Kidney stones causing sharp, severe pain—and when they don’t pass naturally, surgery is often the best solution. With medical technology advancing rapidly, two minimally invasive options have become standard: URS (Ureteroscopy) and RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery).
If you’re looking for kidney stone treatment in Bangalore, understanding the difference between URS vs RIRS is crucial for choosing the most suitable and effective procedure. At Blue Bliss Hospital, a trusted name in urology care, both surgeries are routinely performed using state-of-the-art equipment and experienced surgical teams.
Let’s explore how URS and RIRS compare, and which one may be right for your condition.
What Is URS (Ureteroscopy)?
URS is a common procedure used to treat stones in the ureter—the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. A thin, flexible instrument called a ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to locate the stone. Once found, the stone is broken into small pieces using a laser. These pieces are either removed or pass out naturally
Advantages of URS:
- No cuts on the exterior
- Rapid recovery (most commonly 1–2 days)
- Effective for ureteral stones
- Short hospital stay
- May be done with spinal or general anaesthesia
Best for: Stones in the lower or middle segment of the ureter, particularly stones less than 1.5 cm in size.
What Is RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)?
RIRS is another more advanced form of endoscopic kidney surgery, which is used in stone extraction inside the kidney. With the aid of a flexible ureteroscope and high-power Holmium laser, the surgeon passes through the urinary tract to the kidney, where the stone is fragmented into very small pieces that are washed out or removed by stone basket.
Advantages of RIRS:
- Suitable for kidney stones (particularly >1 cm)
- No scarring or cut
- Suitable for multiple or complex stones
- Less risky for patients with bleeding disorders
- High success rate and can be repeated as and when needed
Ideal for: Stones in calyces or renal pelvis, or stones for which other therapy is not suitable.
URS vs RIRS: Comparison Side by Side
| Feature |
URS |
RIRS |
| Target Area |
Ureter |
Kidney (intrarenal) |
| Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive |
Minimally invasive |
| Recovery Time |
Fast (1–3 days) |
Fast (1–3 days) |
| Stone Size |
Ideal for 0.5 – 2 cm |
Best suited for <2 cm |
| Anesthesia |
General or spinal |
General |
| Laser Used |
Yes |
Yes |
| Scarring |
None |
None |
| Hospital Stay |
Daycare or overnight |
Overnight or 1–2 days |
Choosing the Right Surgery: What the Experts Say
Selecting between URS vs RIRS depends mainly on
- Location of the stone: URS for Ureteric stones vs RIRS for renal stones
Our urologists at Blue Bliss Hospital, led by Dr. L.N. Raju, perform a thorough evaluation, includingimaging and lab tests, to determine which procedure will provide the best outcome.
Why Blue Bliss Hospital for Kidney Stone Treatment in Bangalore?
At Blue Bliss Hospital, our experienced urologists are specialists in endoscopic surgery for kidney stones, providing both URS and RIRS depending on the condition of every patient.
Here’s what makes us different:
- State-of-the-art Facilities: With the newest Holmium laser technology and digital ureteroscopes.
- Personalized Care: Each case is assessed individually for the best treatment.
- Board-Certified Specialists: Board-certified doctors, including Dr. L.N. Raju, with long-standingexperience in minimally invasive urology.
- Quick Recovery Protocols: Faster recovery and less post-operative pain with minimal invasive procedures.
In case you are experiencing recurrent kidney stones or require successful and safe kidney stone treatment in Bangalore, Blue Bliss Hospital offers comprehensive care with comfort.
Final Thoughts
Both URS and RIRS are great surgery options for kidney stones, and depending on the location,complexity, and size of the stone will determine which one to choose. If you experience recurrent pain, recurrent stones, or in case of failed previous treatment, don’t delay.
Consult the best urologists at Blue Bliss Hospital for kidney stone treatment in Bangalore. We are here
to accompany you through the finest care, from diagnosis to recovery.
