How the Word Bilateral Is Used in Medicine

Bilateral means "on both sides". The term is derived from Latin, "bi" means two, and "lateral" means to the side. 

In medicine, bilateral refers to both sides of the body or two of something. Bilateral ankle fractures would mean both ankles are fractured. Bilateral inguinal hernias would mean that both inguinal areas, left and right, have hernias. Many things in the human body are bilateral, as our bodies are frequently mirror images on the left and right, such as the kidneys and lungs. The heart is a notable exception, as are the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, but even the brain has halves that are mirror images.

Medical problems often affect both sides of the human body, but this is not always the case. For example, if you have plaque building up in the artery in one side of the neck, it is possible that you have bilateral carotid artery plaque buildup. Accidents and trauma are less likely to be bilateral problems. 

Good things can be bilateral as well, such as when a provider listens to your lungs and says they are "clear bilaterally." This means that both lungs sound as they should. 

Bilateral Versus Unilateral

The opposite of bilateral is unilateral, which means "on one side." So if a patient has one broken ankle, it would be fair to say that they have a unilateral ankle fracture. One could also have unilateral pneumonia, meaning that only one lung is affected by the illness and the other is functioning well.

Examples

The patient was diagnosed with bilateral kidney cancer, but a bilateral nephrectomy, or surgery to remove the kidneys, would mean that the patient would be on dialysis for the rest of their life unless they obtained a kidney transplant.

By performing bilateral carpal tunnel release procedures instead of unilateral procedures on different days, the patient only had to go through one recovery period instead of two.

The patient was planning to go to a rehabilitation facility for a few weeks after surgery, both of their arms were in casts after the surgery to repair bilateral fractures, so they would need assistance to care for themselves and take care of their basic needs. 

Many patients choose to have a bilateral knee replacement instead of a unilateral procedure followed by a second unilateral procedure a few months later. This is because they are able to recover one time rather than two times, and only require anesthesia for one procedure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bilateral ultrasound?

A bilateral ultrasound looks at body parts on both the right and left side. For example, a bilateral breast ultrasound would be used to evaluate tissue in both the right and left breasts.

What does bilateral symmetry mean?

Bilateral symmetry means the left side is a mirror image of the right side. Many of your external features are bilaterally symmetrical, such as having two arms, while your internal anatomy is often asymmetrical, such as having one liver, located on your right side.