What is pcnl (percutaneous nephrolithotomy)?

PCNL: Minimally invasive surgery for removal of large kidney stone/s. Nephrostomy tube (catheter) is placed in kidney thru skin in back or flank, either under local anesthetic & with sedation or general anesthesia day before or day of procedure. Then nephroscope (kidney telescope) passed thru catheter channel, stone is visualized & broken up with laser or percussion "gun" & fragments are irrigated out.