Recurrent and residual renal calculi in children

One hundred and thirteen children with non-metabolic urinary tract calculi were operated on between 1960 and 1983. One hundred were followed up for 3 to 17 years (mean 8.2). Seventeen children (15%) developed recurrent calculi after complete clearance at the initial operation and in 13 of these the stones recurred within 5 years. Proteus urinary infection was a constant feature of stone recurrence. Five patients required re-operation for removal of the recurrent calculus. Small residual caliceal fragments were left behind in 17 children but only 3 required surgical removal.