Matoshree Kidney Stone Center

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RIRS

WHAT IS RIRS?

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat kidney stones. In this method, a flexible endoscope is passed through the urethra → bladder → ureter → kidney without making any cuts on the body. Once the stone is visualized, it is broken using a Laser into fine dust or small fragments which are removed through the endoscope. A temporary DJ stent is commonly placed to ensure smooth urine flow and stone clearance after the procedure.

Recommended Treatment Option for Kidney Stones less than 2 cm, especially when ESWL is unlikely to work, approved by the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology.

Matoshree Kidney Stone Center

Advantages of RIRS

  • 1. No cuts, no stitches
  • 2. Suitable for hard stones
  • 3. Can treat stones in any part of the kidney
  • 4. High precision with Holmium / Thulium Laser
  • 5. Outpatient / Day care in many cases

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1WHAT DOES THE RIRS PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

    The patient lies on the operating table.

    • 1. A thin flexible endoscope is passed through the natural urinary passage under anesthesia.
    • 2. The stone is visualized on screen and broken into powder-like fragments using a Laser.
    • 3. A DJ stent is usually placed to help with passage and healing.
    • 4. The procedure duration ranges from 45–90 minutes, depending on stone size and location.

  • 2IS RIRS PAINFUL?

    No.

    • 1. RIRS is done under General or Spinal Anaesthesia, so the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
    • 2. After surgery, mild discomfort or back pain may occur due to the DJ stent, which usually resolves with medications.

  • 3WHICH STONES CAN BE TREATED WITH RIRS?

    RIRS is ideal for:

    • 1. Stones less than 2 cm
    • 2. Hard stones not responding to ESWL
    • 3. Stones located in any calyx of the kidney
    • 4. Stones in patients where ESWL is not suitable (obese, bleeding disorders, kidney abnormalities)

  • 4WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES OF RIRS?

    Success rates range between 90–97%, making RIRS one of the most reliable procedures for kidney stone removal.

  • 5WHAT CAN A PATIENT EXPECT AFTER RIRS?

    • 1. Temporary burning sensation while urinating for 1–2 days
    • 2. Mild back discomfort due to DJ stent
    • 3. Return to normal routine within 24–48 hours
    • 4. The stent is removed usually 2–3 weeks after the procedure.

  • 6HOW LONG DO THE REMAINING FRAGMENTS TAKE TO CLEAR?

    • -Most dust-like fragments pass naturally within 1–3 weeks.
    • -Regular hydration and prescribed medications help smooth clearance.

  • 7IS HOSPITALIZATION REQUIRED?

    • -RIRS is usually a day-care procedure.
    • -Most patients are discharged same day or after overnight observation.

  • 8ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

    • -RIRS is one of the safest endoscopic procedures.
    • -Minor discomfort from the DJ stent is common and temporary.
    • -Serious complications are extremely rare.

  • 9WHY SHOULD STONES BE REMOVED BEFORE THEY CAUSE SYMPTOMS?

    • -As long as stones are in the kidney, treatment is easier and success rates are high.
    • -Once stones move into the ureter, pain becomes severe and treatment becomes more complicated.