Pcnl today. staghorn to imbedded in tissue to remove. tubes placed in stone to help loosen and dr will try again in 2 weeks. what purpose of tubes?

To drain the kidney.: Unfortunately i don't know the details of your procedure, but if a tube was left it is most likely a nephrostomy tube. These tube drain urine from the kidney, which may not drain well due to the presence of the remaining stone and swelling from the pcnl. The tube also allows easy access for the followup procedure. Another possible tube is a ureteral stent, which serves a similar purpose.