[Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Series of 60 cases]

Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy and morbidity of simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SB-PCNL).

From January 1993 to July 2009, 60 patients have undergone SB-PCNL over a series of 1709 PCNL. Thirty men and 30 women, mean age 45 years old (13-78), were treated for bilateral renal stones (120 kidneys) of 1177 mm(2) (268-4972 mm(2)); 25 were complete staghorn stones.

Operating time for the first side of PCNL was 80 min (30-270) and 45 min (10-90) for the opposite side. Overall OR occupation was 188 min (90-360). Forty-five patients were stone free after one session; 15 patients (25%) have a complementary treatment to be stone free: five PCNL (one bilateral); eight ESWL (four with JJ stent) and two flexible ureteroscopy. No blood transfusion was required. Renal function was unchanged at 1 month. Clavien grade for complications were as follows: two grade IIIb, one grade IVa and one grade IVb. Hospitalization stay was 4±4.9 days (2-35) taking account of two major sepsis (one pulmonary and one septicemia).

SB-PCNL was well tolerated with comparable morbidity and efficacy to PCNL performed on each side in two separate sessions. Nevertheless, SB-PCNL has to be performed for selected patients in expert centers.