Comparison Between Different Types of Flexible Ureteroscopes

A Comparative Study of Performance and Cost-effectiveness of Three Different Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopes in the Management of Renal Stones: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The current study aims to compare the performance of three distinct single-use digital flexible ureteroscope types in terms of cost-effectiveness, postoperative complications, operating time, and stone-free rates (SFRs).

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the preferred treatment modality for renal stones measuring less than 20 millimeters (mm). Several types of flexible ureteroscopes are currently available on the market from different manufacturers. However, there is a shortage of comparative studies evaluating the performance of different single-use flexible ureteroscopes.

This study aims to compare the performance of three different single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes in terms of cost-effectiveness, postoperative complications, operative time, and stone-free rates (SFRs).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18 to 60 years.
• Presence of renal stones measuring less than 20 millimeters (mm).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Renal stones larger than 20 millimeters (mm).
• Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or coagulopathies.
• Active urinary tract infection.
• Renal failure.
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hepatic dysfunction.
• Pregnancy.
• Abnormal urinary tract anatomy or known ureteric stricture.
• History of previous open ureteric surgery.