A novel approach demonstrates effective removal of fungal balls in a high-risk patient, implying a new minimally invasive option.
We report the case of a high-risk patient with candidemia and obstructive uropathy caused by renal fungal balls. Initial management with systemic antifungals and stenting was insufficient. Given the patient’s dual antiplatelet therapy, we opted for flexible ureterorenoscopy utilizing a bendable ureteral access sheath with an integrated suction device. This enabled in toto removal of fungal balls and efficient clearance of a concomitant stone using laser lithotripsy. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating in toto removal of renal fungal balls using suction-assisted URS in a high-risk patient, offering a minimally invasive alternative to PNL.
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Biggelaar et al. (2026) studied this question.
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