Sreeharsha Urology - Dr Sreeharsha Harinatha
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Advanced Endourology: Precision Care for Stones and Prostate

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Expertise

Uro-Oncology
Kidney Transplantation
Endourology
Andrology
Reconstructive Urology
Paediatric & Adolescent Urology
Female Urology & Urogynecology
Robotic Urology

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For appointments and enquiries, please contact our patient coordinator.

Consult Dr. Sreeharsha Harinatha at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road and Jayanagar, Bengaluru.

Patient coordinator: +91 87929 66592.

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Endourology care for kidney 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.

Dr. Sreeharsha Harinatha provides individualized endourological care at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road and Jayanagar, Bengaluru, with 17+ years of experience. Treatment is selected after reviewing symptoms, imaging, infection risk and general health. Bleeding, infection and the need for further treatment remain possible.

1. Endoscopic Surgery for Prostate Enlargement

TURP removes obstructing prostate tissue using an electrical loop. Laser enucleation or vaporization are different techniques that may be suitable alternatives. The choice depends on prostate size, symptoms, other illnesses and the benefits and risks discussed during consultation.

  • Best For: Men with enlarged prostates causing weak urine flow or frequent nighttime urination.
  • Planning: Some laser techniques may reduce bleeding compared with TURP, but no procedure is bloodless. Blood-thinning medicines require an individualized plan; do not stop them without medical advice.

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.
  • Selection: RIRS is an option for selected kidney stones. Stone size, location, anatomy and infection affect the choice; larger burdens may need staged treatment.

3. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

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

  • The procedure: PCNL reaches the kidney through a tract made via the skin. Tract size and instruments vary; miniaturized approaches may be appropriate in selected cases.
  • 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: Some ureteroscopies allow same-day discharge. Recovery depends on the procedure, any stent and the patient’s condition.

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. Stone clearance: Laser fragmentation and basket retrieval are chosen for the stone. Follow-up imaging may be needed to assess residual fragments.
  2. Access: Many procedures use natural urinary openings; PCNL requires a skin tract. Each approach has specific risks and recovery needs.

At a glance

Endourology treats kidney stones and prostate enlargement through natural passages using telescopes and lasers, without large cuts. Options include URS and RIRS (laser surgery for kidney stones), PCNL for large stones, and TURP or laser prostate surgery. Most patients go home within 24–48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaesthesia is used during surgery. Afterwards, discomfort, burning or stent-related symptoms can occur. Pain control and recovery instructions depend on the procedure.

Hospital stay and return to work vary with the operation and your health. Your surgeon will advise on exercise, lifting and follow-up.

A catheter, ureteric stent or kidney drainage tube may be needed. The team will explain its purpose and arrange removal or review.

Suitability depends on health, anaesthetic assessment and expected benefit rather than age alone. Medicines and bleeding or infection risks are reviewed.

A DJ stent is a temporary tube in the ureter that supports drainage. It can cause frequency, pain or blood in urine. Follow the planned removal date; seek urgent help for fever, worsening pain or inability to urinate.

It depends on the stone's size, location and hardness. Stones under 5 mm often pass with fluids and medicines. Stones up to about 2 cm are usually treated with RIRS or URS using a laser, and larger or staghorn stones with PCNL. Shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) suits selected small kidney stones.

No. RIRS and URS are done under spinal or general anaesthesia, with no skin incision. Mild discomfort or burning while passing urine for a few days is common, especially if a temporary DJ stent is placed.

Surgery is advised when a stone is larger than about 6–8 mm, blocks the kidney, causes infection or uncontrolled pain, or fails to pass within 4–6 weeks. Infection with a blocked kidney is an emergency and needs urgent drainage.