DH NEWS SERVICE
Chandigarh, Apr 3
In a significant advancement in pediatric urology, doctors at Park Grecian Hospital have successfully performed a scar-less kidney stone surgery on an eight-year-old child, offering a safer and less invasive treatment option for young patients.
According to Dr Harshita Kour, a pediatric urologist at the hospital, the child was diagnosed with a 14 mm stone in the left kidney.
Instead of opting for traditional open or more invasive surgical methods, the medical team chose Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS), an advanced technique that enables surgeons to access the kidney through the body’s natural urinary passage without making any external incision.
During the procedure, a fine endoscopic instrument was carefully inserted through the urinary tract to reach the kidney.
The stone was then fragmented using a high-precision laser and completely cleared from the system. The surgery was completed successfully, and the child was discharged in stable condition after a smooth and quick recovery.
Dr Kour explained that RIRS represents a major breakthrough in treating kidney stones, especially in pediatric patients.
Unlike conventional surgeries, which often involve cuts and longer recovery times, this minimally invasive method significantly reduces pain, shortens hospital stays, and ensures faster healing. The absence of external incisions also eliminates visible scars, making it particularly beneficial for children.
She further noted that cases of kidney stones among children have been rising steadily in recent years. This trend is largely attributed to changing lifestyles, including reduced physical activity, inadequate hydration, and diets high in salt and sugary foods.
Such factors increase the likelihood of stone formation even at a young age, making awareness and early intervention crucial.
Traditionally, larger kidney stones in children required invasive procedures, which carried higher risks and longer recovery periods. However, with the advent of modern technologies like RIRS, doctors can now manage such cases more effectively and safely in selected patients. The technique offers excellent stone clearance rates while minimizing complications and discomfort.
Dr Kour, who has more than 11 years of experience in pediatric surgery, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. She also highlighted her specialized training, including a two-year fellowship in pediatric urology from the University of British Columbia in Canada, which equips her with expertise in handling complex cases involving children.
Medical experts advise parents to remain vigilant about symptoms that may indicate kidney stones in children, such as severe abdominal or side pain, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort during urination. In some cases, fever may also occur if an infection is present.
They also stress preventive measures, including ensuring adequate water intake, encouraging regular physical activity, and limiting the consumption of high-salt and processed foods. A family history of kidney stones or underlying metabolic disorders may also increase the risk, making routine health check-ups important.
The successful procedure at Park Grecian Hospital underscores the growing role of minimally invasive technologies in modern medicine, offering hope for safer and more effective treatment options for even the youngest patients.
