Management of Pediatric Urolithiasis

Abstract

Urolithiasis, the formation or presence of calculi in the urinary tract, is a broad term covering a multifaceted disease process with wide-ranging clinical and economic implications. Stones, often originating in the renal papillae, may be found from the renal parenchyma through the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. Stones can be composed of a multitude of molecules either in pure form or mixtures of several compounds. Historically considered a disease of adults, the prevalence of stones has increased among children. This review highlights pathophysiology of urolithiasis, common clinical presentations, work-up, and surgical and medical management of this increasingly common pediatric condition. The authors review the chemical pathways by which stones form, common stone types, common operative techniques, and epidemiology. This review contains 4 tables, and 59 references. Key Words: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, kidney stones, lithotripsy, nephrolithiasis, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, pediatrics, renal calculi, ureteroscopy, urolithiasis