Kidney Stone Laser Surgery (RIRS & PCNL) vs Open Surgery: What Every Patient Must Know

Urinary calculi (kidney and ureteric stones) represent one of the most painful acute urological conditions seen in North India, especially in the Gangetic plain where hard water and climate conditions contribute to high stone incidence.

1. What is RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)?

RIRS is an advanced surgical technique where a miniature flexible ureterorenoscope is passed through the normal urinary opening without making any cut on the body. With high-definition camera navigation, the scope reaches directly inside the kidney calyces where the stone is located.

Once visualized, a thin Holmium laser fiber pulverizes the stone into fine microscopic dust particles that wash out naturally in urine. Advantages include zero incisions, negligible blood loss, and discharge within 24 to 48 hours.

2. What is PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)?

For stones larger than 20mm or complex staghorn stones filling the entire kidney, PCNL remains the treatment of choice. Under fluoroscopic C-Arm guidance, a keyhole puncture (less than 1 cm) is made in the flank directly into the kidney tract. Pneumatic or ultrasonic lithotripters break the stone and fragments are extracted directly.

3. Is Laser Stone Surgery Covered under Ayushman Bharat?

Yes! At Kusum Hospital, Saguna More, Patna, eligible Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and CAPF cardholders receive 100% cashless PCNL, URSL, and laser treatments including hospital stay, medicines, and consumables without paying any cash deposit.