Kidney stones are painful enough, but when they are large, multiple, or located in tricky areas, they’re classified as complex kidney stones. Naturally, many patients wonder: “How effective is RIRS in treating these complicated stones?” This is exactly what we’re going to explore in this blog.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery or RIRS is a minimally invasive procedure that has become a popular choice for urologists because it combines high success rates with faster recovery. In this blog, we’ll break down the success rate of RIRS in complex kidney stones, the factors that affect outcomes, and what patients can do to get the best results.
What is RIRS?
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery or RIRS is a new, minimally invasive method for kidney stone removal. No large cuts are made as in the case of traditional surgery. A thin, flexible ureteroscope is passed through your bladder and urethra into your kidney. The stones are crushed using laser equipment into tiny fragments that can pass out on their own or be removed with special devices.
RIRS is particularly good for tough stones that are big, multiple or in difficult places. It’s also a good option when other procedures such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL, may not work.
How Effective is RIRS for Complex Kidney Stones?
RIRS is very successful when it comes to treating complex kidney stones. Studies and clinical literature indicate that the stone-free rate (SFR) following RIRS varies from 70% to 90%, with variables including stone size, location, and patient anatomy playing a role.
For smaller complex stones, less than 2 cm, the success rate is typically greater than 85–90%. Bigger stones or multiple stones may need more than one session, but even in such cases, the treatment is much less invasive than open surgery and is less risky.
Factors That Affect RIRS Success
Several factors will determine how successful RIRS will be for an individual patient:
- Stone Size – Bigger stones will need more than one session to fully remove.
- Stones Location – Stones located at the lower portion of the kidney can be more challenging to reach and can reduce the percentage of stones that are free.
- Stone Hardness – Certain stones like calcium oxalate monohydrate, are more difficult to break down using lasers.
- Anatomy of the Patient – Ureters that are narrow or kidneys with unusual shapes may hinder navigation.
Understanding these factors will allow patients to set realistic expectations and grasp the reason why they are necessary.
Why RIRS is Ideal for Complex Kidney Stones
Factors That Influence RIRS Success
- RIRS has several benefits over other kidney stone treatments:
- Minimally Invasive – No big cuts, less discomfort and smaller wounds.
- Fast Recovery – in 2-3 days patients typically go back to their normal lives.
- Precision – Flexible ureteroscopes access spaces that other instruments can’t.
- Lower Complication Rates – Less chance of bleeding, infection and tissue injury.
- Multiple Stone Management – Several stones across various locations in the kidney may be addressed in a single or more than one sessions.
These advantages render RIRS a first option among patients as well as surgeons treating complicated stones.
Risks and Considerations
While RIRS is an excellent alternative, there are a few hazards to be aware of
- Infections – Antibiotics can be used to treat infections of the urinary tract.
- Complete Stone Removal – In certain cases, small pieces remain and need to be removed.
- Ureteral Injuries – Rare however, it can happen, particularly in patients who have urinary tracts that are a bit dilated.
- Bleeding – Bleeding is a possibility however, in the majority of cases, it ceases in a hurry.
- Temporary Discomfort- Mild pain or urinary discomfort can persist for a few days following surgery.
Tips for a Successful RIRS Outcome
Patients can perform several simple actions to improve the RIRS outcome and recovery:
- Keep hydrated – The water will remove stone pieces.
- Follow the Medications – Take the prescribed medications and antibiotics.
- Remain hydrated – Avoid strong exercise for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
- Attend Follow-Ups and Imaging tests to confirm stone removal and determine any remaining fragments.
- Diet Adjustments – Cutting down on salt intake and taking oxalate can be able to prevent the formation of stones in the future.
Following these tips can significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful result.
Conclusion
RIRS is an extremely effective, minimally invasive procedure for complicated kidney stones. It has a 70–90% success rate and offers a wonderful alternative to open surgery in terms of quicker recovery, fewer complications, and accurate stone extraction.
Although extremely large stones or multiple stones might need more than one session, the advantages of the procedure make it the first choice for most patients. Consult Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, the best urologist in Gurgaon, with over 12 years of experience. He will tell what influences success and adhering to proper care before and after surgery, patients can gain relief from pain that kidney stones produce and have an improved overall quality of life.