Flexible and navigable ureteral access sheath (Fans-UAS): a narrative literature review

Luis Enrique Ortega Polledo; Álvaro Serrano Pascual; Eduardo J. García Rico; Miguel Ángel Ruiz León; Geo F.J. Bianchini Hernández; Alejandro Sánchez Pellejero; Ángeles Sanchís Bonet; Laura Ibañez Vázquez; Paula Mata Deniz; Isabel Galante Romo; Juan Gómez Rivas; Sergio Alonso y Gregorio; Jesús Moreno Sierra

Flexible and navigable ureteral access sheath (Fans-UAS): a narrative literature review

Luis Enrique Ortega Polledo, Álvaro Serrano Pascual, Eduardo J. García Rico, Miguel Ángel Ruiz León, Geo F.J. Bianchini Hernández, Alejandro Sánchez Pellejero, Ángeles Sanchís Bonet, Laura Ibañez Vázquez, Paula Mata Deniz, Isabel Galante Romo, Juan Gómez Rivas, Sergio Alonso y Gregorio, Jesús Moreno Sierra

Abstract

Since the first description in 1974 of the ureteral access sheaths (UAS), its use during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has showed multiple benefits. In addition, due to minimizing intra renal pressure (IRP), it could decrease the incidence of infectious complications after ureteroscopy, that have an overall incidence of 10% after RIRS. Nonetheless, there is still discordant data about the role of UAS in decreasing the risk of UTI and sepsis, and the use of UAS may cause lesions to the ureter by direct trauma during sheath insertion or affecting blood flow during its usage. During the last 10 years, suction access sheaths for mini-PCNL and RIRS have sparked interest among endourologists as they may achieve higher stone-free rates (SFR) and lower complication rates. In this paper, we perform a narrative review, covering the current evidence regarding flexible and navigable ureteral access sheath for RIRS.

Keywords: Ureteroscopy, suction, UAS, RIRS, stone

Uro-Technology Journal