Its recovery is smooth and manageable, most times. The overall experience is easier, as long as there is a pre-determined anticipation and care. Both after RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) and PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy), you have to know your way around the recovery time balance sheet, and how to care about yourself with the help of post operative help.

This is an idea of what most patients can expect in the recovery process:

1. Mild Pain

• After surgery, it is expected that one will have mild and moderate pain in the lower back, sides, or abdomen.
• Such discomfort normally lessens in a few days and can be easily treated by the usage of prescribed pain medicines.
• In case a stent has been inserted in the process, it may lead to slight irritation particularly when passing urine.

2. Fatigue & Exhaustion

• It is normal to be a bit burnt out or low in energy during the first few days after surgery.
• Your body requires rest in order to re-build, give it time to rest and not go overboard.

3. Urine with blood in it

• The occurrence of pink or reddish urine immediately after the surgery is a common thing that normally disappears after 24-48 hours.
• But in case your bleeding appears to be too much or it is lasting more than a few days then report to your doctor.

4. Urination & Sensation of Stent

• You might need to urinate more often or will have slight burning during urination.
• This is because particularly when the kidney was fitted with a ureteral stent; a temporary tube which helps the urine to flow out of the kidney.
• Increased water intake will make one feel better and it flushes the system.

5. Prescriptions and Prevention

• An antibiotic will be prescribed to help you avoid infections and a pain reliever will be provided in times of post-op pains.
• Relaxants can also be given to some patients in the situation where there is irritation because of the stent.

6. Diet and Hydration

• Drink plenty of water, consult a doctor to know how much at least you need to drink (810 glasses of water a day).
• Stay off caffeine, carbonated beverages or foods that are high in oxalates a couple of days.
• Adhere to any diet restriction provided to you by your physician depending on the type of stone (e.g., calcium oxalate, uric acid).

7. Activity and work

• It is important to avoid lifting heavy items or running and intense activities preferably within 5-7 days.
• To enhance the circulation of blood and clots, there is light walking that is encouraged.
• Depending on the job and other general health factors, most patients may resume working and other normal activities in a span of one week.

8. Follow-up and Long-term care

• A postoperative follow-up is usually organized in 7-10 days after the surgery.
• When you have a stent, your doctor will tell you when this stent must be removed (this is done in about 121-2 weeks).
• It is recommended that regular check-up and even even metabolic work up can be done to avoid future development of stones.

Get your body to recover, keep yourself hydrated, drink and eat appropriately and do not miss follow-ups. Once taken good care of, you will be back to normal life very soon and you will be much more prepared to prevent kidney stones next time.