Severe flank pain, nausea, blood in urine, sleepless nights—kidney stones can take over life fast. If that’s you (or a loved one), you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. At Ray & Rio’s Speciality Clinic in Chennai (Neelankarai–ECR & Egmore), Dr. Griffin and our urology team perform advanced laser kidney stone surgery (RIRS/URS) that gets you back to normal—with accountable, compassionate care from consultation to recovery.

What patients usually feel (and when to get urgent help)

• Common symptoms: sudden flank/side pain that comes in waves, nausea/vomiting, burning urination, blood in urine, frequent urges, or difficulty passing urine.

• Red flags—seek urgent care: fever/chills, pain with vomiting you can’t control, one working kidney, or inability to pass urine. These can signal infection or blockage and need quick attention.

Your first visit at Ray & Rio (Neelankarai–ECR & Egmore)

We start by listening. You’ll meet our stone-care nurse and Dr. Griffin (Senior Consultant Urologist & Endourologist; 15,000+ procedures; national trainer in endoscopic & laser stone surgery). We’ll map your symptoms, medical history (including blood thinners), and previous reports. Then we create a same-day plan to control pain and move efficiently to diagnosis—no unnecessary tests, no delays.

Investigations we typically (and sensibly) order

To tailor the safest, most effective treatment:

• Urine analysis & culture – to rule out/clear infection before any stone procedure.

• Kidney function bloods – creatinine, electrolytes.

• Imaging – ultrasound and, when planning surgery, low‑dose CT KUB to pinpoint size, location, and density (helps pick the best option). CT is the pre‑procedural standard for planning many stone surgeries; we also follow strict antibiotic prophylaxis for endourological cases.

(Why this matters: choosing the right option depends on stone size, location—especially if it’s in the lower pole—and hardness/density.)

Your treatment options in plain English

1) Watchful waiting / medicines (selected small ureteric stones)

For small ureteric stones without complications, observation and medical expulsive therapy may be reasonable; for many others, ureteroscopy (URS) clears stones in a single sitting more reliably than shock waves.

2) Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

Non‑invasive sound waves break stones from outside. Works best for certain sizes and locations; less effective for many lower‑pole stones or very hard (high‑density) stones.

3) Laser Ureteroscopy / RIRS (what most people mean by “laser kidney stone surgery”)

A pencil‑thin scope passes through the natural urinary passage up to the ureter/kidney; a laser dusts or fragments the stone, and tiny baskets may remove pieces. Usually a day‑care procedure; a temporary stent may be placed for drainage and comfort. Many patients return to light work in a few days, with 7 days a common window to normal activity in hospital leaflets.

Normal after-effects with a stent: urinary frequency/urgency, flank discomfort, and blood‑tinged urine—all usually settle; stents are temporary and must be removed on schedule. We’ll give you clear written instructions and red‑flag symptoms.

4) PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

Through a small back puncture, instruments directly access the kidney to remove larger stones (>2 cm) or complex burdens; typically involves a short hospital stay. Guidelines list PCNL as first‑line for stones >2 cm.

When RIRS/URS “beats” PCNL

There isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all. We individualise. But these are common scenarios where RIRS/URS is preferred:

• Stones up to 2 cm (especially non‑lower‑pole): endourology (URS/RIRS) is guideline‑supported and often chosen for faster recovery and minimal invasiveness.

• Lower‑pole stones ~1–2 cm when you want to avoid a puncture—RIRS is an excellent option (SWL is less effective here; RIRS or PCNL are advised).

• You can’t safely stop blood thinners: flexible URS is the preferred intervention if stone removal is essential and antithrombotics can’t be discontinued.

• Severe obesity: URS is recommended as first‑line for ureteral (and renal) stones.

• Quicker recovery / less bleeding risk desired: contemporary reviews show PCNL has higher stone‑free rates (especially as size increases) but also higher complication rates and longer hospital stay; RIRS offers shorter stays and fewer complications, which can matter for at‑risk patients.

Where PCNL still shines: very large (>2 cm) burdens, staghorn stones, or anatomy that limits scope access—Dr. Griffin will explain if PCNL is objectively safer or more definitive in your case.

What your RIRS/URS journey looks like with us

1. Pre‑op: confirm imaging, urine culture negative, anaesthesia check, medications reviewed (we coordinate anticoagulant plans).

2. Procedure (60–90 min typical, varies): flexible scope via natural passage; Holmium or Thulium laser to dust/break the stone; stent if needed.

3. Home the same day in most cases with pain control, antibiotics if indicated, and a clear recovery plan. Return to routine activities in ~3–7 days (we personalise this to your job and comfort).

4. Stent removal (if placed): quick visit once swelling settles—stents are temporary

5. Prevention plan (if you’ve had repeat stones): hydration targets, diet pointers, and, if appropriate, 24‑hour urine testing.

Recovery—what’s normal, and when to call us

• Common and expected (first few days): burning to pass urine, urinary frequency/urgency, mild flank ache, light blood‑tinged urine. Walking and hydration help. Baus

• Call immediately if: fever/chills, worsening flank pain despite medicines, inability to pass urine, heavy clots, or severe nausea/vomiting. (We’ll give you a 24×7 number on discharge.)

Cost of laser kidney stone surgery in Chennai (what drives it)

Costs vary by stone size/number, hardness, anatomy, disposables (laser fibres, access sheath), admission needs, and insurance terms. Independent Indian healthcare sites list approximate Chennai ranges. Your final estimate depends on imaging, consumables, room choice, insurance/network, and whether two sittings are wiser for safety. We’ll explain every line item upfront—no surprises.

Why Ray & Rio for laser stone surgery in Chennai

• Dr. Griffin, Senior Consultant Urologist & Endourologist—15,000+ urological procedures, national trainer; known for avoiding open surgery using endoscopic/laser techniques whenever safely possible.

• Two accessible branches: Neelankarai (ECR)—Block A, Plot B1, 12th Cross St, Ranga Reddy Gardens, Saraswathy Nagar North; Egmore—No. 14/31, First Street, Sait Colony, Egmore, Chennai 600008.

• Accountable care: evidence‑based choices (EAU/AUA guidelines), transparent costs, and a prevention plan so stone trouble doesn’t keep coming back.

FAQs (quick answers)

Is RIRS painful?
You’re under anaesthesia during the procedure. Afterwards, mild burning/frequency are common if a stent is in place; we give simple strategies to ease this and remove the stent on schedule.

How soon can I work or travel after RIRS/URS?
Many patients are back to desk work in 3–7 days; listen to your body and our written plan.

I’m on blood thinners—can I still have RIRS?
If you cannot safely stop them, flexible ureteroscopy is the preferred option; we coordinate with your physician.

Lower‑pole stone—SWL, RIRS or PCNL?
For >1 cm lower‑pole stones, RIRS or PCNL are typically more effective than SWL; we’ll explain pros/cons for your anatomy.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Book your consult with Dr. Griffin at the branch most convenient to you:
Neelankarai (ECR) or Egmore, Chennai.
Call/WhatsApp: +91 98405 19139 or use the “Quick Booking” option on our site.
Bring your ultrasound/CT if you have one—we’ll give you a clear, personalised plan the same day.