Schoolof Biology on Instagram: "The surgical removal of kidney stones is called nephrolithotomy (or nephrolithotripsy, depending on the technique used). Here’s a summary of the main surgical options: 🩺 1. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Used for: Large stones (>2 cm) or staghorn calculi. Procedure: A small incision is made in the back. A nephroscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted directly into the kidney. Stones are broken with lasers or ultrasound and removed. Anesthesia: General.