Comparing Efficiency and Stone-Free Rates Mini PCNL vs Flex URS

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Jul 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two common procedures used to treat kidney stones: mini-PCNL (a minimally invasive surgery) and flexible ureteroscopy (a scope passed through the urinary tract). Both techniques use a special device called the ClearPETRA suction sheath to help remove stones. The main goal is to see which method is better at completely clearing kidney stones that are between 1 and 3 centimeters in size.

Adults aged 18 and older with kidney stones confirmed by a CT scan may be eligible to join, as long as they can understand and complete questionnaires about their experience. Pregnant individuals, people with unusual kidney structures, those who have had certain types of urinary surgeries, or anyone not medically fit for surgery will not be able to participate. Also, only English speakers can join because the study team currently can’t provide consent or materials in other languages. Participants will undergo one of the two procedures and then follow up to check if all stones have been successfully removed. This study is not yet recruiting but aims to help doctors better understand which treatment works best for certain kidney stone patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients 18 years or older
• • Have a CT scan showing renal stones 1-3cm in length
• • Patients who will be able to read, understand, and complete patient questionnaires
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant individuals
• • Those with anomalous renal anatomy
• • Patients with a urinary diversion (ex: Ileal conduit, reservoir, bladder substitute, etc.)
• • Any condition rendering patient medically unfit to undergo either procedure (Bleeding diasthesis)
• • Patients who lack decisional capacity
• • Patients who are non-english speakers\*
• • Non-recruitment of non-english speakers is due to the study being a small pilot study that is used to assess the stone free rate for patients treated with a ureteroscopy or mini-PCNL using ClearPETRA suction access sheaths in a small portion of our patient population seeking treatment for stones. The team also does not possess the bandwidth or personnel to consent patients who are non-English speaking.