Comparing two methods for kidney stone surgery

Randomized Controlled Trial of Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy With Vacuum-Assisted Access Sheaths Versus Conventional Sheaths for Treatment of Nephrolithiasis

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05993546

This study is testing two different ways to perform kidney stone surgery to see which method works better for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05993546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kidney Stone
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.