Small Ureteral Access Sheath in Treating Paediatric Urolithiasis: A Single Centre Experience

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis is not commonly encountered in the pediatric population. The adoption of ureteral access sheaths (UAS) facilitates the passage to the pediatric ureter and limits the harm and ureteral injury. However, the debate continues regarding whether or not to use UAS in children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and outcomes of using UAS in the treatment of pediatric renal and ureteral stones. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of 14 pediatric patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with the use of UAS for symptomatic renal and ureteric stones. RESULTS: Of the fourteen enrolled patients, nine (64.3%) were males, and five (35.7%) were females with an average age of 9.5 years. Eleven (78.6%) of the patients were rendered stone-free. The average operative time was 55.7 min. None of the patients developed any complications. The stone-free rate was significantly higher with stone burdens of ≤10 mm (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of UAS in children facilitates the passage of a flexible ureteroscope without complications. The procedure is considered to be efficient and safe with minimal morbidity.