Comparison of Flexible & Navigable Suction Ureteral Access Sheath vs. Antegrade Suction in Retrograde Flexible Ureteroscopy for Lower Calyceal Stones

The Flexible \& Navigable Suction Ureteral Access Sheath (FANS) is used during retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for renal stones (1.5-2 cm). It allows continuous active suctioning, improving stone fragment evacuation, reducing operative time, lowering intrarenal pressure, and optimizing stone-free rates (SFR). The procedure involves inserting the Navigator 10F, 55 cm YIGAOMED FANS over a guidewire, followed by flexible ureteroscopy with PUSEN® 9.2 Fr ureteroscope and laser lithotripsy using Holmium Laser (JenaSurgical® MultiPulse HoPLUS™ 150W).

This technique involves antegrade suction from the kidney during flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) without the use of a ureteral access sheath. A percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tract is created using an 18G needle, and a 6F renal dilator is placed and fixed to the skin, allowing for direct suctioning from the collecting system. Following this, retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) is performed using the PUSEN® 9.2 Fr ureteroscope and Holmium Laser (JenaSurgical® MultiPulse HoPLUS™ 150W) for stone fragmentation. This technique aims to improve stone clearance while minimizing ureteral trauma associated with access sheaths.