Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the least invasive procedure for doing surgery within the kidney using a viewing tube called a fiberoptic endoscope. In RIRS the scope is placed through the urethra (the urinary opening) into the bladder and then through the ureter into the urine-collecting part of the kidney.
What is Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)?
RIRS is the method of viewing your urinary tube using a camera (fiberoptic flexible ureteroscope) which can reach upto the kidney from the urine orifice . The fiber-optic is flexible which makes it easy to bend with the renal system and it can easily go into the kidney and ureter.
The tube is moved to the ureter to the part which collects urine and then it helps in visualizing different parts of the kidney. Following that, the thin laser fiber (thulium fiber laser)is passed through the stone and scope which are powdered into very small particles or dust which makes it easier to wash out with urine or through saline irrigation.
The best part of the treatment is, no incision is needed and the patient is given either spinal or general anesthesia. Our specialist urologist(Dr Ashish Saini) will perform the surgery to give you the best treatment.
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.
How does a Kidney stone occurs?
Renal stones or kidney stones is a common yet painful disease. Renal stones are concentrated deposits of minerals that form in the urinary tract which cause intense pain, discomfort, and malaise. A patient diagnosed with renal stones often finds difficulty, irritation, and burning sensation while urinating. Severe, piercing pain in the side and back, below the ribs, is also a general symptom.
What is the duration of the RIRS procedure?
Duration of RIRS Surgery depends on the size of the stone. Large stones take more time, while average to normal-sized stones would take around half an hour for the procedure.
What is the recovery time after RIRS?
The normal recovery time after an RIRS Surgery is one day and patients can continue their routine work after a day’s rest.
What is the Cost of RIRS?
The cost of RIRS Surgery depends on multiple factors but it is definitely affordable to the normal population and is easily accessible.
Does the patient need to continue the medication after the RIRS procedure?
Yes, definitely. After the present stone is cleared, the medications need to be continued to prevent further stone formation.
What are the Advantages of RIRS over PCNL?
Certain advantages of RIRS Surgery include:
– Benefits of RIRS
- RIRS leads to a quicker extraction of stones compared to traditional methods.
- The entire process does not lead to much pain.
- The blood loss is minimal and no damage is caused to the renal tissue.
- The recovery process is fast.
In a single sitting, the process of clearing the stone is effective
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 Anesthesia, the surgery is absolutely painless.
Who can get benefit from RIRS?
The surgery is needed to perform inside the kidney without the need of getting any outside cuts. The instrument is moved up and through the urethra, and then placed into the kidney with the help of a live X-ray i.e. fluoroscopy. The procedure is minimally invasive, and it is a perfect option to treat complex cases with ease. Some of the causes include:
- Strictures in the kidney
- Kidney stones that are too large
- Kidney stones in children
- Failures in other treatment methods
- Bleeding disorders in the kidneys
- Obese patients
Overall the success of the surgery depends on what type of tool (laser) and the rich experience of a urologist. The surgeon needs to use the right kind of equipment to check the internal issues of the patient which helps in conducting the surgery correctly.
For the RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) treatment in Delhi, book an appointment with Dr. Ashish Saini, here.