Semirigid and Flexible Ureteroscopy (RIRS)
Semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS – Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of urinary stones in the ureter and kidney.
The procedure involves introducing a ureteroscope, a thin and flexible instrument that allows access to the urinary tract without the need for incisions. With the aid of a Holmium laser, the stones are fragmented into tiny particles, making their elimination through urine easier.
Source: European Association of Urology
What is it used for?
Semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy is the first-line treatment in:
- Ureteral stones (upper, middle, or lower) that cannot be expelled spontaneously.
- Small to medium kidney stones (up to 2 cm) located in the renal calyces.
- Patients in whom extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has not been effective.
- Stones in kidneys with complex anatomy or difficult access, where other methods may not be viable.
- Patients with recurrent stone formation, allowing repeated minimally invasive treatments without open surgery.
Main benefits
- Minimally invasive procedure → Performed without incisions, accessing the
- High success rate → Allows for stone removal in a single session in most cases.
- Less pain and faster recovery → Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
