top of page

BackTable / Urology / Podcast / Episode #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.

Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.

Managing Complex Kidney Stones in Children with Dr. Scott Sparks and Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Ep 261 Managing Complex Kidney Stones in Children with Dr. Scott Sparks and Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, September 23). Ep. 261 – Managing Complex Kidney Stones in Children [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

Stay Up To Date

Follow:

Subscribe:

Sign Up:

Podcast Contributors

Dr. Arthi Hannallah on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. Arthi Hannallah is a pediatric urologist at Arizona Pediatric Surgery & Urology in Tuscon, Arizona.

Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. Nicholas Kavoussi is a urologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennesee.

Dr. Niccolo Passoni on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. Niccolo Passoni is a pediatric urologist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Scott Sparks on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Dr. Scott Sparks is a pediatric urologist practicing at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.

Synopsis

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

The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

backtable-plus-vi-cta.jpg
Become a BackTable Sponsor

Up Next

Reconstructive Urology: Techniques, Training & Career Pathways with Dr. Rachel Mann on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Financial Tips for Urology Residents: Budgeting, Saving & Investing with Dr. Sammy Elsamra on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: New Perspectives for Urology Trainees with Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Evaluating Hormone Therapy in Menopause Management with Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra  on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Palliative Care in Urology with Dr. Pauline Filippou and Dr. Ashwin Kotwal on the BackTable Urology Podcast
Optimizing Bladder Health in BPH Treatment Strategies with Dr. Shawn West on the BackTable Urology Podcast

Articles

Topics

Kidney Stones Condition Overview
Nephrolithiasis Condition Overview
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Procedure Prep
Ureteroscopy Procedure Prep
Learn about Urology on BackTable Urology

Get in touch!

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you’re interested in partnering with BackTable as a Podcast guest, a sponsor, or as a member of the BackTable Team.

bottom of page