RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones from the urinary tract, specifically within the kidney or upper ureter. It is performed using a flexible ureteroscope that is passed through the urethra and bladder, up into the ureter and kidney.

Key Features of RIRS:

• No cuts or incisions are made (completely through natural passage).

• A laser (usually Holmium:YAG) is used to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces.

• The fragments may be removed using a stone basket or left to pass naturally in the urine.

Advantages of RIRS:

• Minimally invasive

• Faster recovery

• Suitable for stones in difficult locations, like lower pole of the kidney

• Safe for patients with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners

• Can treat stones of moderate size (up to 2 cm or more, depending on the case)

Indications:

• Kidney stones less than 2 cm in size

• Stones that failed other treatments like ESWL (Shockwave lithotripsy)

• Stones in children or pregnant women (depending on safety assessment)

• Recurrent stone formers

Precautions & Post-op:

• Temporary stent placement (DJ stent) is common after RIRS to ensure urine flow.

• Mild pain, burning urination, or blood in urine can occur for a few days.

• Full recovery is usually within a week.