Ureteroscopic stone management in prepubertal children

Ureteroscopy for treating ureteric stones in prepubertal children has become more common with the advent of smaller endoscopes. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ureteroscopy for ureteric stone in this cohort of patients. During the period Jan 2001 and June 2005, we performed 22 ureteroscopic procedures in 20 children. Ureteroscopy was done in a manner similar to that in adults. Ureteral dilatation was done in all cases. A stent was placed postoperatively if there was significant stone burden, ureteral trauma, impaction and edema of ureteric orifice. Of the 20 children, 18 were male and 2 were females. Average age was 5.2 years (range 3-9). Stones were 4-14 mm in size (average 6 mm). Overall 90% of the children were rendered stone free after one procedure and 100% after two procedures. Ureteroscopy for ureteric stones in prepubertal children is safe and effective first line treatment in whom conservative therapy fails. Routine ureteral stent placement postoperatively is not always necessary.