Current role of PCNL in pediatric urolithiasis

The incidence of pediatric stone disease has been increasing. Though there are geographical variations, there remains a common theme in that this is a high-risk population with regard to stone formation and recurrence. Consequently, it is important to keep the number of procedures performed to a minimum and to save the developing kidney from the deleterious effects of intervention. Of the number of available treatment options, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) offers a number of distinct advantages albeit with its own set of concerns. In the present article, the current literature on PCNL in pediatric urolithiasis was reviewed by a MEDLINE/PubMed search that was limited to literature in the English language, with emphasis on the current state of art in PCNL. Within the last few years, there have been improvements in radiological techniques, particularly computed tomography (CT), with dedicated reconstructions and development of scoring systems leading to better preoperative planning. Also, there has been miniaturization of instruments, particularly smaller nephroscopes, innovative sheaths and the potential to use lasers as well as smaller pneumatic and ultrasound probes. The combination of these has led to various modifications, such as miniperc, microperc and ultra-mini perc techniques. These modifications have been shown to be associated with a decrease in morbidity and high clearance rates. In this article, we analyze the current role of PCNL and its modifications, in terms of the indications, techniques, results, and complications in management of pediatric urolithiasis.