Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Renal Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Combination with Fluoroscopy versus Fluoroscopy as a Single Imaging Modality.

The article focuses on multiple clinical studies conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals addressing urological conditions and treatments. One study compared flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) with and without the use of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) in patients with upper ureteric stones, finding no significant differences in complications or stone-free rates but a longer operative time with UAS. Another trial evaluated submucosal intravesical injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) resistant to conventional treatments, reporting a 63.3% success rate and significant symptom improvement. Additionally, a study on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) compared combined ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance versus fluoroscopy alone, showing reduced radiation exposure and shorter hospital stays with combined guidance but no significant difference in overall outcomes. Lastly, a randomized trial assessed the efficacy of tamsulosin plus tadalafil versus tamsulosin alone for lower ureteric stones, demonstrating faster stone expulsion and fewer colic episodes with the combination therapy. These findings contribute to optimizing urological interventions with attention to safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes.