Percutaneous cystolithotomy for pediatric endemic bladder stone: experience with 155 cases from 2 developing...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Endourology
• Pediatric Nephrology

Background:

• Endemic urinary bladder stones in children pose a significant health challenge.
• Nutritional factors are suspected as a primary cause of pediatric bladder stones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) for treating endemic bladder stones in children.
• To assess the outcomes of PCCL in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 155 children under 14 years old who underwent PCCL between 1993 and 2003.
• Procedures performed under general anesthesia using a 26F nephroscope, with ultrasound disintegration for larger stones.
• Standardized postoperative catheterization protocols were followed.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved stone-free status post-procedure.
• Average operating time was 20 minutes, with an average hospital stay of 2.7 days.
• No severe intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported; ammonium acid urate was the primary stone component in 93% of cases.

Conclusions:

• PCCL is a safe and effective treatment for endemic pediatric bladder stones.
• The procedure offers reduced morbidity and hospital stay, leading to lower treatment costs.
• Findings support a nutritional etiology for endemic pediatric bladder stones.