The early history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL)

Abstract

The present chapter provides a detailed look into the early history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), showing that many have contributed to the development of this procedure including the author, who has taken active part in it. PNL has become an integral part of urology since more than 30 years, quickly expanding during the 1980s, but was not widely accepted until the 1970s. Many other urologists have contributed to this technique, reinventing it many times, and of course, the benefi cial effects of the introduction of new instruments, accessories, technologies, and devices are evident.