Comparison of the Flush-out Technique and the Basket for Retrieving Stone Fragments in Distal Ureteral Stones After Ureterolithotripsy: A Prospective Randomized Study

Authors : Metin Savun, Ertuğrul Arıkız, Harun Özdemir, Emin Taha Keskin, Murat Şahan, Halil Lütfi Canat
Pages : 157-163
Doi:10.54233/endourolbull-1744397
View : 34 | Download : 38
Publication Date : 2025-09-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Objective: This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the flush-out technique in comparison with conventional basket retrieval for the clearance of stone fragments during semi-rigid ureteroscopy in patients with distal ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four patients diagnosed with distal ureteral stones were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group 1 underwent stone retrieval using a nitinol basket. In contrast, group 2 was treated with the flush-out technique, which entails passive fragment expulsion facilitated by irrigation pressure and strategic withdrawal of the ureteroscope. Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative outcomes, and complication rates were recorded. Results: Demographic data and stone characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The Group 2 exhibited a significantly reduced median operation time (30 vs. 45 minutes, p=0.020) and stone retrieval time (1 vs. 10 minutes, p=0.001) in comparison to the Group 1. The stone-free rates on postoperative day one were similar between the groups (97.6% vs. 100%, p=1.000). Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were analogous, with no significant differences observed in the distribution of the Satava and Clavien-Dindo classifications. Conclusion: The flush-out technique is a safe and efficacious alternative to basket retrieval for managing distal ureteral stones, yielding comparable clinical outcomes while reducing both operative and stone retrieval times. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness may facilitate broader adoption in routine urological practice, particularly in high-volume and resource-constrained settings.
Keywords : cerrahi aletler, lazer litotripsi, üreteral taşlar, üreteroskopi

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL