A randomised trial comparing transurethral to percutaneous cystolithotripsy in boys.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and morbidity of transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) and percutaneous CL (PCCL) in the management of bladder stones in male children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 boys, aged <14 years with a single bladder or urethral stone of <30 mm, were randomised into two equal groups. Initial diagnostic urethro-cystoscopy and push back of urethral stones were done for patients in both groups. Patients in Group A had TUCL, while those in Group B had PCCL through a 20-F sheath using a 12-F nephroscope. The two groups were compared regarding preoperative criteria, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The patients in this study had a median (range) age of 36 (4-144) months and stone size of 10 (5-26) mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for preoperative criteria. The assigned procedure was successful in 48 (96%) patients in Group A and 49 (98%) in Group B (P = 1). Complications were encountered in 11 (22%) patients in Group A and five (10%) in Group B (P = 0.171). The median (range) operative time was 21.5 (4-90) min in Group A and 13 (5-70) min in Group B (P < 0.001). In all, 47 (94%) stones needed disintegration in Group A vs 22 (44%) in Group B (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both techniques have comparable success and complications rates. However, PCCL has a shorter operative time and less need for stone disintegration.