Percutaneous nephrolithotomy presents a therapeutic challenge in children because of the disproportion between the sizes of the instruments and the kidneys. A technique for pediatric nephrolithotomy used on a 2-year-old female child is presented. The patient was born prematurely and developed kidney stones as a complication of furosemide therapy. She failed medical management with hydrochlorothiazide, and the stone did not disintegrate following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). A Chiba needle was used to access the renal collecting system percutaneously. Using a guidewire, sequential dilatation was performed to 16F. A 15F Hickman catheter introduction kit was then used, and the sheath was partially peeled away. A 10F pediatric cystoscope and grasper were inserted through the sheath to remove the stones. A 12F catheter was then placed through the sheath; the sheath was peeled away, and the catheter was left indwelling for 48 hours. No complications ensued. A postoperative nephrostogram showed free drainage and absence of residual stones. Utilization of the Hickman peel-away sheath constitutes an excellent alternative nephrolithotomy technique for children with stones unresponsive to more conservative treatment.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed safely in all pediatric age groups with minimal morbidity and excellent short-term results. In our experience laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants and children is more difficult and time-consuming surgery than open pyeloplasty. However, it may provide a better outcome with fewer complications and better cosmesis. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

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Patients with a large, symptomatic Type 2 caliceal diverticulum with thin overlying parenchyma are ideal candidates for laparoscopic intervention. The laparoscopic technique of caliceal diverticulum ablation in the pediatric population is feasible in appropriate patients.