Short-term Results of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in the Management of Kidney Stones in Children: A Safe and Efficacious Procedure

Abstract

Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in pediatric age group. Methods: Data of patients who underwent RIRS for the treatment of kidney stones were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure was performed using 7.5 Fr FlexX™ 2 flexible ureterorenoscope in all patients. Ureteral access sheath was not used in any patients. A double-j stent was inserted and the procedure was delayed for 2 weeks whenever access to the ureter was not possible. The stones were fragmented using laser and fragments smaller than 2 mm were left for spontaneous passage. Postoperative success was evaluated using ultrasonography and kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) x-ray. Results: 14 patients with a mean age of 7.5±2.47 (range: 3-12) years were included. Male to female ratio was 8/6 and six patients had a stone on the right side. The mean stone size was 12.3±3.49 (range: 8-20) mm. Of the patients, 10 had a history of unsuccessful shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment. Mean operation and fluoroscopy screening times were 33.5±6.9 (range: 25-45) and 45.3±15.4 (range: 30-75) minutes, respectively. The median hospital stay was 1.07±0.2 (range: 1-2) days. No major complications were noticed during the operation. Double-J stents were removed on the 2nd postoperative week and all patients were stone-free during the follow-up. Conclusion: RIRS can be performed safely and efficaciously in pediatric patients. (The Medical Bulletin of Haseki 2015; 53:52-6)

Keywords

• Kidney stone
• pediatric patients
• retrograde intrarenal surgery