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Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large or complex kidney stones that cannot be effectively treated with other non-invasive methods. During PCNL, a urologist makes a small incision in the patient's back and inserts a hollow tube called a nephroscope directly into the kidney, guided by imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Through this tube, specialized instruments are used to break up the kidney stone into smaller fragments using ultrasound or laser energy. These fragments are then extracted using a suction device or grasping instruments. PCNL is particularly effective for larger stones or those located in difficult-to-reach areas within the kidney or upper ureter. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and patients may require a short hospital stay for monitoring and post-operative care. Complications are generally low but can include bleeding, infection, or injury to surrounding structures. PCNL provides a high success rate in achieving complete stone clearance and offers patients a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery, making it a preferred option for many urologists in managing challenging kidney stone cases.