Present Insights and Future Perspectives in Pediatric Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review by the EAU-YAU Pediatric Urology Working Group

Background and Objective: The incidence of stone disease in children has risen worldwide, leading to the development of more treatment options. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is often the preferred approach in many pediatric cases. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of PCNL in children, as well as to identify future directions for improving procedural outcomes. Methods: For this systematic review a comprehensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE in August 2023. The search included patients younger than 18 with renal stones requiring any modality of PCNL, as well as to establish the deficiencies in the reports of outcomes. The search strategy adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and quality assessments were performed using the Cochrane tool and MINORS tool. Key Findings and Limitations: Regardless of age, PCNL is safe and efficient in children, with stone-free rate above 85% and complication rate below 7%. However, neither the definition of stone free nor the way of reporting complications is homogeneous among studies. In addition, aspects such as diagnostic imaging, antibiotic prophylaxis, postoperative drainage, metabolic study, or follow-up are not systematically or uniformly reported in the studies. Conclusions and Clinical Implications: PCNL maintains its efficiency and safety even when the working tract caliber is reduced. However, the lack of standardization when describing pre-, peri-, and postoperative aspects creates a gap that does not allow grouping outcomes and highlights the lack of clear guidelines when implementing this surgical procedure.