Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat kidney stones and other renal abnormalities without making incisions. It involves accessing the kidney through the natural urinary tract (urethra → bladder → ureter → kidney) using a flexible ureteroscope.
Key Features of RIRS:
- No surgical cuts (non-invasive, lower risk than PCNL).
- Performed under general/spinal anesthesia.
- Uses laser (Holmium:YAG) to fragment stones.
- High success rate for stones <2 cm.
- Short hospital stay (usually 1-2 days).
Indications (When RIRS is Used):
- Kidney stones (especially in lower pole calyx or hard-to-reach areas).
- Ureteric stones (failed ESWL or large/impacted stones).
- Diagnosis of suspicious renal lesions (biopsy).
- Stricture management (ureteral/kidney abnormalities).
Symptoms Leading to RIRS (When is it Needed?)
Patients typically require RIRS due to symptoms caused by kidney stones or obstructions, such as:
1. Pain (Most Common Symptom)
- Flank pain (severe, colicky) – Radiates to groin.
- Renal colic (intermittent, intense pain due to stone movement).
2. Urinary Symptoms
- Hematuria (blood in urine).
- Dysuria (painful urination).
- Frequent urination or urgency.
3. Infection-Related Symptoms
- Fever & chills (if infection present – obstructive pyelonephritis).
- Cloudy/foul-smelling urine.
4. Obstruction Symptoms
- Decreased urine output (if severe blockage).
- Nausea/vomiting (due to pain or kidney dysfunction).
