Effect of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal functions in children: assessment by quantitative SPECT of 99mTc-DMSA uptake by the kidneys

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) on global and regional renal function in children. Methods: In total, 40 children (41 renal units) undergoing PNL were included in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated using quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (QSPECT) with technetium-99 m-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) examinations before and 3 months after surgery. Results: The mean age was 9.5 years (range, 3–16), and the mean stone size was 3.4 cm (range, 2–6.5). Of the cases, 39 (95%) were managed as being stone-free after a single session of PNL. After additional treatment procedures, 40 (97.5%) of the cases were managed as being stone-free. Of the 41 renal units, new focal cortical defects on 99mTc-DMSA scans were seen in 4 (9.7%) patients. Total relative uptake in the treated kidneys increased from 42.3% to 44.1%. The mean creatinine level before PNL was 1.18 ± 0.45 (0.8–1.6) mg/dL compared with 1.16 (0.7–1.5) mg/dL by the end of the follow-up period (not statistically significantly different, p > 0.05). Conclusions: PNL in children is a safe and feasible method for the maximal clearance of stones. QSPECT of 99mTc-DMSA confirmed that renal function is preserved or even improved after percutaneous stone removal.