Urinary Stones In Children - Treatment

Urinary Stones In Children - Treatment

There is a general misconception that childhood stones always require open surgery. Like adults children also can be treated without open surgery. In modern medicine facilities are available to break stones and 80% are removed without open surgery. For this it is essential to consult a pediatric urologist trained in this field.

Endoscopic Treatment

When stone is present in the bladder, it can be removed with the help of an endoscope. Endoscope is a small tube with a camera that is passed up via the urinary passage. The stones are grasped with small grabbers. Bigger stones can be broken with the help of a technique called lithotripsy. As children won’t stay still, they need a general anesthesia. To prevent blockage by broken stone pieces, a small tube called stent is left in for 2-3 weeks.

Endoscopy

Breaking Stones

A technique called ESWL uses sound waves to break stone. With the help of an x-ray or a scan the stone is focused. ESWL machine breaks the stone in less than an hour. Sometimes a second sitting may be required for complete stone clearance. With this treatment, children can return home with a couple of days. Small children need general anesthesia, as they have to lay still for this.