Current status of retrograde intrarenal surgery for management of nephrolithiasis in children

PURPOSE: To review the current status of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones in children focusing on its indications, outcomes and success in the management of nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1988 and 2009, a comprehensive PubMed/MEDLINE literature review on RIRS was conducted. RESULTS: The available literature is limited and heterogeneous, skewed by favorable results on ureteral stone outcomes. However, recent case series report outcomes comparable to time-honored modalities: percutaneous nephrolithotomy and shock wave lithotripsy. Concerns about urinary tract damage are not substantiated by the yet available intermediate-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS seems to be an effective modality in pediatric nephrolithiasis management. However, long-term outcomes and comparative prospective randomized studies are awaited.