Vacuum-Assisted Ureteroscopy Shows Higher Stone-Free Rates for Large Kidney Stones

In patients treated for large renal stones, vacuum-assisted flexible ureteroscopy was associated with higher stone-free rates and shorter hospital stays.

Patients underwent one of three procedures: vacuum-assisted flexible ureteroscopy that suctioned out stone fragments, standard-sheath flexible ureteroscopy using baskets, or mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy that removed stones through a small skin tract.

Vacuum-assisted flexible ureteroscopy may help clear large kidney stones as well as or better than mainstay treatments, with favorable outcomes after surgery.