Should we choose suction mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or flexible ureteroscopy with flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath in patients aged 65 years and older? An International Alliance of Urolithiasis and European Association of Urology Section of Endourology collaboration

Asian journal of urology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Chu Ann Chai, Steffi Kar Kei Yuen, Bhaskar Kumar Somani, Guohua Zeng, Wei Zhu, Deepak Reddy Ragoori, Khi Yung Fong, Vigen Malkhasyan, Nariman Gadzhiev, Arman Tsaturyan, Jia-Lun Kwok, Mohamed Elshazly
+12 more Tzevat Tefik, Luis Rico, Kremena Petkova, Yadgar Abduljabbar Shwani, Mahmoud N. Laymon, Mohamed Amine Lakmichi, Jaisukh Kalathia, Takaaki Inoue, Olivier Traxer, Thomas O. Tailly, Daniele Castellani, Vineet Gauhar
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2025.10.003
Cited by: 1
References: 30

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to conduct a multicenter, prospective cohort study comparing the outcomes of suction mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SM-PCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) with a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) in patients aged ≥65 years. Methods: A total of 340 patients were enrolled from global registries, of whom 130 underwent FURS with a FANS and 210 underwent SM-PCNL. Baseline, operative, and perioperative data were collected, and patients were followed for 30 days. The primary outcome was the stone-free rate (SFR) assessed by non-contrast CT at 30 days, with secondary outcomes including complications and reinterventions. Predictors of complete stone clearance were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results:

Fields of Study & Subjects

Kidney Stones and Urolithiasis Treatments Ureteral procedures and complications Urinary Tract Infections Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Asian journal of urology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
13
Issue
3
Pages
323–331
Publication date
13 April 2026
Language
EN