Shock wave treatment versus flexible ureteroscopy for a single 1–2 cm kidney stone
Official title: Comparison of Outcomes of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in the Management of Renal Calculi Measuring 1 to 2 Centimeters
Run by Ziauddin Hospital · NCT07261995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research will test whether shock waves from outside the body (ESWL) or a flexible scope with laser (RIRS) works better for adults 18–65 who have a single 1–2 cm kidney stone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 98 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ziauddin Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 5, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 5, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07261995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–65 with a single renal stone measuring 1–2 cm on imaging and without active infection, severe kidney dysfunction, anatomical abnormalities, pregnancy, morbid obesity, bleeding disorders, or a solitary kidney are suitable candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with multiple or bilateral stones, anatomical kidney anomalies, active urinary infection, pregnancy, uncontrolled bleeding risk, severe chronic kidney disease, morbid obesity, or a solitary kidney are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center comparison in Karachi enrolls adults aged 18–65 with a single renal calculus measuring 1–2 cm confirmed on imaging. Treatment is either extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) as a day-care outpatient procedure or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) under general anesthesia using a flexible scope and laser, with choice made by the urologist and patient. Participants receive standard pre- and post-procedure care and are followed to monitor stone clearance, complications, and need for additional procedures. The design reflects real-world practice in Pakistan where both techniques are commonly used.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the comparison could show which approach clears 1–2 cm stones with fewer repeat procedures, complications, or hospital visits and help guide treatment choices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical reports are mixed but generally show RIRS often achieves higher stone-free rates for 1–2 cm stones while ESWL is less invasive though it may require repeat treatments.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 18 and 65 years. * Patients diagnosed with a single renal calculus measuring between 1 cm and 2 cm, confirmed on imaging (ultrasound or non-contrast CT KUB). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of multiple renal stones or bilateral renal stones. * Patients with anatomical abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, or calyceal diverticulum based on medical history or radiological findings. * Active urinary tract infection at the time of intervention. * Pregnant women. * Patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulation therapy that cannot be safely stopped. * Patients with chronic kidney disease (eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m²). * Patients with morbid obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m²). * Patients with solitary kidney.
Where it's running
-
Ziauddin Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Waqas Arshad — Ziauddin Universty
- Study coordinator: Muhammad Waqas Arshad Arshad
- Email: waqasarshad617@gmail.com
- Phone: +9221358629379
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Suction to collapse the kidney's collecting system after RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery)
This trial will test whether actively suctioning the kidney's collecting system at the end of RIRS reduces early postoperative pain and infections for adults having kidney stone removal.
-
Comparing three single-use flexible ureteroscopes for treating kidney stones
This compares three single-use flexible ureteroscopes to see which gives the best results for adults aged 18–60 with kidney stones smaller than 20 mm.
-
Suction vs Conventional Ureteral Access Sheaths in Kidney Stone Surgery
This study tests whether using a suction ureteral access sheath during RIRS helps adults clear stones more often and potentially reduces operative time and infections compared with a conventional sheath.
-
Should you get a stent before kidney stone surgery with a tiny scope?
In adults with 10–20 mm unilateral kidney stones, this study tests whether doing a retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) after a planned preoperative ureteral stent is better than doing RIRS directly without a stent.
-
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.
-
Tract Closure with Hemostatic Agent in PCNL
This trial tests whether applying a hemostatic agent during tract closure in PCNL helps reduce blood loss compared with balloon tamponade alone.
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.