Indications, Efficacy, Safety and Complications of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

Kidney stones are one of the most prevalent disorders associated with significant morbidity. Initially the renal stones were treated with open surgery but with the advancements in technology shift towards the minimally invasive therapeutic procedures is observed. Recent technological advances in the field of urology have led to more prevalent use of retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of urolithiasis. The introduction of new laser systems and advanced flexible ureteroscopy with a small ureteroscope have contributed to increase in indications for intrarenal surgery to include not only larger kidney stones > 2 cm, but also urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract, urethra, and idiopathic renal haematuria. Retrograde intrarenal surgery is one of the most safe and effective minimally invasive technique which due to its positive outcomes and less rate of complications has gained much popularity in the field of urology with the passage of time. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about the indications, efficacy, safety and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery. Retrograde intrarenal renal surgery is indicated in various cases including lower calyx stones and stones greater than 2 cm among many others. Evidence from the literature suggests retrograde intrarenal surgery as quite a safe and effective method with high success rate and minimum and minor complications being reported. In future more randomized trial studies on retrograde intrarenal surgery can however significantly contribute to literature and benefit clinical practice also