Pediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy: assessing impact of technical innovations on safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the pediatric age group and the impact of certain technical modification on the ultimate outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 45 renal units in 40 patients under 15 years of age who underwent PCNL at our institute. The average age was 9.2 years (range 11 months-15 years). There were 5 bilateral, 11 multiple, and 9 staghorn calculi. The average calculus size was 2.04 (0.9-4.5) cm. The PCNL was done with an ultrasound-guided peripheral puncture, a planned staged approach in some cases, and minimal tract dilatation with the use of a pediatric nephroscope and a specially designed slender probe for pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy. RESULTS: Complete stone clearance was achieved in 41 of the 45 renal units, giving an overall clearance rate of 91%. Minor pyrexia (<100 degrees F/<2 days) was seen in 10 patients, whereas serious pyrexia was seen in 5. One patient had a prolonged leak from the nephrostomy site, which responded to double-J stenting, and one patient had a pelvic perforation with hyponatremia, which responded to conservative treatment. The average fall in hemoglobin was 1.6 g/dL, but none of the patients required blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: We believe that our alterations in the standard technique of PCNL with the use of pediatric instruments can make it a safe and effective option in the modern management of pediatric urolithiasis.