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Published on: June 21, 2024
Nephro-urology interventions in children
Alex M Barnacle1, Derek J Roebuck, John M Racadio
1Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK. barnaa@gosh.nhs.uk
Insights
Pediatric nephro-urological interventions, including renal biopsy and nephrostomy, are safe and effective. These adult-developed techniques, with pediatric adaptations, expand interventional radiology
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Interventional Radiology
- Pediatric Urology
- Nephro-urology
Background:
- Nephro-urological interventions developed for adults are transferable to pediatric practice.
- Interventional radiology plays an increasing role in pediatric renal tract pathology, including oncology and urolithiasis.
- Existing evidence suggests these procedures are safe and effective in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review indications, techniques, aftercare, and complications of key pediatric nephro-urological interventions.
- To highlight pediatric-specific considerations for minimizing risk and maximizing technical success.
- To encourage the wider adoption of these procedures in pediatric care.
Main Methods:
- Review of indications, techniques, aftercare, and complications for renal biopsy, nephrostomy insertion, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteric stent insertion.
- Emphasis on pediatric adaptations and 'tips and tricks' for safe and effective application.
- Discussion of the collaborative role between pediatric urology and interventional radiology.
Main Results:
- Renal biopsy and nephrostomy insertion are commonly performed in pediatric centers.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is complex, often requiring joint urology and interventional radiology expertise.
- Pediatric-specific techniques enhance safety and success rates for these interventions.
Conclusions:
- Nephro-urological interventions are safe and effective in the pediatric population.
- Pediatric adaptations are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing risks.
- Continued use and development of these minimally invasive techniques are encouraged.
Abstract:
Nephro-urological interventions developed in adult practice are highly transferable to the pediatric setting, and their use has widened the role of interventional radiology in the management of renal tract pathology in spheres such as oncology and urolithiasis. The emerging evidence is that these procedures are safe and effective in children and their use should be encouraged. Many of the techniques are similar to those used in adults. There are, however, subtle but important pediatric tips and tricks available that serve to minimize risk to the child and increase the chances of technical success. This article covers the indications, techniques, aftercare, and complications for renal biopsy, nephrostomy insertion, percutaneous nephrolithomy procedures, and ureteric stent insertion. Renal biopsy and nephrostomy insertion are commonly performed in most pediatric centers. Percutaneous nephrolithomy may be limited to centers with a significant urology workload, but are complex procedures ideally performed as joint cases between urology and interventional radiology.
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