RIRS in Urology stands for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery. It is a minimally invasive urological procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions within the kidney’s collecting system, primarily kidney stones, but also tumors and strictures.
Who Needs ?
- Small to moderate kidney stones
- Complex or hard-to-reach stone locations
- High-risk for open surgery
- Need for precise diagnostic evaluation of upper tract pathology
How the Procedure Works:
- Patient under anesthesia (typically general or spinal).
- A flexible ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra into the kidney.
- Stone fragmentation is done using a Holmium:YAG laser or Thulium fiber laser.
- Fragments may be removed with a basket, or left to pass naturally if they are small.
- A DJ stent is often placed to aid healing and drainage.
Advantages:
- No incision or external scars
- Shorter recovery time
- Can treat multiple or complex stones
- Can be used even in obese or high-risk patients
Limitations / Risks:
- Infection or sepsis
- Ureteral injury
- Stricture formation
- May require multiple sessions for large stone burdens