Intraoperative localisation and management of renal calculi during nephrolithotomy by real-time ultrasonography
Marino, G.; Gamba, P.; Del Noce, G.; Pugno, E.; Bradac, R.; Garberoglio, R.; Laudi, M.
Archivio Italiano di Urologia Andrologia Organo Ufficiale di Societa Italiana di Ecografia Urologica e Nefrologica 74(4): 197-199
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1124-3562 PMID: 12508730 Document Number: 542678
To evaluate the role of ultrasound as a sole procedure for intraoperative localisation and management of complex renal calculi. 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. Complete stone removal was achieved in all patients without complications. 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.