Nephroscopy: Kidney Scope Procedure for Stones, Recovery and Risks

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review

Quick Answer

Nephroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a nephroscope, a thin, lighted tube with a lens, to look inside the kidney and treat problems there. It's most often used to remove large kidney stones. Most people go home the next day. Compared with open surgery, it means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and fewer complications.

What the research says

• A global study shaped how PCNL is done: an overview of the worldwide CROES PCNL Global Study identified which patient and stone factors affect results, built a tool to predict stone-free rates, and showed that centers doing more cases had better outcomes (Kamphuis GM et al., World Journal of Urology, 2015) [2]

• Body weight affects risk: in the same global study, people with morbid obesity had longer operations, more repeat procedures and a higher risk of complications around surgery than people of normal weight (Fuller A et al., Canadian Urological Association Journal, 2014) [3]

Key takeaways

• Nephroscopy uses a thin scope to see and treat problems inside the kidney.

• It's mainly used to remove large kidney stones (PCNL).

• It's done through a small cut in the back under general anesthesia.

• Most people stay in the hospital about one night.

• Bleeding and infection are the main risks.

What is nephroscopy?

A nephroscope has a light, a lens and channels for a small telescope and for water to flush the area. Through it, a urologist can see inside the kidney and pass tools to break up and remove stones. Nephroscopy can be used alone as a diagnostic or follow-up exam, often as an outpatient, or as part of PCNL in the hospital. Sources: [1]

Why it's done

Nephroscopy treats problems inside the kidney without open surgery.

• Removing kidney stones, especially large or complex ones.

• Treating kidney cysts.

• Clearing blockages in the upper urinary tract.

• Follow-up checks after earlier treatment. Sources: [1]

Nephroscopy vs. other stone treatments

Procedure	How it reaches the stone	Best for
Nephroscopy / PCNL	Small cut in the back into the kidney	Large stones, about 1 cm or more
Ureteroscopy	Scope through the urethra and bladder	Smaller stones in the kidney or ureter
Open surgery	Large incision	Rarely needed today

Sources: [1, 2]

How to prepare

Your urologist will review your scans before surgery.

• Stop aspirin at least 1 week before; your urologist will tell you when to stop other antiplatelet medicines or warfarin.

• Don't eat or drink for 8 hours before.

• Your urine may be tested, and you'll get antibiotics if there's an infection.

• Your urologist reviews recent CT scans or urograms to plan the approach. Sources: [1]

What happens during the procedure

Most people go home the next day.

1. You receive general anesthesia and lie face down.

2. A catheter is passed into the kidney and dye is injected so X-rays can map it.

3. A needle is placed through your back into the kidney, the path is widened and a sheath is placed through a dime-sized cut.

4. The nephroscope is inserted, and a laser or ultrasound probe breaks up the stone.

5. Fragments are suctioned out or removed with small graspers.

6. A soft stent may be left in the ureter to help urine drain. Sources: [1]

Recovery

You're monitored as the anesthesia wears off, including for internal bleeding, and antibiotics are continued. Most people stay about one day after PCNL. A ureteral stent, if used, is usually removed in the office within about a week. Call your provider for fever, heavy bleeding, severe pain or trouble urinating. Sources: [1]

Risks

Risks include serious bleeding that may need a transfusion, urinary tract infection, sepsis, fluid around the lungs and injury to the kidney or ureter. Risk is higher with obesity and complex stones. Sources: [1, 3]

Conclusion

Nephroscopy lets a urologist see and treat problems inside the kidney through a tiny opening. For large kidney stones, it offers high stone-clearance rates with a short hospital stay and a faster recovery than open surgery.

Keep learning: read about PCNL and kidney stones.

Frequently asked questions

What is nephroscopy?

A procedure that uses a thin, lighted scope to see and treat problems inside the kidney.

What is nephroscopy used for?

Mainly removing large kidney stones, plus cysts and blockages.

Is nephroscopy the same as PCNL?

Nephroscopy is the scope exam; PCNL uses it to remove large stones.

How big a stone needs PCNL?

Usually about 1 cm (⅓ inch) or larger.

Will I be asleep?

Yes. PCNL is done under general anesthesia.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

Usually about one night.

Will I have a stent?

Possibly; it's usually removed within a week.

Do I need to stop aspirin?

Usually at least 1 week before, as your urologist directs.

What are the main risks?

Bleeding, infection and injury to the kidney or ureter.

How fast is recovery?

Faster than open surgery; most people resume light activity within days.

Related Reading

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Procedure, Risks, and Recovery the stone surgery that uses nephroscopy.

Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Guide the main condition nephroscopy treats.

Ureteroscopy: Procedures, Stone Treatment, and Recovery Guidelines another scope treatment for stones.

Kidney Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options another problem nephroscopy can treat.

Kidney Ultrasound: Why It's Done, How to Prepare and What It Shows imaging used to find kidney stones.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Nephroscopy: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 17, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16254-nephroscopy

2. Kamphuis GM, Baard J, Westendarp M, et al. Lessons learned from the CROES percutaneous nephrolithotomy global study. World Journal of Urology. 2015;33(2):223-233. PMID 25100624. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-014-1367-5

3. Fuller A, Razvi H, Denstedt JD, et al. The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society percutaneous nephrolithotomy global study: outcomes in the morbidly obese patient, a case control analysis. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2014;8(5-6):E393-E397. PMID 25024793. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.2258

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.