What is RIRS?
How Does It Work for Kidney Stones?
RIRS stands for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a flexible scope is inserted through the urinary tract (urethra → bladder → ureter → kidney) to reach the kidney and remove stones. No large incisions are required, making recovery faster and less painful.
How Does RIRS Work?
- Accessing the Kidney :
A flexible ureteroscope with a camera is inserted through the natural urinary pathway to reach the kidney.
- Locating the Stones :
The surgeon identifies the size, number, and position of the stones using a high-resolution camera attached to the scope.
- Stone Removal :
Small stones may be removed intact using tiny baskets.
Larger stones are broken into pieces using a laser (Holmium laser lithotripsy) and then removed.
- Finishing the Procedure :
Sometimes, a small temporary stent is placed in the ureter to allow smooth urine flow and help the ureter heal.
Advantages of RIRS
- Minimally invasive – no large cuts or scars
- Quick recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Can treat stones anywhere in the kidney
- Less bleeding and complications compared to open surgery
Conclusion
RIRS is a modern, safe, and highly effective treatment for kidney stones. Patients experience less pain, faster recovery, and minimal complications compared to traditional surgery. If you have recurrent kidney stones or large stones, consult your urologist about RIRS.
