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Home / Specialties / Nephrology & Urology / Kidney Stone Removal (URS/PCNL)
NEPHROLOGY & UROLOGY · STONE CARE

Kidney Stone Removal: URS and PCNL Explained

$2,200–$4,000Indicative procedure cost
1–3 daysTypical hospital stay
URS or PCNLChosen by stone size & location
2–3 daysUntil surgery, after arrival
Two ways to remove a kidney stone

URS and PCNL, chosen by stone size and location

Kidney stone referrals are among the most common Nephrology & Urology cases MedTrav coordinates — both techniques below avoid open surgery, with the choice driven almost entirely by your stone's size and where it sits.

URS (Ureteroscopy)

A thin scope passed through the natural urinary tract — no incision — used for smaller stones or those in the ureter.

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

A small keyhole incision into the kidney, used for larger kidney stones typically over 2cm that URS can't efficiently clear.

Stone analysis

Removed stone fragments are analysed to identify composition, guiding dietary advice to reduce recurrence risk.

From referral to discharge

How the case typically moves

Imaging reviewed remotely

CT or ultrasound imaging reviewed by a urologist to confirm stone size, location and the recommended technique.

Pre-procedure work-up

Bloodwork and urine tests completed shortly after arrival to confirm it's safe to proceed.

0Procedure performed

URS or PCNL performed under anaesthesia, typically 30–90 minutes depending on stone burden.

1Monitored recovery

Same-day to overnight monitoring for URS; 1–3 days for PCNL depending on complexity.

2Stent removal, if placed

A temporary internal stent, if used, is typically removed a few weeks later — timed around your travel dates where possible.

3Discharge & prevention plan

Stone composition results and dietary guidance shared with your home physician to reduce recurrence risk.

Cost reference

Indicative kidney stone treatment costs (2026)

Figures below are indicative ranges reported across accredited Indian hospitals, for planning purposes only — not a marketed or final price.

ProcedureIndicative cost (USD)Typical hospital stay
URS (Ureteroscopy) with laser lithotripsy$2,200 – $3,200Same day – 1 day
PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)$3,000 – $4,5002–3 days
DJ stent removal (follow-up visit)$150 – $300Outpatient

What this actually covers, and what it doesn't: Multiple stones, or stones in both kidneys, can mean more than one procedure — MedTrav's estimate specifies exactly how many procedures your imaging suggests before you travel.

Approximate in your local currency
Bangladesh৳ 369,000
Oman1,155 OMR
UAE11,018 AED
Saudi Arabia11,250 SAR
Kuwait921 KWD
Qatar10,920 QAR
Iraq3,930,000 IQD
Uzbekistan36,600,000 UZS
Turkmenistan10,500 TMT
Kazakhstan1,440,000 KZT
Nigeria₦ 3,990,000
Kenya387,000 KES
Ethiopia435,000 ETB
Tanzania7,800,000 TZS
Uganda11,100,000 UGX
Maldives46,200 MVR
Fiji6,750 FJD

Based on USD 3,000 and approximate September 2026 exchange rates — these move daily and are shown only as a rough reference. Your written estimate and final invoice are always confirmed in USD; your bank or card network sets the exact conversion at the time you pay.

Frequently asked

Questions patients ask about this procedure

What's the difference between URS and PCNL?

URS (Ureteroscopy) passes a thin scope through the natural urinary tract to reach and break up stones — no incision needed, used for smaller stones or those in the ureter. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) makes a small keyhole incision into the kidney for larger kidney stones, typically over 2cm.

Is kidney stone surgery painful?

Both procedures are done under anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure itself — some mild discomfort during recovery is normal and managed with standard pain medication.

How quickly can I have surgery after arriving in India?

For straightforward cases, often within 2–3 days of arrival, once imaging confirms stone size and location — MedTrav coordinates this timing so your trip is as short as possible for a routine case.

Will I need a stent after stone removal?

Often yes, temporarily — a small internal stent (DJ stent) is commonly placed after URS or PCNL to keep the ureter open while it heals, removed a few weeks later either before you fly home or via a simple local follow-up.

How do I prevent kidney stones from recurring?

Your urologist typically provides dietary and hydration guidance based on your specific stone composition (analysed after removal) — this is part of your discharge plan and shared with your home physician.

Related reading

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