Kidney Stone Laser Surgery and Extraction in Delhi: RIRS, URS or PCNL, and Cost
Kidney stones that are too large to pass, keep causing pain, block the flow of urine or cause infection are removed by surgery. Today most kidney stone surgery is done without a large cut, using a telescope and a laser, or through a small keyhole in the back. This guide explains how a urologist chooses between RIRS, URS and PCNL, what each operation involves, recovery, and what kidney stone surgery costs at THE CLINICS in South Delhi.
Kidney stone surgery cost at THE CLINICS
At THE CLINICS, kidney stone surgery is offered as an all-inclusive package of about ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000. This is an all-inclusive package covering the surgery, hospital stay and standard consumables. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient. The package depends on the type of procedure (for example RIRS, URS or PCNL) and the kind of surgery needed, such as the size, number and position of the stones, whether a stent is placed, and whether more than one session is needed. Insurance facilities available.
Which stones need surgery?
Stones larger than about 6–10 mm, which are unlikely to pass on their own
Stones that keep causing pain despite medicines
Stones blocking the kidney, causing swelling (hydronephrosis)
Stones with repeated urine infections or fever
Stones in people with a single kidney, or in certain jobs such as pilots
Small stones under about 5 mm often pass with water and medicines. A non-contrast CT scan (CT KUB) is the usual test to measure size, position and density before deciding.
What is RIRS (laser surgery for kidney stones)?
Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) uses a thin, flexible telescope passed through the urethra and bladder, up the ureter into the kidney. There is no cut on the skin. A holmium or thulium laser breaks the stone into dust or small pieces, which are removed with a basket or passed in the urine. RIRS suits many kidney stones up to about 2 cm. A temporary stent (a thin tube between the kidney and bladder) is often placed for one to three weeks.
What is URS with laser lithotripsy?
Ureteroscopy (URS) uses a telescope to reach stones in the ureter, the tube between the kidney and the bladder. The stone is broken with a laser (laser lithotripsy) and the fragments are extracted. See ureteric stone surgery.
What is PCNL (kidney stone extraction through a keyhole)?
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is used for large stones, usually over 2 cm, or for staghorn stones. Through a small cut of about 1 cm in the back, a tract is made into the kidney under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. The stone is broken and extracted through this tract. Mini-PCNL uses a smaller tract. PCNL usually needs a hospital stay of one to three nights.
Bladder stones: cystolitholapaxy
Stones in the bladder are broken and removed through a telescope passed through the urethra (cystolitholapaxy). In men, bladder stones often go with an enlarged prostate, which may be treated at the same time with TURP or HoLEP. Read TURP or HoLEP for an enlarged prostate.
How the procedure is chosen
Stone size: under about 2 cm, RIRS or URS is often suitable; larger stones often need PCNL
Stone position: lower-pole kidney stones and stones in the ureter may suit one method better
Stone hardness and number
Kidney anatomy, previous surgery, infection and your general health
The urologist explains the options and why one is advised for you. Read when laser surgery for a kidney stone is recommended.
Recovery after kidney stone surgery
RIRS and URS: usually home the same day or the next day; desk work in two to three days
PCNL: usually one to three nights in hospital; desk work in about one week
Some burning and blood in the urine for a few days is common, especially with a stent
Stent removal: a short day-care procedure after one to three weeks
Read how long recovery after laser surgery for a kidney stone takes and whether you will need a stent.
Seeing a urologist in Delhi NCR
Dr Bipul Agarwal (DMC Reg. No. 81020) is a urologist and andrologist at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 6–8 pm. He treats kidney, ureteric and bladder stones (RIRS, URS, PCNL, cystolitholapaxy) and enlarged prostate (TURP, HoLEP). Patients come from across Delhi NCR, including Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad. You can share your CT scan on WhatsApp before the visit. See kidney stone surgery in South Delhi.
Preventing stones from coming back
Drink enough water to pass 2.5 litres of urine a day, unless your doctor has restricted fluids
Limit salt and very high-protein diets
Do not cut down calcium from food without advice
Stone analysis and blood and urine tests help plan prevention for repeated stones
What happens on the day of surgery?
Admission on the day of surgery after fasting for about six hours
A urine test to check for infection; surgery may be delayed if there is an active infection
The procedure usually takes 45–120 minutes, depending on the stone
Fragments are sent for stone analysis where possible
Discharge with medicines and a date for stent removal, if a stent was placed
When to seek urgent care
Go to the nearest hospital without delay if you have kidney stone pain with fever or chills, pain that does not settle with medicines, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, or very little urine. A blocked, infected kidney is an emergency. THE CLINICS has no emergency department.
Coming from outside Delhi?
Share your CT KUB report and the images on WhatsApp before travelling, so that Dr Bipul Agarwal can say whether surgery is likely and which procedure may suit you. Most patients can travel by road a day or two after RIRS or URS, and after a few days after PCNL, as advised. If a stent is placed, plan the return visit for its removal before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about kidney stone surgery
What is the cost of kidney stone surgery in Delhi?
At THE CLINICS, kidney stone surgery is offered as an all-inclusive package of about ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the type of procedure and the kind of surgery needed. This is an all-inclusive package covering the surgery, hospital stay and standard consumables. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient. Insurance facilities available.
What is the cost of laser surgery for kidney stones (RIRS)?
RIRS at THE CLINICS is offered within the all-inclusive package of about ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the stone size, number and position, whether a stent is placed, and the room category. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient.
What is the cost of PCNL?
PCNL at THE CLINICS is offered within the all-inclusive package of about ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the stone and the length of stay. A final quotation is given once the doctor has examined the patient.
Which is better for me, RIRS or PCNL?
RIRS suits many stones up to about 2 cm and has no skin cut. PCNL is usually chosen for stones over 2 cm or staghorn stones. Your urologist advises after reviewing the CT scan.
Is kidney stone extraction surgery painful?
It is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards there may be some discomfort, burning while passing urine, or stent-related discomfort for a few days, managed with medicines.
Will I need a stent after laser surgery?
Often, yes, for one to three weeks after RIRS or URS. It is removed in a short day-care procedure.
How many days in hospital after kidney stone surgery?
Usually same day or one night after RIRS or URS, and one to three nights after PCNL.
Is kidney stone surgery covered by insurance?
Usually yes, when medically needed, subject to the policy terms. Insurance facilities available at THE CLINICS.
Can kidney stones come back after surgery?
Yes, stones can recur. Drinking enough water, diet changes and, where needed, stone analysis lower the chance.
What is the consultation fee?
₹1,500 + ₹100 registration.
गुर्दे की पथरी के ऑपरेशन से जुड़े सवाल
गुर्दे की पथरी के ऑपरेशन का खर्च कितना है?
THE CLINICS में किडनी स्टोन सर्जरी का खर्च लगभग ₹1,00,000 से ₹2,00,000 तक है, जो प्रक्रिया के प्रकार (RIRS, URS या PCNL) और ज़रूरी सर्जरी पर निर्भर करता है। यह ऑल-इन्क्लूसिव पैकेज है, जिसमें सर्जरी, अस्पताल में रहना और सामान्य कंज़्यूमेबल्स शामिल हैं। डॉक्टर द्वारा जांच के बाद अंतिम कोटेशन दिया जाता है।
क्या लेज़र ऑपरेशन में चीरा लगता है?
RIRS और URS में त्वचा पर कोई चीरा नहीं लगता। PCNL में पीठ पर लगभग 1 सेमी का छोटा चीरा लगता है।
ऑपरेशन के बाद कितने दिन में घर जा सकते हैं?
RIRS/URS के बाद आमतौर पर उसी दिन या अगले दिन, और PCNL के बाद 1–3 दिन में।
Book a consultation
Call the desk on +91 92173 81353 or +91 83683 75734, or WhatsApp +91 92173 81353. Consultation fee: ₹1,500 + ₹100 registration. Insurance facilities available.
THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas Main Road, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016 (surgery and OPD)
THE CLINICS Green Park, G-32, Green Park Main Market Road, New Delhi (OPD)
THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
This article was prepared with AI assistance for review by Dr Bipul Agarwal, urologist (DMC Reg. No. 81020). It is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
