Mini PERC Overview
Mini-PERC, or mini-PCNL, is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is useful in removing kidney stones and has more advantages than conventional open surgery. Some of these benefits include the use of a smaller incision, less blood loss, a faster recovery period, and reduced postoperative pains. This Mini-PERC intervention is very useful in the management of large kidney stones, complicated kidney stones, and even in multiple kidney stone cases. This, however, means that only certain types of kidney stones can be treated through Mini PERC, as some are too large, located in places that are difficult to access, or too complicated. It is not the age of the patient that determines the appropriateness of the treatment, but rather how big, how complicated, and how situated the kidney stone is. Mini PCNL, or Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, as the word suggests, is usually done by urologists who are specialists in the management of conditions affecting the urinary tract, including kidney stones.
Mini PERC indications include treating large kidney stones (> 2 cm), complex kidney stones (stag horn, difficult location), and multiple kidney stones.
Mini PCNL Procedure, Recovery, and Post-Procedure Care
Preparation: The urologist will talk about the surgery, its advantages and disadvantages, and will look into your medical records. Perform a physical check-up and perform CT or ultrasound scans as a preoperative investigation to determine and outline the access route for the kidneys and ureters prior to the surgery.
During the procedure: The Mini PCNL (Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) procedure includes providing anesthesia, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound to visualize the stones in the kidney. A small cut is made, and a sheath is placed, followed by the insertion of a mini nephroscope. The stones are broken down either by laser energy or ultrasonic lithotripsy. In case of bleeding or urine leakage, a drainage tube may be introduced into the kidney. The sheath is taken out, and the cut is closed using sutures.
After the procedure: Postoperatively, the subject will be assessed in the post-anesthetic care unit prior to being transferred to a ward or sent home. To alleviate pain, appropriate analgesics would be prescribed. Care of the surgical incision and drain will be explained.
Recovery: Â The recovery period after Mini PCNL relies on different factors such as the size and complexity of kidney stones, operative difficulties, and general health conditions; however, it is mostly 2-4 weeks for the majority of patients.
Post-procedure care: Upon discharge, the patient will require the following post-operative care:
• Implementation of pain control measures such as different forms of analgesics.
• Allow the body to rest and recuperate.
• Adhere to the incision care practice provided by the physician, including cleaning the incision, using a prescribed ointment, and covering with a bandage.
• Do not engage in physical activities or lift heavy objects for a few weeks.
• Take a balanced diet in order to promote healing and prevent the formation of new stones.
• Contact the urologist again after some time to check on recovery and have stents removed if any.
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Procedure Name
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             Mini PERC
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Type of Surgery
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          Minimally Invasive
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Type of Anesthesia
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           General anesthesia
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Procedure Duration
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              1 – 3 hours
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Recovery Duration
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             2-4 Weeks
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Benefits of Mini PCNL Surgery
- A smaller incision (around 1 cm) with reduced postoperative pain.
- Effective for treating large kidney stones (greater than 2 cm) and complex stones.
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery.
- Less postoperative pain and less tissue disruption.
- Reduced bleeding risk and shorter procedure time compared to standard PCNL.
