Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a technique and treatment that removes stones and relieves obstruction through the skin to the kidney under the direct view of the nephrolithoscope or ureteroscope with the help of stone extraction or lithotripsy instruments. It is also known as the “hole extraction” method – a minimally invasive treatment in which a small hole the size of a pen is punched in the waist to remove the stone. Holmium laser, pneumatic ballistics, and ultrasound are the most commonly used lithotripsy devices. Indications for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: 1. Complex kidney stones: ● Kidney stones larger than 2.0 cm in diameter ● Multiple kidney stones ● Kidney stones of deer-horn type ● Stones in the diverticulum of the renal calyx ● Kidney stones left over from open surgery or recurring after surgery ● Stones that cannot be crushed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or failed to be treated. 2. Heavy obstruction or large stones in the upper ureter above the 4th lumbar vertebra. 3.Ureteral polyp wrapped with embedded stones in the upper part of the ureter, etc. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has the advantages of high efficiency, little damage and fast recovery. At present, percutaneous nephrolithoscopy with pneumatic ballistic combined with ultrasonic lithotripsy is the most ideal treatment for complex kidney stones. Generally, the hospital stay for PCNL is about 10 days, and the patient is discharged from the hospital about 7 days after the operation, because it takes some time for the channel in the kidney to do complete healing of the scar, and after the discharge, the patient can engage in light daily activities, try to keep the stool open for 2-3 months, control the cough, avoid carrying heavy objects, climb more stairs and other activities to avoid delayed bleeding.