Nephrolithiasis

This trial compares two surgical techniques for removing kidney stones that are 2 to 4 centimeters in size. The newer method, called suction mini-PCNL, uses a smaller tube and suction to remove stone fragments, while the standard method uses a larger tube. The goal is to see if t…

This study compared three procedures for removing hard kidney stones that are not in the lower part of the kidney: flexible ureteroscopy (FURS), shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL). 300 adults with a single stone up to 2 cm were random…

This pilot study tested whether a combination of phentermine and topiramate, two drugs used for weight loss, could help shrink uric acid kidney stones in obese people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to receive the drug combo or c…

This study looked at two different approaches to prevent kidney stones in adults who have had at least two stones in the past five years. One approach used diet and medication based on each person's test results, while the other used a standard one-size-fits-all plan. The goal wa…

This study tested whether giving tranexamic acid, a drug that helps blood clot, through a vein and in surgical fluid can reduce bleeding during kidney stone removal. 90 adults with large kidney stones were randomly assigned to receive the drug or a placebo. The goal was to see if…

This study tested a device called Break Wave™ that uses focused ultrasound waves to break kidney stones into tiny pieces that can pass naturally. 64 adults with upper urinary tract stones (4-10 mm) received the treatment. The goal was to see if the device is safe and effective at…

This study tested a new tool called the CVAC System, a steerable catheter that helps remove kidney stones during a procedure called ureteroscopy. Thirty adults with kidney stones took part. The main goal was to see how safe the device is and how well it clears stones, measured by…

This study tested a new way to remove kidney stone pieces after laser treatment. Instead of using a tiny basket to grab each fragment, the SURE procedure gently vacuums them out. Researchers compared how many patients became completely stone-free with each method in 132 adults. T…

This study tested a robot-assisted system called MONARCH to remove kidney stones through a small incision in the back. Fifteen adults with stones larger than 1 cm took part. The goal was to see if the robot could safely complete the procedure and clear the stones. Results showed …

This study tested whether taking a harmless bacterium called Oxalobacter formigenes could help it live in the gut and reduce the amount of oxalate passed in urine. High urine oxalate is a major risk factor for calcium oxalate kidney stones. Twenty-six healthy adults who did not a…

This study compared two procedures for removing dense kidney stones in children aged 2 to 12: shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PNL). One hundred children with a single, medium-sized, high-density stone were randomly assigned to one …

This study compared two ways to remove kidney stones that are 2-3 cm in size. One method uses a laser and a special suction tube through a scope in the urinary tract. The other is a mini-surgery that makes a small cut in the back. Researchers looked at how well each method cleare…

This study tested whether giving a diuretic (furosemide) during flexible ureteroscopy for medium-sized kidney stones (up to 30 mm) reduces leftover stone fragments. 2000 adults were randomly assigned to receive furosemide or standard care. Stone-free status was checked with a CT …

This study looked at 140 children aged 4 to 14 who had kidney stones and underwent a procedure called flexible ureteroscopy. Researchers compared giving antibiotics before surgery versus using extra preventive steps to see which better reduces urinary tract infections after the p…

This study tested an experimental drug called LLX-424 in 51 adults who have had kidney stones before. The drug works by blocking an enzyme that makes oxalate, a key ingredient in most kidney stones. Participants took the drug or a placebo daily for 8 weeks to see if it safely low…

This study compared two common surgeries for removing kidney stones up to 2 cm: flexible ureteroscopy (a scope through the urinary tract) and mini-PCNL (a tiny incision in the back). 118 adults were randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. The main goal was to see which me…

This study looked at whether losartan, a blood pressure medicine, can lower uric acid levels in children with proteinuric nephropathies (kidney disease with protein in urine). Forty children already taking enalapril were randomly assigned to receive either losartan or continue en…

This study tested whether the diabetes drug pioglitazone, weight loss, or both can help prevent uric acid kidney stones in overweight people. Twenty-nine participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for 24 weeks. The main goal was to see if these interventions could…

This study tested a citrate mixture (citric acid, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium citrate) to dissolve coral-like urate kidney stones in 49 patients. The goal was to see if the treatment could shrink or eliminate stones, potentially avoiding surgery. Patients took a personalize…

This study looked at how well a thulium fiber laser breaks up large kidney stones (over 1000 mm³) during a minimally invasive procedure called retrograde intrarenal surgery. Researchers tracked 81 patients to see what factors, like stone density, affect whether all fragments are …

This study tested a new wearable patch that collects sweat to measure sodium and creatinine levels, which are important for monitoring kidney health and dehydration. Five adults with kidney disease wore the patch while their sweat was analyzed using a special light-based techniqu…

This study tested whether a laser confocal microscope, used during a kidney-ureter scope procedure, can tell the difference between normal and cancerous tissue in the upper urinary tract. 29 adults with conditions like blood in urine, kidney stones, or urinary tract cancer took p…

This study tested whether a single dose of the antibiotic fosfomycin trometamol could prevent infections after kidney stone surgery as effectively as a 5-day course of levofloxacin. 210 adults undergoing surgery were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments or a control gro…

This study tested a new type of ureteral access sheath with a flexible tip and built-in suction during kidney stone surgery. Fifty adults with kidney stones 10 mm or larger were randomly assigned to receive either the new suction sheath or a standard sheath. The main goal was to …

This study looked at two different strengths of the numbing medicine bupivacaine used in a nerve block for pain after kidney stone surgery. Sixty adults having the surgery received either a 0.25% or 0.375% concentration. Researchers measured their pain levels, how much extra pain…

This study tested whether briefly stopping a patient's breathing during kidney stone laser surgery could make stone removal more efficient by reducing kidney movement. 150 adults with kidney stones were randomly assigned to normal breathing, low-volume breathing, or a short breat…

This study tested whether giving patients a mobile app with educational information before kidney stone surgery could reduce their anxiety, fear, pain, and time in the hospital. 68 adults scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned to either receive the app or standard care. Res…

This study compared two ways to remove kidney stones smaller than 20 mm: shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ultra-mini surgery (PCNL). 138 adults aged 20-60 with a single stone in the kidney pelvis took part. The main goals were to see which method cleared stones better and which …

This study tested three different fluids used during shock wave treatment for kidney stones: plain water, normal saline, and saltier water. The goal was to see which fluid breaks stones best with the least pain and skin problems. 294 adults with kidney stones took part.

This study looked at 131 people having surgery for kidney stones. Some were already taking mirabegron for overactive bladder, which relaxes the ureter. Researchers wanted to see if this helped surgeons insert a tube more easily and caused less injury. The idea is that a relaxed u…

This study compared two surgeries—PCNL and RIRS—for removing kidney stones that are 1-2 cm in size. Researchers wanted to see if the stone's location in the kidney affects which surgery works best. 110 adults took part, and the main goal was to see how many people were stone-free…

This study compared two FDA-approved lasers used to break up kidney stones during surgery: the newer SOLTIVE Thulium Fiber Laser and the standard Ho:YAG laser. About 100 adults with a single stone smaller than 2 cm took part. Researchers measured how well each laser cleared stone…

This study looked at two methods for removing kidney stones: laser dusting (breaking stones into tiny pieces that pass naturally) and basket extraction (using a small wire basket to remove fragments). Researchers compared how well each method cleared stones, how much pain patient…

This study tested whether adding hyaluronidase to a common numbing drug (bupivacaine) improves pain control after kidney stone surgery. 100 adults undergoing the procedure received an ultrasound-guided nerve block with or without hyaluronidase. The goal was to see if the combinat…

This study tested a new technique to hold kidney stones in place during a minimally invasive surgery called mini-PCNL. The goal was to make the stone-breaking step faster and reduce leftover fragments. 45 adults with stones smaller than 4 cm took part. The study measured how long…

This study compared two ways of doing kidney stone surgery (PCNL). In the standard method, a tube is left in the kidney to drain urine, which can cause pain. In the tubeless method, no tube is placed. Researchers measured pain and painkiller use in 60 adults after surgery. The go…

This study tested a nerve block called anterior quadratus lumborum block in 54 adults having kidney stone surgery. The block reduced pain and the amount of strong painkillers (opioids) needed during and after surgery. It did not affect nausea or overall recovery quality at 24 hou…

This study compared two types of surgery for kidney stones: mini-PCNL (using a smaller tube) and standard PCNL (using a larger tube). Sixty adults with a single stone smaller than 30 mm took part. Researchers measured surgery time, how well stones were removed, blood loss, fever,…

This study tested two different laser systems to break up kidney stones during a procedure called ureteroscopy. About 178 adults with kidney stones took part. The goal was to see which laser clears stones more completely and safely.

This study tested whether a special nerve block called the erector spinae plane (ESP) block can improve pain control after flexible ureteroscopy, a common surgery for kidney stones. 70 adults were randomly assigned to receive either the ESP block plus standard pain care or standa…

This study tested whether giving tadalafil (Cialis) and/or tamsulosin (Flomax) before kidney stone surgery helps doctors place a larger tube into the ureter, which can make the procedure safer and more effective. 220 adults undergoing surgery for kidney stones were randomly assig…

This study tested two different tools used during surgery to remove kidney stones up to 20 mm. One is a traditional tube that lets fluid and stone pieces flow out, and the other is a newer tube that uses suction to actively pull out stone fragments. The goal was to see which tool…

This study compared two common surgeries for kidney stones 20 mm or smaller: super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) and flexible ureteroscopy (fURS). Researchers in Vietnam randomly assigned 72 adults to one of the two procedures and measured how well the stones were remov…

This study tested two ways to use a laser to remove kidney stones: breaking them into pieces or turning them into dust. Twenty adults with kidney stones took part. The goal was to see which method clears stones better, is faster, and causes fewer complications.

This study looked at 180 children aged 6-12 with hard kidney stones (1-2 cm). It compared two procedures: mini-PCNL (a small back incision) and flexible ureteroscopy (a tube through the urinary tract). The goal was to see which method removes stones more completely and safely. Re…

This study tested whether ketorolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works as well as the opioid oxycodone for pain after kidney stone removal. 81 adults who had ureteroscopy and received a ureteral stent took part. For five days after surgery, they recorded their…

This study tested three different methods for removing kidney stones up to 2 centimeters in size. All methods use a flexible scope through the urinary tract, but one uses a traditional tube, another uses a tube with suction, and the third uses no tube at all. Researchers measured…

This study tested whether a continuous nerve block (using the numbing medicine bupivacaine) can reduce pain and opioid use after kidney stone surgery. Fifty adults having surgery received a single nerve block plus a catheter, then were randomly given either more numbing medicine …

This study looked at whether taking a type of medication called alpha-blockers (tamsulosin or silodosin) before a specific kidney stone surgery (RIRS) makes it easier for doctors to insert a needed tube and reduces damage to the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the blad…

This study tested whether giving a single dose of pregabalin (Lyrica) before ureteroscopy—a surgery for kidney stones that often leaves a temporary stent in the ureter—can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. 118 adults were randomly assigned to receive eith…

This study tested a procedure called an erector spinae plane block to see if it could help with pain from kidney stones. Only 5 people took part, all of whom had already received one pain medication in the emergency room. The results are very early and not enough to draw firm con…

This study looked at 224 adults with kidney or ureter stones who needed a stent after surgery. Half got a silicone stent, half got a standard plastic stent. The goal was to see which type caused less pain and interference with daily life in the days and weeks after surgery.

This study compared two surgical techniques for removing large kidney stones in children aged 6 to 18. The traditional method leaves a temporary drainage tube in the kidney, while the newer 'tubeless' method skips that tube. Researchers wanted to see if the tubeless approach redu…

This study looked at how eating high or low amounts of oxalate (a natural compound in many foods) affects urine crystals and immune cells in healthy adults. Fourteen participants followed two controlled diets to see if oxalate changes crystal formation and immune function. The go…

This study looked at 90 adults having kidney stone surgery to see if the type of anesthesia—spinal or general—affects the body's inflammation response. Researchers measured blood markers before and after surgery. The goal is to learn which method might lead to less inflammation a…

This study looked at pressure inside the kidney during surgery to remove kidney stones. Twenty-one adults had the procedure with either a suction or a non-suction tube. The goal was to see which method keeps pressure lower, which could make surgery safer and help clear more stone…

This study looked at whether placing a ureteral stent after ureteroscopy for kidney stones reduces complications. 103 adults with small kidney stones were randomly assigned to get a stent or not. Researchers tracked ER visits, unplanned doctor visits, and hospitalizations to see …

This study looked at 50,000 living kidney donors in Canada to see if they are more likely to develop kidney stones years after donating, compared to similar people who never donated. Researchers used health records from 1992 to 2024 to track surgeries or hospital visits for kidne…

This study tested a system called sipIT that uses a smart water bottle and phone app to track fluid intake and send reminders. The goal was to see if it helps kidney stone patients form a habit of drinking more fluids. 172 adults with a recent kidney stone diagnosis used the syst…

This study tested an augmented reality tool that shows surgical trainees where an expert surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. Ten urology residents used the device on kidney models (phantoms). The goal was to see if this eye-gaze guidance helps trainees learn to explore the…

This study looked at 210 adults who had kidney stone surgery (RIRS) to see if placing a stent before the procedure helped clear stones completely and reduced the need for a second surgery. Researchers compared how long the stent was left in before surgery. The goal is to find the…

This study looked at 200 adults having kidney stone surgery to see if lying on their back versus their belly changes the risk of lung problems after surgery. Researchers measured lung 'mechanical power' during surgery and tracked complications. The goal is to find the safest posi…

This study tested an augmented reality (AR) tool that tracks where a surgeon looks during kidney stone surgery. The goal was to help trainee surgeons learn to find all stone fragments, which could reduce repeat surgeries. Eight urology residents participated in a simulated settin…

This completed study looked at 108 adults having surgery for kidney stones. It compared a balloon-tipped catheter to a standard small tube to see which one better prevents stone fragments from moving into the ureter. The goal is to help surgeons choose the best tool for the job.

This study looked at whether a common step in kidney stone surgery—placing a tube from the bladder to the kidney—can be skipped. 140 adults with large kidney stones were randomly assigned to get the standard surgery or a version without the tube. The goal was to see if the simple…

This study looked at 20 adults with and without kidney stones to find differences in blood and urine chemicals. Researchers measured neurotransmitters and gut bacteria byproducts to understand how metabolism may contribute to stone formation. The goal was to identify early warnin…

This study tested whether a 3D-CT scan can better predict if a patient with a 1-2 cm kidney stone will need a stent after shockwave treatment, compared to the usual formula. Fifty-six adults with a single stone were treated without a stent first, and their stone volume was measur…

This completed trial compared two surgical procedures for removing kidney stones: standard PCNL and mini-PCNL. The study enrolled 18 adults with stones 10-20mm and measured blood loss, complications, and recovery time. The goal was to see if the smaller incision approach offers a…

This study looked at 70 adults having kidney stone surgery to see if the amount of air given by the breathing machine (tidal volume) affects how the surgery goes. Researchers compared low versus standard tidal volume settings to see if they changed surgery time, stone removal rat…

This study looked at whether 3D models of the kidney can help predict if all kidney stones will be removed during surgery. Researchers analyzed 105 patients who had kidney stone surgery and used CT scans to create 3D images. They found that certain features of the kidney's shape …

This study looked at 75 patients in Nepal who had bile duct stones removed using a reused Ambu aScope, a cheap disposable scope normally used for breathing tubes. The goal was to see if reusing it is safe and effective in low-resource settings where expensive scopes aren't availa…

This study tested a teaching program to improve nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control for patients having a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to remove kidney stones. Thirty nurses who care for these patients took part. The goal was to see if the …

This study compared two methods of widening the kidney passage during surgery to remove large kidney stones. One method uses a single, quick stretch (one-shot dilatation), while the other uses several gradual stretches (serial dilatation). Researchers looked at 60 adults to see w…

This study looked at 90 adults having kidney stone surgery to see if the type of anesthesia (spinal or general) changes inflammation levels after the procedure. Researchers used standard blood tests taken before and after surgery to measure inflammation. No extra blood draws or t…

This study looked at 147 kidney stone patients who had a positive urine culture before a minimally invasive surgery called mini-PCNL. Doctors gave them antibiotics and then checked if a follow-up urine culture was needed to predict infections after surgery. The goal was to see if…

This study examined 346 adults who had kidney stone surgery to see if changes in their urine white blood cells and nitrite levels before the operation could predict serious infections like fever or sepsis afterward. The goal was to find a faster, simpler way to identify high-risk…

This study followed 94 adults who have both recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney stones that are not blocking the kidney. Researchers wanted to see if surgically removing these stones reduces the number of future UTIs compared to just monitoring them. Patients chose with…

This study looked at 1,500 people who came to the emergency room with symptoms of a kidney stone and got a CT scan within 24 hours. Researchers wanted to know how many actually had a stone, where it was, and how big. They also checked whether having a fast CT scan changed how qui…

This completed study looked at how two different anesthesia gas flows affect eye pressure and optic nerve during kidney stone surgery. Sixty adults having the procedure were randomly assigned to receive either minimal low-flow or high-flow anesthesia. Researchers measured eye pre…