Intraoperative sonography of renal tumors

Intraoperative sonography (7.5 MHz. transducer with Doppler probe) was used to evaluate renal masses in 41 kidneys to determine its correlation with pathological findings. This intraoperative determination of the extent of the renal lesion prompted occasional changes in surgical management. We conclude that intraoperative sonography is most useful in partial nephrectomy, and helps to determine the extent of tumor, multicentricity, venous extension and associated cysts. These findings may not be appreciated with intraoperative, visual inspection of the kidney.