Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Pediatric urolithiasis in Tunisia: a multi-centric study of 525 patients
M Jallouli1, R Jouini, S Sayed
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. jallouli75@yahoo.fr
Insights
This study analyzed childhood urolithiasis in Tunisia, finding upper tract stones common and surgery the primary treatment. It recommends generalizing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endourology for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood urolithiasis is a significant urological issue.
- Understanding its characteristics and treatment is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively investigate the clinical and epidemiological features of childhood urolithiasis in Tunisia.
- To analyze treatment methods for pediatric urolithiasis in the region.
Main Methods:
- A multi-centric review of 525 children treated for urolithiasis between 1990 and 2004.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results, and radiological data.
- Metabolic evaluations and urine cultures were performed.
Main Results:
- Urolithiasis predominantly affected the upper urinary tract (80%).
- Urinary tract anomalies leading to urinary stasis were identified in 77 patients.
- Surgery was the main treatment (80%), followed by spontaneous passage (9%), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (2%), ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the need for broader adoption of ESWL and endourological treatments for pediatric urolithiasis.
- Open surgery should be reserved for complex and specific cases.
- Generalized use of modern techniques can improve treatment efficacy.
Purpose:
To investigate retrospectively the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and method of treatment of childhood urolithiasis, a major urological problem in Tunisia.
Materials And Methods:
The records of 525 children with urolithiasis treated in Tunisia between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed in a multi-centric study with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, history, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Metabolic evaluation when performed included serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, 24-h urine collection for calcium and creatinine, and a sodium nitroprusside test for cystine. In all cases urine specimens were sent for culture.
Results:
The stone was located in the upper tract in 420 (80%) and lower tract in 105 children. Of the urine cultures, 40% were positive. Metabolic investigation was performed in 201 patients and was normal in 170 (84%). Urinary stasis secondary to a urinary tract anomaly that led to the formation of stones was found in 77 patients. Stones were treated by surgery (80%), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%) and ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in 10 patients (2%). The stone passed spontaneously in 9% of cases.
Conclusion:
The use of ESWL and endourological methods of treatment for childhood urolithiasis must be generalized, with open surgery being reserved for particular and complex cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management