What is RIRS and URS Treatment?
RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) and URS (Ureterorenoscopy) are modern endoscopic methods used in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract stones or other problems. Unlike classical open surgery, these procedures are performed using closed, or minimally invasive, techniques. Thus, the patient experiences less pain, the hospital stay is shorter, and the recovery process is faster.
What is RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)?
RIRS is a method used for the treatment of stones inside the kidney. A thin, flexible camera and instruments are passed through the ureter and the urinary tract to reach the kidney. The stones in the kidney are directly visualized and broken down with a laser to be removed.
What is URS (Ureterorenoscopy)?
URS, on the other hand, is used for the treatment of stones or narrowed areas within the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). In this method, a thin rigid or flexible endoscope is inserted through the urethra and advanced into the ureter. The stones are either removed or fragmented with a laser.
How are RIRS and URS Applied?
- The procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
- A special device (endoscope) is slowly advanced through the urethra to reach the stones.
- The stones are fragmented with a laser or removed with basket-like tools.
- The operation time usually varies between 30-90 minutes.
- A short-term catheter is generally used after the procedure, and patients are discharged within 1-2 days.
To Whom is it Applied?
- Stones located in the kidney and ureter
- Conditions causing blockage or narrowing in the ureter
- Patients for whom open surgery is risky
- Situations where classic stone-breaking methods (ESWL) are ineffective
Advantages of RIRS and URS Treatment
- No need for open surgery; no incision is made.
- Less pain and reduced risk of bleeding.
- Fast recovery and short hospital stay.
- High success rate.
- Can be reapplied for recurrent stones.
Potential Risks and Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding (usually minimal)
- Urinary tract damage or narrowing
- Temporary pain and burning due to urinary tract irritation
These complications are rarely seen and are generally treatable.
RIRS and URS are modern, effective, and safe treatment methods for kidney and ureter stones. If you have complaints due to kidney or urinary tract stones, your problems can be largely resolved with these methods, either without surgery or with minimal surgical intervention.