Ultrasound Guided Ureteroscopy and Ureteric Stones
Egypt80 participantsStarted 2018-04-01
Plain-language summary
The prevalence of urolithiasis is steadily increasing with an estimation of 1 out of 11 people in the United States. The prevalence of calculi in Afro-Asian region including Arab Republic of Egypt ranges from 4% to 20%. Ureteroscopy is one of the first line treatments for definitive management of ureteric stones. Conventional ureteroscopy relies on intraoperative fluoroscopy for visualization and guidance, exposing the patient, surgeon and operating room staff to ionizing radiation. To minimize the hazards of ionizing radiation there has been a trend toward radiation free alternative imaging modalities . Ultrasound provides an excellent alternative for upper urinary tract imaging because it is radiation free, rapid, portable and allows excellent visualization of the renal pelvis and calyces. There is increasing awareness and concern about the clinical use of ionizing radiation and the need to decrease exposure of patients and medical professionals. Ultrasound guided ureteroscopy in pregnant females and children- in whom fluoroscopy is to be minimized or avoided when possible - has been reported.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Patients with single symptomatic lower third ureteric radio-opaque stones indicated for endoscopic treatment.
. Age group 18 years old or above.
. Stone size 15 mm or less.
Exclusion criteria
. Patients with bilateral ureteric stones
. Ureteric congenital anomalies e.g. double ureter and ectopic ureter.
. Previously failed ureteroscopy or previous ureteroneocystostomy.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial compared two methods for treating ureteric stones using ureteroscopy — one guided by ultrasound and one presumably by a different imaging approach — which method did the results suggest worked more effectively, and would either approach be relevant for my specific situation?
2Since this trial has already completed, has my doctor seen or reviewed the findings, and do the results change how they would recommend treating my ureteric stone?
3The trial is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's comparing existing procedures rather than testing a brand-new drug or device — does that mean both methods in this study are already considered standard options, and if so, which one would my doctor normally use for me?
4Ultrasound guidance avoids radiation exposure compared to X-ray-based imaging — is that a meaningful benefit in my case, and is it one of the factors my doctor would weigh when deciding how to approach my stone?
5Are there specific stone characteristics — like size, location in the ureter, or stone density — that would make one of these two ureteroscopy methods a clearly better fit for me than the other?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of patients treated effectively by the two methods