Clinical Research Directory

DISS vs FANS in Suction-Assisted RIRS for Medium-Sized Renal Stones

Kidney stones are a common health problem and may recur frequently, which can affect quality of life and kidney function. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive treatment used for renal stones, but treatment of medium-sized stones may be associated with longer operative time, impaired visibility during surgery, residual stone fragments, and postoperative infectious complications caused by increased intrarenal pressure. Suction-assisted retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) techniques have been developed to improve surgical efficiency and safety by facilitating continuous removal of stone fragments and helping control intrarenal pressure. Two commonly used suction-assisted approaches are direct in-scope suction (DISS) and flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath (FANS). However, there is limited prospective randomized evidence directly comparing these two techniques. This randomized prospective clinical study aims to compare direct in-scope suction (DISS) versus flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath (FANS) in adult patients with medium-sized renal stones measuring 2 to 3 cm who are undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two suction-assisted techniques. The study will evaluate whether flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath (FANS) provides better outcomes than direct in-scope suction (DISS) in terms of stone-free rate and postoperative infection rate. The primary outcome is stone-free status assessed by postoperative imaging. Secondary outcomes include operative time, intraoperative visibility, and postoperative complications, particularly infection and urosepsis. The study hypothesis is that suction-assisted retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using the flexible and navigable suction ureteric access sheath (FANS) technique will result in a higher stone-free rate and a lower postoperative infection rate compared with direct in-scope suction (DISS) in the management of medium-sized renal stones.

FANS vs Standard Ureteral Access Sheath in fURS

This is a prospective, interventional single blinded, randomized, single-center study designed to compare the efficacy of a ureteral access sheath with integrated suction (FANS) versus a standard ureteral access sheath (UAS) in patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy for renal stones. The hypothesis is that the use of the FANS device improves stone-free rates and reduces postoperative infectious complications compared to the standard sheath.

Stone and Laser Therapies Post-Market Study (SALT)

The objective of the SALT Study is to obtain post-market safety and device performance data for Boston Scientific's Stone and BPH study devices used during a diagnostic and/or therapeutic urinary tract procedure (e.g., transurethral or percutaneous access routes) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an effective standard urological procedure for the fragmentation and removal of large renal calculi. Although PCNL is performed as a minimally invasive technique, dilation of the renal capsule and parenchymal tract, as well as peritubular distension caused by the nephrostomy tube, may result in severe postoperative pain. Various analgesic strategies have been described in the literature for postoperative pain management following PCNL. These include systemic opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and several regional analgesia techniques. However, due to their adverse effect profiles, opioids and NSAIDs are not ideal options, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction. Regional techniques that have been utilized include local infiltration, intercostal nerve blocks, paravertebral blocks, and epidural analgesia. The kidney is primarily innervated between the T10 and L1 segments, whereas the ureter receives innervation from T10 to L2. Based on this anatomical knowledge, unilateral regional blockade between T10 and L2 can provide adequate analgesia for PCNL procedures. Thoracic paravertebral block was previously a commonly preferred technique; however, it may be associated with complications such as intravascular injection, unintended epidural or intrathecal spread, and pneumothorax during its performance. In recent years, the number of reports describing the use of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as part of multimodal anesthesia for postoperative analgesia has increased. In ESPB, local anesthetic is injected into the interfascial plane between the transverse process of the vertebra and the erector spinae muscles, and has been reported to spread to multiple paravertebral spaces. ESPB is considered a peri-paravertebral block that can affect both visceral and somatic pain pathways. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores, and quality of recovery in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Using Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Managing Staghorn Renal Stones.

This prospective, randomized study is comparing the safety and efficacy of using two types of ureteral access sheaths in managing staghorn renal stones by retrograde intrarenal surgery.

Comparison Between Different Types of Flexible Ureteroscopes

The current study aims to compare the performance of three distinct single-use digital flexible ureteroscope types in terms of cost-effectiveness, postoperative complications, operating time, and stone-free rates (SFRs).

Energy Ramping Versus Fixed Dose ESWL

This clinical trial compares two techniques of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) - energy ramping versus fixed dose - in adult patients with renal stones. The study aims to evaluate stone-free rates, retreatment needs, and safety outcomes across multiple clinical sites in Egypt.

Comparison of Lithotomy Versus Lateral Position in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Lower Calyceal Stones Less Than 2 cm

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is an established minimally invasive treatment for renal stones, particularly for lower calyceal stones less than 2 cm, offering acceptable stone-free rates with low morbidity. However, stone clearance in the lower calyx remains technically challenging due to unfavorable anatomy, limited scope deflection, and gravity-dependent fragment retention. Patient positioning during RIRS has been suggested as a modifiable factor that may influence endoscopic access, stone relocation, and surgical ergonomics. The lithotomy position is conventionally used during RIRS, while the lateral position has been proposed to facilitate stone migration and improve lower calyceal access through gravitational assistance. Existing studies comparing patient positioning during RIRS are limited, with most evidence derived from retrospective analyses or non-randomized designs. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to compare lithotomy versus lateral positioning during RIRS for lower calyceal stones less than 2 cm in terms of operative and clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in the Management of Renal Calculi

This study is being carried out in patients with kidney stones measuring between 1 and 2 centimeters. Kidney stones are common in Pakistan and can cause severe pain, infection, and repeated hospital visits. Two commonly used treatments for stones of this size are extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). ESWL uses shock waves applied from outside the body to break the stone into small fragments that can pass in the urine. RIRS is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure in which a thin flexible scope is passed through the urinary passage into the kidney and a laser is used to break the stone. Adult patients aged 18 to 65 years with a single kidney stone of 1-2 cm will be included. According to the urologist's clinical judgment and patient preference, individuals will undergo either ESWL (Group A) as a day-care shock wave procedure or RIRS (Group B) under general anesthesia using a laser. All patients will receive standard care before and after the procedure and will be followed for 28 days. The study will compare how completely the stone is cleared (based on a CT scan), how long patients stay in hospital, how much pain they feel after the procedure, and whether they develop visible blood in the urine or signs of infection such as fever and raised white cell count. The need for any further procedure for the same stone will also be recorded. The central hypothesis is that there is a meaningful difference between ESWL and RIRS in stone clearance, safety, pain, and need for retreatment. The findings are expected to help doctors and patients choose the most suitable treatment for kidney stones of this size in routine practice.

Break Wave(TM) Extracorporeal Lithotripter First-in-Human Study

This is a prospective, open-label, multi-center, single-arm (non-randomized) study to assess the safety and effectiveness of breaking stones in the upper urinary tract using the SonoMotion Break Wave technology. Up to 30 subjects will be included. The procedure will be performed in a hospital surgical environment as an outpatient (without being admitted) or in a non-surgical environment such as a clinic or office procedure room. The procedure will be performed under varying levels of anesthesia ranging from no anesthesia to general anesthesia (fully asleep). Stones will be limited to ≤ 10 mm for lower pole stones and ≤ 20 mm everywhere else. Safety will be measured by the self-reported occurrences of adverse events, unplanned emergency department or clinic visits, and the need for further intervention. Fragmentation will be measured by self-reported stone passage and a comparison of computed tomography (CT) images before and after the procedure.

Intraoperative Assessment of of Burst Wave Lithotripsy (BWL)

Burst Wave Lithotripsy (BWL) is a novel method of urinary stone fragmentation that uses multi-cycle bursts of low amplitude ultrasound to induce stone fracture. This is in contrast to traditional extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), which employs a brief single compression/tensile cycle of high amplitude (shock) waves to achieve stone fracture. This is a single-arm feasibility study to test the ability of BWL to comminute (fragment) stones in humans.

Super-Pulsed Thulium Fiber Laser Versus Holmium:YAG Laser in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Upper Ureteral and Renal Stones

The holmium laser is currently considered the gold standard for lithotripsy on urinary lithiasis, whereas the super-pulsed thulium fibre laser is a relatively new technology. Through a multi-center prospective randomised clinical study that mainly aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of a super-pulsed fibre thulium laser compared to a holmium laser in the treatment of upper ureteral and renal stones (10mm\<cumulative maximum diameter ≤ 25mm) in retrograde intrarenal surgery. The research participants are assigned randomly to undergo retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) either using a super-pulsed thulium fibre laser or a holmium-YAG laser with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The secondary aim of this study is to provide high-level evidence for the development of diagnostic and treatment guidelines in the field of urolithiasis, both domestically and internationally. The outcomes of the RIRS procedures are compared for the two treatment arms.

SOUND Pivotal Trial - (Sonomotion stOne comminUtion resoNance ultrasounD)

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the Break Wave™ system in patients with upper urinary tract stones. The main question it aims to answer is whether the device is safe and effective in fragmenting (breaking) stones. Participants will a) undergo the Break Wave™ procedure, b) have a telehealth visit at 2 weeks, and c) return for an imaging study at approximately 10 weeks post-procedure.

Comparison of Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) Incidence in Supine vs. Prone Positioning During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)

This prospective cohort study aims to compare the incidence of Myocardial Injury after Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for kidney stones in supine versus prone positioning. MINS is defined as an elevated postoperative troponin level (≥0.03 ng/mL) within 48 hours after surgery. Approximately 400 patients will be enrolled, with 200 patients in each positioning group (supine and prone). The primary outcome is the incidence of MINS, assessed through troponin measurements and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative complications, duration of surgery, and postoperative recovery metrics. The study seeks to determine whether surgical positioning impacts MINS risk, potentially guiding safer surgical practices.

An Intelligent Pressure and Temperature Control Ureteral Soft Scope System for Treating Stones With Infection.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel intelligent pressure and temperature-controlled ureteroscope system for treating renal and upper ureteral stones with concurrent infection. It will also assess its ability to reduce postoperative complications and improve stone clearance rates. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the intelligent system lower the complication rate and enhance stone clearance compared to standard ureteroscopy? What safety issues or medical problems do participants experience when using the intelligent system? Researchers will compare the intelligent pressure and temperature-controlled ureteroscope system to a standard ureteroscope to evaluate its effectiveness in treating renal and upper ureteral stones. Participants will: Undergo surgery using either the intelligent system or a standard ureteroscope Be monitored for postoperative complications, stone clearance, and other relevant outcomes Participate in follow-up visits to assess recovery and treatment efficacy

Randall's Plaque Study: Pathogenesis and Relationship to Nephrolithiasis

Kidney stones are very common. They affect 3-5% of the population in the United States. Many people are hospitalized for the treatment of kidney stones and some may die. Better understanding of what causes kidney stones is useful in both the treatment and prevention of kidney stones. However, exactly what causes kidney stones is unknown. The most common type of kidney stones contains calcium, which sometimes is attached to a part of the kidney important in producing the final urine, called the papilla. The investigators have noticed that persons who form kidney stones seem to have more papilla with stones attached. They propose to study these areas of the papilla, called Randall's plaques (named after their discoverer), in patients undergoing surgery for kidney stones.

Diagnostic Accuracy of x Ray Kub in Diagnosing Renal Calculi Keeping CT Scan as Gold Standard

In clinical practice both Xray and CT Scan KUB are reliable,however, Ctscan is superior to X ray KUB in detecting renal and ureteric calculi,the reson being stone that are missed by xray KUB are usually small and sould pass spontenously while other are usually with improper bowel preparation