FURL vs Mini-PCNL in 2 to 3 cm Stones
Review reports comparable stone-free rates with suction-assisted ureteroscopy
By
Kathryn Wighton
April 17, 2026
1
Flexible ureteroscopy with lithotripsy (FURL) achieved comparable stone-free rates to mini-PCNL for 2 to 3 cm renal stones.
2
Immediate stone-free rates were 84% for FURL and 85% for mini-PCNL, with 3-month rates of 90% and 92%, respectively.
3
Suction-assisted FURL demonstrated lower intrarenal pressure, shorter hospital stays, and reduced postoperative pain compared to mini-PCNL.
4
FURL showed improved quality of life in patients and favorable safety profiles in pediatric and anatomically complex populations.
5
Treatment selection should be individualized, and further multicenter trials are needed to clarify FURL's role in larger stones.