Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery: preoperative assessment with three-dimensional computed tomography

For retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using a microwave tissue coagulator, it is helpful to know the relationship between the tumour, collecting system and vessels to prevent urinary leakage and vascular damage. We assessed the efficacy of multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional (3D) CT with the renal collecting system filled with contrast medium.

Fifteen patients with small renal tumours of less than 3 cm in diameter underwent dynamic CT examination ten minutes after injection of contrast medium of 30 ml. Multiplanar reformation, volume-rendered and maximum intensity projection images were created for determining operative approaches and for planning the operation.

In all cases, the distance between the tumour and collecting system was measured on the multiplanar reformation. Accordingly, five cases were indicated for retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using a microwave tissue coagulator. The remaining ten cases, due to the short distance (less than 10mm), were not considered good candidates for this procedure. The relationship between the tumour, collecting system and vessels was well shown on the volume-rendered and maximum intensity projection images.

Multiplanar reformation and 3D-CT are able to give us an understanding of the surrounding structures. They are helpful in defining the indications for retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using a microwave tissue coagulator and preoperative planning of nephron-sparing surgery.