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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Single Port Donor Nephrectomy
Published on: March 12, 2011
[Navigation systems for the percutaneous access to the kidney]
M-C Rassweiler-Seyfried1, E Lima2, M Ritter3
1Klinik für Urologie und Urochirurgie, Universitätsmedzin Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufter 1-3, 68161, Mannheim, Deutschland. marie-claire.rassweiler@umm.de.
Navigating the renal pelvis for percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PCNL) is challenging. New intraoperative navigation techniques show promise in simplifying this step and reducing complications, though further clinical studies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
Background:
- Percutaneous access to the renal pelvis is a critical and challenging step in percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PCNL).
- Advanced imaging and navigation technologies aim to simplify renal access and minimize complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate various novel techniques for puncturing the renal collecting system.
- To assess the advantages and disadvantages of different renal access navigation methods.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE.
- Included studies focused on puncture techniques that have undergone clinical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Five distinct navigation methods for renal pelvis puncture prior to PCNL were identified.
- The combination of ultrasound and fluoroscopy is currently considered the gold standard.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative navigation can aid in puncturing the renal collecting system.
- Further prospective clinical studies are required to determine the optimal new imaging and navigation systems for facilitating renal access, especially in complex anatomical cases.
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