An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of supine versus prone position for pediatric PCNL.

backgroundThe incidence of pediatric kidney stones is increasing with recurrence rates ranging from 35 to 50%. Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) presents a viable alternative to the conventional prone position, offering specific benefits but also posing certain risks.

objectiveTo update a previously published systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of PCNL in the supine versus prone positions in children.

methodsA systematic search of Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase was conducted to identify eligible studies. Two authors independently screened the literature and extracted data. The meta-analysis was performed using StataMP 17. The study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024545145). The sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored sources of heterogeneity, and publication bias was assessed with a funnel plot. The study adhered to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook.

resultsThis study included a total of nine studies, comprising five randomized controlled trials and four case-control studies, with 614 patients in total. Compared with the prone position group, the supine position group demonstrated significant advantages in terms of operative time (WMD = - 15.43, 95% CI: - 22.18 to - 8.69, P = 0.0001), hospital stay (WMD = - 0.77, 95% CI: - 1.12 to - 0.42, P = 0.0001), overall complication rate (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99, P = 0.046), and hemoglobin decrease (WMD = - 0.22, 95% CI: - 0.40 to - 0.05, P = 0.013). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in stone clearance rate, high-grade complication rate, or radiation exposure time. Subgroup analysis revealed that in studies published after 2024, cases of small stones (< 2 cm), and older children (> 9 years), the supine position group had fewer low-grade complications. Additionally, in the supine PCNL group with ultrasound or endoscopy-assisted puncture, radiation exposure time was significantly reduced.

conclusionThis study shows that supine position PCNL in children is superior to the prone position in terms of operative time, hospital stay, complication rate, and hemoglobin decrease, with no significant difference in stone clearance, high-grade complications, or radiation exposure. The subgroup analysis found that supine position resulted in fewer low-grade complications in studies published after 2024, small stones, and older children. It also significantly reduced radiation exposure with ultrasound or endoscopy-assisted puncture, suggesting that supine position is a safer and more effective option.