Value of Intraoperative Radiography in Intraoperative Localization of Renal Calculi

Choo, Myung Soo; Kim, Kwang Myung; Lee, Sang Eun; Kim, Young Kyoon

Abstract

Complete surgical removal of staghorn or multiple renal calculi is very. difficult. So many intraoperative radiographic methods for localization of renal calculi have been studied and used to decrease the incidence of residual calculi and now are valuable adjuncts to renal calculous surgery. We applied intraoperative radiography using renal contact chassis introduced by Gil-Vernet with modification to 18 renal calculous surgeries and achieved complete removal of calculi except one (94.4%). The mean number of X-ray films taken was 1.6 per operation and one film required about 4 minutes. We herein conclude that this method is very effective and accurate in localization of renal calculi and the images are good enough to remove the residual stones. Additionally, it is easy handling and there is minimal radiation exposure to the patients and the staff of the operating room.