Ep. 261 Managing Complex Kidney Stones in Children with Dr. Scott Sparks and Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi

Kids with kidney stones–how do you treat them, prevent recurrence, and provide effective longitudinal care? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi and Dr. Scott Sparks join co-hosts Dr. Arthi Hannallah and Dr. Niccolo Passoni for a high-yield discussion on pediatric and adolescent stone disease.
---
SYNPOSIS
Together, they explore best practices for managing complex kidney stones in children, surgical techniques like supine PCNL, and the use of novel technologies such as thulium lasers and suction sheaths. The doctors also address strategies to reduce procedural trauma, manage pain, and minimize infection risk. Beyond the OR, they emphasize the psychological toll of recurrent interventions and the importance of thoughtful counseling, patient education, and a multidisciplinary approach to help patients successfully transition into adult care.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
03:06 - Managing Complex Cases Without PCNL
10:25 - Approach to Supine PCNL
18:21 - Balancing Surgical Risks
24:21 - Shared Decision-Making and Setting Expectations
33:16 - Minimizing Postoperative Pain
37:47 - Innovations in Technology
55:55 - Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Urology