Cook ngage nitinol stone extractor

A standardised protocol-based procedure was carried out for all patients, and antibiotic prophylaxis was given during the induction of general anaesthesia.^{10 (link)} After the placement of a safety guidewire, a semi-rigid URS was carried out (4.5 or 6F ureteroscope) to the ureteric stone or as far proximally as safely achievable. For renal stones, if appropriate, a UAS (9.5 F/11.5 F or 12 F/14 F Cook Flexor sheath) was inserted over a second guidewire. A flexible ureteroscope (Storz FlexX2) was used for renal stones. Laser stone fragmentation was performed with a 20 W or 100 W Holmium YAG laser [Versa Pulse Holmium Powersuite 100 W or 20 W Lumenis (UK) Ltd., Elstree, UK] using a 272 μm laser fibre (Lumenis, Inc.) and/or basket extraction. The technique used was stone fragmentation, dusting or pop-dusting, and larger fragments were removed with a Cook NGage nitinol stone extractor (1.7 F or 2.2 F, Cook Medical, USA). A 6 F ureteric stent was placed at the end of the procedure and removed subsequently. Unless clinically indicated, a routine post-operative urethral catheter was not placed, and patients were discharged home the same day.