Outcomes of ureteroscopy (URS) for stone disease in the paediatric population: results of over 100 URS procedures from a UK tertiary centre

Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy for Large (≥2 cm) Upper Tract Urinary Stones in Pediatric Patients: Outcomes from a Pediatric Endourology Referral Center

Introduction: The global prevalence of pediatric urolithiasis is increasing. Managing large urinary stones in pediatric populations poses a particular clinical challenge. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation (URSL) for treating large upper urinary tract stones in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the prospective database was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent URSL for stones ≥2 cm between 2011 and 2023 (14 years) at the University Hospital Southampton, UK. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative details, stone-free rates (SFR), and complications were analyzed. Results: In total, 23 patients (median age 11 years) underwent URSL. The mean total stone length was 24.7 ± 6.49 mm, with 12 (52.2%) having multiple stones. Prestenting, ureteral access sheath, and postop stenting were used in 9 (39.1%), 4 (17.4%), and 10 patients (43.5%), respectively. Holmium laser was used, and the SFR after the first procedure was 91.3%, with no procedural complications. There was only one complication (postoperative fever, Clavien-Dindo I) reported. The median length of stay was 1 day. Conclusion: URSL is safe and efficient for treating large upper tract urinary stones in pediatric patients, demonstrating high SFR and low complication rate. This could offer an alternative treatment modality to percutaneous surgery in large upper urinary tract stones, although parents need to be adequately counseled about it.

Outcomes of retrograde ureteroscopy in Chinese infants and toddlers under 3 years old with ureteric stones from a single center

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric urolithiasis is a less common disease with a steadily increasing incidence of 10.6 % per year. The comprehensive management of pediatric urolithiasis is more challenging than in adults, and published studies of endourological treatment in children have small sample sizes and older mean ages, which may not be representative of the overall pediatric population, especially in infants and toddlers. This study aimed to report results of retrograde ureteroscopy for treating pediatric ureteral stones in infants and toddlers (<3 years) from a single center in China.

METHODS

Demographic and surgical data of infants and toddlers with ureteral stones who underwent retrograde URS were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to September 2022.

RESULTS

The mean age of 100 infants (73 boys and 27 girls) was 19.6 ± 7.6 months and stone burden was 0.27 (0.11-0.52) cm³. 111 procedures were performed for all children due to 11 patients with bilateral ureteric stones were simultaneously treated. Among them, 70.3 % were semi-rigid URS, 12.6 % were Micro-URS and 17.1 % were flexible URS. SFR was up to 96 %, the median operation time and hospitalization days were 35.0 (25.0-50.0) minutes and 6.0 (5.0-6.0) days, respectively. 15 (15.0 %) infants had postoperative fever (Grade I), and complications above grade I were not observed.

DISCUSSIONS

This research reported the largest sample size of infant and toddler ureteric stones (under 3 years old) and shared optimal management strategies for these special populations. Compared to other related studies, we had a higher SFR due to diverse management strategies and reasonable application of pre-operative ureteric stents. The most important potential reason why our complication rate was relatively higher might be the younger population under 3 years old. In additionally, the reason of long hospitalization was maybe some patients underwent staged surgeries during one hospitalization. Those results indicated the robust effectiveness of URS for infants. This study has limitations, including its retrospective single-center design, absence of long-term follow-up data, and potential variability in surgical outcomes due to differences in surgeons' experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The experience of endourologic procedures for 100 infant and toddler patients with ureteric stones from a Chinese single center was reported. And URS showed its effectiveness and safety for those special populations based on its high SFR and low complication rate.

Safety and Efficacy of "Dusting and Pop-Dusting" with High-Power Laser for Treatment of Large Pediatric Stones with Ureteroscopy and Lasertripsy: Prospective Outcomes from a University Teaching Hospital

Introduction: The wide use of high-power laser has changed the landscape of ureteroscopy and lasertripsy (URSL). We wanted to look at the role and outcomes of high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for URSL in pediatric stone disease. Methods: A prospective analysis of consecutive pediatric patients treated with "Dusting and Pop-dusting" using a high-power laser was done between January 2016 and March 2022. The project was registered with our audit committee. Data were analyzed for patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative details, procedural outcomes, and complications. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as fragments ≤2 mm on postoperative ultrasound imaging 2-3 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 35 patients underwent 43 procedures (1.2 procedure/patient) during the study period with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 1-16 years) and a male:female ratio of 13:22. The stone location was in the kidney in 32 (91.4%) patients of which 8 were in multiple renal locations. The mean stone size was 18 mm (range 10-39 mm), with the pre- and post-stent rates of 37% and 56%, respectively. An access sheath was used in 19 (44%) procedures. The overall SFR on ultrasound scan was 94% (n = 33) with no procedural complications noted in our series and a mean length of stay of 0.9 days. Conclusion: Pediatric URSL using a high-power laser achieves a high SFR even for large and multiple renal stones with no complications noted in our prospective series. Parents must, however, be counseled about the need for staged procedures, which might be needed for large stones.

Safety and feasability of ureteroscopy for pediatric stone, in children under 5 Years (SFUPA 5): A French multicentric study

INTRODUCTION

Ureteroscopy (URS) can be proposed as first-line therapy for the management of pelvic stones from 10 to 20 mm and for lower ureteric stones in children. However, little is known about the success and the morbidity of URS in young children. Ureteroscopic treatment may present matters in young children because of the small size of the pediatric kidney and the small size of the collecting system.

OBJECTIVE

To assess safety and efficacy of URS for the treatment of urinary stones in children aged of 5 years or less.

STUDY DESIGN

After the institutional ethical board approval was obtained, we conducted a retrospective, analytic, multicentric study that included all URS performed between January 2016 and April 2022 in children aged of 5 years or less. In this non-comparative case series, anonymized pooled data were collected from 7 tertiary care centers of pediatric patients. Endpoints were the one-session SFR at 3 months and per and postoperatives complications. Descriptive statistics were applied to describe the cohort.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients were included. For them, 96 procedures were performed at the median age of 3.5 years (IQR: 0.8-5) and median weight of 14 Kg (6.3-23). Median stone size was 13 mm (4-45). There were 65 (67 %) renal stones treated with flexible URS, most of which were in the renal pelvis (30 %) and in the lower calix (33 %). A ureteral access sheath was used in 91 % procedures. Preoperative ureteral stent was placed in 52 (54 %) of patients. None of patients had ureteral dilatation. The single-session SFR was 67.4 % (56.3 and 89.2 % for flexible URS and semi-rigid URS respectively) and children require 1.4 procedures to achieve complete stone clearance. The overall complication rate was 18.7 %, most of them were minor (Clavien I-II). Intraoperative perirenal extravasation (Clavien IIIb) due to forniceal rupture was documented in 6.2 % of cases, related to an increased intrapelvic pressure (IPP) performed in a closed pelvicalyceal system.

DISCUSSION

Pediatric urologists should be aware of forniceal rupture based on the presence of extravasation of contrast during endourological procedures especially when they have difficulties to reach lower caliceal stone in small patient.

CONCLUSION

URS in patients aged of 5 years or less, is a complex minimally invasive procedure with reasonable efficacy and low morbidity. Intrarenal stones treated by RIRS in young children carries the risk of additional procedures to complete stone clearance.

Urological Guidelines for Kidney Stones: Overview and Comprehensive Update

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guidelines are published by urological organisations for various conditions, including urolithiasis. In this paper, we provide guidance on the management of kidney stone disease (KSD) and compare the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urologists (EAU) guidelines.

METHODS

We evaluate and appraise the evidence and grade of recommendation provided by the AUA and EAU guidelines on urolithiasis (both surgical and medical management).

RESULTS

Both the AUA and EAU guidelines provide guidance on the type of imaging, treatment options, and medical therapies and advice on specific patient groups, such as in paediatrics and pregnancy. While the guidelines are generally aligned and based on evidence, some subtle differences exist in the recommendations, but both are generally unanimous for the majority of the principles of management.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that the guidelines should undergo regular updates based on recently published material, and while these guidelines provide a framework, treatment plans should still be personalised, respecting patient preferences, surgical expertise, and various other individual factors, to offer the best outcome for kidney stone patients.

Effect of preoperative ureteral stenting on the surgical outcomes of patients with 1-2 cm renal stones managed by retrograde intrarenal surgery using a ureteral access sheath

OBJECTIVE

To assess the surgical results of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using a ureteral access sheath (UAS) for management of renal stones sized 1-2 cm compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative ureteral stenting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 83 patients (aged ≥ 20 years) who underwent RIRS from July 2021 to January 2023. All patients had renal calculi (stone size: 1-2 cm) located within the pelvicalyceal system. 43 and 40 patients were allocated to the non-prestent (group A) and prestent (group B), respectively. Patient baseline characteristics, renal stone details, operative data, stone-free rate (SFR) at 4 weeks and 6 months, and perioperative complications were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of all patients were comparable across the groups. Four weeks after surgery, the overall stone-free rate (SFR) stood at 62.65%. In the non-prestent and prestent groups, the SFRs were 58.12% and 67.5%, respectively (p = 0.89). By the sixth month post-surgery, the overall SFR rose to 80.72%. In the non-prestent and prestent groups, the SFRs were 76.74% and 85%, respectively (p = 0.081). No notable differences emerged in other variables, including perioperative complications, between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SFR showed no significant difference between the prestenting and non-prestenting groups at the 4-week and 6-month postoperative marks. Additionally, there were no substantial differences in complications during surgery and recovery between the groups. Notably, the SFR increased from 4 weeks to 6 months without any additional procedures in either group.

A population-based retrospective cohort study of surgical trends and outcomes of pediatric urolithiasis in Ontario, Canada (2002-2019)

INTRODUCTION

The worldwide incidence of pediatric urinary stone disease (PUSD) is increasing. However, there is no commensurate data on whether this translates to an increasing need for surgical intervention for PUSD, given the role of conservative management.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the trends and outcomes of clinically significant PUSD, using administrative databases to identify patients surgically treated for PUSD.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed the incidence and trends of surgically treated PUSD and outcomes in Ontario, Canada in patients <18 years of age who underwent their first PUSD procedure between 2002 and 2019 utilizing administrative databases held at the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). We assessed the incidence of surgically treated PUSD, demographics, initial surgical treatment and imaging modality, and risk factors for repeat intervention within 5 years. Statistical analyses summarized demographics, surgical trends, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for repeat surgical intervention.

RESULTS

We identified 1149 patients (mean age 11.3 years), with 59.6% older than 12 years. There was a decrease in the number of PUSD procedures performed per year that was close to statistical significance (p = 0.059) and a trend towards increased utilization of ureteroscopy (URS) compared with Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL). In addition, there was a significant increase in the proportion of females surgically treated with PUSD (p = 0.001). In the 706 patients followed for 5 years, 17.7% underwent a repeat procedure within 6 months, while 20.4% underwent a repeat procedure from 6-months to 5 years. Renal stone location (OR 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-4.80, p = 0.0002) and index SWL (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20-2.31, p = 0.0025) were risk factors for repeat surgical intervention within the first 6-months. There was an increasing utilization of ultrasound (US) compared to computerized tomography (CT) (p = 0.0008).

DISCUSSION

Despite the literature reporting increasing PUSD incidence, we observed a non-significant decrease in the number of surgical PUSD procedures performed. Exclusion of those treated conservatively may explain our results. The increase in the proportion of females treated reflects the narrowing gender gap in stone disease. A trend towards increased URS utilization was observed and re-intervention rates were similar to previous studies.

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of surgically treated PUSD did not show an increasing trend in Ontario, Canada from 2002 to 2019. URS was the most common surgical treatment modality, with a corresponding decline in SWL rates. PUSD was associated with a high surgical re-intervention rate within 6 months.

Paediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (P-PCNL) reporting checklist

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reporting checklist that serves to improve and standardise reporting in studies pertaining to paediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

METHODS

Based on findings from systematic review of literature, a draft list of items was formulated. By process of review and revisions, a finalised version was established and consensus achieved.

RESULTS

The finalised version of the checklist covers four main sections, which include the following areas: study details, pre-operative, operative and post-operative information. There are 18 further sub-items. Recommendations deemed to be of high importance to include are highlighted in bold.

CONCLUSION

This practical tool can aid clinicians and researchers when undertaking and reviewing studies on paediatric PCNL. This is highly relevant given the current heterogeneity that exists as well as debate in best practice patterns.

Controversies in ureteroscopy: lasers, scopes, ureteral access sheaths, practice patterns and beyond

Ureteroscopy has become an increasingly popular surgical intervention for conditions such as urinary stone disease. As new technologies and techniques become available, debate regarding their proper use has risen. This includes the role of single use ureteroscopes, optimal laser for stone lithotripsy, basketing versus dusting, the impact of ureteral access sheath, the need for safety guidewire, fluoroscopy free URS, imaging and follow up practices are all areas which have generated a lot of debate. This review serves to evaluate each of these issues and provide a balanced conclusion to guide the clinician in their practice.

Pyeloplasty in Children with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Associated Kidney Anomalies: Can a Robotic Approach Make Surgery Easier?

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty is widely used in pediatric surgery because of its well-known advantages over open or laparoscopic surgery. The aim is to explore our experience and evaluate the achievements we have made.

METHODS

We evaluated patients undergoing robotic pyeloplasty from January 2016 to November 2021, including those who presented with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with other anomalies of the kidney. The parameters examined were: age, weight, associated renal malformations, conversion rate, operative time, and intra- and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Of 39 patients, 7 (20%) were included, of whom 5 (71%) were male and 2 (29%) were female. The mean age at surgery was 84 months (range 36-180 months), and the mean weight at surgery was 24.4 kg (range 11-40 kg). In five (71%) patients the ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was left-sided and in two (29%) it was right-sided. In four (57%) cases, UPJO was associated with a horseshoe kidney, right-sided in one (25%) patient, and left-sided in the other three (75%). A 180° rotation of the kidney was present in one (14%) patient. Nephrolithiasis was present in two (29%) patients. The mean operative time was 160 min (range 140-240 min). The average bladder catheter dwell time was 1 day (range 2-3 days), while the average abdominal drainage dwell time was 2 days (range 2-4 days). The mean hospitalization time was 4 days (range 3-9 days). On average, after 45 days (range 30-65) the JJ ureteral stent was removed cystoscopically. No intraoperative complications were reported, while one case of persistent macrohematuria with anemia requiring blood transfusion occurred postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction might be associated with other congenital urinary tract anomalies such as a duplicated collecting system, horseshoe kidney, or pelvic kidney. These kinds of malformations can complicate surgery and require more attention and accuracy from the surgeon. Our experience shows that, with regards to the robotic learning curve required for pyeloplasty, the treatment of the ureteropelvic junction in these situations does not present insurmountable difficulties nor is burdened by complications. The application of robot-assisted surgery in pediatric urology makes difficult pyeloplasties easier.

Surgical outcomes of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery using a ureteral access sheath to manage kidney stones sized 1-2 cm compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative ureteral stenting

Objective

To investigate the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using a ureteral access sheath (UAS) to manage kidney stones sized 1-2 cm compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative ureteral prestenting.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included 166 patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent RIRS at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during February 2015-February 2020. All patients had renal calculi (stone size: 1-2 cm) located within the pelvicalyceal system. 80 and 86 patients were allocated to the prestent and non-prestent groups, respectively. Patient baseline characteristics, renal stone details, operative equipment, stone-free rate (SFR) at 2 weeks and 6 months, and perioperative complications were compared between groups.

Results

All patient baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At 2 weeks after surgery, the overall SFR was 65.1%, and the SFRs in the prestent and non-prestent groups were 73.4% and 59.5%, respectively (p = 0.09). At 6 months after surgery, the overall SFR was 80.1%, and the SFRs in the prestent and non-prestent groups were 90.7% and 79.3%, respectively (p = 0.08). The incidence of perioperative complications was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the SFR between the presenting and non-prestenting groups at both the 2-week and 6-month postoperative time points. There was also no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications between groups. The SFR was higher at 6 months than at 2 weeks in both groups with no additional procedure.

Microureteroscopy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones in pediatric patients younger than 3 years of age

The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of microureteroscopy (m-URS) in the treatment of renal and ureteral stones in children younger than 3 years of age. A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients aged < 3 years with upper urinary tract calculi who underwent lithotripsy was performed. The children were divided into the m-URS group (4.85 F, n = 41) and the ureteroscopy (URS) group (4.5/6.5 F, n = 42) according to the type of ureteroscope used. The mean age of the patients was 23.5 ± 10.7 months in the m-URS group and 20.6 ± 7.1 months in the URS group (P = 0.212). The success rate of one-stage surgery was 80.5% (33/41) for m-URS and 38.1% (16/42) for URS (P < 0.001). The success rates of m-URS were 60.0%, 69.2%, and 91.3% for stones located in the renal pelvis/calix, upper ureter, and mid-lower ureter, respectively. Eight children in the m-URS group and 26 children in the URS group underwent the second-stage ureteroscopic surgery. The mean operation time was 50 (30-60) min in the m-URS group and 40 (34-60) min in the URS group (P = 0.287). The complication rates were 4.9% and 7.1% in the m-URS and URS groups, respectively (P = 1.000). The stone-free rate at 1 month after lithotripsy was 87.8% in the m-URS group and 83.3% in the URS group (P = 0.563). The mean anesthesia session was 2.1 in the m-URS group and 2.5 in the URS group (P = 0.002). M-URS can effectively reduce the number of anesthesia sessions and is considered an alternative treatment for upper urinary tract calculi in selected pediatric patients younger than 3 years of age.

Comparison and Evaluation of Outcomes of Ureteroscopy and Stone Laser Fragmentation in Extremes of Age Groups (≤10 Years and ≥80 Years of Age): A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of over 15 Years from 2 Tertiary European Centres

AIM

To assess and compare the outcomes associated with ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation (URSL) for extremes of age group (≤10 and ≥80 years).

METHODS

Retrospective consecutive data were collected from two European centres for all paediatric patients ≤10 undergoing URSL over a 15-year period (group 1). It was compared to consecutive data for all patients ≥80 years (group 2). Data were collected for patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative details, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients had 201 URSL procedures during this time (74 and 94 patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively). The mean age and stone sizes were 6.1 years and 85 years, and 9.7 mm and 13 mm for groups 1 and 2 respectively. While the SFR was slightly higher in group 2 (92.5% versus 87.8%, p = 0.301), post-operative stent rate was also significantly higher in the geriatric population (75.9% versus 41.2%, p = 0.0001). There was also no significant difference in pre-operative stenting (p = 0.886), ureteric access sheath use (UAS) (p = 0.220) and post-operative complications. Group 1 had an intervention rate of 1.3/patient as compared to 1.1/patient in group 2. The overall complications were 7.2% and 15.3% in groups 1 and 2 respectively (0.069), with 1 Clavien IV complication related to post-operative sepsis and brief ICU admission in group 2.

CONCLUSION

The paediatric population had a marginally higher incidence of repeat procedure, but the overall SFR and complications were similar, and post-operative stent insertion rates were much better compared to geriatric patients. URSL is a safe procedure in the extremes of age groups with no difference in the overall outcomes between the two groups.

Paediatric kidney stone surgery: state-of-the-art review

While urolithiasis in children is rare, the global incidence is rising, and the volume of minimally invasive surgeries being performed reflects this. There have been many developments in the technology, which have supported the advancement of these interventions. However, innovation of this kind has also resulted in wide-ranging practice patterns and debate regarding how they should be best implemented. This is in addition to the extra challenges faced when treating stone disease in children where the patient population often has a higher number of comorbidities and for example, the need to avoid risk such as ionising exposure is higher. The overall result is a number of challenges and controversies surrounding many facets of paediatric stone surgery such as imaging choice, follow-up and different treatment options, for example, medical expulsive therapy, shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This article provides an overview of the current status of paediatric stone surgery and discussion on the key topics of debate.

Outcomes of ureteroscopy for management of stone disease in early and late childhood over a 15-year period

Background

Although paediatric ureteroscopy is widely performed, there is still a lack of data and outcomes in early childhood. In this two-centre study, we compared the outcomes of ureteroscopy for stone disease management in early and late childhood and provide outcomes for the same.

Methods

Data was retrospectively collected on consecutive patients from two tertiary paediatric endo-urology European centres over a 15-year period (2006-2021). Patients were split into two groups, namely, early childhood (age ⩽ 9 years) and late childhood (age 9 to ⩽16 years). Outcomes including stone-free rate (SFR) and complications were compared between these two groups.

Results

A total of 148 patients underwent 184 procedures (1.2 procedure/patient) during the study period (66 in early childhood and 82 in late childhood). The mean age in early and late childhood groups were 5.6 and 13.3 years, and a male: female ratio of 1.6:1 and 1.1:1, respectively. The SFR and complications in early and late childhood groups were 87.8% and 90.2% (p = 0.64) and 5.7% and 4.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Paediatric ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation achieves good results in both early and late childhood with comparable SFRs, although the complications and need for second procedure were marginally higher in the early childhood group. Our study would set up a new benchmark for patient counselling in future, and perhaps this needs to be reflected in the paediatric urolithiasis guidelines.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children: Evolution, Current Status, and Future Trends

Introduction: Incidence of urolithiasis in children has increased in recent years and with technological advancements and miniaturization of surgical instruments, pediatric urologists have acquired an impressive arsenal for their treatment. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has gained widespread popularity as it is a natural extension of semirigid ureteroscopy and can be done through natural orifice minimizing the morbidity of percutaneous access. The aim of this narrative review is to describe how RIRS has evolved over the decades in children and if the age-related anatomical difference impacts reported outcomes especially stone-free rate (SFR) and complications. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search from inception to October 15, 2021 was performed using Medical Subject Heading terms in several combinations on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science without language restrictions. A total of 2022 articles were founded and 165 articles were full-text screening. Finally, 2 pediatric urologists included 51 articles that summarize the available literature regarding the development and use of RIRS in children. Results: RIRS as of today is well established as a superior modality for all stones in all locations compared with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy both in children and adults. The passive dilation has decreased the need of active ureteral dilation, but the need to perform prestenting is not defined yet. Regarding the use of the ureteral access sheath, the literature tends to lean toward its placement in most cases, but we do not know its long-term effects over the growth of children. Finally, the SFR has increased as the experience of pediatric urologists increases, as well as the number of complications has decreased. Conclusion: RIRS in pediatrics has crossed many milestones, yet many areas need further research and larger data are required to make RIRS the procedure of choice for renal stone management in children across all age groups.

Role of Pediatric Ureteral Access Sheath and Outcomes Related to Flexible Ureteroscopy and Laser Stone Fragmentation: A Systematic Review of Literature

Context

Flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL) represent a good treatment option for pediatric urolithiasis. Scarce evidence is available about the safety and efficacy of the concomitant use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) in the setting of pediatric ureteroscopy (URS).

Objective

To acquire all the available evidence on UAS usage in pediatric FURSL, focusing on intra- and postoperative complications and stone-free rates (SFRs).

Evidence acquisition

We performed a systematic literature research using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria were cohorts of pediatric patients <18 yr old, submitted to URS for FURSL, reporting on more than ten cases of UAS placement. The primary outcomes were prestenting rates, operating time, ureteric stent placement rates after surgery, rates and grades of complications, ureteral injuries, and overall SFR. A total of 22 articles were selected.

Evidence synthesis

In total, 26 intraoperative and 130 postoperative complications following URS with UAS placement were reported (1.8% and 9.18% of the overall procedures, respectively). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, 32 were classified as Clavien I, 29 as Clavien II, 43 as Clavien I or II, six as Clavien III, and one as Clavien IV. Twenty-one cases of ureteral injuries (1.59%) were noted in the whole cohort; most of them were ureteral perforation or extravasation, and were treated with a temporary indwelling ureteric stent. The overall SFR after a single URS procedure was 76.92%; after at least a second procedure, it was 84.9%.

Conclusions

FURSL is a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric urolithiasis. UAS use was associated with a low rate of ureteric injuries, mostly treated and resolved with a temporary indwelling ureteric stent.

Patient summary

We performed a systematic literature research on the utilization of a UAS during ureteroscopy for stone treatment in pediatric patients. We assessed the outcomes related to the rates of intra- and postoperative complications and the rates of efficacy of the procedure in the clearance of stones. The evidence shows a low rate and grade of complications associated with UAS placement and good stone-free outcomes. A ureteric injury may occur in 1.6% of cases, but it is usually managed and resolved with a temporary indwelling ureteric stent.

Current status of nomograms and scoring systems in paediatric endourology: A systematic review of literature

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of paediatric kidney stone disease is increasing worldwide, with the requirement for endourological interventions mirroring this. Multiple nomograms, grading tools and scoring systems now exist in the adult setting, which aim to enhance the pre-operative planning and decision-making associated with these surgeries. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in nomograms dedicated for use in the paediatric setting. This study provides an up-to-date review and assessment of available paediatric endourology nomograms and scoring systems.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of worldwide literature was conducted according PRISMA methodology. Studies describing paediatric-specific endourology nomograms, scoring systems or grading tools and studies externally validating these tools, or existing adult tools in a paediatric population, were evaluated and included in the narrative data synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 7 endourology nomograms were identified. 4 were paediatric-specific, 2 for shockwave lithotripsy, 1 for percutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureteroscopy and 1 for percutaneous nephrolithotomy specifically. Only the 2 shockwave lithotripsy nomograms have been externally validated in 4 further studies and showed efficacy in predicting treatment success. 3 adult tools, all specific to PCNL have been investigated and validated in a paediatric setting in 11 studies. In general, they showed efficacy in the prediction of stone free rate but were poor at predicting likelihood of complications.

CONCLUSION

A limited number of paediatric-specific endourology predictive nomograms are available to aid in the management of kidney stone disease, with the strongest evidence supporting those designed for shockwave lithotripsy. Although 3 adult tools have been implemented, there are problems applying these to the paediatric setting and further development of paediatric-specific tools is necessary.

Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for infantile nephrolithiasis. Single centre experience from Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for small renal stones 1-2 cm in size in infants less than one year.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This descriptive case series was conducted in the department of pediatric urology Institute of Kidney Diseases Peshawar, Pakistan, from March 2019 to March 2022. All the patients underwent mini-PCNL in prone position under GA with 14 Fr access sheath and 10 Fr nephroscope. Stone clearance was assessed by non-contrast CT KUB at 30th postoperative day. Patients with no residual fragments on the non-contrast CT KUB were defined as stone-free. Patients with residual fragments of any size were defined as procedure failure. Safety was determined in terms of intra and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 51 infants were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 9.6 + 1.8 (5-12 month). The mean stone size was 15.8 + 2.7 (10-21) mm in length and 12.3 + 2.2 (8-17) mm in width. PCNL mean operative time was 51.6 ± 7.1 (40-70) minutes. Complete stone clearance at one month was observed in 46 (90.2%) patients. Residual fragments were seen in 5(9.8%) patients with a mean size of 1.6 + 0.4 (0.9-2.0) mm. None of the patients required any additional procedure for clearance of stones. In 7 (13.7%) patients, some post-operative complications were observe, all were grade I complications, including fever in 5(9.8%) and transient hematuria in 2(3.9%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Mini-PCNL is a safe and effective treatment for renal stones in infants measuring 1-2 cm with high SFR and an acceptable complication rate.

Ureteroscopy for stone disease in the paediatric population: lessons learned and outcomes in a Nordic setting

Introduction:

Paediatric stone disease is rare in the Nordic communities. Still, the condition can require surgical intervention in the form of ureteroscopy (URS). Here, we report outcomes achieved at a regional (tertiary) centre.

Patients and methods:

Retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive patients (<18 years of age) undergoing URS for stone disease between 2010 and 2021. Outcomes of interest included stone-free rate (SFR) determined using a definition of no residual fragments ⩾ 3 mm on imaging and complications classified according to Clavien–Dindo system.

Results:

In total, 23 patients underwent 47 URS procedures for a total of 31 stone episodes. Mean age was 9 (range 1–17) years and male-to-female ratio was 6:17. Overall, 35% had at least one medical comorbidity. Ultrasound determined preoperative stone status in 87%. Mean largest index and cumulative stone sizes were 9 (range 3–40) and 12 (range 3–40) mm, respectively. Overall, 32% had multiple stones. Lower pole was the commonest stone location (39%). No patients underwent elective pre-operative stenting. Ureteral access sheaths were not used in any cases. Access to upper urinary tract at first procedure was successful in 94%. Initial and final SFR was 61% and 90%, respectively. No intra-operative complications were recorded. Overall post-operative complication rate was 17.5%. Urinary tract infection (CD II) was the commonest adverse event (12.5%).

Conclusion:

Paediatric URS can be delivered in the setting of a regional centre without compromising outcomes. This includes when carried out by adult endourologists, without routine pre-stenting and omitting use of ureteric access sheath.

Current Status of Ureteric Stents on Extraction Strings and Other Non-cystoscopic Removal Methods in the Paediatric Setting: A Systematic Review on Behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU) Young Academic Urology (YAU) Urolithiasis Group

Ureteric stents are an important tool in urology and have a wide range of indications. While they offer a number of advantages, limitations remain despite modern advancements. These include discomfort, migration and encrustation. Standard removal is via cystoscopy but in the paediatric setting this mandates general anaesthetic, which holds disadvantages. Alternative removal methods include use of extraction strings and magnetic retrieval devices, which can be performed in the outpatient setting. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of different non-cystoscopic methods for stent removal in the paediatric setting.

Combined treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and laser lithotripsy in children: Case report and non-systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE(S)

The incidence of urinary tract stone disease is steadily increasing in both adult and paediatric populations. This condition develops due to different factors: dietary or metabolic alterations, infection, and congenital anatomic malformations. Standard indications and treatments for children are analogous to the ones indicated for adults. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) should be preferred to more invasive techniques. Moreover, the introduction of laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches have improved surgical outcomes, lowering the bleeding risk with higher stone-free rates, even in complicated cases. Despite these well-known improvements, there are few reports regarding laparoscopic robot-assisted management for urinary tract stone disease in paediatric patients under the age of 10, especially with concomitant treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and multiple calyceal stones.

PATIENT AND METHOD(S)

A 4-year-old child was referred for recurrent right abdominal flank pain, macroscopic haematuria and a previous history of urinary tract infections. A computed tomography of the abdomen showed right ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with multiple unilateral stones located in the renal pelvis and in the interpolar renal calyces. Due to its complexity, we held a multidisciplinary meeting with paediatric surgeons and nephrologists to determine optimal treatment. As a result, a combined robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) and renal calculi holmium laser lithotripsy using a digital flexible ureteroscope through an abdominal robotic trocar was performed. No post-surgical complications were recorded, and the patient was discharged within 48 h following surgery. At subsequent regular follow-up examinations over a period of 24 months, no signs of recurrence were detected for both ureteropelvic junction obstruction and stone disease.

RESULT(S)

Robot-assisted LP with concomitant laser lithotripsy is a reasonable treatment option for designated young paediatric patients with challenging ureteropelvic junction obstruction complicated by urolithiasis, especially in cases where stones are not amenable with standard procedures.

Role of Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Pediatric Stone Disease: A Systematic Review of Literature

Introduction: Kidney stone disease in the pediatric setting is rare, but the incidence is rising. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) is one of the newer surgical interventions to have been developed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review (SR) to formally evaluate the safety and efficacy of pediatric mPCNL, which was defined as PCNLs using tract size between 15F and 20F. Methods: An SR was carried out in accordance with Cochrane guidelines and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Original studies reporting on outcomes of mPCNL with 20 or more patients (aged ≤18 years) were included. Results: Eight studies were finally identified, which satisfied our predefined criteria. This included two randomized trials and six cohort studies. A total of 384 patients with a weighted mean age of 7.5 years (range: 0.5-18 years) and a male:female ratio of 3:2 underwent mPCNL. The weighted mean stone size was 1.2 cm (range: 0.8-3.5 cm). The weighted mean operative time and length of hospital stay were 76.8 minutes (range: 20-120 minutes) and 4.6 days (range: 1-33 days), respectively. The most common location(s) of stones were lower pole (57%) and renal pelvis (24.3%). The weighted mean initial and overall stone-free rates were 87.9% (range: 76%-97.5%) and 97% (range: 91.3%-100%), respectively. None of the cases required intraoperative conversion to standard PCNL. Complications occurred in 19% (n = 73) of patients. The weighted mean transfusion rate reported across studies was 3.3% (range: 0%-10.3%). Conclusions: mPCNL is safe and effective in the pediatric population. Further randomized studies will help determine its formal role in pediatric endourology and help guideline recommendations accordingly.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Stone Fragmentation Is Safe and Tends to Improve Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Prospective Outcomes with a Minimum Follow-Up of 6 Months

Introduction: The role and long-term follow-up of ureteroscopy and laser stone treatment (URSL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. Given conflicting results and a lack of robust data, we looked at the results of URSL in patients with CKD. Methods: Over a 6.5-year period (March 2012-July 2018), prospective outcomes were recorded for consecutive patients who underwent URSL for ureteral or renal stones. The inclusion criteria were all patients with CKD II-V. Renal function was checked preoperatively and at a minimum of 6 months postprocedure. Data were collected and analyzed for patient and stone demographics, procedural and postoperative details, and complications. Results: Over the study period, 277 patients with preoperative CKD stage II-V were included with a male:female ratio of 188:89 and a mean age of 66.6 years. The mean preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (mL/minute) was 63 (range: 14-89, ±18) with 167 (60.2%) CKD II, 70 (25.2%) CKD IIIa, 27 (9.7%) CKD IIIb, 10 (3.6%) CKD IV, and 3 (1%) CKD V patients. The mean single stone size was 9.6 mm (range: 3-37 mm, ±5.2) and 35.3% had multiple stones. The stone was located in the ureter for 112 patients, kidney for 137 patients, with 28 patients who had stones in both ureter and kidneys. A pre- and postoperative stent was present in 34.3% to 60% and 82.6% to 100% of patients, respectively, with an access sheath used in 103 (37.8%). The mean operative time was 44.5 minutes, with a stone-free rate of 91.6%. Postoperatively the mean eGFR improved to 68 (±20) (p < 0.002). Complications occurred in 22 (7.9%) patients of which 18 were Clavien I/II and 4 were Clavien III/IV complications. Conclusion: URSL is safe and effective in patients with CKD with most patients discharged the same day of surgery. For majority of patients with both ureteral and renal stones, the renal function either stayed stable or improved after ureteroscopy on a long-term follow-up irrespective of their underlying CKD status.

Outcomes of ureteroscopy for stone disease in anomalous kidneys: a systematic review

Introduction

Treatment of stone disease in anomalous kidneys can be challenging. As ureteroscopy (URS) has advanced, the number of studies reporting on outcomes of URS for stone disease in anomalous kidneys has increased. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the outcomes of URS for stone disease in this group of patients.

Methods

A Cochrane style review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus and individual urologic journals for all English language articles between inception and June 2018.

Results

Fourteen papers (413 patients) with a mean age of 43 years and a male to female ratio of 285:128 were included. The underlying renal anomaly was horseshoe kidney (n = 204), ectopic kidney (n = 117), malrotation (n = 86), cross fused ectopia (n = 2) and others (n = 2). With a mean stone size of 16 mm (range 2–35 mm), the majority of stones were in the lower pole (n = 143, 34.6%) or renal pelvis (n = 128, 31.0%), with 18.9% (n = 78) having stones in multiple locations. Treatment modality included the use of flexible ureteroscope in 90% of patients and ureteral access sheath used in 11 studies. With a mean operative time of 61.3 min (range 14–185 min), the initial and final SFR was 76.6% (n = 322) and 82.3% (n = 340), respectively. The overall complication rate was 17.2% (n = 71), of which 14.8% were Clavien I/II and the remaining 2.4% were Clavien ≥ III complications.

Conclusion

Although ureteroscopy in patients with anomalous kidneys can be technically challenging, advancements in endourological techniques have made it a safe and effective procedure. In these patients the stone-free rates are good with a low risk of major complications.