Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy experience in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Nephrolithiasis Treatment
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Upper urinary tract stones (calculi) pose a significant challenge in pediatric patients.
• Traditional surgical interventions can be invasive and carry risks for children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for treating upper urinary tract calculi in pediatric patients.
• To determine the stone-free rate and complication profile of ESWL in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 pediatric patients (ages 3-17) treated with ESWL for upper urinary tract stones.
• Assessment of treatment success based on stone clearance and presence of residual fragments.

Main Results:

• A high success rate of 93% was observed in the pediatric cohort.
• 72% of patients achieved complete stone-free status, while 21% had insignificant residual fragments.
• No major complications were reported during the treatment series.

Conclusions:

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment modality for upper urinary tract calculi in children.
• ESWL offers a high stone-free rate and a favorable safety profile, making it a valuable option in pediatric urology.