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Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRC)

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Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for the treatment of kidney stones. It involves the use of a flexible ureteroscope, which is passed through the urethra and bladder, then into the ureter and kidney to directly visualize and treat the stones. This procedure allows for the removal of stones or debris without any incision.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRC)

General

RIRS is typically recommended for kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own, are in a location that doesn’t allow effective extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or have not responded to other forms of treatment. The process begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. A flexible ureteroscope is then carefully maneuvered through the urinary tract to the stone's location. The surgeon can then use laser energy to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be more easily passed through the urinary system or removed with specialized tools. Following the stone fragmentation, the fragments are either retrieved using a basket or left to pass naturally through the urinary tract. This method reduces the need for any cuts or incisions on the body, making the recovery time shorter and less painful compared to open surgery. RIRS is considered highly effective and safe, offering a good alternative to more invasive procedures.

Special Details

Who is it for?

  • Patients with kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally.
  • Individuals with stones resistant to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
  • Patients with stones in locations difficult to reach with other non-invasive procedures.

Recovery Period

  • Procedure time: Usually around 1-2 hours.
  • Hospital stay: Generally, patients can leave the hospital the same day or after one night.
  • Full recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a week.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

  • Infection or bleeding.
  • Risk of damage to the ureter.
  • Possible need for additional treatment if all stones are not successfully removed.

Alternative Treatments

  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
  • Open or laparoscopic stone surgery

Success Rate

The success rate of RIRS varies but is generally reported to be between 70-90%, depending on the size and location of the stones.

Procedure step-by-step overivew

  • Patient is placed under general anesthesia.
  • A guide wire is inserted through the urethra, bladder, and up to the kidney to secure access.
  • The flexible ureteroscope follows the guide wire to reach the kidney stones.
  • Laser energy is then applied to fragment the kidney stones into smaller pieces.
  • Stone fragments are removed or left to pass naturally.
  • The ureteroscope is withdrawn, and the procedure is complete.

Prices

Why Do Prices Vary?

  • The complexity of the stone(s) being treated.
  • Type of anesthesia used.
  • Hospital or clinic facility fees.
  • Physician's experience and expertise.
  • Geographical location of the procedure.
  • Turkey
    • $2,000-$4,000
  • Czech Republic
    • $3,000-$4,500
  • Croatia
    • $3,000-$5,000
  • Lithuania
    • $2,500-$4,000
  • Poland
    • $2,500-$4,500
  • Germany
    • $5,000-$7,000
  • Switzerland
    • $8,000-$12,000
  • France
    • $6,000-$9,000
  • United Kingdom
    • $5,500-$8,000
  • United States
    • $10,000-$20,000
  • Canada
    • $8,000-$15,000
  • Australia
    • $7,000-$10,000