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

Abstract

A three-dimensional spiral CT (3D CT) reconstruction of staghorn stones provides 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 woman, further complicated by malrotation and hypermobility of the kidney. Two-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 be routinely employed, it is a valuable tool for pretreatment decision-making and intraoperative orientation in selected cases.