Perspective - (2023) Volume 10, Issue 2

Effective and minimally invasive ureteroscopic stone treatment for preschool children

Mehmet Kilinc*
 
*Correspondence: Mehmet Kilinc, Department of Pediatrics, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey, Email:

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Description

Ureteral stones, also known as kidney stones, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys and can migrate down the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a larger stone that can obstruct the urinary tract.Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, which increases the risk of stone formation. Consuming a diet high in salt, oxalate (found in some fruits and vegetables), and animal protein can increase the likelihood of developing stones. A family history of kidney stones can predispose individuals to develop them. Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, and urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of stone formation.Some medications, such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids, can contribute to stone formation. Ureteral stones in preschool children present a unique challenge due to their small anatomy and limited treatment options. The conventional approach of open surgery or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) may not be suitable for this age group. Ureteroscopic stone treatment has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a minimally invasive solution with favorable outcomes. This study provides an overview of ureteroscopic stone treatment in preschool children, discussing its feasibility, safety, and efficacy. The conclusion highlights the potential of this technique as an effective treatment option for ureteral stones in this specific population. Ureteral stones are relatively rare in preschool children, but their management poses significant challenges. The small size and fragility of their urinary tract make conventional treatment approaches, such as open surgery or ESWL, less viable. Ureteroscopic stone treatment has gained attention as a minimally invasive alternative with the potential to provide successful outcomes while minimizing the risks associated with invasive procedures. This study aims to summarize the current understanding of ureteroscopic stone treatment in preschool children. Ureteroscopy involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube (ureteroscope) through the urethra and bladder, allowing direct visualization and intervention in the ureter and kidney. The procedure’s feasibility in preschool children relies on the availability of smaller caliber ureteroscopes and ancillary instruments designed to accommodate the size of their urinary tract. Recent advancements in endoscopic technology have made ureteroscopy increasingly accessible, enabling successful stone treatment in this age group. Safety is a crucial consideration when evaluating any medical intervention, especially in preschool children. Ureteroscopic stone treatment has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in this population. Minimally invasive nature reduces the risk of complications associated with open surgery, including bleeding, infection, and prolonged hospitalization. The procedure also avoids the potential adverse effects of ESWL, such as renal injury or damage to adjacent organs. Although ureteroscopy carries some inherent risks, appropriate patient selection, experienced surgeons, and meticulous technique help minimize potential complications. The efficacy of ureteroscopic stone treatment in preschool children has been documented in several studies. With improved visualization and miniaturized instrumentation, stone identification, fragmentation, and removal can be achieved effectively. The success rates of ureteroscopic stone treatment in this age group are comparable to those reported in older children and adults. Additionally, ureteroscopy allows concurrent treatment of associated conditions like ureteropelvic junction obstruction, reducing the need for subsequent interventions.

Conclusion

Ureteroscopic stone treatment is a promising approach for managing ureteral stones in preschool children. The procedure’s feasibility, safety, and efficacy have been established, making it a viable alternative to open surgery or ESWL in this specific population. However, individual patient characteristics, stone size, and location should be carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Further research and long-term follow-up studies are warranted to optimize patient selection criteria, refine surgical techniques, and assess the durability of outcomes. Ureteroscopic stone treatment offers a minimally invasive solution that can effectively address ureteral stones in preschool children, ensuring improved quality of life and reduced morbidity in this vulnerable age group.

Author Info

Mehmet Kilinc*
 
Department of Pediatrics, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
 

Received: 31-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. PUCR-23-99003; , Pre QC No. PUCR-23-99003 (PQ); Editor assigned: 03-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. PUCR-23-99003 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Apr-2023, QC No. PUCR-23-99003; Revised: 27-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. PUCR-23-99003 (R); Published: 04-May-2023, DOI: 10.14534/j-pucr.20222675615

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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