Question 1

What is RIRS?

Accepted Answer

RIRS stands for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones by inserting a flexible ureteroscope through the urinary tract to access and remove stones from the kidney.

Question 2

How does RIRS work?

Accepted Answer

During RIRS, a flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra, bladder, and ureter to reach the kidney. The stones are then fragmented using laser energy and removed using a basket.

Question 3

What are the advantages of RIRS over traditional surgery?

Accepted Answer

RIRS is minimally invasive, involves no external incisions, has a shorter recovery time, and generally causes less pain compared to traditional open or laparoscopic surgery.

Question 4

Who is a candidate for RIRS?

Accepted Answer

Patients with small to medium-sized kidney stones, those who cannot undergo shock wave lithotripsy, or individuals who prefer a minimally invasive approach are good candidates for RIRS.

Question 5

Is RIRS a painful procedure?

Accepted Answer

RIRS is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative pain is generally mild and manageable with medication.

Question 6

How long does it take to recover from RIRS?

Accepted Answer

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Full recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks, depending on the individual's condition and overall health.

Question 7

Are there any risks associated with RIRS?

Accepted Answer

As with any medical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, injury to the urinary tract, and the possibility of residual stone fragments. However, these risks are relatively low.

Question 8

What should I expect after RIRS?

Accepted Answer

After RIRS, you may experience mild discomfort, blood in the urine, and the need to urinate frequently. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

Question 9

How successful is RIRS in treating kidney stones?

Accepted Answer

RIRS has a high success rate for removing kidney stones, with most patients being stone-free after the procedure. The success depends on the size, location, and number of stones.

Question 10

Can RIRS be used for all types of kidney stones?

Accepted Answer

RIRS is effective for most types of kidney stones, especially those located within the kidney. However, the suitability of RIRS depends on the stone's size, location, and patient's anatomy.

Question 11

How long does an RIRS procedure take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of the procedure varies but typically ranges from one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of stones.

Question 12

Do I need to follow any special instructions before undergoing RIRS?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor will provide specific pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting, stopping certain medications, and completing any necessary pre-surgical tests.

Question 13

What are the alternatives to RIRS for treating kidney stones?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Ureteroscopy (URSL), and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The best treatment option depends on the stone's characteristics and patient's health.

Question 14

How can I prevent kidney stones from forming in the future?

Accepted Answer

To prevent kidney stones, stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet low in salt and oxalates, and avoid excessive intake of calcium supplements. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is also important for monitoring and managing any underlying conditions that may contribute to stone formation.

Question 15

What is the best treatment for a kidney stone larger than 20mm?

Accepted Answer

Stones larger than 20mm, including staghorn stones, are generally treated with Mini PCNL, a minimally invasive keyhole procedure that clears large stones in a single session. Your urologist confirms suitability based on your CT KUB scan.

Question 16

Can kidney stones be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Small stones — typically under 5mm — may pass naturally with hydration and medication. Larger or symptomatic stones usually need a procedure such as ESWL, RIRS, URSL or Mini PCNL, chosen based on stone size and location.

Question 17

What foods should I avoid to prevent kidney stones from coming back?

Accepted Answer

Reducing salt, animal protein and oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach and nuts), while staying well-hydrated, can lower the risk of recurrent kidney stones. Ask your urologist for a diet plan suited to your specific stone type.

Question 18

How do doctors diagnose a kidney stone?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis typically involves a CT KUB scan or ultrasound to confirm the stone's size, number and location, along with urine and blood tests to assess kidney function and stone composition risk.

Question 19

What are the early warning signs of a kidney stone?

Accepted Answer

Common early signs include sharp pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, nausea, and pain radiating towards the lower abdomen or groin. Seek immediate care if pain is accompanied by fever or chills.

Question 20

What is the recovery time after Mini PCNL surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 2 days after Mini PCNL and resume light activity within a week, depending on stone complexity and overall health.

Question 21

Is Mini PCNL surgery safe for large or staghorn kidney stones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mini PCNL is specifically designed for large and staghorn stones (20mm and above) that are not suitable for ESWL or RIRS, using a small keyhole tract for high stone clearance in a single session.

Question 22

How many ESWL sessions are needed to break a kidney stone?

Accepted Answer

Smaller stones may clear in a single ESWL session, while larger stones sometimes need 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Your urologist assesses progress with follow-up imaging between sessions.

Question 23

Does ESWL require anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Most ESWL sessions are performed without general anesthesia, using mild sedation or pain relief since the procedure is non-invasive and typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

Question 24

What is the difference between URSL and RIRS?

Accepted Answer

URSL uses a rigid or semi-rigid scope and is generally used for stones in the mid or lower ureter, while RIRS uses a flexible scope to reach stones inside the kidney or upper ureter.

Question 25

How soon can I return to work after gallbladder stone surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy return to desk-based work within a week, with full recovery typically within 2 to 3 weeks.

Question 26

Can I live a normal life without a gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The liver continues producing bile after gallbladder removal, and most patients have no long-term dietary restrictions.

Question 27

Does health insurance cover kidney stone surgery in Gurgaon?

Accepted Answer

Most kidney stone procedures, including RIRS, Mini PCNL, ESWL and URSL, are covered under cashless health insurance when medically indicated. Cure Stone's team assists with insurance documentation and approvals.

Question 28

How much does kidney stone treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on the stone size, the procedure recommended, and the length of hospital stay required. Book a consultation for a personalised estimate — the first video consultation is free and in-clinic consultations start at ₹800.

Question 29

How do I book an appointment with a urologist in Gurgaon?

Accepted Answer

You can book a free video consultation or an in-clinic appointment with Dr. Deepanshu Gupta at Cure Stone Hospital, Sector 52, Gurgaon through our online booking form or by calling +91 88002 63884.

Question 30

Does Cure Stone offer online consultations for patients outside India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cure Stone offers international video consultations for patients outside India. Select 'Online Video Consult' while booking and mention your location in the description.

Kidney Stone FAQs

RIRS Laser Surgery

Kidney Stone Symptoms & Prevention

Mini PCNL Surgery

ESWL Lithotripsy

URSL Treatment

Gallbladder Stone Surgery

Cost, Insurance & Appointments

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