How long does kidney stone surgery take?

Most kidney stone procedures take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the type of surgery, the size and location of the stone, and its complexity. Minimally invasive procedures such as ESWL, URS, RIRS, and PCNL have different procedure times, and your urologist will explain the expected duration before surgery.

The duration of kidney stone surgery varies from one patient to another. Factors such as the size, number, and location of the stones, as well as the chosen treatment method, influence how long the procedure will take.

Typical procedure times

ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy)

• Usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
• Since there is no incision, patients are often discharged on the same day.

URS (Ureteroscopy)

• Usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.
• The exact duration depends on the size and location of the ureteric stone.

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

• Generally takes 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Larger or multiple kidney stones may require additional time.

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

• Usually takes 1 to 2 hours, although more complex cases may take longer.
• This procedure is commonly performed for large or multiple kidney stones.

What affects the duration of surgery?

Several factors influence how long kidney stone surgery may take, including:

• Stone size
• Number of stones
• Stone location
• Stone hardness
• Kidney anatomy
• Previous surgeries
• Need for placement of a DJ stent
• Complexity of the procedure

Your surgeon will evaluate these factors and explain the expected procedure time before treatment.

Will I need to stay in the hospital?

Hospital stay depends on the procedure performed.

• ESWL is commonly a day-care procedure.
• URS and RIRS may require a short hospital stay or same-day discharge in suitable cases.
• PCNL usually requires a slightly longer hospital stay for observation and recovery.

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate postoperative care based on your condition.

SCI International Hospital / Dr. Gautam Banga

At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, performs advanced kidney stone procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Whether the treatment involves ESWL, URS, RIRS, or PCNL, every procedure is carefully planned to ensure safe and efficient stone removal while minimizing operative time and promoting a faster recovery.