Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Bangalore

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

The occurrence of kidney stones has become a pretty common medical condition among people. At least 1 out of 10 people experience a kidney stone incident once in their lifetime. Hence, there arises the need for effective treatment, such as RIRS.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a laser and an endoscope are utilised to remove a kidney stone. The procedure is performed by a specially trained urologist for kidney stones smaller than 2 cm in size.

Retrograde means a backward movement. It can also be understood as a movement that is opposite to the usual direction of flow. The surgery is named so because the endoscope is directed from the urethra through the ureters towards the kidneys (in backward motion to natural urine flow).

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) – Complete Procedure

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we have a team of highly trained urologists & surgeons who are expertly trained in performing minimally invasive surgeries like Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS).

Preoperative procedures at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Before prescribing the procedure, our doctors carefully evaluate the patient based on their medical history, current medical conditions, and other relevant factors. If the doctors think Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is suitable for their condition, then only they are prepared for the surgery.

A couple of weeks before the procedure, the patient is closely evaluated, and all the necessary tests are carried out. The doctors will perform a stenting procedure 1-2 weeks before the surgery to help passively dilate the bladder for the surgery. Our doctors will advise the patient to fast at least 4-6 hours before the surgery. Additional instructions and all the information regarding the surgery are given to the patient. Our doctors will address all the concerns the patient may have regarding the surgery.

During the RIRS Procedure

General anaesthesia is considered a better choice for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS). However, in some cases, local or spinal anaesthesia may also be given.

The surgery is done using a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure does not involve making any incisions at all. Rather we move the fibre-optic endoscope from the urethra towards the kidneys. A fibre-optic endoscope is extremely pliable and highly manoeuvrable and, as a result, can easily bend through the tubes to reach the kidneys. It is fitted with a high-intensity light that allows the urologist to see everything clearly through it. The endoscope is guided to the kidneys, and the exact location of the stones is spotted.

The endoscope can also be fitted with additional instruments that can help in obtaining cell and tissue samples and removing stones. In laser Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS), the urologist uses a laser probe to evaporate the stones.

Postoperative Care at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is mostly an outpatient procedure. This means that the patients will most likely be discharged within 24 hours. Some patients may be kept in the hospital longer depending on the presence of any preoperative diseases or intra/postoperative events.

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery room and closely monitored. A urinary catheter is placed into the urethra to help the patient urinate easily. The patient will be advised complete rest, especially for the first 24 hours. They will also be advised to drink plenty of water to maintain 2.5 litres of urine output per day. This will help keep any infections at bay.

Our doctors will give clear instructions about how to spend the recovery period. All the medications will be prescribed. They will be given an appointment for a follow-up checkup later on. We advise all our patients to ask any queries they might have before getting discharged about things they can or cannot do after surgery. Most patients will be able to return to their normal activities after 3-4 days of the procedure.

Benefits of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

Minimally invasive surgeries like Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) are especially beneficial when it comes to the comfort of our patients and their reduced hospital stay. Some of the main advantages of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) are:

• 1. Less trauma as there is no incision required
• 2. Shorter hospital stay
• 3. Quicker recovery
• 4. Reduced risk of post-surgical complications
• 5. It can be used in severely obese people who may not be able to have traditional surgery
• 6. It can be used to remove kidney stones in children.
• 7. Beneficial in removing tumours, polyps, treating strictures, etc.
• 8. Cost-effective
• 9. Lesser risk of infections

Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, is a pioneer in performing minimally invasive procedures like Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS). Our urologists and surgeons are specially trained to perform this procedure on adults as well as children with kidney stone disease.

We have a supportive certified nursing staff that is expert in providing the best postoperative care after such procedures. If you suffer from kidney stones, you may want to talk to our doctors if Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is an option for your treatment.