Hung up with a Huang class 4: our experience with bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis in a COVID 19 patient

The COVID 19 pandemic has forced us to rethink our management strategies for surgical diseases. Patients with COVID 19 have increased risk of morbidity and mortality after surgical intervention. Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is often seen in diabetics and can be a life threatening condition. All patients require immediate treatment with antibiotics and close monitoring. Bilateral EPN is a rare entity seen in less than 10% of patients. We present a case of bilateral EPN in a COVID positive patient which was successfully managed conservatively. A 70 year old hypertensive female, presented to us with fever, breathlessness, loss of appetite, generalised weakness requiring oxygen supplementation & was diagnosed with COVID 19. Bilateral EPN (Grade 4) with perinephric collections was found on evaluation for acute kidney injury. She underwent bilateral pig tail insertion followed by bilateral DJ stenting after stabilization. She recovered dramatically, blood parameters improved and was discharged. At 1 year of follow up, patient was doing well. In the present COVID-19 pandemic where case selection for surgical intervention is crucial, we would like to highlight how a conservative approach for even Class 4 EPN is feasible after weighing the risks and benefits of the same. Patients can be spared the immediate morbidity and mortality risks due to surgical intervention during COVID 19 infection. Triaging surgical intervention can also help in better utilization of critical care facilities and man power, both invaluable in the ongoing crisis.