RIRS uses a laser and a fiberoptic endoscope, a viewing tube that passes through the urethra and into the kidney to remove stones without making any incisions on the kidney. Under general, local, or spinal anaesthesia, it is carried out. A specialist urologist with RIRS training is required for this surgery.

The scope is inserted into the ureter, then into the kidney's portion that collects urine to carry out this surgery. As a result, the scope is advanced retrogradely, or up the urinary tract system, to the kidney itself, or intrarenally. Once the scope is in position, the doctor can see the stone and use an ultrasonic probe, a laser probe, a small pair of forceps, or other tools to manipulate or remove it.

Choosing RIRS over open surgery has a number of benefits, including rapid issue resolution, the removal of protracted post-operative discomfort, and a significantly shorter recovery time.

A minimally invasive urological technique called RIRS is typically employed in conditions that would otherwise be challenging to treat, like: