OBJECTIVES:: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is indicated to patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) with poor response to medical therapy. DBS is performed by surgically implant devices in the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna. The objective of this study was to compare bilateral implantation with the unilateral, now in use, in relation to post-operative symptoms, quality of life (QoL), side effects and costs. It was used to make a recommendation to a university hospital (HC - Unicamp), attending patients of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS), about the incorporation of the bilateral system. METHODS:: A literature search for comparative studies, randomized or not, of unilateral and bilateral DBS was performed at PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Inahta databases, from 2009 to 2017. The following PICO was applied: Patients with advanced PD; Bilateral DBS system; Unilateral DBS system; symptoms improvement, QoL, side effects, and costs. RESULTS:: At PubMed 57 studies were identified, 8 were selected by the title and abstract, of those 4 were selected after full article reading. At Embase we found 40 studies, selected 4 by title and abstract, and 1 after full reading. At Cochrane 35, and at Inahta 9 papers were obtained, but none were selected. The 5 studies (Lizarraga et al., 2016; Petraglia et al., 2016; Park et al., 2012; Sjoberg at al., 2012; Taba et al., 2010) did not show significant difference between the two systems in relation to effectiveness. However, using Brazilian prices, quoted in October 2016, the cost of the bilateral system was 3.75 to 6.25 higher than the unilateral system. CONCLUSIONS:: Considering the weak evidences about effectiveness differences between the two DBS systems, and the very higher costs of the bilateral system, the recommendation was against incorporation of this technology at HC - Unicamp, and suggestion for technology watch/horizon scanning.