Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advanced Treatment of Seminal Duct Blockage Employing Endoscopy-Mediated Semen Channel Refluviation
Published on: December 8, 2023
Efficacy and safety of two tip flexible suctioning ureteral access sheaths combined with a 7.5Fr flexible
Jinquan Luo1, Yueming Li1, Jielin Lin1
1Department of Urology, The People's Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two tip-flexible suctioning ureteral access sheaths (TFS-UAS), 12/14Fr (Group A) and 10/12Fr (Group B), combined with a 7.5Fr flexible ureteroscope (f-URS) for treating upper ureteral and renal stones.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 168 patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) was conducted. Group A (n = 76) used a 12/14Fr TFS-UAS, while Group B (n = 92) used a 10/12Fr TFS-UAS. Primary outcomes included stone-free rates (SFR) (Grade I: ≤2 mm; Grade II: ≤4 mm fragments), operative times, and complications.
Results:
Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Group A demonstrated significantly shorter operation (72.5 vs. 78.5 min, P < 0.05) and lithotripsy durations (57.5 vs. 64.5 min, P < 0.05). Immediate SFR (Grade I) was higher in Group A (86.8% vs. 71.7%, P = 0.018), but 1-month SFR showed no difference (90.8% vs. 84.4%, P = 0.242). Grade II SFR and complication rates (ureteric injury, fever, sepsis) were similar (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The 12/14Fr TFS-UAS combined with a 7.5Fr f-URS offers superior lithotripsy efficiency and immediate SFR compared to the 10/12Fr variant, while maintaining comparable long-term outcomes and safety. These findings support its clinical preference for RIRS in upper tract calculi.
Related Concept Videos
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

