Pune: What appeared to be recurring urinary tract infections in a 7-year-old boy turned out to be a rare case of large stones blocking both the ureter and the urethra. The condition was diagnosed and treated at Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune.
The child had been experiencing symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating and unexplained abdominal pain for several months.
Over the past year, he had visited multiple hospitals and was given only temporary relief. When brought to Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, further evaluation revealed the underlying cause.
An ultrasound done externally had shown a 12mm stone in the left lower ureter, and open surgery was suggested. A CT KUB scan conducted by the team led by Dr Ankit Sharma, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, confirmed a rare diagnosis.
The scan revealed large calculi in both the ureter and the urethra. Large calculi are urinary stones over 10 mm in size that can block urine flow and damage the kidneys if not treated promptly.
The child had earlier been advised open surgery for the ureteric stone. However, the team opted for a minimally invasive approach.
The boy underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy, or Laser URSL, an endoscopic procedure that uses laser radiation to dissolve and remove stones without making an external incision. He was discharged the next day after a successful operation.
Speaking about the case, Dr Ankit Sharma, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, said, "Children's recurrent urinary tract infections should never be disregarded or excused as a behavioural issue. We detected an uncommon twin stone problem because of what seemed to be vague symptoms. We were able to detect the condition early in its course and treat it with a minimally invasive procedure, avoiding open surgery. In children, both are extremely uncommon. Painful urination and recurring UTIs should never be ignored, especially if they occur frequently. These are not generally behavioral problems, and can often be signs of urological pathology that requires medical attention."
Mr Parameswar Das, Director, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune said, "Early identification is important, particularly for paediatric patients whose symptoms can be minor or invisible. Our goal at Manipal Hospital in Kharadi is to provide patients with cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments that put their safety, speed of recovery, and little interference with daily life first. Even the most complicated problems are handled with skill and empathy because to our interdisciplinary approach."
The child has now fully recovered and returned to his regular activities without pain or discomfort. The hospital has advised parents and caregivers to take persistent urinary symptoms seriously, as early detection and treatment can help avoid long-term consequences and support a healthy childhood.
