Advanced Endourology: Precision Care for Stones and Prostate

Advanced Endourology Precision Care for Stones and Prostate

Endourology represents the frontier of modern urological care. Unlike traditional “open” surgery, Endourology uses small cameras (endoscopes) and specialized instruments inserted through the body’s natural urinary tract or tiny incisions.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sreeharsha Harinatha, a specialist with over 15 years of experience and international training in France and Germany, our center utilizes the latest Holmium and Thulium laser technologies to provide bloodless, stitchless, and rapid-recovery solutions for kidney stones and prostate enlargement.

1. Laser TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

Laser TURP is the gold standard for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). While traditional TURP used an electric wire to cut tissue, Laser TURP uses high-intensity light to vaporize or “enucleate” the obstructing prostate gland.

  • Best For: Men with enlarged prostates causing weak urine flow or frequent nighttime urination.
  • The Advantage: Significantly less bleeding than traditional surgery, making it safer for patients on blood thinners. Most patients return home within 24–48 hours.

2. RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

RIRS is a major breakthrough in kidney stone management. It involves passing a highly flexible ureteroscope through the urethra, up the ureter, and directly into the kidney’s small chambers.

  • The Procedure: Once the stone is located, a Holmium laser fiber is used to “dust” the stone into sand-like particles that pass out naturally in the urine.
  • Best For: Stones up to 2cm, stones located in difficult-to-reach parts of the kidney, or patients who want to avoid external incisions.

3. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

For very large or complex “staghorn” stones that cannot be managed by RIRS, PCNL is the preferred choice.

  • The Procedure: A tiny incision (less than 1cm) is made in the back to create a direct tunnel to the kidney. An ultrasound or laser probe breaks the stone into fragments, which are then physically removed.
  • Innovations: Dr. Sreeharsha utilizes Mini-PCNL and Ultra-mini PCNL techniques, which use even smaller instruments to minimize trauma to the kidney tissue and reduce post-operative pain.

4. URS (Ureteroscopy)

URS is typically used for stones lodged in the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder).

  • The Procedure: A rigid or semi-rigid scope is used to reach the stone. The laser fragments the stone, and a small “basket” tool is often used to retrieve the pieces immediately.
  • Recovery: This is usually a daycare procedure, allowing patients to return to work within a couple of days.

5. TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor)

TURBT is the critical first step in both diagnosing and treating bladder cancer.

  • The Procedure: The surgeon uses a cystoscope to visualize the inside of the bladder and removes the tumor using an endoscopic loop or laser.
  • Pathology: The removed tissue is sent for biopsy to determine the grade and stage of the cancer, which guides all future treatment decisions.

Why Choose Dr. Sreeharsha Harinatha for Endourology?

  1. Laser Expertise: We utilize advanced Holmium:YAG lasers, allowing for “Dusting” and “Popcorning” techniques that leave no large fragments behind.
  2. Stitchless Recovery: 95% of our endourological procedures involve zero external incisions.
  3. Advanced Imaging: We use high-definition digital scopes and MRI-USG fusion guidance for maximum precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because these procedures use natural body openings, there is no "surgical wound" in the traditional sense. Most patients experience mild discomfort or a "burning" sensation during urination for 24–48 hours, which is easily managed with oral medication.

Most patients are discharged from the hospital the day after the procedure. You can typically resume light desk work within 3–4 days and full physical activity within 2 weeks.

In most cases of Laser TURP or PCNL, a temporary catheter is placed for 1–2 days to allow the urinary tract to heal and ensure easy drainage. For simple URS or RIRS, a catheter may not even be necessary.

Yes. One of the primary benefits of laser-based endourology is its safety profile for elderly patients or those with heart conditions, as it minimizes the time under anesthesia and the risk of blood loss.

After stone surgery (RIRS/URS), a thin, flexible tube called a DJ Stent is often left in the ureter for 1–2 weeks. This ensures the ureter doesn't swell shut and allows stone dust to pass without causing "renal colic" pain.