Clinical Research Directory

Stone Clearance With Aspiration vs Other Technologies: a Real-world Evidence Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Steerable Ureteroscopic Renal Evacuation (SURE) with the CVAC System versus other commonly used renal-stone interventions.

Efficacy & Safety of High Power vs. Low Power Holmium Laser in Mini-PCNL for Large Renal Stones

The investigator will compare between holmium laser setting during miniPCNL for renal stones as regard safety \& efficacy

Efficacy and Safety of Flexible Ureteroscopy Versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Management of Staghorn Stones

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the treatment of choice for management of large renal calculi larger than 2 cm based on the yearly updated European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. However, PCNL is a challenging procedure which may be associated with several complications ranging from mild complications, such as urinary extravasation, leakage, infection and bleeding requiring transfusion to sever complications, such as sepsis, injury to surrounding organs, persistent hematuria and renal function impairment. The overall complication rate varies based on patient factors and surgical expertise. Not only serious complications that defer some endourologists from performing PCNL but also such procedure is contraindicated and avoided by surgeons in cases of retrorenal colon, morbidly obese patients, spinal abnormalities and bleeding diathesis. Therefore, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) or flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) is increasingly recognized as an effective alternative, particularly for patients seeking a minimally invasive approach with a lower risk of complications. The best practice in dealing with renal stones using FURS can be achieved via preoperative stenting for 2-4 weeks, negative urine culture, ureteral access sheath (UAS) usage and optimizing laser settings. Compared to PCNL, FURS is a less challenging procedure with low learning curve, less invasive and less bleeding. However, the high cost, including laser usage cost, presenting costs and multisession costs, in addition to the high risk of postoperative infection are considered as major drawbacks of FURS. RIRS is emerging as an effective, safe, minimally invasive alternative to PCNL. Yet, the success of RIRS in comparison to PCNL, especially in a single session, is still questionable and there is no consensus about it.

Targeted Abdominal CT in Conjunction With Lung Cancer Screening

Early detection through screening can improve cancer survival by identifying it when it's most treatable. The NHS now offers Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) assessments to people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. Those at higher risk of lung cancer are offered a lung scan. This group also has a high risk of developing abdominal cancers, such as kidney cancer. A recent study explored whether it would be feasible to extend the lung scan to include the abdomen. Results showed most participants supported this addition, and the number of serious findings was similar to those detected in UK breast or bowel cancer screening programmes. However, the abdominal scan was only offered on the day of the lung scan, giving little time for people to consider their decision. The process also added too much time to be practical for widespread implementation. This new study will: * Test whether mentioning the possible abdominal scan in the initial LCS invitation affects participation in LCS assessments. * Test new processes to assess if the abdominal scan can be added to the lung scan with minimal extra time. * Check if participants can be split between the lung scan only group and lung and abdominal scan group using an approach called 'cluster randomisation'. This will be important in case a bigger trial is needed. * See whether the additional processes are acceptable People aged 55-70 who are invited to the lung cancer screening will be eligible to take part in this study. Only those who are found to be at a high risk of lung cancer after their assessment, and therefore offered a lung scan, will be offered the abdominal scan, provided they have not had an abdominal scan in the previous 12 months or one booked in the next 3 months. This study will take place in two existing lung cancer screening locations in Yorkshire.

RETRO Study (RETrograde Renal Access Outcomes)

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the benefit of using RetroPerc® in obtaining renal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The device is already used in routine clinical practice by urologists around the country. Participants who are already scheduled to undergo percutaneous nephrolithotomy as part of their regular care will be asked to participate.

Trial of Ureteroscopy vs Steerable Continuous Flow Aspiration Technology

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare Steerable Ureteroscopic Renal Evacuation (SURE) using the CVAC System and standard ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy for the treatment of urolithiasis. This is a prospective, randomized (1:1), multi-center study.

Safety and Effectiveness of Antegrade Flexible Ureteroscopy-Assisted Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Staghorn Calculi

Objective This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted PCNL for the treatment of staghorn calculi, compared with standard PCNL. Methods This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial plans to enroll 420 patients with staghorn calculi, randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group (antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted PCNL, n=210) and the control group (standard PCNL, n=210). The primary endpoint is stone-free rate (defined as no residual fragment ≥2 mm on postoperative CT). Secondary endpoints include operative time, number of percutaneous tracts, rate of secondary procedures, hemoglobin decrease, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), and length of hospital stay. All patients will undergo CT evaluation on postoperative day 2. Subgroup analysis will be performed according to the number of stone branches (≥5 vs \<5).

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.

Evaluation of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Patients with Recurrent Renal Stones and Disease Osteometabolic

The aim of this research protocol is to evaluate the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients suffering from recurrent kidney stones and osteometabolic diseases. Results of the study will allow to assess the dietary habits of patients with the above diseases. Given the universal prevalence of nephrolithiasis and osteometabolic diseases, the knowledge of these data appears crucial for the proper management of the dietary approach to prophylaxis secondar

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Low Risk Trial

In the treatment of kidney stones and upper ureteral stones, flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy has become the mainstream choice due to its minimally invasive nature and high safety. However, there is still no universal consensus on the use of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery. Taiwan, located in the subtropical region, is one of the areas in the world with a high incidence of urinary tract stones. Currently, there are no established guidelines for the use of prophylactic antibiotics before flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in Taiwan. This study aims to evaluate the differences between single-dose, different types of prophylactic antibiotics in generally healthy adult patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Management of Medium Sized Renal Stones

Urinary stone disease is a common urological condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Medium-sized renal stones, typically defined as stones measuring 1 to 2 cm in diameter, pose a particular challenge in management. These stones are large enough to potentially cause significant obstruction and symptoms, yet their size and location make selecting an optimal treatment modality crucial for achieving favorable outcomes with minimal complications. Historically, open surgery was the primary intervention for large or complex stones. However, the advent of minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized stone management, allowing for more effective and patient-friendly approaches. Among these, Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP), flexible uretero-renoscopy (F-URS), and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) have emerged as minimally invasive modalities for managing medium-sized renal stones. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes; safety, efficacy, and complications associated with SMP versus F-URS Versus SWL in the management of reanl stones 10-20 mm in diameter.

Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Steerable Ureteroscopic Renal Evacuation (SURE) Using the CVAC® System

The purpose of the study is to assess safety and efficacy of a novel steerable ureteral catheter system, the CVAC System for the treatment of urinary stones.