Flexible ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of lower pole renal hard stones ≤ 2 cm: a prospective randomized study.

Background: Managing lower pole renal stones presents clinical challenges influenced by various factors such as stone size, location, and density. This study aims to assess the efficacy, safety, and stone-free rates of Flexible Ureteroscopy (FURS), Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), and Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Mini PCNL) for treating lower pole renal hard stones (< 2 cm).

Methods: A prospective single-centre comparative study was conducted on 414 adult patients with primary lower pole renal hard stones.