Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Kidney Stones

This study is comparing two ways to perform a surgery called miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) for kidney stones. This surgery involves making a small opening in your back to reach and remove kidney stones. Researchers are comparing a vacuum-assisted sheath (a device that helps with suction and irrigation during surgery) to a conventional sheath (a standard device for stone removal). Both methods are already used and considered safe and effective for kidney stones. The study aims to see how well each method clears stones (stone-free rate) and to look at surgical details and recovery. Approximately 90 people will participate. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have a kidney stone between 10-25 mm, and are planning to have a mini-PCNL.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing two surgical devices. Approximately 90 participants will be enrolled.
What's involved
You would undergo the mini-PCNL surgery and have follow-up appointments for about 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery for a follow-up appointment with the surgeon.

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NCT05993546

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

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
The Cleveland Clinic
~90 participants
Updated 2026-06-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:vacuum assisted sheathpassive suction via conventional sheath

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Aim 1: Stone free rate
Measured over 6 weeks
+2 more outcomes measured
Kidney Stone
1 sites across 1 states
Ohio1
  • Sriharan Sivalingam · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Principal Investigator

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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
  • Aim 1: Stone free rate6 weeks

    The primary outcome of SFR will be measured using conventional follow up of post-operative NCCT at 6 weeks. NCCT provides the most definitive assessment for post-operative stone burden and allows assessment of radiolucent stones when compared to ultrasound or abdominal x-ray

  • Aim 2: Intraoperative variables3-7 days

    Patients with positive cultures will be treated with appropriate pre-operative antibiotics between 3 to 7 days depending on symptoms. Antibiotics on day of surgery will be selected according to their last pre-operative urine culture which is our standard of care for patients undergoing PCNL

  • Aim 3: Post-operative Outcomes and Complications1 day

    Post-operative pain scores will be evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and on postoperative day 1. The questionnaire may be filled out on a paper survey or an electronic REDCap survey sent via email. An electronic VAS has shown to be reliable and interchangeable with a paper VAS