3-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING AND DISPLAY OF RENAL TUMORS USING SPIRAL CT - APOTENTIAL AID TO PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY

Objective. A new technique for creating three-dimensional (3D) images of renal tumors using contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT ) is described and preliminarily investigated. Methods. 3D spiral CT w as employed in 2 patients before radical nephrectomy and in 5 patients before partial nephrectomy. Preoperative and postoperative image anal yses were conducted to evaluate the ability of the images to depict ke y anatomic relationships in planning partial nephrectomies. Results. 3 D spiral CT defined the tumor's location and relationship to the kidne y surface better than the tumor's proximity to renal hilar vessels and collecting system. Negative surgical margins were obtained in all 4 p atients with renal cell carcinoma, and postoperative serum creatinine remained less than 2 mg/dL in all 5 patients after partial nephrectomy . Conclusions. This early experience suggests that 3D spiral CT can he lp in the planning of partial nephrectomy and in attaining complete re section of renal cell carcinoma while conserving normal renal tissue.