Intraoperative localisation and management of renal calculi during nephrolithotomy by real-time ultrasonography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of ultrasound as a sole procedure for intraoperative localisation and management of complex renal calculi.


METHODS
Between September 1997 and November 2001, 16 patients underwent complex surgery for multiple, large or recurrent renal stones using the ultrasound image as a the sole intraoperative diagnostic procedure. A 8.5 MHz sector transducer with a pulse Doppler signal was used to identify the avascular area, the shortest distance between the renal surface and the stone.


RESULTS
Complete stone removal was achieved in all patients without complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative sonography for localisation of the intrarenal arteries combined with B scan sonography for intraoperative localisation of stones allows complete removal via radial nephrotomies without peduncle clamping and cooling procedure. The advantage is the exact and quick localisation of stones avoiding X-ray.
Marino
Gaetano
G
Service of Sonography, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy.
Gamba
Patrizia
P
Del Noce
Giorgio
G
Pugno
Enzo
E
Bradac
Roberto
R
Garberoglio
Roberto
R
Laudi
Marco
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous; D014463:Ultrasonography