Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in preschool age children

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PNL) in preschool age children.Methods Between December, 2005 and December 2007, 42 Mini-PNL were performed in 35 preschool age children whose mean age was 46 months.Thirty-four calculi were in kidney, 8 in upper ureter. The mean stone dimension was 16. 9 ?9. 2 mm in length.Results One-session Mini-PNLs were successfully performed in all children.The mean operation time was 35. 4 ?14. 9 min. The stone free rate was 92. 9%.The postoperative hemoglobin level dropped by 12. 7% but no blood transfusion was required.5% children suffered postoperative infectioa Conclusions Mini-PNL is an effective and safe procedure in treatment of upper urinary stones in preschool age children. Key words: Kidney calculi;  Lithotripsy;  Nephrostomy, percutaneous;  Child