Endoscopic cystolithotomy by mini nephroscope: A preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: To introduce a novel endoscopic surgical technique with mini-nephroscope by suprapubic transvesical route for cystolithotripsy in children. Material and methods: This was a non-randomized study with a series of 12 boys, between February 2012 and September 2013. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were recorded. Our new endoscopic surgery technique could be performed in all patients. Complications were noted. Results: Mean age was 35.1 ± 8.6 months (19–46 months), the average stone size was 16.5 ± 5.2 mm (10–20 mm). Mean operation time was 28.9 min (21–40), and mean hospital stay was 2.2 (2–3) days. In all procedures, stones were successfully fragmented and extracted by the new surgical technique. There was no intraoperative and/or postoperative complication or urethral stricture during follow-up period. In stone analyses, the main components were ammonium acid urate, calcium oxalate, and struvite. Conclusions: The new endoscopic surgery technique is safe and effective for bladder stones in children. Thus, our technique can be a strong candidate for an alternative treatment of childhood bladder stones.

Key words:

• Lithotripsy
• percutaneous nephrolithotomy
• paediatric
• surgical procedure
• urinary bladder calculi

Decalaration of interest: The authors of this study report no conflicts of interest.