Urology & Renal Sciences
PCNL & Laser Kidney Stone Surgery (RIRS)
Minimally invasive removal of kidney stones using a flexible scope and laser (RIRS) or a keyhole tract through the back (PCNL).
- India average (estimate)
- $2,700Estimated package range: $2,000 – $3,300
- vs United Kingdom
- $6,000 – $10,000Saving in India: 45–80%
- vs United States
- $15,000 – $30,000Saving in India: 78–93%
- vs United Arab Emirates
- $6,000 – $12,000Saving in India: 45–83%
Estimated package ranges in USD. Typically excluded: implant upgrades, specialised drugs and extended ICU days.
Clinical overview
Conditions treated
- Kidney stones larger than about 6–7 mm
- Stones causing blockage, pain or infection
- Stones not cleared by shock-wave lithotripsy
- Large or branching (staghorn) stones
Who is a candidate?
- Kidney stones larger than about 6–7 mm unlikely to pass on their own
- Recurrent pain, infection or blockage caused by stones
- Stones that failed shock-wave lithotripsy
- Large or complex (staghorn) stones, usually treated with PCNL
Surgical techniques
Minimally invasive
RIRS (laser lithotripsy)
A flexible scope through the urinary passage and a laser break up the stone, with no incision.
Minimally invasive
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy)
A keyhole tract through the back removes large or complex stones.
Non-surgical
Shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
External shock waves fragment smaller stones; may need repeat sessions.
How kidney stones are removed
RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) passes a thin flexible scope through the natural urinary passage into the kidney, where a laser breaks the stone into dust or small fragments. There is no incision.
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) creates a small keyhole tract through the back directly into the kidney. It is the most effective option for large or branching stones.
Recovery
Most patients go home within one or two days and return to normal activity within a week. Drinking plenty of water and following the prevention plan for your stone type reduces the chance of new stones.
What to send for a quote
Send a non-contrast CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT KUB), a recent urine test and kidney function results, and details of any previous stone procedures.
Typical hospital stay & recovery
- Pre-op work-up
- 1 days
- Room
- 2 days
- Local stay before flying
- 3 days
Time in India: 5–7 days· Recovery: 1–2 weeks
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Urology consult, non-contrast CT KUB review, urine culture and blood tests.
Day 2
RIRS or PCNL under anaesthesia, usually 1–2 hours.
Days 2–4
Short hospital stay; most RIRS patients go home the next day.
Days 5–7
Follow-up imaging and clearance to fly; a temporary stent may stay in place.
Weeks 2–4
Stent removal (can be done at home) and a stone-prevention plan.
Package inclusions & standard exclusions
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Urologist and anaesthesia fees | A second procedure for residual stones |
| Operating theatre, scope and laser fibre charges | Stone composition analysis if not included |
| Ureteric stent | Stent removal after returning home |
| Hospital stay in the chosen room category | Hotel stay, flights and visa fees |
| Extended stay or specialised antibiotics if infection develops |
Cost comparison
| Country | Estimated package range (USD) | Saving in India |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2,000 – $3,300 | — |
| United States | $15,000 – $30,000 | 78–93% |
| United Kingdom | $6,000 – $10,000 | 45–80% |
| United Arab Emirates | $6,000 – $12,000 | 45–83% |
| Türkiye | $3,000 – $5,000 | 0–60% |
Indicative prices in USD for planning only. Your final quote depends on your medical reports and the treating hospital.
Disclaimer: India Care Bridge is an independent medical travel facilitation platform. Hospital names, facility overviews, and doctor credentials referenced on this website are for general informational, educational, and nominative identification purposes only. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. India Care Bridge is not the official website of any hospital listed and does not directly provide medical diagnoses. Treatment estimates are indicative and subject to in-person clinical evaluation.
Available hospital infrastructure
Facilities typically required for this procedure:
- Holmium laser and flexible ureteroscopes
- Fluoroscopy-equipped urology theatre
- CT KUB imaging
- Stone composition analysis
Hospitals profiled on this site with a relevant department
- Sarvesh Health City · Hisar, Haryana · NABHUrology & Renal Sciences
Hospitals are named for identification only. Procedure availability, eligibility and final costs are confirmed by the hospital after reviewing your reports.
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Frequently asked questions
RIRS or PCNL, which is better?
RIRS suits most stones up to about 2 cm and needs no incision. PCNL is preferred for larger or complex stones. The urologist recommends one after reviewing your CT scan.
Will I have a stent?
A small temporary stent is often placed to help drainage and is removed after one to three weeks, which can be done by a urologist in your home country.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes, so you receive a prevention plan based on your stone type, diet and fluid intake.
Last reviewed Nov 3, 2026.
Estimate your package
Tier 1: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru. Tier 2: Hisar, Kochi, Jaipur and similar.
Package breakdown
- Surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- $640
- Theatre, implants & consumables
- $1,200
- Pre-surgery investigations
- $160
- Hospital stay · 2 days
- $190
- ICU · 0 days
- $0
- Airport pickup & drop
- $150
Estimated package (indicative)
$2,350
- You save about 90% vs. United States
- You save about 71% vs. United Kingdom
- You save about 74% vs. United Arab Emirates
- You save about 41% vs. Türkiye
Indicative prices in USD for planning only. Your final quote depends on your medical reports and the treating hospital.