Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Twenty three simultaneous bilateral nephrolithotomy cases performed in a remote area of the country are presented. The method was applied to the properly selected patients, considering the size, shape and position of the bilateral kidney stones. Minimum age of the patient was 4 years and maximum 70 years. In our opinion simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy [SBPN] is the treatment of choice in properly selected cases with bilateral renal stones. It is even beneficial in cases who have dense and staghorn stones where Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy [ESWL] does not work. It is advantageous for the patient to be operated upon through SBPN as compared to consecutive percutaneous operations or open nephrolithotomy. This procedure is less time consuming for the urologist. Risk of operative and postoperative complications is negligible and hospital stay is short. The patient can resume his daily routine life at the earliest and it is cost effective procedure for him