Anterior transperitoneal approach for stone removal in horseshoe kidneys (its advantage for bilateral stones)

The anterior transperitoneal approach for removal of stone from a horseshoe kidney is described. The valuable advantages inherent in this technique have been shown in 13 patients, 7 with unilateral calculus and 6 with bilateral calculi, and all with horseshoe kidneys. No urinary leak occurred and the post-operative course was uneventful. The operative field is extensive and a good exposure of both sides of the horseshoe kidney can be obtained, enabling bilateral pyelolithotomy or other conservative renal procedures to be performed.