RIRS - Urology

RIRS Treatment Abroad

Overview

Retrograde intrarenal surgery defines a laser technology, minimally invasive procedure for operating on the kidney through a fiber-optic endoscope. Laser surgery techniques are growing more popular around the world due to their ability to cut through tissues and coagulate blood vessels at the same time, reducing the risk of bleeding, surrounding tissue damage, infection, healing, and length of hospital stays.

For example, RIRS can be used to remove cysts, as well as a nonfunctioning or noncancerous kidney. The procedure is also utilized to drain, and to facilitate in placement of a stent or small tube in the ureter to allow additional draining of urine and proper healing.

RIRS Technique

The retrograde intrarenal procedure is classified as a "closed" approach to surgery, as it does not require an incision into the body. The procedure is commonly used to treat kidney stones, and evaluations of hematuria, and evaluation of upper tract physiology well as in an approach to tumor treatments. The technique is also utilized in intrarenal stenosis and in the removal of foreign bodies including damaged or broken ureteral stance, or staples.

Retrograde intrarenal procedures can be performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office setting in a one-stage procedure. Retrograde intrarenal surgery can be performed utilizing a variety of Holmium laser technologies including Coherent, Microvasive, Trymadine and Dornier. The Holmium laser fragments and vaporizes stones, coagulates, regulates and ablates tumors, and creates incisions. The technology also enables easier access to larger sized kidney stones, enlarged prostates, as well as reduces the risk of bleeding in patients with coagulation issues.

The RIRS access is engaged by advancing a tube attached to the scope into the urethra. A guide wire is inserted and suction and or irrigation is engaged through a low pressure system. The energy source utilized in retrograde intrarenal surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. For stones, the Holmium laser, ultrasound, lithoclast and/or EHL is utilized, while for tumors, Holmium or YAG, or RF energy is utilized.

In some cases, especially in the treatment of stones, shock wave with lithotripsy is engaged simultaneously. Retrograde intrarenal surgery uses a flexible ureterorenoscope combined with Holmium laser technologies to treat small stones in hard to access areas of the kidney. With this treatment, no incisions are made into the patient. There ureterorenoscope is a long, tube-like instrument that can approach a stone from a variety of angles and corners found in the kidney organ. Along with fluoroscopic support, guide wires, video cameras, and catheters, the procedure provides safe, effective, and noninvasive access to the kidney.

How Much does RIRS Surgery Cost?

Cost for our IRS surgery depends upon the procedure, and treatment. Costs are also determined by geographic location of the facility, the experience and technologies utilized by the urologist, and additional fees for anesthetic and use of tools and technologies. Individuals traveling to locations such as India may save thousands of dollars on the procedure, and still benefit from the same technologies, training, and expertise.

Who Performs RIRS Surgical Procedures?

The procedure is an outpatient procedure performed in an urologist doctor's office, or one who has specialized in endoscopic, laparoscopic, and laser technologies in the field of urology. A urologist is a doctor who has specialized in training in branches of surgery to the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, male reproductive organs or pelvic surgery. Choose a surgeon who has undergone basic and comprehensive education in general surgery, who then undergoes additional training in urology, a surgical subspecialty. He or she should be approved to practice in accredited healthcare facilities or hospitals. Specialists should be experienced and knowledgeable regarding specific conditions. 

Get in touch with us and find out more about your options!