Bilateral single session ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi : is it safe and effective

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the feasibility; safety and success rate of bilateral single session rigid retrograde ureteroscopy (URS) for bilateral ureteral calculi. Patients and Methods: Thirty-five patients underwent bilateral single session ureteroscopic calculus removal. Results: Out of 70 renal units in 35 patients treated; clearance of the calculus was successful in the first session of ureteroscopy in 63 (90). A total of 28 patients (80) were completely rendered stone-free bilaterally in one operative session. Two patients needed a second session of URS; while five required ESWL for residual or migrated stone fragments. No major procedure-related complications were encountered in any of our patients. Conclusion: Bilateral single-session rigid URS for ureteral calculi is feasible; safe and effective. There is no significant increase in ureteroscopy-related complications. It spares the patients a second anaesthesia and a second procedure and; thus; reduces the total hospital stay; total expenditure and enables the patient to resume work earlier