Is flexible navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) safer and more efficient than conventional sheaths? Italian multicentric experience.

Background And Objective: The flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) with continuous flow lithotripsy may improve stone-free rates (SFR) in ureterorenolithotripsy procedures, reducing operative time and the need for fragment extraction. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of FANS versus conventional sheaths in patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones.

Methods: From January to September 2024, patients undergoing RIRS with high-power pulsed lasers (60 W Ho:YAG or 100 W pTm:YAG) were randomized to receive either a conventional sheath (Group 1) or FANS (Group 2).