What is RIRS?
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a modern, minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones using advanced laser technology. It is performed without any cuts or incisions.
A thin, flexible telescope (flexible ureteroscope) is passed through the natural urinary passage (urethra), into the bladder, up the ureter, and into the kidney.
A laser is then used to break the stone into tiny fragments, which are removed through suction sheath or allowed to pass naturally in the urine.
Who May Need RIRS?
- [ ] Kidney stones up to about 2 cm in size.
- [ ] Stones that have not passed with medication.
- [ ] Stones that did not respond to Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
- [ ] Multiple kidney stones.
- [ ] Stones in difficult-to-reach areas of the kidney.
- [ ] Medical conditions that make open surgery or PCNL less suitable.
Benefits of RIRS
- [ ] No skin incision or surgical scar.
- [ ] Less pain and discomfort.
- [ ] Minimal blood loss.
- [ ] High stone clearance rate.
- [ ] Short hospital stay (usually 1 day).
- [ ] Faster recovery and return to normal activities.
- [ ] Lower risk of complications compared with open surgery.
Preventing Future Kidney Stones
- [ ] Drink enough water to produce at least 2–2.5 litres of urine each day.
- [ ] Reduce salt intake.
- [ ] Eat a balanced diet with normal calcium intake.
- [ ] Limit excessive animal protein.
- [ ] Maintain a healthy body weight.
- [ ] Increase fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If you have recurrent stones, your doctor may recommend stone analysis and a metabolic evaluation to identify the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have a scar?
No. RIRS is performed through the natural urinary passage, so there are no external cuts or scars
How successful is RIRS?
RIRS has a high success rate, especially for small to medium-sized kidney stones. Some patients with large or multiple stones may require more than one procedure.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can return to office work within 3 days, depending on their recovery and the nature of their job.
Will the DJ stent cause discomfort?
Some patients experience urinary frequency, urgency, mild flank pain, or blood in the urine while the stent is in place. These symptoms usually improve after the stent is removed. Stent is usually removed after 3 weeks
Follow-Up
Follow up after 3 weeks for DJ stent removal
Regular follow-up is important to confirm that all stones have been cleared and to reduce the risk of future stone formation. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan after surgery.
Contact
Dr Arun Shah
MCh Urology
National Urology Center, Janakpur
9744427743