RIRS vs PCNL: Which Kidney Stone Surgery Is Right for You?

Modern kidney stone surgery rarely needs a large cut. The two most common procedures are RIRS and PCNL.

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

A flexible scope enters the kidney through the natural urinary passage and a laser breaks the stone. There is no cut at all. It is ideal for small and medium stones.

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

A small puncture in the back allows direct access to the kidney. It is the best option for large stones (usually above 2 cm) and complex stones.

How we decide

Stone size, number, location, density and your overall health all matter. After a CT scan, Dr. Shamsukha will explain which option will give you the best chance of being stone-free in a single procedure.