BILATERAL SIMULTANEOUS PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY - A PROSPECTIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the feasibility and safet y of bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy (BPNL) under single anesthesia. BPNL was attempted in 16 consecutive patients with upper tract urolithiasis suitable for percutaneous treatment bilateral ly. Bilateral simultaneous PNL could be accomplished in 14 of 16 cases ; the opposite side was abandoned in 2 due to technical reasons. The o perating sides could be switched within a short period (15 min) by rot ating the patient table by 180 degrees. The average total operating ti me and irrigation time was 83 and 43 min, respectively. A total of 29 tracts and 18 sessions were required for endourologic treatment of 28 units in 14 patients. There was no significant morbidity. Complete cle arance was achieved in 11 of 14 patients; there was insignificant resi due in 1, while 2 with major residue required adjunct JJ stenting and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. The average hospital stay was 5. 4 days. After initial proficiency with endourology, preparedness for B PNL is advisable in all such cases.