Update on Paediatric Urolithiasis in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Among the Childhood urolithiasis, bladder stones appear to predominate. We reviewed our experience in the management of urolithiasis in children, highlighting recent changes observed in our practice.

Patients and Methods: In the period between January, 2004 and December, 2009, 56 children with urinary stones were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Over the last 6 years, 56 children were managed for childhood urinary stones in our center. Their ages ranged from 9 months to 15 years (mean age: 6.7 years). There were 46 boys and 10 girls (M:F= 4.6:1). Eighteen (32.1%) children were below 5 years of age, 28(50.0%) were between 5-10 years and 10(17.9%) were 10-15 years of age. Majority 39(69.4%) of the stones were located in the upper urinary tract (UUT), 16 (28.6%) were in the lower urinary tract (LUT) and 1(1.8%) were in both UUT and LUT. In 2 cases, (3.6%) of bilateral ureteric stones were due to concomitant schistosomal fibrosis of the distal ureters, otherwise no other aetiological factors were identified. One patient passed the stone spontaneously, while the remaining had open surgical removal with no mortality. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 5 patients, (8.9%) wound infection in 4patients and vesicocutaneous fistula in one patient.

Conclusion : Paedatric urolithiasis is a common occurrence in our setting, affecting predominantly the upper urinary tract.

Keywords: Paediatric,Urolithiasis,North-Eastern Nigeria