Kidney Stone Surgery in China: PCNL Cost & Specialist

For patients suffering from recurrent or complex kidney stones, finding an effective treatment can be challenging, particularly when previous procedures have failed to provide lasting relief.

A recent patient story shared by Beijing Shijitan Hospital highlights why some overseas patients are considering China for specialist medical care.

From the United States to Beijing

An overseas Chinese patient living in the United States had been struggling with recurrent kidney stones. Despite undergoing multiple stone-breaking procedures, the problem persisted, causing significant pain and disrupting daily life.

After exploring surgical options in the United States, the patient eventually decided to travel across the Pacific Ocean to Beijing, China.

The patient cited long waiting times, high medical costs, and confidence in the experience of Chinese specialists as reasons for seeking treatment abroad.

The patient chose Dr. Chen Liang, a senior urologist at Beijing Shijitan Hospital, whose clinical work includes the minimally invasive treatment of complex kidney stones.

The case illustrates an increasingly relevant consideration for international patients: specialist surgical care may be available in China at a substantially different cost, even when similar procedures are offered in their home countries.

What Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large or complex kidney stones. During the operation, a surgeon creates a small passage through the patient's back into the kidney, allowing specialised instruments to break up and remove the stones. PCNL is an established treatment used internationally, particularly for kidney stones larger than 2 cm, staghorn stones, or certain difficult cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful. The procedure requires careful planning and carries risks, including bleeding and infection.

Meet Dr. Chen Liang: Specialist in Complex Kidney Stone Surgery

Dr. Chen Liang (陈亮) is a Chief Physician and Deputy Director of Urology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital, a public Grade 3A hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University.

Before joining Beijing Shijitan Hospital in 2026, Dr. Chen worked at Peking University People's Hospital, where he developed extensive experience in minimally invasive urological surgery.

His clinical expertise includes:

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for complex kidney stones

• Ureteroscopy and flexible ureteroscopy

• Treatment of recurrent kidney and ureteral stones

• Management of ureteral strictures and urinary tract abnormalities\

Dr. Chen has also contributed to clinical research involving minimally invasive stone surgery.

Online Second Opinion Available

International patients who wish to explore their treatment options before travelling to China can arrange an online second opinion with Dr. Chen through China MedCare.

Patients can submit their existing medical records, CT scans, and previous treatment history for specialist review after the consultation is arranged.

This service allows patients to obtain a specialist's assessment of their condition and potential treatment options before making decisions about international travel.

How Much Does PCNL Surgery Cost in China?

One potential advantage of seeking kidney stone treatment in China is the cost of hospital care.

At public Grade 3A hospitals in China, the estimated total cost of PCNL surgery is approximately:

RMB 20,000–40,000 (Chinese Yuan)

This estimated range covers typical hospital expenses associated with the procedure, which may include:

• Preoperative consultations, blood tests and imaging

• Surgical procedures and medical equipment

• Anaesthesia and operating room charges

• Hospital accommodation and nursing care

• Medications and postoperative monitoring

The final cost depends on the size and complexity of the stones, the surgical techniques and equipment required, the patient's overall health, and the length of hospitalisation.

More complicated cases may require additional procedures or longer hospital stays, resulting in higher expenses.

This figure is an indicative budget rather than an official quotation from Beijing Shijitan Hospital.

Considering Kidney Stone Treatment in China?

China MedCare helps international patients access specialist consultations and medical appointments at public Grade 3A hospitals across China.

For patients with recurrent or complex kidney stones, we can help arrange an online second opinion with Dr. Liang Chen or coordinate an in-person specialist appointment in Beijing.

Online Second Opinion: USD 99

Contact China MedCare to discuss appointment arrangements and the medical records required for a specialist consultation.

Medical information notice: Treatment suitability and actual costs must be confirmed by the treating hospital. Patients experiencing fever, chills, or severe symptoms with suspected urinary obstruction should seek urgent local medical attention rather than delay treatment for international travel.