Doctors at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Banjara Hills, successfully removed a significant 10 mm kidney stone from a one-year-old boy using an advanced non-invasive treatment, thereby avoiding traditional surgery.
The infant, from Bidar, Karnataka, was referred to AINU by a local pediatrician after he developed alarming symptoms, including excessive crying and blood in his urine. On clinical examination, doctors found the child restless and irritable, and imaging confirmed the presence of a 10 mm stone in the left kidney.
Doctors Choose a Non-Invasive Treatment Approach
Considering the child’s very young age and small anatomy, the medical team opted for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) instead of invasive surgery.
As per the press release, the procedure was performed by Dr. Gopal Ramdas Tak, Consultant Urologist at AINU, using the Dornier lithotripter machine.
Unlike conventional surgical approaches, ESWL does not require any incision. Instead, doctors use focused shock waves from outside the body to break the stone into tiny fragments. As a result, the team avoided inserting instruments through the infant’s delicate urinary tract and ensured zero blood loss during the procedure.
Procedure Performed Under Short General Anesthesia
Doctors conducted the procedure under a brief period of general anesthesia to keep the child comfortable. They then carefully positioned the infant and delivered high-energy shock waves that gradually pulverized the stone into fine, sand-like particles.
Soon after the treatment, the child recovered quickly, woke up comfortably, and resumed feeding within a few hours. Consequently, doctors discharged him on the same day, converting what could have been a complex surgery into a simple day-care procedure.
Focus on Minimizing Trauma in Pediatric Patients
Explaining the treatment approach, Dr. Gopal Ramdas Tak, Consultant Urologist, AINU Banjara Hills, said:
“In pediatric cases, our priority is to minimize trauma and avoid the risks associated with invasive surgical access. By using modern ESWL integrated with ultrasound guidance, we completely eliminated the risk of ionizing radiation. This case demonstrates how we can achieve excellent stone clearance in small children while ensuring maximum safety and rapid recovery.”
Ultrasound Guidance Enhances Safety
Importantly, doctors used ultrasound guidance to precisely target the kidney stone during the procedure. This approach eliminated radiation exposure, which is particularly important for infants and young children.
The treatment also proved highly effective. During a one-month follow-up ultrasound, doctors confirmed complete stone clearance, as the child naturally passed the stone fragments and quickly returned to normal activity.
Rising Incidence of Kidney Stones in Children
Highlighting the broader concern, Dr. Mallikarjuna C, Managing Director, Chief Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at AINU, noted that kidney stones are becoming increasingly common among children.
“Kidney stone disease is a well-recognized and growing condition across the country, affecting not only adults but also an increasing number of children, largely due to changing dietary patterns. While advanced endoscopic and laser-based treatments are effective, their use in pediatric patients can be challenging due to anatomical limitations. In such situations, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) offers a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective solution. The technique uses focused shockwaves to break stones into tiny particles that can pass naturally through the urinary tract. Because of its safety, repeatability, and high success rates, ESWL remains a preferred option for treating pediatric kidney stones.”
Strengthening Child-Friendly Urology Care
This successful case highlights AINU Banjara Hills’ commitment to child-friendly urology care. By choosing a minimally invasive technique, doctors significantly reduced both physical discomfort and emotional stress for the infant and his parents.
The procedure was supported by a team of experienced specialists, including Dr. Purna Chandra Reddy, Dr. Gopal Ramdas Tak, Dr. Mallikarjuna C, and Mr. Deshpandya Hemesh, who collectively contribute to delivering advanced urological care and improved patient outcomes.