Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Children.

BACKGROUND

Renal stone disease is a common problem in children in developing countries. Its prevalence in children varies from 5% to 15%. It is suggested that anatomic abnormalities, recurrent urinary tract infections, metabolic disturbances, dietary and environmental factors are the predisposing factors.The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children.

METHODS

Between May 2012 and Dec 2016, 25 children with renal stone diseases underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy and were evaluated for stone free rate, complications, blood transfusion rate, sandwich therapy, etc.

RESULTS

The mean age of children was 9.3 years (7-15 years) and the mean size of the stone was 20 mm (13-27 mm). The anatomical location of stone was important in terms of stone clearance. Three patients needed blood transfusion. The overall stone free rate was 88% before discharge. Three patients had residual stones and were treated with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Complications included fever, haematuria, ileus and urine leak. No major complications were noted. There were no significant differences in haemoglobin and creatinine levels before and 12 hours after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) can be considered a safe, effective and feasible modality of treatment for children with an average of 2 cm sized renal stones.