Outcome of Miniperc Technique in Paediatric Age Group: A Prospective Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Reducing the Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) tract size in paediatric patients with renal stones reduces the morbidity associated with the procedure. Miniperc (Mini PCNL) is a modification of standard PCNL using small size instruments. Aim: To evaluate the postoperative outcome of Miniperc technique in the treatment of renal stones in paediatric age group. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study conducted at the Department of Urology, Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College & Hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India from January 2020 to January 2022. There were 25 patients of renal stone disease belonging to paediatric age group (<8 years), operated by a single surgeon with the Miniperc technique. For all the cases 14F-16F sheaths, 12 Fr Nephroscope and 8-9.5 Fr semirigid ureteroscope, pneumatic lithotripsy and 30-Watt Holmium laser as energy sources were used. Stone-Free Rate (SFR), operative time, hospital stay, and complication rates were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Results: The mean age of the children was 5.2±3.2 years and the average stone size was 1.9 cm. Mean operative time was 74 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days. The overall SFR was 89.7%, (N=22) which increased after secondary procedures to 94.12% (N=23). Intraoperative bleeding was seen in 3 (12%) patients and postoperative fever in 4 (16%) patients. Conclusion: Miniperc is a promising and safe technique for paediatric renal stone disease management.