Comparing two methods for kidney stone surgery
Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy With Vacuum-Assisted Access Sheaths Versus Conventional Sheaths for Treatment of Nephrolithiasis
Run by The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05993546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different ways to perform kidney stone surgery to see which method works better for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Cleveland Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 29, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05993546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with kidney stones sized between 10-25 mm who are scheduled for prone mini-PCNL.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with anticoagulation issues, congenital renal anomalies, or those who have had prior reconstructive procedures on the same kidney may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare two variations of the miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) procedure for treating kidney stones. Participants will undergo surgery using either a vacuum-assisted sheath or a standard sheath to access the kidney and remove stones. The study will involve approximately 90 patients at the Cleveland Clinic, with follow-up appointments scheduled 4-6 weeks post-surgery to assess outcomes. Both techniques are commonly used and have demonstrated safety and effectiveness for stones of similar size and location.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for patients undergoing kidney stone removal.
How similar studies have gone: While both techniques are established, this specific comparison of vacuum-assisted versus standard sheath in mini-PCNL is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with planned prone mini-PCNL and a preoperative NCCT * Primary stone size: 10-25 mm * Pre-existing indwelling nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent permitted * Age: ≥ 18 years old * Gender: all * Ethnicity: all * Capable of giving informed consent * Capable and willing to fulfill requirements of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Anticoagulated or history of coagulopathy * Congenital renal anomalies * Prior ipsilateral upper urinary tract reconstructive procedures * Conversion to open procedure * Multiple access tracts * Inability to give informed consent or unable to meet requirements of the study for any reason
Where it's running
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Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sriharan Sivalingam — Principal Investigator
- Study coordinator: Lauren Grimm
- Email: grimml@ccf.org
- Phone: 216-444-4650
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Emergency urinary drainage followed by PCNL in obstructive urosepsis
Doctors test whether the method of emergency drainage (retrograde ureteral stent or percutaneous nephrostomy) affects how well patients do after undergoing definitive PCNL.
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Observation vs Upfront Surgery for Asymptomatic Kidney Stones in Children and Adults
This trial tests whether watching asymptomatic kidney stones or performing upfront surgery is better for reducing life disruption in patients aged 6 and older.
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Two-Tier Virtual Reality Education to Reduce Anxiety Before Kidney Stone Surgery
This study tests whether a two-tier VR preoperative education approach can lower anxiety and improve knowledge and self-care in adults undergoing urolithiasis surgery.
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Tamsulosin 0.4 mg with Tadalafil 5 mg versus 2.5 mg to reduce symptoms from ureteral stents
This will test whether adding Tadalafil at 5 mg or 2.5 mg to Tamsulosin 0.4 mg better reduces stent-related symptoms for adults with a double-J ureteral stent after stone removal.
-
Ureteral access sheath: omitting versus placing a stent after ureteroscopy
We will test if leaving out a ureteral stent after ureteroscopy with an access sheath works as well as placing a stent for pre-stented adults with kidney or ureteral stones.
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Using a flexible suction sheath with flexible ureteroscopy for lower-pole kidney stones
This trial will test whether adding a flexible, navigable suction sheath to flexible ureteroscopy helps adults with lower-pole kidney stones become stone-free more often and avoid repeat procedures.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.