RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) treats kidney stones without any cuts on the skin. A thin, flexible telescope is passed through the urethra and bladder up into the kidney, and a laser breaks the stone into tiny fragments or fine dust. Most people also have a small tube called a DJ stent placed between the kidney and bladder to help healing and drainage.
This guide explains what recovery usually looks like, how to look after yourself at home, which symptoms are normal, and the follow-up you will need.
Download the full patient guide: After RIRS: Recovery & Follow-up (PDF)
Your Recovery at a Glance
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day 0–1: Going home | Usually the same day or the next morning. |
| Days 1–3: Settling | Pink urine, burning and a mild ache in the side are common. |
| Weeks 1–4: Stent in place | Stent symptoms are expected. Tiny fragments may pass in the urine. |
| Stent removal | Usually takes a few minutes; symptoms settle within a day or two. |
| After removal: Back to normal | Usual activities resume. Stone prevention continues for life. |
Everyone heals at a different pace. These are typical timings, not strict rules.
The Three Most Important Things After RIRS
- Never forget your stent. It must be removed or changed on time. A forgotten stent can become blocked, infected or encrusted with stone.
- Fever with chills is an emergency. Contact your urologist or go to hospital straight away.
- Drink well to flush the kidney, and start your stone prevention plan now.
Fluids After RIRS
- Aim for 3–3.5 litres of fluid a day, spread through the day, so your urine stays pale. This flushes out blood and stone fragments.
- If your urine turns darker red or you see small clots, drink an extra glass or two and rest.
Important for heart or kidney disease: if you have heart disease or chronic kidney disease (CKD), follow the fluid amount your doctor has advised for that condition. Do not aim for more than 3 litres a day unless told to.
Living With a DJ Stent
A stent is a soft, thin tube with a small curl at each end — one in the kidney and one in the bladder. It is completely internal, and many people notice it.
- Common stent symptoms: needing to pass urine often or urgently, a feeling of not emptying fully, discomfort in the bladder or penis, and an ache in the side when passing urine.
- Blood in the urine can come and go while the stent is in, especially after activity. This is normal if it clears with fluids and rest.
- Medicines such as tamsulosin, bladder-calming tablets and simple painkillers can ease these symptoms — take them as prescribed.
- If your stent has a string coming out of the urethra, take care not to pull on it. Do not remove it yourself unless you have been told exactly when and how.
Passing Stone Fragments
- Small fragments or "gravel" may pass for several weeks, sometimes with brief cramping pain.
- Pass urine through a tea strainer and keep any fragments in a clean, dry container. Bring them to your appointment for stone analysis — knowing the stone type guides prevention.
Medicines After RIRS
- Take painkillers as prescribed. Only take anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as diclofenac or ibuprofen) if advised, and never if you have kidney disease.
- Complete any antibiotic course.
- Blood thinners: restart only on the date your doctor gives you.
When Can I Return to Work, Driving and Exercise?
| Activity | When you can usually restart |
|---|---|
| Walking, light activity | The day after your procedure. |
| Desk / office work | Usually after 2–3 days, when comfortable. |
| Driving | After 1–2 days, when you are off strong painkillers and can brake suddenly. |
| Gym, heavy lifting, sport | Go gently while the stent is in — strenuous activity can increase bleeding and discomfort. |
| Sexual activity | When comfortable. The stent may cause some discomfort but is not harmed. |
| Travel | Plan trips around your stent removal date, and carry your stent details with you. |
Normal Healing, or Time to Call?
Normal — expect this
- Pink urine on and off while the stent is in
- Burning, frequency or urgency
- An ache in the side when passing urine
- Passing small stone fragments
- Mild tiredness for a day or two
Contact your urologist or go to emergency
- Fever of 38°C or above, chills or shivering
- Severe pain not controlled by your painkillers
- Repeated vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down
- Being unable to pass urine, or passing very little
- Heavy bleeding or thick clots that do not settle
- The stent or its string comes out
In an emergency, call +91 97465 52559 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Tell them you have had kidney stone surgery and have a stent.
Your Follow-up Plan After RIRS
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| As planned | Stent removal — usually 1–4 weeks after RIRS, by a quick telescope check or by removing the string. |
| About 2 weeks | Stone analysis result (if a stone sample was collected). |
| About 3 months | Stone prevention review with blood tests and a 24-hour urine analysis to find out why you form stones. |
| Every 1–2 years | Ultrasound or X-ray to check for new stones, as advised. |
Timings follow EAU and AUA guidance on urolithiasis and are tailored to each patient.
Preventing the Next Stone
- Drink 3–3.5 litres of fluid a day so your urine stays pale (unless your doctor has advised otherwise for heart or kidney disease).
- Cut down on salt to under 5 g a day, and limit papad, pickles, namkeen and processed foods.
- Don't cut out calcium — eat normal amounts of dairy. Keep meat, chicken and fish to moderate portions, and add citrus such as lemon to your water.
For the full food and lifestyle plan, read our kidney stone diet guide. You can also learn more about kidney stones and endourology procedures.
Dr. Himanshu Sharma consults at Bloomwell Consulting Suites, Kemps Corner, Mumbai. No referral is required. Call or WhatsApp +91 97465 52559.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover after RIRS?
Most people go home the same day or the next morning, return to desk work after 2–3 days and can drive after 1–2 days once off strong painkillers. Stent symptoms are expected until the stent is removed, usually 1–4 weeks after RIRS.
Is blood in the urine normal after RIRS?
Pink urine that comes and goes while the stent is in, especially after activity, is normal if it clears with fluids and rest. Heavy bleeding or thick clots that do not settle need urgent attention.
What happens if a DJ stent is not removed on time?
A forgotten stent can become blocked, infected or encrusted with stone. It must be removed or changed on the date your urologist gives you.
When is fever after RIRS an emergency?
A fever of 38°C or above, or chills and shivering, needs urgent care. Contact your urologist or go to the nearest hospital emergency department and tell them you have a stent.
Why should I save stone fragments after RIRS?
A stone analysis shows what your stone is made of, which guides the diet and medicines used to prevent new stones. Strain your urine through a tea strainer and bring fragments to your appointment.
This article provides general information for patients and families and is based on Dr. Himanshu Sharma's patient information sheet. It does not replace individual medical advice. Please follow the advice given to you personally, and speak to your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
