Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a popular procedure performed by a urologist if the patient suffers from kidney stones. RIRS is an advanced surgical procedure that allows our surgeon to address the kidney stone disease efficiently using flexible ureteroscopes and world-class laser. 

The surgeon can navigate a flexible ureteroscope to identify the stone and then remove it, or further fragment it to allow it to pass through the ureter with less destruction of the tissue which fastens the RIRS surgery recovery time. These include calcium renal calculi, formed by hard minerals and salt crystals in the kidney. 

Based on the size and location of the kidney stone, our surgeon guides for the correct course of treatment. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is the most reliable and popular kidney stone laser surgery lately.

RIRS Procedure Overview:

In RIRS, a thin, flexible tube called a fiberoptic ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, and then guided up the ureter to reach the kidney. Once the scope reaches the kidney, a laser or other tools are used to break up or remove stones, or address other issues like strictures or tumors.

Steps of the procedure:

• Sedation or anesthesia: The patient is usually given anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
• Insertion of the ureteroscope: The ureteroscope, equipped with a camera, is gently inserted through the urethra, passing through the bladder and ureter until it reaches the kidney.
• Stone fragmentation or removal: If the goal is to treat kidney stones, a laser fiber is passed through the ureteroscope to break up larger stones into smaller pieces. These can then be removed, or the pieces can pass out of the body naturally.
• Post-surgical care: After the procedure, a stent may be temporarily placed in the ureter to help drainage and relieve any obstruction caused by the surgery.

Indications for RIRS Surgery:

RIRS is commonly used to treat:

• Kidney stones (especially those that are too large or difficult to remove through non-invasive methods like shock wave lithotripsy).
• Ureteral stones.
• Renal tumors.
• Strictures (narrowing of the ureter)

When is RIRS Surgery needed?

Patient self-referral is rare and doctor can decide when to undergo RIRS surgery. This may be the only treatment if the kidney stone is big and cannot be treated using Ureteroscopy (URS). Furthermore, RIRS may be performed where there is small Calcium oxalate (AoKs) situated in an area that cannot be accessed or in cases where general anesthesia cannot be administered.

Why RIRS is the Superior Choice for Kidney Stone Treatment: Key Advantages Over Traditional Surgery

• Minimally Invasive procedure:

Traditional stone surgery can often require larger incisions as well as longer period of extensive recovery time. In comparison to that RIRS is a minimal invasive procedure. In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the kidney using a thin, flexible tube called a ureteroscope and removes the stones through the urinary tract. This technique minimizes the need for extensive incision, is less traumatic to the body and fewer complications may arise.

• Less Pain and Discomfort:

The procedure minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, thus making it less painful, decreases blood loss, and lowers post-surgery complications.

• Precision and effectiveness - Cutting-Edge Technology:

The opportunity to directly visually treat a kidney stone means that all stones are easy to remove, thus increasing the chances for complete stone clearance. At MASSH, we use the latest holmium laser and flexible ureteroscope which helps us deliver precision treatment.

• Faster Recovery Time:

The fastest return to health is the most important benefit of RIRS. Because the procedure does not involve large incisions, patients often experience less pain and discomfort in the healing process. Often, they can go home the same day, or the next, and they can return to their normal activities within a few hours rather than weeks.

• Minimal Scarring and Cosmetic Impact:

One concern many patients have about traditional surgery is the visible scarring that can result from the incisions. RIRS avoids this issue completely, as the procedure is done entirely through the urinary tract with no external incisions required on the body. This means patients enjoy the benefit of no visible scars post-surgery, which is a big plus for those who are worried about skin marks.

Recovery After RIRS Surgery: Tips and Timeline

• Immediate Postoperative Period

Observation: After surgeries, the patients are observed for a couple of hours to rule out any adverse effects.

Hydration and Pain Management: Abundant fluid intake is essential, while pain can be controlled with the medications that have been recommended.

• First Few Days

Stent Management: Some possible discomfort or urinary symptoms may be noticed when a stent is put in. So, it is advised that the patient must visit the doctor for his follow-up consultation.

Activity: Walking is allowed but running should not be done. Likewise, one should not travel or dance vigorously.

• First Week

Follow-Up: Another appointment is often arranged to ensure that the wound is healing properly and if applicable, to have the stent removed.

Hydration: It is common for patients to be advised to drink water to assist the kidneys in expelling any residual kidney stone particles.

• Long-Term Care

Lifestyle Adjustments: Sometimes, the doctor may advise the patient to maintain certain dietary and lifestyle changes in order to prevent kidney stones formation again.

Why to choose MASSH Hospital

At Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital - MASSH, we’re proud to offer RIRS as part of our commitment to providing top-tier kidney stone treatment. Our skilled team of urologists across all centres are equipped with the advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for every patient. Our advanced facilities allow us to deliver treatments like RIRS surgery in a home-style –comfortable, safe, and patient-centered environment, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.