Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large kidney stones. It involves making a small incision in the skin and creating a tract directly to the kidney, allowing the surgeon to access and extract the stones using specialized instruments. This technique is often preferred for stones that are too large to pass naturally or cannot be treated effectively with other methods. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may require a hospital stay. Patients usually experience less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery, making it a popular choice for treating significant kidney stone issues.