Antibiotic Irrigation for Kidney Stones

This trial explores whether using gentamicin (an antibiotic) irrigation fluid during ureteroscopy can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infections after kidney stone surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the standard saline solution, while the other will receive the gentamicin solution. Ideal candidates are those with kidney stones requiring surgery who have frequently experienced UTIs or infections after similar procedures. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to important medical advancements.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that gentamicin can be safe in medical treatments, though it carries some risks. For instance, gentamicin may accumulate in the kidneys, potentially causing mild issues like protein in the urine or a slight decrease in kidney function. However, it is less harmful to the kidneys compared to other antibiotics in its group. Previous studies successfully used gentamicin for bladder treatments, with patients finding it effective and manageable. Overall, despite some risks, gentamicin has been used safely in similar situations before.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Gentamicin-based irrigation for kidney stones because it introduces an antibiotic component directly into the irrigation fluid used during ureteroscopy. Unlike the standard saline irrigation, which simply flushes the area, Gentamicin-based irrigation could actively reduce bacterial load and potentially lower infection rates during the procedure. This direct application of an antibiotic during surgery is innovative and could enhance patient outcomes by preventing post-operative infections, a common complication with kidney stone procedures.

This trial will compare a gentamicin-based irrigation solution with standard NaCl irrigation during ureteroscopy. Research has shown that using a gentamicin solution during ureteroscopy can help reduce infections. One study found that this antibiotic solution effectively cleaned the kidney area during stone treatment. Gentamicin, an antibiotic, kills bacteria and prevents infections after surgery. Another study found that patients who used gentamicin solution had fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs) after their procedures. Overall, these findings suggest that gentamicin solution could be a promising way to lower the risk of infections after surgery.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰