Unenhanced computerized axial tomography to detect retained calculi after percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy.

Abstract

We believe that postoperative unenhanced CT is superior to plain renal tomography and is the best method to determine if a patient is stone-free after percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy. It helps to locate precisely those stones requiring a second percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy or nephroscopic extraction. An unenhanced renal CT devoid of calculi obviates routine postoperative second look flexible nephroscopy. We encourage others to consider this technique to define more accurately kidney stone status after percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy for large staghorn calculi or in any patient at high risk for retained calculi after percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy.