The Efficacy of Flexible Negative Pressure Suction Sheath Combined with Flexible Ureteroscopy Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Calculi and Its Impact on Postoperative Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Flexible Vacuum Suction Ureteral Access Sheath (FVSUAS) combined with Flexible Ureteroscopy Lithotripsy (FURL) for Upper Urinary Tract Calculi (UUTC). Methods: A total of 88 UUTC patients admitted between August 2024 and August 2025 were selected and equally divided using a random number table. The experimental group received FVSUAS combined with FURL treatment, while the reference group received conventional guide sheath combined with FURL treatment. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. Results: The stone clearance rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the reference group, with shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay, and lower postoperative pain scores (p < 0.05). The complication rate in the experimental group was lower than that in the reference group, with lower postoperative inflammatory factor levels and higher quality of life scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing FVSUAS combined with FURL treatment for UUTC patients results in a high stone clearance rate, shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay, alleviation of postoperative pain symptoms, fewer complications, mild postoperative inflammatory response, and a high quality of life.