RIRS Surgery in Bangalore for Kidney Stones Without External Incisions

RIRS treats selected kidney stones using a flexible scope passed through the natural urinary passage. A laser breaks the stone into smaller pieces, without an external skin incision. Stone size, location and your health affect suitability. Some patients need a temporary stent or more than one procedure.

Santosh Hospital brings four decades of excellence and 50 million+ patients treated across its hospital-wide history. Its urology and nephrology services support assessment of urinary tract and kidney problems, with care tailored to the diagnosis.

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Stones up to 25 mm

No external incision

Appointment assistance

Flexible ureteroscope technology

Comprehensive stone assessment

What Is RIRS?

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive kidney stone procedure that removes or breaks stones using a flexible scope passed through the natural urinary passage.

The term "retrograde intrarenal surgery" means reaching the kidney from the urinary tract without creating an external surgical opening. During the procedure, a thin flexible instrument reaches the kidney and laser energy fragments the stone into smaller pieces. RIRS is commonly used for kidney stones approximately 10-25 mm, difficult-to-access stones, and patients who may not be ideal candidates for other stone procedures. It is often considered when spontaneous stone passage is unlikely or when less invasive treatments are unsuitable.

Who Is RIRS Recommended For?

RIRS is recommended for specific stone patterns identified through imaging and specialist evaluation.

Kidney stones approximately 10-25 mm in size

Stones located within the kidney collecting system

Recurrent kidney stones requiring intervention

Stones causing persistent pain or urinary symptoms

Stones unlikely to pass naturally

Stones unsuitable for ESWL based on density or location

Patients requiring a minimally invasive treatment option

Patients seeking treatment without an external incision

Selected patients with multiple kidney stones

Only a urologist reviewing your scans and clinical findings can confirm whether RIRS is the most appropriate treatment option.

Why Is RIRS Recommended Instead of ESWL, URS, or PCNL?

RIRS is recommended when stone size, location, or patient factors make other procedures less effective, less suitable, or unnecessarily invasive.

Stone Location Is Often the Deciding Factor: ESWL and rigid URS cannot reliably reach stones in the lower pole or upper calyx. The flexible ureteroscope used in RIRS bends to access these areas without an external opening.

Stone Density Limits ESWL: Dense stones do not fragment reliably under shock waves. RIRS uses laser energy that works regardless of stone density, making it effective where ESWL has failed or is unlikely to succeed.

PCNL Is More Invasive Than Needed for Mid-Size Stones: For stones between 10-25 mm without staghorn complexity, RIRS achieves comparable clearance through the natural urinary passage , without the access tract and recovery demands of PCNL.

When ESWL Has Already Been Tried: Stones that did not respond to shock waves are better managed with laser fragmentation. RIRS removes stone material directly rather than relying on natural passage of fragments.

Only a urologist reviewing your imaging can confirm whether RIRS is the right option for your case.

How Does RIRS Work?

RIRS removes kidney stones by reaching the kidney through the natural urinary tract using a flexible scope.

The procedure is typically performed under anaesthesia . A thin flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra, bladder, and ureter into the kidney. Laser energy breaks the stone into smaller fragments that can either be removed or passed naturally. In selected cases, a temporary ureteric stent may be placed after surgery to support drainage and healing.

What support does Santosh Hospital provide?

Your consultation focuses on the diagnosis, suitable options, likely recovery and follow-up. Bring your reports so the urologist can explain the reasons for the recommended plan.

What hospital facilities support your care?

Santosh Hospital is a 200-bed multispeciality facility with 24×7 emergency services, critical-care support, an on-site diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy and ambulance services. Imaging services include ultrasound, X-ray and CT. Your doctor selects investigations and care according to your needs.

Who are the urology consultants at Santosh Hospital?

Dr Mohd Saad Belgami

Consultant Urologist. MBBS, MS, FRCS (Urology).

Dr Tejus Chiranjeevi

Consultant Urologist. MBBS, MS, DNB, Fellowship in Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery.

Bring previous scans, test results and prescriptions. Call 080 4084 8888 to book a consultation.

How Should You Prepare for RIRS?

Preparation begins before surgery, and the care team will guide you through each step based on your medical history and treatment plan.

Complete all recommended blood tests, urine tests, and imaging investigations before the procedure.

Inform your doctor about blood thinners, diabetes medications, and any regular prescriptions.

Attend the anaesthesia assessment if advised before surgery.

Follow fasting instructions provided by the hospital before the procedure.

Bring previous scans, laboratory reports, prescriptions, and insurance documents on the day of admission.

Avoid smoking and alcohol before surgery as advised by your doctor.

Arrange for a family member or attendant to accompany you on the day of discharge.

What Is Recovery Like After RIRS?

Recovery after RIRS is typically faster than traditional open surgery because the procedure does not require an external incision. Recovery experiences vary by patient.

First Week

Mild burning during urination, urinary frequency, or slight discomfort may occur in the initial days. Most patients are encouraged to stay hydrated and follow medication instructions provided by their doctor.

Weeks 2 to 4

In most cases, patients gradually return to routine activities during this period. Follow-up appointments may include imaging or stent removal if a temporary stent was placed.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Recovery does not end when symptoms improve. Stone analysis, hydration guidance, dietary recommendations, and periodic reviews may help reduce the risk of future stone formation.

Contact Santosh Hospital if you experience fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding in urine, difficulty passing urine, worsening symptoms, or concerns after discharge.

What happens during your treatment journey?

Book Your Appointment Call the hospital to schedule a consultation.

Consult and Assess A urologist reviews your symptoms, stone history, and any previous reports or scans you bring.

Imaging and Evaluation CT KUB or ultrasound confirms stone size, location, and density , the details that determine whether RIRS is suitable for your case.

Treatment Planning Your surgeon explains the procedure, what to expect during recovery, stent placement if required, costs, and insurance options before any decision is made.

RIRS Surgery Performed under anaesthesia through the natural urinary passage , no external incision, stone fragmented and cleared using laser energy.

Recovery and Follow-Up The care team guides hydration, medication, and activity. Follow-up appointments include stent removal if placed and imaging to confirm stone clearance.

What affects the cost of assessment and treatment?

The cost depends on the diagnosis, investigations, recommended procedure, anaesthesia, consumables and hospital stay. Ask Santosh Hospital for a written estimate after assessment. Confirm whether follow-up, stent or catheter removal and any repeat procedure are included. Insurance approval depends on your policy.

How can you check insurance and cashless eligibility?

Santosh Hospital provides insurance assistance. Ask the team to check documentation and pre-authorisation requirements for the recommended treatment. Coverage and cashless approval depend on your insurer, policy terms, exclusions and waiting periods. Request a written estimate and confirm any amount payable by you before planned admission.

What Are the Risks of Delaying RIRS Once Recommended?

Delaying treatment after RIRS has been recommended may allow symptoms or stone-related complications to progress.

Persistent Pain

Kidney stones can continue causing recurrent flank pain that affects sleep, work, and daily activities.

Recurring Infections

Urinary tract infections associated with kidney stones may become more frequent and require additional treatment.

Urinary Obstruction

A stone blocking urine flow can lead to persistent drainage problems and may increase treatment complexity.

Stone Growth

Kidney stones can increase in size over time, making future treatment more challenging.

Reduced Kidney Function

Long-standing obstruction has been associated with progressive kidney damage in some patients.

Repeated Emergency Visits

Unmanaged stone episodes can lead to recurring emergency consultations for severe pain or urinary symptoms.

Getting assessed does not mean agreeing to surgery. It helps you understand your options, risks, and the most appropriate treatment approach based on your condition.

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Understand Your Options

Where can you consult the urology team?

Santosh Hospital, 6/1, Promenade Road, behind Coles Park, Pulikeshi Nagar, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Call 080 4084 8888 for appointments and enquiries. Bring previous reports and your current medicine list.

Frequently asked questions

How does RIRS reach a kidney stone?

A flexible scope passes through the urethra, bladder and ureter into the kidney. Laser energy can then break the stone into smaller fragments.

Does RIRS need a skin incision?

RIRS uses the natural urinary passage and does not require an external skin incision. It is still a surgical procedure with possible complications.

Is RIRS suitable for every stone?

No. Size, location, anatomy, infection and your overall health affect suitability. Large or complex stones may need a different approach.

Will I need a temporary stent?

A stent may be placed to support urine drainage. Your surgeon explains its purpose and the plan for removal.

Can I need a second RIRS session?

Yes. Stone burden or access difficulties may require staged treatment. Follow-up imaging helps determine whether fragments remain.

When do urinary symptoms need urgent care?

Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, fever with severe side pain, persistent vomiting or severe uncontrolled pain. Heavy bleeding or clots affecting urine flow also need urgent assessment.

How can I book an appointment?

Call Santosh Hospital on 080 4084 8888. The team can guide you on booking and the relevant records to bring.

Explore our Urology Department at Santosh Hospital for specialist assessment and related treatments.