title: Ureteroscopy for the treatment of urolithiasis in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ureteroscopy for treating urolithiasis in prepubertal children has become more common with the advent of smaller instruments. We reviewed our experience with ureteroscopy for urolithiasis in this cohort of patients as well as the literature using this treatment modality in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1994 and 2000 we performed 27 ureteroscopic stone extractions in 25 children. Ureteroscopy was done in a manner similar to that in adults. Ureteral dilation was performed when necessary to access the ureter. A stent was placed postoperatively if there was significant ureteral trauma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 25 children 13 were male and 12 were female. Average age was 9.2 years (range 3 to 14). Stones were 2 to 12 mm. in greatest diameter (average 6). Of the 27 procedures the ureteral orifice was dilated before stone treatment in 15 (56%), while in 19 (70%) a stent was placed afterward. No intraoperative and 2 postoperative complications were identified. Overall 92% of the children were rendered stone-free after 1 procedure and 100% were stone-free after 2.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ureteroscopy for urolithiasis in prepubertal children is safe and effective. Routine ureteral dilation and ureteral stent placement are not always necessary in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Schuster
authors.forename: Kelly Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.forename: Harry P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: Gary J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Faerber
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D018666:Ureteroscopy