Three-dimensional CT scan stone reconstruction for the planning of percutaneous surgery in a morbidly obese patient

A three-dimensional spiral CT (3D CT) reconstruction of staghorn stones pro vides a precise picture of its extent and branching within the kidney. The author reports a case of a large renal staghorn stone in a morbidly obese w oman, further complicated by malrotation and hypermobility of the kidney. T wo-dimensional plain CT was unable to provide sufficient information for a safe percutaneous approach. This was achieved by means of 3D CT, which also was very helpful during the procedure. Although 3D CT should by no means b e routinely employed, it is a valuable tool for pretreatment decisionmaking and intraoperative orientation in selected cases. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Ka rger AG, Basel.