Best Doctors for RIRS in India

RIRS Top Doctors

RIRS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones using a flexible ureteroscope inserted through the urethra and urinary tract into the kidney. This technique avoids external incisions and allows precise stone fragmentation using laser lithotripsy. Choosing an experienced urologist ensures effective stone removal, minimal complications, and a faster recovery.

How to Find the Best Doctor for RIRS

1. Specialty and focus
   Select a urologist or endourologist specializing in minimally invasive kidney stone surgeries.
2. Training and experience
   Board certification and fellowship training in endourology indicate expertise. Ask about the number of RIRS procedures performed and success rates.
3. Treatment approach
   A good doctor evaluates stone size, location, and composition to determine whether RIRS, ESWL, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy is most appropriate.
4. Facility and technology
   Clinics with flexible ureteroscopes, laser lithotripters, and fluoroscopic or ultrasound imaging ensure safe and precise treatment.
5. Patient outcomes and reviews
   Check feedback on stone clearance rates, post-operative recovery, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.

When to Visit a Specialist for RIRS

• Kidney or ureteral stones not suitable for ESWL
• Stones causing persistent pain, hematuria, or urinary obstruction
• Recurrent kidney stones despite medication or conservative treatment
• Stones in complex locations within the kidney
• Patients seeking minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery

Early consultation prevents complications such as infection, kidney damage, or obstruction.

How RIRS Works

• Preparation: Patients receive general or spinal anesthesia.
• Procedure: A flexible ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra, bladder, and ureter to reach the kidney. Stones are visualized and fragmented using laser lithotripsy.
• Stone removal: Fragments are either extracted using specialized baskets or left to pass naturally.
• Post-Procedure: A temporary stent may be placed to ensure smooth urine flow and healing.

RIRS is especially effective for stones less than 2 cm, complex stone locations, or patients not suitable for ESWL.

Recovery Expectations

• Hospital stay: Usually 1 day; some patients may go home the same day.
• Immediate post-op care: Mild discomfort, burning sensation during urination, or blood in urine is common and managed with medications.
• Activity: Light activities can resume in 1–2 days; heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for 1–2 weeks.
• Follow-up: Imaging is done after 1–2 weeks to ensure complete stone clearance and proper stent removal if used.

Recovery is generally quick, and most patients resume normal life within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is RIRS painful?
Patients are under anesthesia during the procedure. Mild discomfort or urinary burning may occur post-operatively and is manageable with medication.

Q2. How long does RIRS take?
The procedure typically lasts 60–90 minutes depending on stone size and number.

Q3. Will I need a stent after RIRS?
A temporary ureteral stent is often placed to aid urine flow and is removed after 1–2 weeks.

Q4. Are there risks to RIRS?
Risks include bleeding, infection, ureteral injury, or incomplete stone removal. Most patients recover without major complications.

Q5. Can stones recur after RIRS?
Yes, kidney stones can recur. Lifestyle changes, hydration, dietary modifications, and follow-up imaging help reduce recurrence risk.