It is quite rare to find kidney stones in children but they can cause significant discomfort and lead to complications if not treated soon. At NU Hospitals, we understand how parents are concerned with your child’s health if diagnosed with kidney stones. The good news is we offer one of the most effective treatment methods for complex and larger stones, that is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for children with kidney stones.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about Paediatric PCNL, from how it works, the procedure and what you can expect during recovery. Helping you make the right decisions for your child’s healthcare and ensure they receive the best care is our goal.
What is Paediatric PCNL?
PCNL (Paediatric Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a surgical procedure used to remove complex and large kidney stones in children. Unlike traditional methods, PCNL is a minimally invasive surgery, where only a small incision is made in the child’s back to access and remove the kidney stones.
This procedure is usually recommended for children with kidney stones which are:
- Too large to pass naturally (over 1-2 cm).
- Located in hard-to-reach areas of the kidney
- Causes infections or urinary blockages.
- Resistant to other non-invasive treatments
At NU Hospitals, our team of paediatric urologists are highly skilled to perform Paediatric PCNL while we also ensure minimal discomfort and faster recovery for your child.
Why Paediatric PCNL for Your Child?
If your child is suffering from complex or large kidney stones, surgery is recommended. Here are a few common reasons why PCNL might be the right choice for your kid.
Stone Size: If the stones are over 1-2cm it is quite not possible to pass naturally and might cause pain
Failed Treatment: In the past, if other treatments have failed, PCNL would be a more effective solution
Infection Risk: Complex and large stones pave the way to recurring urinary tract infections, thus need to be treated as early as possible.
Complex Stone Locations: when stones are present in difficult areas of the kidney, affecting the accessibility PCNL is the best treatment option for complete and successful removal of kidney stones.
Our experts at NU Hospitals are dedicated to providing the best care for your child. We carefully understand each case to ensure that PCNL is the right option.
How Paediatric PCNL is Performed at NU Hospitals?
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the PCNL is performed at NU Hospitals
- Anaesthesia: Your child would be under General Anaesthesia for the procedure
- Small Incision: A small incision is made in the child’s back.
- Nephroscope Insertion: A thin tubelike instrument called a nephroscope is inserted through the incision to locate and visualise the kidney stones.
- Stone Fragmentation: Some Special Surgical instruments or lasers are used to break up the stones into smaller pieces.
- Stone Removal: The stone fragments are removed through the same incision.
- Post-Procedure Care: At times a small drainage tube called nephrostomy would be left in place for a few days to help in healing and to remove excess fluid.
This entire procedure is performed using advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your child’s safety and effective treatment.
Safety and Success Rates of Paediatric PCNL
At NU Hospitals, patient safety is our top priority, and we’re proud to say that Paediatric PCNL is both a safe and highly effective treatment procedure. The procedure has a success rate of over 90% in completely removing kidney stones in children. However, as with any other surgery, there are some risks you need to consider:
Infections: It is very rare, but manageable with antibiotics.
Bleeding: Some minor bleeding may occur during or post operation
Injury to Nearby Organs: There is negligible risk as our experienced surgeons perform the surgery at NU Hospitals
Choosing a PCNL surgery for your child with NU Hospitals, we assure you that your health is in the right hands, as we make sure that each patient receives comprehensive care throughout.
Recovery Process for Paediatric PCNL
PCNL offers your child with a quicker recovery, but here are few things to expect post surgery as each child’s healing process varies.
Hospital Stay: Your child would typically stay at NU Hospitals for 1 to 2 days after the procedure for observation.
Nephrostomy Tube Removal: If a drainage tube (nephrostomy) is placed, it would be removed within 48 hours.
Return to Normal Activities: Most children return to their regular daily routine within 1 to 2 weeks.
Our paediatric urologist specialists will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to enable your child’s recovery comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paediatric PCNL
- Will my child feel pain during the procedure?
No. Your child will be under general anaesthesia throughout the surgery, so they won’t feel any pain. Any minor discomfort after the procedure is managed with medication.
- What is the success rate of PCNL in children?
Paediatric PCNL has a 95% success rate in fully removing kidney stones. In very few cases, a follow-up procedure might be required to remove any remaining stone fragments.
- Are there any long-term complications of PCNL?
Long-term complications are rare. However, follow-up visits with our paediatric urologist are important as prescribed to monitor your child’s kidney health and prevent further scarring.
- Can kidney stones recur after PCNL?
Unfortunately yes, kidney stones can reoccur if the underlying issues such as diet or metabolic problems aren’t treated. Our team will work with you on preventive measures, to reduce the likelihood of future stones.
- How should I prepare my child for surgery?
Our team at NU Hospitals will guide you through the entire process, from pre-surgery consultations to recovery care. Be sure to follow all pre-operative instructions, including fasting and any necessary tests.
Why Choose NU Hospitals for Paediatric PCNL for Your Child’s Kidney Stones?
At NU Hospitals, we have decades of experience treating kidney stone disease in children, using state-of-the-art equipment and minimally invasive techniques. Our team of expert paediatric urologists and surgeons are committed to providing you with the best care possible, ensuring your child’s health and comfort throughout their treatment journey.
Contact Us for Expert Care
If your child has been diagnosed with kidney stones and needs treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at NU Hospitals. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Visit NU Hospitals today to consult with our paediatric urology experts and discuss whether Paediatric PCNL is the right option for your child’s health.
