Bilateral Same Session Ureteroscopy in Patients with Multiple Stones: Is It a Safe and Effective Alternative?

Objectives:The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral same session ureteroscopy (BSSU) in cases of bilateral ureteral stones. Materials and Methods:The medical records of 721 patients who underwent ureteroscopy at our institution, between March 2014 and August 2018, were reviewed retrospectively.BSSU was performed in 46 cases (6.4%) in total.Patient and stone characteristics, stone-free rate, and complication rates were recorded eventually.Variables were compared between successful and unsuccessful cases.Results: Complete stone-free was achieved in 36 (78.2%) patients after the first session and the overall SFR was 95.7% (44/46).In 18 of the patients, at least one of the two sides had an impacted stone.The rate of stone impaction was statistically higher in unsuccessful cases (p=0.033).While postoperative bilateral JJ stent was placed in 40 of the patients, it was unilateral in 6 patients.Complications were encountered in 6 patients in total (13%).All of these complications were low grade, and 3 patients had fever and 3 patients had hematuria causing prolonged catheterization.The median hospital stay of patients was 1 (1-6) day. Conclusion:Performing BSSU in the same session in cases with bilateral ureteral stones is an effective and safe alternative with low complication and high success rates.However, patients should be informed that the possibility of inserting a JJ catheter is higher and that additional intervention may be required, especially in cases with impacted stones.