Utilization of Flexible Ureteroscopy in Renal Stones Management in Pediatrics: Single Tertiary Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Endourology

Background:

• Kidney stones in children present unique management challenges.
• Minimally invasive surgical options are increasingly preferred for pediatric urolithiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for treating kidney stones in pediatric patients.
• To assess outcomes over a 5-year period at a single center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 41 children undergoing FURS for renal calculi less than 2 cm.
• Data collection included preoperative, operative, and postoperative parameters.
• Stone-Free Rate (SFR) and complication rates were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The study included 41 children with 51 stone episodes, mean age 9.6 years, and mean stone diameter 12.8 mm.
• The mean operative time was 79.9 minutes, with a mean hospital stay of 27.6 hours.
• The SFR was 64.7% after the first FURS session and 80.4% after the second; 49% of cases had complications, predominantly low-grade (Clavien I-III).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric FURS is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for renal stones in children.
• The procedure demonstrates a high stone-free rate and a low incidence of significant complications.