Keyhole laser treatment to clear stones in the ureter and kidney. Ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) are modern, scar-free procedures that reach the stone through the body's own urinary passage — no cuts on the skin. Dr. Anish Gupta uses advanced laser techniques to treat ureteric and kidney stones safely and effectively in Delhi NCR, with most patients home quickly.
What is ureteroscopy (URS) and RIRS?
Ureteroscopy uses a very fine, flexible or rigid telescope called a ureteroscope, which is passed up through the urethra and bladder into the ureter — the tube that carries urine from the kidney. When the scope is guided all the way up into the kidney itself, the procedure is called RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery). Once the stone is seen, a laser fibre breaks it into tiny fragments or dust that can pass out naturally or be removed with a fine basket. Because everything is done through the natural urinary channel, there are no external wounds.
Conditions it treats
URS and RIRS are used mainly for stones, and are especially suited to:
- Stones stuck in the ureter that will not pass on their own
- Small and medium-sized stones inside the kidney
- Hard stones that are difficult to break with shockwave therapy
- Stones in people who cannot stop blood-thinning medication, where this technique is often safer
- Stones causing pain, blockage or repeated infection
These procedures are a key part of comprehensive kidney stone treatment, and you can read more in our kidney stone treatment guide.
How the procedure works
URS and RIRS are usually performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. In simple terms:
- You are made comfortable and anaesthetised, so you feel nothing during the procedure.
- The fine ureteroscope is passed gently through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney — no incisions are made.
- The stone is located using the scope's camera and a small laser fibre is used to break it into dust or tiny fragments.
- The fragments are flushed out or removed with a fine basket, and any pieces are sent for analysis.
- A soft internal stent is often placed for a short while to help the kidney drain and heal, and is removed later in a simple clinic visit.
Benefits
- No cuts on the skin and no external scars
- High success rate, even for hard stones
- Short hospital stay — often a day-care or overnight procedure
- Quick return to normal activities
- Often safer than other options for people on blood thinners
- Allows the stone to be analysed to guide future prevention
Recovery and aftercare
Most people recover quickly and go home the same day or after one night. It is normal to notice some mild burning when passing urine, a little blood in the urine, or a need to pass urine more often for a few days — especially while a stent is in place. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out stone fragments. Most people return to desk work within a few days. Dr. Anish Gupta will arrange removal of any stent and provide clear aftercare instructions.
Risks and safety
URS and RIRS are very safe in experienced hands. As with any procedure there are small risks, including urinary infection, temporary discomfort from the stent, and — uncommonly — minor injury to the ureter. Serious complications are rare. Following the aftercare advice and completing any prescribed antibiotics keeps the risk to a minimum.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years of experience and a special interest in endo-urology and laser stone surgery. He selects the least invasive effective technique for each stone and performs URS and RIRS with modern laser systems for precise, thorough clearance. If a larger stone would be better treated with PCNL keyhole surgery, he will explain why. Care is available across three convenient locations in Delhi NCR (Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh).
Frequently asked questions
Will I have any cuts or scars after URS or RIRS?
No. The whole procedure is carried out through the natural urinary passage using a fine telescope, so there are no incisions and no external scars.
Why do I need a stent, and does it hurt?
A soft internal stent helps the kidney drain and heal after the stone is cleared. It can cause mild bladder discomfort or a frequent urge to urinate, which settles once it is removed in a quick, simple clinic procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Most people go home the same day or after one night and return to light work within a few days. Some mild burning or a little blood in the urine for a few days is normal and settles with plenty of fluids.
Is the stone completely cleared in one session?
URS and RIRS have a high success rate, and most stones are cleared in a single session. Occasionally a very large or complex stone needs a second procedure, which Dr. Anish Gupta will discuss with you beforehand.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.