Urinary calculi in children. A 5 to 15-year follow-up with particular reference to recurrent and residual stones.

Between 1965 and 1974 188 children were operated on for urinary calculi; 150 cases of non-metabolic stones have been followed up for 5 to 15 years to assess the results of surgery and to evaluate recurrent and residual calculi. Of 132 cases completely cleared of stones at initial surgery 11 had a recurrence; 8 of the recurrences developed amongst 33 patients who remained persistently infected post-operatively. Reoperation was necessary in 8 cases to stop renal deterioration. Amongst 18 patients with residual calculi only 7 required reoperation; small residual fragments were effectively controlled with long-term antibiotic therapy and close supervision.