Prospective Evaluation of Bilateral Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: Is It Really Safe?

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the outcomes of bilateral same-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (BSS RIRS) with unilateral RIRS and to compare the outcomes of first with second operated kidneys in BSS RIRS. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive symptomatic adult patients with kidney stones up to 20 mm who accepted to be treated by RIRS were prospectively studied. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated by non-contrast CT for each renal unit, and surgical complications were evaluated based on Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: SFR (73.9% vs 76.1%, p = 0.830) and hospitalization time (14.43 ± 18.81 hours vs 13.00 ± 4.89 hours, p = 0.564) were similar between unilateral and BSS RIRS groups, with less consumption of disposable devices in BSS RIRS (p = 0.017). Operative time was longer in BSS RIRS (61.24 ± 26.62 minutes vs 88.65 ± 33.19 minutes, p < 0.001). Bilateral group had significant more overall complications by Clavien-Dindo classification than unilateral (15.9% vs 39.9%, p = 0.030) and more emergency room (ER) visits (11.6% vs 34.8%, p = 0.026). Moreover, although both groups temporarily increased creatinine levels, it was significantly higher in bilateral RIRS (p = 0.019). First operated kidney outcomes were similar to second operated kidney outcomes of BSS RIRS. Conclusion: Although BSS RIRS had similar SFR and consumed less disposable devices, it had a higher overall complication rate, a higher frequency of ER visits, and higher creatinine levels during follow-up than unilateral RIRS. There is no significant outcome difference between first and second operated kidneys in BSS RIRS.