Successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: multicenter study on current status of its use, efficacy and complications using Clavien classification.

Purpose: In this multicenter study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children with respect to different features and using the Clavien classification system.Materials and Methods: Percutaneous nephrolithotomies performed in children at 3 urology departments between March 2006 and May 2010 were included in the study. Results are presented for complex/simple renal stones, tubeless/totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy, simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy, instrument size and age groups. Patients were divided into 3 distinct groups, infants and toddlers (3 years or younger, group 1), preschool children (4 to 7 years, group 2) and school children (8 to 16 years, group 3). Perioperative complications are presented according to the modified Clavien classification system.Results: A total of 140 percutaneous nephrolithotomies were performed in 130 patients (41.5% female, mean age 10.17 years). There were 23, 25 and 92 renal units in groups 1, 2...