Shock wave treatment versus flexible ureteroscopy for a single 1–2 cm kidney stone

Comparison of Outcomes of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in the Management of Renal Calculi Measuring 1 to 2 Centimeters

NA · Ziauddin Hospital · NCT07261995

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorZiauddin Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT07261995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Nephrolithiasis, Renal Calculi, Kidney stones, Urolithiasis, Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, Retrograde intrarenal surgery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.