Recent literature on the minimally invasive management of pediatric urolithiasis: A narrative review

Although the surgical management of pediatric urolithiasis does not differ significantly from that of adults, there are anatomical and physiological differences that necessitate special considerations. This review aims to summarize the existing high-level evidence (systematic review, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials) for surgical management of pediatric urolithiasis, with a discussion on different technical tips to make these surgical approaches achievable. A PubMed web-based medical literature search was performed on May 26, 2020, using the search strategy (Pediatric or children) and (urolithiasis or stone) and Urology. The search was limited to meta-analysis, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials published in the past 10 years. Only studies that focused on surgical management of pediatric urolithiasis were included. Fifty-seven records were identified and 47 were excluded as these records were duplicates, did not assess surgical management, or were trials that were included in systematic reviews/meta-analyses that were included in this study. Ten studies were included in this review. Depending on the review/trial, the stone-free rate (SFR) had wide ranges for all of the surgical management options assessed (shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy). There are many considerations in choosing the appropriate surgical management for a patient presenting with pediatric nephrolithiasis–SFRs, radiation exposure, and adverse events being some of these features. All three procedures assessed had different characteristics, with advantages and disadvantages unique to each procedure. As each surgical technique for pediatric urolithiasis provides its advantages and disadvantages, surgeons should discuss all options to provide the best-informed decision-making process to a patient or family who may require surgical management of pediatric nephrolithiasis.