Efficiency of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients using adult-type instruments

To evaluate the efficiency of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using adult-type instruments in children with kidney stones. Between September 2004 and October 2009, 18 children (19 renal units) underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy using adult-type instruments. Following percutaneous access under fluoroscopy, 20–30F tract dilatation was performed (1,92,427F), and lithotripters were used. Postoperatively, kidney–ureter–bladder X-ray and antegrade pyelography were performed to evaluate residual stones and contrast passage to the bladder. 8 boys and 10 girls with a mean age of 9.8 ± 4.56 years were evaluated. Mean stone burden was 338 ± 196.21 mm². Stones were located in the left and right kidneys in 16 (84.2%) and 3 (16.8%) patients, respectively. Horse-shoe kidney was present in one patient. Mean operation (including cystoscopy) and fluoroscopy times were 106 ± 49.60 and 5.2 ± 2.14 min, respectively. Postoperatively, 10(52.6%) patients were stone free and 4 (21.1%) patients had clinically insignificant stones. Saline extravasation developed in three patients and surgery was aborted in one patient. Stone fragments migrated into the ureter in two patients and managed by additional endourological interventions. Nephrostomy catheters were kept for a mean of 2.6 ± 1.12 days. Four patients required blood transfusion due to bleeding. Postoperative fever of <39°C developed in five patients and >39°C in one patient. Mean hospitalization time was 5.3 ± 3.12 days. Overall, 73.7% of our patients were stone free, including patients with clinically insignificant stones. Particularly in children with a high-stone burden, the use of adult-type instruments might have a positive impact on stone-free rate, operation time and fluoroscopy time without increasing the complication rate.