[The value of hypothermia methods in operative stone removal]

In spite of the possibility of using ultrasound for identification of stone fragments and vascular localisation, it is still necessary to clamp the renal vascular pedicle in selected cases. In situ perfusion achieves a nearly complete restoration of renal function, but requires a more sophisticated technique and preoperative planning. Surface cooling on the other hand is universally applicable and can be used during surgery, when unforeseen clamping of the renal pedicle is needed.