Chennai, Sep 7: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the experts at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) have triumphantly treated a one-year-old infant from Tamil Nadu’s Salem district for a complex kidney stone using a state-of-the-art procedure known as supine mini PCNL laser treatment.
In August, the child was brought to the hospital with blood in the urine, and a subsequent CT scan revealed a sizable 12mm stone lodged in the left kidney. Addressing reporters, Dr. Arun Kumar, AINU’s Managing Director and Chief Urologist, along with Executive Director Dr. Venkatsubramaniam and Pediatric Urologist Dr. Ramesh Babu, discussed the remarkable success of this minimally invasive laser treatment, particularly notable due to the child’s tender age.
Dr. Arun Kumar explained, “Mini PCNL is a procedure in which we use instruments one-third the size of those typically employed for adults, making it a less common technique. In this case, we made a small puncture at the back of the kidney and skillfully utilized cutting-edge laser technology to fragment the stone, achieving complete clearance. This approach allowed us to provide relief to the child without the need for complex patient repositioning during anesthesia.”
Dr. Venkatsubramaniam highlighted the innovative aspect of achieving results similar to conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) without rotating the patient during anesthesia, stating, “The entire procedure was performed with the patient lying flat, showcasing our dedication to innovation and patient-centric care.”
Dr. Ramesh Babu noted that this case potentially represents the youngest instance of ‘supine mini PCNL’ performed in southern India and expressed pride in setting a new milestone in the field of pediatric urology.
The procedure employed, known as “mini PCNL with laser lithotripsy,” is minimally invasive. It utilizes a slender tube equipped with a miniature camera (pediatric nephroscope) to visualize the stone within the urinary tract. The laser is then carefully applied to break the stone into smaller fragments, facilitating easier passage and removal from the body. Remarkably, the child was discharged within two days of surgery and displayed swift signs of post-recovery.
This remarkable medical feat at AINU not only highlights the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation but also offers hope for treating complex kidney conditions in even the youngest patients
