Outcomes of flexible uretrorenoscopy for solitary renal stones up to 15 mm, hits and misses: A single-surgeon experience

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of flexible uretrorenoscopy (fURS) for removal of solitary renal stones sized up to 15 mm. Material and Methods: We evaluated the data of 115 patients who underwent fURS at our unit between Jan 2018 and Dec 2019. All fURS were performed by a single surgeon using Flex-2 flexiscope. Ureteral Access sheath (UAS) of size 9/11 fr was used in all patients. Stones were fragmented using 20 watts laser. Few fragments were retrieved using Nitinol zero tip basket for assessment of the passability of remaining dust and sent for stone analysis. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, stone size, stone site, operative time, intra and post operative complications were retrieved from the records. Results: Of the 115 patients who underwent fURS, 71 (61.7%) were male and 44 (38.2%) were female. Average age of patients was 32.9±8.9 years; the average body mass index was 22.9±3.9 kg/m2. Average size of the stone was 11.0±1.5 × 10.2±1.3 mm. The stone free rates at the end of 3 weeks and 3 months were 97% and 99%, respectively. Conclusion: fURS is an effective minimally-invasive procedure for removal of single stones up to 15 mm in size. We observed minimal morbidity rates and acceptable stone free rates in our series.