RIRS

What is RIRS?

Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery or RIRS is the latest method of kidney stone laser surgery without any incisions on the body. This is a very safe, efficient and reliable method to remove renal stones. It is an endoscopic surgery and performed through the natural orifice. The doctor uses an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end of it – to get to the bladder through the urethra. The endoscope moves further to the area of urine storage in the kidney and during the process, it identifies the stones and blasts them with a laser.
Kidney stones up to the size of 5 cm can be treated by this method. If stones are present in both kidneys, they can be treated together at the same time. The stones can be cleared well by this method.

Indications-

1. Kidney stones: RIRS can be used to treat renal stones that are smaller than 2 cm, larger than 2 cm, or resistant to shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). It can also be used to treat stones that are in the lower calyx, or if there are multiple stones in the kidney.
2. Ureteral stricture: RIRS can be used to treat ureteral strictures.
3. Upper urinary tract cancer (UTUC): RIRS can be used to treat UTUC, especially when other treatment options have been exhausted.
4. Ureteropelvic junction stenosis: RIRS can be used to treat ureteropelvic junction stenosis.
5. Bleeding disorders: RIRS can be used to treat patients with bleeding disorders.
6. Complex renal anatomy: RIRS can be used to treat patients with complex renal anatomy.
7. Co-morbidities: RIRS can be used to treat patients with various co-morbidities.

Duration of the procedure

Duration of RIRS Surgery depends on the size of the stone. Large stones take more time, while average to normal sized stone would take around half and hour for the procedure.

Recovery time

The normal recovery time after a RIRS Surgery is one day and patients can continue their routine work after a day’s rest.

The cost of RIRS Surgery depends on multiple factors but it is definitely affordable to the normal population and is easily accessible.

Yes, definitely. After the present stone is cleared, the medications need to be continued to prevent further stone formation.

Advantages

Certain advantages of RIRS Surgery include:
-It is Minimally Invasive (meaning no incisions or cuts are made)
-The procedure is simple
-Patient doesn’t need to stay in the hospital for more than one day
-The recovery period is short
-Fewer complications
-No bleeding
-Both sides can be treated together
- Can be performed for both children and adults alike
- Since the procedure is done after giving Aneasthesia, the surgery is absolutely painless.