Kidney stones can be difficult to handle and can lead to infection, kidney damage or even complete kidney failure if ignored. Modern medicine has developed an array of courses to treat such issues, including Flexible All-seeing Needle Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery(FANS RIRS), a less intensive FANS)RIRS .However, not every individual is a candidate for this procedure.
This piece aims to elaborate who may find this procedure suitable with respect to their medical health, dimensions and complexity of the stone, its suitable position, along withother factors.
Explanation of FANS RIRS
Flexible All-seeing Needle Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (FANS RIRS) is a more advanced form of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) performed on patients with kidney stones to allow its complete removal without any external incisions on the body. A High Definition camera is mounted on an ultra-slim flexible ureteroscope, which is directed through the urinary passage (urethra, bladder, ureter) towards the kidney. A Holmium laser is used to fracture the stones into small pieces that can either be manually extracted or excreted through urination.
What are the steps of FANS RIRS?
Placing the Ureteroscope- The physician places a flexible ureteroscope via the bladder and urethra into the kidney.
Visualization of the Stones – The cameras offer a clear view of calcium kidney stones.
Laser Fragmentation – A Holmium laser is used to break the stones into tiny bits.
Stone Removal – The physician removes the bits with a special basket, or allows the fragments to be excreted naturally.
Stent Placement (if needed) – To aid in the easy passage of urine, a stent can be placed temporarily in the ureter to prevent its closure.
There is no need for public surgery or outside cuts, leading to faster recovery and less complications.
Who Should Consider FANS RIRS?
FANS RIRS is ideal to treat hard, dense stones that cannot be shattered because it utilizes a powerful laser.
Patients with Stones of Medium Size (10-30 mm)
Some stones are harder to access than others, particularly the lower pole of the kidney, which is where SWL fails.
Patients with administered with FANS RIRS have better access to the entire kidney, including all areas, which make stones easier to clear.
SWL employs sound waves to shatter kidney stones into smaller fragments. This procedure often fails with more challenging stones, especially with larger, more dense stones, or for those record high BMI levels.
Patients with Hard or Resistant Stones
FANS RIRS serves as a perfect secondary treatment when other methods fail to clear the stones.
Some patients are not suitable for PCNL, which is a more invasive procedure where a small incision is made on the back to manually extract the stones. These include:
- Bleeding disorders, which put the PCNL in danger of excessive postoperative bleeding.
- Technically difficult PCNL due to obesity or anatomical factors.
- Existing kidney condition, which makes such procedures highly invasive.
For these patients, FANS RIRS is a safer and more effective alternative.
Patients with Multiple Stones or Recurrent Kidney Stones
The recurrent stone formation or the presence of multiple stones in the kidneys is managed effectively by FANS RIRS.
This technique includes the guarantees of complete removal of stones with minimal chances of developing fresh stones.
Patients Who Prefer a Minimally Invasive Procedure
Like with open surgery, large incisions are not made, and recovery is scar free with FANS RIRS.
This option is ideal for those who wish to experience less pain, quicker return to normal activities, and shorter duration of hospitalization.
. Pediatric and Elderly Patients
Both the children and the elderly are more prone to complications when the more invasive procedures like PCNL are performed.
FANS RIRS is the ideal option for both elder and younger populations since it is less traumatic to the kidneys and does not require external incisions or cuts.
Advantages of FANS RIRS for Kidney Stones
There are various reasons why a patient suffering from kidney stones would choose FANS RIRS over traditional methods of treatment:
Minimally invasive – free from any form of stitches, cuts, or external incisions.
High success rate – Clears stones in one sitting for the majority of patients.
Less pain and discomfort – Recovery is uncomplicated than that of PCNL or open surgery.
Fast recovery time – Most patients resume normal activity within days.
Lower Chances of Infection- Use of the natural urinary tract lowers the chances for acquiring an infection.
Recovery After FANS RIRS
Most patients recover quickly and easily after FANS RIRS. However, the following symptoms are possible after the procedure is completed:
Burning sensation or slight pain during urination.
Urine is light in color but should normalize in 48 hours.
Stents are removed 1-2 weeks after insertion.
Full recovery should occur within 5-7 days.
Prevention Tips for Kidney Stones After Treatment
Stay Hydrated- Increase daily water intake to 2-3 liters to help flush out the substances which result in kidney stones.
Watch Calcium & Oxalate Intake – Limit calcium and high oxalate foods such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate.
Decrease salt consumption- Increased sodium consumption is a risk of developing kidney stones.
Adhere to medical guidelines – Regular visits to a urologist will help prevent recurrences.
Expert Urologist: Dr. Deepanshu Gupta
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, a top urologist and expert in kidney stones, has effectively treated many patients with FANS RIRS. He stresses:
“FANS RIRS is an extremely safe and effective treatment for kidney stones, especially in patients who cannot have PCNL or in whom previous treatments have failed. The most important factor for a successful result is accurate patient selection and expert performance of the procedure.”
With vast experience in minimally invasive urology and complex stone management, Dr. Gupta provides the best treatment and care to his patients. If you are experiencing kidney stones and want the most effective and least invasive treatment, consulting Dr. Deepanshu Gupta can assist you in making the correct choice.
Closing Thoughts
FANS RIRS is an extremely effective, minimally invasive procedure ideal for patients with medium-sized stones, hard-to-reach stones, unsuccessful SWL cases, or are not suitable for PCNL. It provides quicker recovery, few complications, and superior success rates.
If you or your loved one is suffering from kidney stones, meet a specialist such as Dr. Deepanshu Gupta to know the best treatment option and live stone-free.