Overview
The goal of this observational study is to compare conventional and suction (aspiration) ureteral access sheaths used during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in adults with kidney stones.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does the use of a suction ureteral access sheath increase the stone-free rate compared with a conventional sheath?
- Does the use of a suction sheath reduce operative time and complications such as postoperative fever and infection?
Researchers will compare patients treated with a conventional ureteral access sheath with patients treated with a suction ureteral access sheath during routine RIRS.
Participants will:
- Undergo RIRS for kidney stones as part of their routine clinical care
- Have their surgical data recorded, including operative time and any complications
- Attend routine follow-up visits, including imaging to assess whether stones remain
Description
Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a widely used minimally invasive treatment for kidney stones. Ureteral access sheaths are commonly used during RIRS to facilitate repeated access to the kidney and to help maintain low intrarenal pressure. Suction (aspiration) ureteral access sheaths are a newer type of sheath that allows continuous removal of irrigation fluid and stone fragments during surgery, which may improve stone clearance and reduce infectious complications. This study aims to compare surgical outcomes, stone-free rates, and complication rates between conventional and suction ureteral access sheaths in patients undergoing RIRS. Both sheath types are CE-marked medical devices used within their intended purpose.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 years or older
- Kidney stones scheduled for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)
- Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active untreated urinary tract infection
- Uncorrected bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy that cannot be discontinued
- Pregnancy
- Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract (e.g., ureteral stricture, horseshoe kidney)
- Failure to place a ureteral access sheath
- Incomplete follow-up data
