Retrograde intrarenal surgery, often referred to as RIRS, is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used in managing kidney stones and other complex urological conditions. Among the questions most frequently asked by patients is, “How long does the RIRS procedure take?” Knowing how long the process takes will help you feel more prepared and confident about the treatment process.
In this blog, we break down the average time of an RIRS procedure, factors that influence the time, and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery. Whether you are considering RIRS or just looking to learn more, this guide will provide you with clear and concise information to answer your questions.
Total Time Taken In RIRS Surgery
The duration of RIRS may vary depending on several factors, but on average, the procedure takes 45 minutes to 2 hours. Below is a detailed breakdown of the total time involved in the process, from preparation to recovery:
1. Pre-Surgery Preparation (30-60 Minutes)
Before the actual procedure begins, the patient undergoes necessary preparations, including:
Anesthesia Administration: RIRS is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia, which may take 15-30 minutes to administer and take effect.
Positioning and Sterilization: The patient is positioned appropriately, and the surgical area is sterilized to minimize infection risks.
2. The RIRS Procedure (45 Minutes to 2 Hours)
The surgical time depends on the complexity of the case, including:-
Larger or multiple kidney stones require more time to fragment and be removed.
Advanced equipment such as flexible ureteroscopes and lasers can optimize efficiency, but may increase requirement for precision and care.
Pre-existing conditions or anatomical challenges, such as narrow ureters can prolong the procedure.
Procedure
A thin, flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and guided into the kidney.
The surgeon can visualize the stones and uses a laser to fragment them into smaller pieces, which are either extracted or left to pass normally.
3. Post -Surgery Recovery in the Operating Room (30-60 Minutes)
Once the treatment is done, the patient is kept in the operating room to ensure safe recovery from the anesthesia. The doctor will check for vital signs such as heartbeats and blood pressure that should maintain normal readings.
4. Recovery in the Hospital (3-6 Hours)
After stabilization, the patient is transferred to a recovery room or ward. All this time:
Immediate complications like bleeding and retention are checked.
Pain management drugs and discharge care are prescribed.
In most cases, RIRS is an ambulatory procedure. Hence, patients can be discharged on the same day after about 3-6 hours of observation in a hospital.
Factors Affecting the Time Taken in RIRS Surgery
The duration of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) can vary widely based on several influencing factors. Here’s a detailed look at the key elements that affect how long the procedure takes:
1. Stone Composition
The physical and chemical properties of kidney stones play a significant role in determining the time required for their removal.
- Hardness of the Stone: Stones with a harder composition, such as calcium oxalate monohydrate, are more challenging to fragment using laser energy. These stones may require prolonged laser exposure, which can extend the procedure time.
- Size of the Stone: Larger stones naturally take more time to break into smaller, passable fragments. For very large stones, multiple sessions of RIRS may be needed.
- Number of Stones: If there are multiple stones in the kidney or ureter, the surgeon needs to address each one individually, increasing the overall surgical duration.
- Stone Location: Stones located in hard-to-reach areas, such as the lower pole of the kidney, may require additional time to access and treat effectively.
2. Surgeon’s Expertise
The experience and skill level of the urologist performing the procedure can significantly impact the time taken.
- Precision and Technique: Highly skilled surgeons are adept at navigating the ureteroscope through the urinary tract efficiently and performing the laser fragmentation with precision.
- Adaptability to Challenges: Experienced surgeons can handle anatomical variations, such as narrow ureters or tortuous paths, with greater ease, minimizing delays.
- Speed Without Compromising Safety: Expertise allows surgeons to maintain a balance between speed and accuracy, ensuring the procedure is performed efficiently without increasing risks.
3. Technology and Tools
The quality and availability of advanced equipment and tools used in RIRS play a crucial role in determining the efficiency of the procedure.
- Flexible Ureteroscopes: Modern, high-definition, flexible ureteroscopes allow for better visualization of the stones, especially in hard-to-access areas, reducing the time taken to locate and treat them.
- Laser Technology: Advanced Holmium or Thulium lasers provide superior power and precision, enabling faster stone fragmentation. Outdated or less efficient laser systems can prolong the process.
- Access Sheaths and Retrieval Devices: Using proper ureteral access sheaths and stone retrieval devices ensures smooth access to the kidney and effective removal of fragments, minimizing procedural delays.
- Hospital Infrastructure: Well-equipped surgical facilities with state-of-the-art tools and trained support staff can streamline the process and reduce overall time.
While the total time for RIRS surgery, including preparation and recovery, ranges from 4 to 8 hours, the procedure itself is relatively quick, lasting between 45 minutes to 2 hours. This minimally invasive approach ensures faster recovery, less discomfort, and a shorter hospital stay, making it an excellent choice for kidney stone management.
If you’re planning to undergo RIRS, consult with your urologist to understand the specific timeline based on your condition.
Conclusion: Why Choose Dr. Deepanshu Gupta?
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is a leading urologist in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR, renowned for his expertise in kidney stone treatment, andrology, and renal transplantation. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he has become a trusted name for advanced urological care.
USPs of Dr. Deepanshu Gupta:
- Faster RIRS Surgeon in North India: Known for his speed and precision, Dr. Gupta delivers exceptional results with shorter procedure times.
- Fluoroscopy-Free RIRS: He employs a safer, radiation-free approach to kidney stone removal, prioritizing patient safety while ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Comprehensive Kidney Stone Removal: Regardless of the stone’s location, Dr. Gupta’s advanced techniques ensure effective treatment.
- Unmatched Experience: With over 9500+ endoscopic surgeries performed in 12 years, his expertise in minimally invasive procedures is unparalleled.
- Affordable Advanced Care: Dr. Gupta is committed to offering cutting-edge treatments at prices that remain accessible to all.
For patients seeking reliable, expert care with a focus on innovation and safety, Dr. Deepanshu Gupta offers a combination of proficiency, compassion, and exceptional results. His patient-centered approach and remarkable track record make him the ideal choice for all urological needs. Book a consultation today!