[Percutaneous kidney lithotripsy. Clinical course, indications, and current methodology in our Lithotripsy Unit]

To review the history, development, indications and current methods of percutaneous renal lithotripsy.

The history and development of PNL is briefly reviewed. Its indications are analyzed, starting with large calculi and covering all the indications over the last 15 years of development of this technique and its current use. The PNL technique currently performed in our Lithotripsy Unit is described step by step. Technical details, equipment, instruments, complications and solutions are discussed.

In our view, PNL continues to be the technique of choice for most of the calculi that are more than 2 cm in size. It is fundamental for the new generation of urologists to be familiar with all endourologic techniques since current technological advancements will allow us to perform procedures throughout the urinary tract using endoscopic methods.