Ultrasonic scanning during operation for renal calculi

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) management often requires surgical intervention.
• Accurate localization of calculi is crucial for effective and minimally invasive stone removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of real-time B-mode ultrasound in guiding surgical procedures for nephrolithiasis.
• To assess ultrasound's role in confirming stone presence, guiding nephrotomy, and ensuring complete calculi extraction.

Main Methods:

• Real-time B-mode ultrasound scanning was employed during nephrolithiasis surgeries.
• Ultrasound was used pre-operatively to confirm calculi and intra-operatively to guide needle localization for nephrotomy.
• Post-extraction scans verified complete stone fragment removal.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound confirmed calculi presence before surgical incision in all cases.
• Precise needle guidance for intrarenal stones enabled smaller nephrotomy incisions.
• Reduced operative time and tissue manipulation were observed.
• Ultrasound was deemed helpful in 15 out of 16 surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

• Real-time ultrasound is a valuable tool in nephrolithiasis surgery.
• It enhances precision in stone localization, facilitates minimally invasive approaches, and improves surgical efficiency.
• The technology aids in confirming stone removal, potentially reducing residual fragments.