A meta-analysis of 490 pediatric patients compared two surgical methods for treating kidney stones: mini-PCNL and standard PCNL. The study looked at how well each method cleared stones, how long the surgeries took, and the types of complications patients experienced.
The results showed that both methods were equally effective at achieving a stone-free rate. While mini-PCNL procedures took about 7.5 minutes longer on average, they were associated with a lower risk of minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I). There was no significant difference between the two methods regarding postoperative fever or more serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grade II-IV).
Because this is a meta-analysis of various study types, the results should be viewed as an overview of current data rather than a guarantee for every patient. The findings suggest that while the surgical time differs, the primary goal of removing the stone is achieved by both methods. Patients and families can discuss these specific trade-offs with their doctors to choose the best approach for their situation.
