🩺 What is Pyelolithotomy?

A surgery to remove kidney stones from the renal pelvis

🧱 What is it used for?

Pyelolithotomy is a surgical procedure used to remove large or complex kidney stones that are stuck in the renal pelvis — the funnel-shaped area in the kidney where urine collects before draining into the ureter.

This procedure is usually recommended when:

• The stone is too large for shock wave therapy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy.

• Other minimally invasive treatments have failed.

• There are multiple stones stuck in hard-to-reach places.

🔍 How is Pyelolithotomy Performed?

1. 🛌 You are put under general anesthesia (you will be asleep during surgery).

2. 🩻 The surgeon makes an incision (cut) on your side or abdomen to reach the kidney.

3. 🧊 The kidney is exposed, and the surgeon opens the renal pelvis.

4. 🪨 The stone(s) are carefully removed.

5. 🔄 The kidney and pelvis are stitched up, and a temporary stent or drain may be placed to help with healing.

6. 📦 The incision is closed and covered with bandages.

⚠️ Risks or Complications

As with any surgery, there are some potential risks:

• Bleeding or infection

• Injury to nearby organs or blood vessels

• Scar tissue formation

• Urine leakage at the surgical site

• Temporary decrease in kidney function

• Need for future procedures

⏱️ Recovery Time

• Hospital stay: Usually 3–5 days

• Stitches/staples removed: ~7–10 days

• Full recovery: 4–6 weeks

• You’ll need follow-up imaging to ensure your kidney is draining well.

🧠 In Simple Words:

“Pyelolithotomy is a surgery to take out big kidney stones when other methods can’t. It’s done through a cut in your side to reach the kidney and remove the stones directly.”