Purpose: the purpose of this study is to demonstrate how 3D volume rendering techniques are used to
assist in planning of nephron sparing surgery (NSS).
Material and methods: Helical CT and 3D volume rendering was performed on 19 consecutive patients
prior to NSS. There were 12 males and 7 females . Final pathology was as follows: Renal cell carcinoma
(n=15), complicated cyst (n=2), transitional cell carcinoma (n=1) and angiomyolipoma (n= I). Four patients
had solitary central tumors, 10 patients had solitary peripheral tumors and 5 patients had multiple tumors.
Angiogaphy was done to 9 patients.
Results: The rating of utility of the rendering for surgical planning was probably useful in 2 cases and
definitely useful in 17 of 19 cases. The mean utility score for depiction of the renal tumor was 4.3, arterial
system 4.4, venous system 4.5 and collecting system 4.2, No rendering was reported as probably not or
definitely not useful.
In conclusion, 3D volume rendering of renal helical CT data presented in a video format to the urologist
proved to be a popular and user-friendly means of display. As evaluation by an experienced urologist, it was
accurate and highly useful for surgical planning prior to partial nephrectomy. |
