Bilateral single-session percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A feasible and safetreatment

Background and Purpose: The treatment of bilateral urinary calculus disease is often staged, irrespective of the modality of the treatment. Bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is still considered by man y to be adventurous and risky. We carried out this prospective study of bil ateral PCNL under a single anesthesia to study the feasibility, success rat e, and complications if any. Patients and Method: From September 1996 to May 1999, 25 consecutive medica lly fit patients with bilateral renal calculi needing PCNL were subjected t o bilateral PCNL under a single anesthesia. Results: The PCNL could be accomplished bilaterally in 24 patients (96%), I n one patient, the second-side PCNL was abandoned because of excessive blee ding on the first side. A total of 58 tracts and 27 sessions were required for complete treatment of the 48 renal units in the 24 successfully treated patients. The average operating time required for the procedure was 122 mi nutes. Nineteen patients were rendered stone free in one session, and two m ore patients were made stone free in a second session. Four renal units in three patients with residual calculi were cleared with double-J stenting an d SWL. Conclusion: Bilateral PCNL in a single session is feasible and safe and can be carried out without increased morbidity, We advocate that an endourolog ist be prepared for bilateral PCNL in the patients in whom it is indicated. The opposite-side PCNL can be done if the first-side treatment is accompli shed smoothly and in a reasonable time.