Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of stones in anomalous kidneys in children

PurposeWe report percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of stones in anomalous kidneys in children.Materials & methodsWe performed PCNL on 6 children (one with bilateral stones), 3 boys and 3 girls with anomalous kidneys. Three had horseshoe kidneys, 2 malrotated kidneys, and one crossed fused ectopic kidney. Their age ranged from 5 to 12 years with a mean of 7.3 ± 3 years. Two patients had previous failed ESWL, 4 underwent PCNL for large stone burden. Mean stone burden was 324.9 ± 191.8 mm2. Under fluoroscopic guidance we performed serial dilatation using Alken metal dilators. In 4 patients 17 Fr rigid nephroscope was used, in 2 patients 26 Fr nephroscope was utilized. Pneumatic lithotripsy was used for stone disintegration and forceps for stone extraction.ResultsA single stage PCNL resulted in complete stone clearance in 5 children, while one required a second look procedure. Operative time ranged from 25 to 70 min with a mean of 43.3 ± 17.8 min. None of the patients required blood transfusion. Perforation of the renal pelvis occurred in one patient and was managed by prolonged insertion of nephrostomy tube. Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 6 days with a mean of 3 ± 2 days. Postoperative fever occurred in one child and persisted for 3 days. All children were followed for 3 months and were stone free. Patient with bilateral stones performed ESWL on the contra lateral side.ConclusionChildren with stones in anomalous kidneys can be managed safely with PCNL when they are properly selected.