you may need medical attention
Severe Flank Pain
Intense, colicky pain in the side, back, or groin radiating downwards.
Blood in Urine
Haematuria — pink, red, or brown-coloured urine from stone irritation.
Fever & Chills
Fever with rigors indicating infection (pyonephrosis) — a urological emergency.
Nausea & Vomiting
Associated with severe renal colic, especially if the stone is large or obstructing.
Abdominal Swelling
Palpable kidney from hydronephrosis caused by a large obstructing stone.
Reduced Urine Output
Oliguria or anuria if both kidneys are obstructed or there is a solitary kidney.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Calcium Oxalate Stones
The most common type — from hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, or concentrated urine.
Struvite Stones
Infection stones caused by urease-producing bacteria — tend to form staghorn calculi.
Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake concentrates urine and promotes crystal precipitation.
Metabolic Disorders
Hyperparathyroidism, gout, and renal tubular acidosis increase stone formation risk.
Dietary Factors
High salt, protein, and oxalate diet combined with low calcium intake predisposes to stone formation.
Treatment Options
Advanced minimally invasive techniques for better outcomes and faster recovery
CT KUB & Renal Function
Non-contrast CT to characterise stone size, location, and density; creatinine for renal function.
PCNL (Standard)
Nephroscope introduced through a 1 cm back puncture — Holmium laser fragments all stones.
Mini-PCNL
Miniaturised access (16–18 Fr) for selected patients — less blood loss, faster recovery.
Post-Op DJ Stent Care
Temporary DJ stent management and stone analysis to prevent future recurrence.
Benefits at Chahal Hospital
Stone-Free in One Go
85–95% of patients achieve complete stone clearance in a single PCNL procedure.
Tiny Incision
Just one 1 cm puncture — no large abdominal scar compared to open nephrolithotomy.
Laser Precision
Holmium laser reduces stones to fine dust for complete aspiration — no stone fragments left behind.
Short Hospital Stay
Most patients discharged in 2–3 days with rapid return to normal activity.
Expert Urologist
Dr. Ajay Chahal (MCh Urology) specialises in endourology with hundreds of PCNL procedures.
Recurrence Prevention
Stone analysis and metabolic workup guide dietary and medical prevention of future stones.
Your Specialist
Dr. Ajay Chahal
Consultant – Urology & Uro-Surgery
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology)
Book AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
URSL treats stones in the ureter (< 2 cm) via a telescope through the urine passage. PCNL treats larger stones (> 2 cm) in the kidney via a direct puncture through the back. Your urologist will recommend the best approach based on stone size and location.
PCNL is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia — you feel no pain during the procedure. After surgery, controlled pain is managed with intravenous medication initially, then oral analgesics.
Most patients stay 2–3 days. A nephrostomy tube and DJ stent are usually placed during surgery; these are managed in the ward and removed before discharge or at follow-up.
For stones 2–3 cm, stone-free rate is approximately 90%. For staghorn calculi, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve complete stone clearance.
Drink 2.5–3 litres of water daily, reduce salt and red meat intake, and avoid oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts). We also analyse your stone composition and order metabolic tests to guide specific dietary and medical prevention.
Ready to Get Treatment?
Consult our expert specialists for PCNL – Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. Advanced, minimally invasive care with faster recovery and lasting results.