Super-mini PCNL (SMP) with suction versus standard PCNL for the management of renal calculi of 1.5 cm–3 cm: a randomized controlled study from a university teaching hospital

To assess the safety and efficacy of super-mini PCNL (SMP, 14 Fr) when compared to standard PCNL (sPCNL, 24–30 Fr) in the management of renal calculi of size ranging from 1.5 to 3 cm. From February 2021 to January 2022, a total of 100 patients were randomized to either SMP group or sPCNL group in a 1:1 ratio (50 in each group) using computer-generated simple randomization. Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative times, perioperative complications, blood transfusions, postoperative drop in haemoglobin, postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay and stone-free rates were compared between the two groups. Mean stone volume (2.41 cm2 vs 2.61 cm2) and stone-free rates (98