Mini-percutaneous Nephrolithotomy With a Flexible Mini-nephroscope and a Flexible and Navigable Suction Access Sheath for Complex Renal Stones: A Prospective Pilot Study
This prospective pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical outcomes of a novel mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) technique integrating a flexible mini-nephroscope with a flexible and navigable suction access sheath (FANS) for the treatment of complex renal stones. Thirty consecutive patients with renal stones ≥2 cm will be prospectively enrolled. All patients will undergo FANS-assisted mini-PCNL. The primary outcome is the immediate stone-free rate assessed by non-contrast CT within 72 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include operative parameters, postoperative pain, complications, length of hospital stay, and quality of life. This pilot study is designed to provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and safety of FANS-assisted mini-PCNL and to inform the design of future larger-scale studies.
• Adults aged 18 to 75 years
• Patients with renal stones measuring 2 cm or larger in maximum diameter
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III
• Planned to undergo mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent