Comparative study between retrograde intrarenal surgery and ultrasound- guided shock wave lithotripsy for treatment of 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal stones.

Objectives: The objective is to compare the safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and ultrasound-guided (US-guided) shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for the treatment of radiolucent lower pole calculi of 1-2 cm.

Materials And Methods: This prospective randomized study was performed at our tertiary care urology institute of Benha University Hospitals; cases were randomized either to undergo RIRS (Group A) or US-guided SWL with a triple focus system (Group B). The safety and effectiveness of both therapies were compared using new criteria for stone-free rate (SFR): Grade A (absolutely stone free), Grade B (≤2 mm fragments), and Grade C (>2 mm up to 4 mm fragments), fluoroscopy time, operative time, auxiliary procedures, retreatment, and complications.