[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Nephrolithiasis Treatment
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Renal and ureteral stones pose a significant health issue in pediatric populations.
• Traditional treatments for pediatric stones can be invasive and associated with complications.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) emerged as a promising non-invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESWL for treating renal and ureteral calculi in children.
• To assess the stone-free rates and identify potential complications associated with ESWL in this age group.

Main Methods:

• ESWL was performed on 14 children (aged 2-14 years) with renal and ureteral stones between March 1985 and December 1986.
• The study included cases of complete staghorn calculi, treated with ESWL monotherapy.
• Radiopositive stones were localized and treated irrespective of their location within the collecting system or ureter.

Main Results:

• A high success rate was observed, with 12 out of 14 children (85%) becoming stone-free within three months post-ESWL.
• Two children with complete staghorn calculi were successfully treated with ESWL monotherapy.
• No significant morbidity or undue side effects were reported during the study period.

Conclusions:

• ESWL is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment modality for pediatric renal and ureteral stones.
• The procedure demonstrates a high stone-free rate and minimal complications, making it a viable option for pediatric nephrolithiasis.
• ESWL monotherapy can be considered for complex cases, including complete staghorn calculi, in children.