RIRS Kidney Stone Surgery

RIRS Kidney Stone Surgery in Ludhiana

RIRS, or Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones. The procedure allows the urologist to reach stones inside the kidney through the natural urinary passage without making an external incision.

A small flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter and kidney. A laser may then be used to break the stone into smaller fragments, which can either be removed or allowed to pass naturally depending on the size and location of the stone.

When Is RIRS Recommended?

RIRS may be considered for selected kidney stones depending on their size, location, number and the patient's overall condition.

• Kidney stones requiring active treatment
• Stones located in difficult-to-reach areas of the kidney
• Selected renal stones of small to moderate size
• Patients who may benefit from a minimally invasive approach
• Stones that have not passed naturally
• Selected recurrent or residual kidney stones

How Is RIRS Performed?

RIRS is generally performed under anaesthesia. A flexible ureteroscope is carefully passed through the urinary tract to reach the kidney.

Once the stone is identified, a laser may be used to fragment it into smaller pieces. Depending on the situation, stone fragments may be removed using specialized instruments or allowed to pass through the urine.

In selected cases, a temporary ureteric stent may be placed after the procedure to support drainage and healing.

Advantages of RIRS

• No large external surgical incision
• Access to stones within different parts of the kidney
• Laser fragmentation of kidney stones
• Minimally invasive approach
• Suitable for selected patients who require stone treatment
• Generally shorter recovery compared with some conventional surgical approaches

Evaluation Before RIRS

Before deciding on RIRS, the urologist evaluates the stone and the patient's overall health. Investigations may include:

• Urine examination
• Blood investigations
• Ultrasound of the urinary system
• CT scan when clinically required
• Assessment of kidney function
• Stone size and location assessment
• Evaluation for urinary infection

Recovery After RIRS

Recovery depends on the size and number of stones treated, the procedure performed and the patient's overall health.

Some patients may experience temporary urinary frequency, burning during urination, mild blood in the urine or discomfort, particularly when a ureteric stent has been placed.

• Take prescribed medicines as directed
• Maintain fluid intake as advised
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Follow instructions regarding ureteric stent removal if applicable
• Report fever, severe pain or significant urinary symptoms promptly

Possible Risks and Complications

• Urinary tract infection
• Blood in the urine
• Temporary urinary discomfort
• Ureteric irritation or injury
• Stent-related discomfort
• Residual stone fragments
• Need for another procedure in selected cases

RIRS vs PCNL

RIRS and PCNL are both established procedures for kidney stone treatment, but they are used for different stone situations. The choice depends on stone size, location, burden, anatomy and the patient's medical condition.

RIRS uses a flexible scope passed through the natural urinary passage, while PCNL involves creating a small access tract through the skin directly into the kidney.

Your urologist can recommend the most suitable procedure after reviewing your imaging and clinical condition.