Bilateral same session ureteroscopy: safety and efficacy.

Actually ureteroscopy represents the therapy of choice for the treatment of ureteric stones. In the case of bilateral synchronous ureteric calculi the options are between a staged or a synchronous procedure; the last would potentially reduce costs and the need for a second anesthetic in comparison with a staged procedure. We reviewed our experience with bilateral same session ureteroscopy and compared with staged bilateral or unilateral procedure in the same series. The size and site of the stones were similar in all groups with a mean of 8.5 x 6.51 mm (15-7 x 10-5 mm). Symptoms were compared between the groups both before and after surgery, like painful urination, flank pain, urgency, nocturia, frequency, lower abdominal pain and urinary incontinence were assessed. A slight prevalence in the presence of hematuria was present in the bilateral same session URS group, probably due to the presence of the DJ stent. Urinary discomfort was more common in this group without reaching statistical significance (p>0.05). In no case differences between groups were statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were reported between the groups regarding postoperative pain (p>0.5). In our series, bilateral synchronous ureteroscopy is a safe procedure, with high stone free rate even compared with staged bilateral and monolateral treatment. It has the advantage of saving multiple procedures and the need of a second anesthesia and hospitalization. It can be performed safely with minimal risks. The positioning of a DJ stent at the end of the procedure adds little time, preventing post-operative complications with little discomfort for the patient.