[Postoperative evaluation of renal cell carcinoma in the abdominal computed tomography]

Two hundred one abdominal CT scans were performed in 93 patients who had undergone previous nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Three had local recurrence and nine had metastatic lesions. Local recurrence and metastatic lesions were detected from 7 months to 6 years and 4 months after nephrectomy (median 2 years and 9 months). Local recurrent lesions were detected as masses in the vacant renal fossa. Metastatic lesions of the abdomen were seen in adrenal gland, liver, contralateral kidney, bone, etc. Administration of oral contrast material was useful to differentiate these recurrent lesions from intestine. It was important to fully understand the anatomical change after nephrectomy, and US might be especially helpful for evaluating the liver and contralateral kidney.