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Super-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Versus Flexible Ureteroscopy for Renal Stones ≤20 mm: A Randomized Controlled Trial

SUPER-MINI PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY VERSUS FLEXIBLE URETEROSCOPY FOR RENAL STONES 20 MM OR LESS: A SINGLE-CENTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL ASSESSING COST - ANALYSIS AND SAFETY IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07371494
Enrollment
72
Registered
2026-01-28
Start date
2024-01-01
Completion date
2024-12-31
Last updated
2026-01-28

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones) ≤ 20 mm

Brief summary

Kidney stones measuring 20 mm or less are commonly managed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Two widely used approaches are Super-mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (SMP) and Flexible Ureteroscopy (fURS). Although both techniques are considered effective and safe, they differ in surgical approach, use of disposable equipment, postoperative recovery, and treatment cost. In resource-limited settings, economic considerations may play an important role in treatment selection. This single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, to compare clinical outcomes, safety, and direct medical costs of SMP versus fURS in patients with renal stones ≤20 mm. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either SMP or fURS. The primary outcome was the stone-free rate assessed by postoperative imaging. Secondary outcomes included operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin drop, and total direct treatment cost per case. The results of this study aim to provide evidence to support clinical decision-making for the management of renal stones, particularly in healthcare settings with limited resources.

Interventions

Surgical removal of renal stones using super-mini PCNL technique

Endoscopic treatment of renal stones using flexible ureteroscope

Sponsors

Hanoi Medical University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adult patients (≥18 years of age). * Patients with renal stones measuring ≤20 mm in maximal diameter on preoperative imaging. * No prior surgical or interventional procedure during the same hospital admission. * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Pregnancy. * Coagulation disorders or bleeding diathesis contraindicating surgery. * Contraindications to either Super-mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (SMP) or Flexible Ureteroscopy (fURS). * Patients undergoing SMP or fURS for ureteral stones that migrated back into the kidney.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Stone-free rate (SFR)1 month after surgeryStone-free rate was defined as the absence of residual stone fragments \>4 mm in maximal diameter on postoperative imaging. Stone-free status was assessed using plain abdominal radiography (KUB) on postoperative day 1 and non-contrast computed tomography (CT) at 1 month after surgery. The stone-free rate was determined based on the 1-month CT findings.

Countries

Vietnam

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026