Which Endoscopic Methods in Prepubertal Patients with 10-20 mm Bladder Stones: Transurethral Cystolithotripsy or Percutaneous Cystolithotripsy?

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUC) and percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCC) in prepubertal patients with 10-20 mm bladder stones. Materials and Methods: The files of patients aged 12 years and under who were admitted to our clinic for bladder stones from January 2007 to January 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were patients who were 12 years of age and under with 10-20 mm bladder stones, and who underwent endoscopic surgery (TUC or PCC). None of the patients had prior bladder or stone surgery. The patients were divided into two groups (Group 1: PCC group, and Group 2: TUC group) and collected data (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics) were compared between the groups. Results: This study was enrolled 51 patients (21 patients in Group 1 and 30 patients in Group 2). The mean ages of the groups were similar (Group 1: 4.7 ± 3.6; Group 2: 4.6 ± 3.2; p = 0.936). The mean stone size was 15.8 ± 3.5 in Group 1, and 12.1 ± 2.4 mm in Group 2. It was higher in the PCC group than TUC group (p < 0.001). The operative time was lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (36.4 ± 12.9 vs 42.7 ± 16.3 minutes, respectively), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.117). We achieved stone-free rate (SFR) for all the patients in both groups. Complications were observed in 4 (7.7%) cases. One female patient was in Group 1 and three male patients were in Group 2. There was no difference for complication rates between the groups (p = 0.634). Conclusions: Endoscopic surgeries have almost become a routine method in the treatment of bladder stones. Despite larger stone size, PCC provides similar SFR compared with TUC along with a tendency of shorter operative time. However, the use of the TUC method in male toddlers could increase the risk of postoperative urinary retention. Hence, stone size and patient age should be considered in the selection of a surgical approach.