Comparison Between Supine Mini-PCNL and Flexible Ureteroscopy (FURS) for Dense Lower Calyceal Stones (1-2 cm) in School-Age Pediatric Patients

Comparison Between Supine Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and Flexible Ureteroscopy (FURS) in Management of Lower Calyceal Stones 1-2 Centimeters With More Than 1000 Hounsfield Unit in School-Age Pediatric Patients

This randomized controlled clinical study compared supine mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus flexible ureteroscopy for the management of dense lower calyceal renal stones measuring 1-2 centimeters (≤20 millimeters) with stone density greater than 1000 Hounsfield units in school-age pediatric patients aged 6-12 years. Participants were randomized to undergo either supine mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy with laser lithotripsy or flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. The study assessed stone-free rate on non-contrast computed tomography of the urinary tract at 1 month postoperatively, along with operative time, fluoroscopy time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. The trial has ended.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 6 to 12 years
• Single lower calyceal renal stone measuring 1-2 centimeters (≤20 millimeters) with stone density greater than 1000 Hounsfield units
• No previous urological surgery that could distort the pelvicalyceal system

Exclusion Criteria:

• Additional ureteral stones and/or congenital renal anomalies (for example, horseshoe kidney or pelviureteric junction obstruction)
• Multiple renal stones
• Untreated urinary tract infection (temporarily excluded until treated)