Management of Pediatric Renal Stones (10-20mm) by Flexible Ureteroscopy (F-URS), Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Mini-Perc) or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Comparative Study

Background: Kidney stones have become much more common in recent years. Renal stones in children are often caused by congenital anatomical abnormalities, metabolic problems, or recurrent urinary tract infections. This is why padiatrics are more likely to have recurrent urolithiasis and need repeated surgical procedures. Methods: Subjects for this prospective trial, all of whom had a single renal stone (in the pelvis or lower calyx) measuring 10-20 mm in diameter, were collected and randomly assigned to one of three groups (A; F-URS; B; Mini-Perc; C) (ESWL). The flexible ureteroscope was used to complete the URS procedure. Stones in Groups A and B were fractured or dusted using holmium:YAG laser during mini-Perc, which was conducted using a rigid paediatric nephoscope. Under fluoroscopy's watchful eye, ESWL was carried out with the aid of a piezoelectric lithotripter machine. Results: No statistically significant variations in stone location, orientation, size, or density were found. There was a statistically significant difference in operative time between the three groups tested, with group B taking much longer than groups A and C. Group B had a considerably longer fluoroscopy duration compared to groups A and C. There were no noteworthy variations in blood loss or the need for ancillary procedures. Conclusions: Treatment of renal stones in children less than 16 years old with ESWL, mini-PCNL, or RIRS is safe and successful.