How has endourological experience in childhood kidney stones changed the indications for open surgery?

Abstract

Abstract With the developments in endourology in the last 30 years, the indication for open stone surgery in the urinary system has gradually decreased. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the cases and the indications who underwent open stone surgery by examining the cases that were operated for urinary system stones in the first four-year learning period (2009-2012) and the following five-year period (2013-2018). Open surgery was required in 25 cases due to renal stones (17.24%) at learning period. In the second period 217 cases were operated due to renal stones, while 4 cases (1.84%). Also open surgery was performed in a total of six cases due to stone-related complications or complications related to endoscopic procedures. In almost all of our patients who underwent endoscopic stone treatment, stone-free was achieved with repeated procedures. More than one anesthesia was required in all patients In the second period of endourological experience, open surgical procedures were performed only because of the complications of endourological procedures. Stone-free status can be achieved even in infants by applying more than one session of endourological interventions. If necessary, staged interventions can be planned and urinary system stone treatment can be provided in children without open surgery.