Patil N, Javali T, Hamsa V, et al. - This study’s findings demonstrate that percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) conducted during infancy does not hinder the growth potential of the kidney. At the end of the follow-up, each of the 24 children achieved the target renal size and estimated glomerular filtration rate corresponding to the duration and body size. Therefore, PCNL in infants < 1 year of age was found to be safe and effective with no adverse effects at long-term follow-up.

• Researchers recruited a total of 86 children who were diagnosed with renal stones of whom 24 infants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

• In this study, 9.75 months was the average age with fever being the commonest presenting symptom.

• They diagnosed five infants with metabolic abnormalities, hypercalciuria being the commonest.

• It was shown that the majority of the infants (22) had single stones and the lower calyx was the commonest site (50%).

• Furthermore, 19.5 mm was the mean stone burden.

• During the primary PCNL, the stone-free rate was 91 %, which elevated to 100 % after re-do PCNL.

• The study observed a 16 % overall complication rate which was graded by the modified Clavien Dindo scale for surgical complications.

• The median follow-up period was 144 months and the average age was 10.5 years at the last follow-up.

• Mean serum creatinine of 0.4 mg/dl, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 98 ml/min/1.72m² and a mean renal size of 8.3 cm was recorded at the last follow up, which was comparable to that of a normal child, therefore signifying no deterioration of renal functions and renal growth.

• In addition, three children demonstrated the presence of cortical scars on an isotope scan at follow-up. Nevertheless, all the 24 operated renal units indicated preserved renal functions.