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Pyelolithotomy is surgery to remove a kidney stone through an incision in the renal pelvis, the area that collects urine before it enters the ureter. It can be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach. Surgeons reserve it for selected cases when other stone treatments are unsuitable or a related operation is needed.
read more about pyelolithotomy ...A surgeon may consider pyelolithotomy for a stone in the renal pelvis when its size, position, or the patient's anatomy makes other approaches less suitable. Treatment choices also depend on symptoms, infection, and kidney function. Imaging helps the team locate the stone and plan the operation.
The surgeon reaches the kidney through an open incision or small incisions used for laparoscopic or robotic surgery. An incision in the renal pelvis allows the stone to be taken out, after which the opening is closed. A temporary ureteral stent or drain may be placed to help urine flow during healing.
Recovery depends on the surgical approach and whether another kidney procedure was performed. The team monitors pain, urine drainage, and signs of bleeding or infection. Follow-up may include imaging to check for remaining stones and a visit to remove any temporary stent.
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, urine leakage, and injury to nearby structures. A stone fragment can remain or a new stone can form later. The surgeon may need to change the planned approach if the stone cannot be removed as expected.
No. The operation removes a stone through an opening in the renal pelvis while preserving the kidney.
No. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy reaches the stone through a tract made from the skin into the kidney. Pyelolithotomy opens the renal pelvis directly.
No. A surgeon may use a temporary stent to support urine drainage, depending on the operation and the condition of the urinary tract.
Yes. Removing the current stone does not prevent new stones from forming. Follow-up care may include a stone analysis and advice based on the cause.
EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis. European Association of Urology. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis/chapter/guidelines. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of large renal stones: a meta-analysis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7829524/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Laparoscopic nephrolithotomy and pyelolithotomy. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg212. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy: indications and technique. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17867941/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
The role of laparoscopic surgery for renal calculi management. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3126085/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.