Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy
Published on: September 13, 2022
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: A preliminary report
Ahmad A Elderwy1, Mohamed Gadelmoula1, Mohamed A Elgammal1
1Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut, Egypt.
Insights
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric kidney stones larger than 1.5 cm. Tubeless PNL offers comparable outcomes and is a preferred option for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Endourology
- Nephrolithiasis Management
Background:
- Pediatric nephrolithiasis recurrence and surgical morbidity necessitate advanced treatment options.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has shown success in adults, prompting its evaluation in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PNL for pediatric renal stones measuring 1.5-5 cm.
- To compare outcomes between conventional and tubeless PNL in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 38 children (47 renal units) undergoing PNL for renal stones (1.5-5 cm).
- Data collected included patient demographics, stone characteristics, and clinical outcomes.
- Comparison of conventional versus tubeless PNL procedures.
Main Results:
- High stone clearance rate of 91.5% after a single PNL procedure.
- Median operative time was 90 minutes, with a median hospital stay of 3 days.
- Perioperative complications occurred in 10.6% and were managed conservatively; tubeless PNL showed comparable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- PNL is a safe and feasible treatment for pediatric renal stones when performed by experienced endourologists.
- Tubeless PNL is a favorable option for pediatric patients, demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety.
Objectives:
The recurrence of pediatric nephrolithiasis, the morbidity of repeated open surgical treatment as well as our experience in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in adult patients, all derived us to shift to PNL for managing renal stones >1.5 cm in pediatric patients. Our aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PNL in pediatric patients.
Materials And Methods:
During the period of the month between May 2011 and April 2013, 38 children (47 renal units) underwent PNL for renal stones 1.5-5 cm in length. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, and clinical outcome were prospectively studied. Data of those who underwent conventional and tubeless PNL were compared. Median follow-up period was 12 months (range: 6-24).
Results:
The median age at presentation was 8-year (range: 3-12). The operative time ranged from 30 to 120 min (median 90). Overall stone clearance rate was 91.5% after single PNL. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Auxiliary procedures were successful for the remaining 4 patients (nephroscopic clearance in one and shockwave lithotripsy in 3). Tubeless PNL was performed in 17 renal units with a comparable outcome to conventional ones. The perioperative complications were noted in 5/47 (10.6%) of all procedures (Clavien Grade II in 4 and Clavien Grade IIIa in 1) and were managed conservatively.
Conclusions:
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones in pediatric patients is safe and feasible if performed by a well-experienced endourologist. Tubeless PNL is a better choice for children.
More Related Videos
03:57Transmesenteric Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Trendelenburg Position for Horseshoe Kidney with Hydronephrosis
Published on: July 8, 2025
06:39Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Published on: November 22, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management