Vascular renal anatomy and the ureteropelvic junction: preoperative multidetector CT scanning with split-bolus injection as a predictor of laparoscopic findings

Abstract

Purpose: To compare multidetector CT scan (MDCT) results with intraoperative findings in the detection of an inferior-pole pedicle crossing the ureteropelvic junction.

Patients and methods: Over the 2-year study period, 35 patients receiving laparoscopic pyeloplasty underwent preoperative investigation with a novel MDCT protocol in order to detect crossing vessels. Postprocessing, including maximum intensity projection, volume-rendering technique, and multiplanar reconstruction, was used in addition to standard axial views.

Results: All the arteries found during laparoscopic surgery were detected by MDCT, but one radiologic false-positive was noted at the beginning of the series. Seven veins were not detected with MDCT. In the only case featuring an isolated inferior-pole vein, the aberrant vessel was identified by MDCT.

Conclusion: Multidetector CT scanning is a highly accurate way of providing all the information necessary preoperatively concerning renal parenchymal anomalies, urinary stones, and collecting system and vessel anatomy. It helps physicians make appropriate therapeutic decisions and gives surgeons information about what they can expect during laparoscopic procedures.