[Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Series of 60 cases]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Nephrolithiasis Management

Context:

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a standard treatment for large kidney stones.
• Simultaneous bilateral PCNL (SB-PCNL) offers a single-stage approach for treating stones in both kidneys.
• Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of SB-PCNL is crucial for patient selection and procedural optimization.

Purpose:

• To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SB-PCNL).
• To compare the outcomes of SB-PCNL with traditional staged PCNL procedures.
• To identify patient selection criteria and assess the safety profile of SB-PCNL.

Summary:

• Sixty patients underwent SB-PCNL for bilateral renal stones, including complete staghorn calculi.
• Stone-free rates were high, with 75% achieving this after one session; 25% required secondary procedures.
• Complications were generally low, with no blood transfusions needed and unchanged renal function at one month.

Impact:

• SB-PCNL demonstrates comparable morbidity and efficacy to staged PCNL, suggesting it as a viable option for selected patients.
• The procedure is well-tolerated, but requires careful patient selection and performance in expert centers.
• This study contributes to the understanding of SB-PCNL's role in managing bilateral nephrolithiasis.