Urolithiasis in children

While urolithiasis often occurs in adults as an independent disease, in 80% of cases ICD develops in children as a complication of other pathologies. Most often – against the background of malformations of the urinary tract, abnormalities of kidney development, vesicoureteral reflux.

Also, if in many cases conservative treatment is effective in an adult with ICD, then in a child the disease is treated only surgically. Conservative therapy can only help if sand is detected, not formed stones.

If the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started, the child may develop purulent pyelonephritis, followed by loss of kidney function.

Symptoms of urolithiasis in children

The most striking sign that should serve as a signal for parents to contact a pediatric urologist is abdominal pain. It can be constant or periodic, cramping or aching, but usually severe. Therefore, parents may often think about surgical pathology in such cases.

However, the symptoms of ICD in children do not always appear, especially in the initial stages.  Sometimes the disease is detected during an examination for concomitant pathologies.

Which doctor should I contact for kidney stones in a child

Kidney diseases are treated by pediatric nephrologists. However, parents may not always understand the cause of a child's pain themselves. Therefore, you can first consult a pediatrician. If necessary, he will give a referral for a nephrologist appointment.

Diagnosis of urolithiasis in children

The diagnosis of ICD in a child can be based on:

• Urinalysis. With kidney stones, the urine test results are abnormal due to the development of the inflammatory process.

• Ultrasound. During an ultrasound examination, stones and even sand are visible in the kidneys.

To identify possible concomitant pathologies, it may be necessary to undergo an extended examination.

Treatment of urolithiasis in children

The European Medical Center uses modern minimally invasive technologies for the treatment of urolithiasis in children. Such technologies can significantly shorten the recovery period after surgery.

For the treatment of ICD in a child,:

• remote lithotripsy;

• contact lithotripsy, or endoscopic surgery.

Minimally invasive remote lithotripsy is performed for stones in the upper urinary tract. Anesthesia is always used. In the EMC, such operations are carried out using the latest equipment. This is the same equipment that is used in the treatment of ICD in adults. However, special additional components of the device are required to perform the intervention in a child. Depending on the child's gender, age, weight and height, specific components are used that are individually suitable for each small patient.

Endoscopic surgery is a more serious intervention than remote lithotripsy. It requires special equipment – ultrathin flexible urethroscopes for children. Contact lithotripsy is performed without incisions or punctures. It is performed under anesthesia. Sometimes a child with this type of surgery requires the installation of a stent or nephrostomy.

And although lithotripsy is a procedure that is performed for adults in almost all clinics that provide surgical services in urology, the operation is performed for children only in some clinics in the capital. At the EMC, such operations are performed by pediatric urologists with extensive experience in this field.

Preparation for the operation

A small patient must undergo a standard medical examination, which is required for any operation. An additional mandatory analysis for such an examination in the treatment of ICD in children is the sowing of urea on the flora. The results of the analysis are necessary for the doctor to prescribe the correct anti-inflammatory treatment in the future.

Recovery period

Upon discharge, the pediatric urologist must provide recommendations on nutrition, water regime and activity. The diet is prescribed depending on the type and composition of the stones, physical activity – depending on the location of the stones (kidney, ureter, bladder).

Advantages of contacting the EMC

• Pediatric urologists who have completed internships in Europe and the USA.

• Diagnosis and treatment according to modern international protocols. Using only reliable and safe methods.

• Emergency hospitalization. If necessary, the child is admitted to the hospital immediately after contacting a doctor and making a diagnosis. The operation is performed immediately.