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Congenital small renal papilla

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Congenital small renal papilla is a condition characterized by abnormally small or absent renal papillae, which can lead to impaired urine concentration and increased risk of urinary tract infections and nephrolithiasis 1. This anatomical variation can affect renal function and predispose individuals to stone formation 1.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is typically made based on imaging findings, such as ultrasound or CT scan, revealing small or absent renal papillae 1.
  • Clinical presentation may include recurrent urinary tract infections or nephrolithiasis 1.
  • Management

  • Management strategies are often directed at the complications, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones 1.
  • For pediatric patients with renal calculi, mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) has shown comparable stone-free rates (88%) to standard PCNL (92%) with a significantly lower hemoglobin drop (1.1 g/dL vs 1.7 g/dL) 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: In children undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal calculi, mPCNL (sheath size 16.5 Fr) is a viable option compared to standard PCNL (sheath size 26 Fr), demonstrating similar efficacy with reduced blood loss 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) is a safe and effective option for pediatric patients with renal calculi, offering comparable stone-free rates to standard PCNL with less hemoglobin drop 1. (Evidence: Strong)
  • References

    1 Kumar N, Yadav P, Kaushik VN, Kakoti S, Chakraborty A, Kumar D et al.. Mini-versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric population: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of pediatric urology 2023. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Mini-versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric population: A randomized controlled trial.Kumar N, Yadav P, Kaushik VN, Kakoti S, Chakraborty A, Kumar D et al. Journal of pediatric urology (2023)

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