Bilateral single-session percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a feasible and safe treatment.

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 many to be adventurous and risky. We carried out this prospective study of bilateral PCNL under a single anesthesia to study the feasibility, success rate, and complications if any.

Patients And Method: From September 1996 to May 1999, 25 consecutive medically fit patients with bilateral renal calculi needing PCNL were subjected to bilateral PCNL under a single anesthesia.

Results: The PCNL could be accomplished bilaterally in 24 patients (96%). In one patient, the second-side PCNL was abandoned because of excessive bleeding 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 minutes. Nineteen patients were rendered stone free in one session, and two more patients were made stone free in a second session. Four renal units in three patients with residual calculi were cleared with double-J stenting and SWL.

Conclusion: Bilateral PCNL in a single session is feasible and safe and can be carried out without increased morbidity. We advocate that an endourologist 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 accomplished smoothly and in a reasonable time.