Radiographic Search for Renal Calculi During Nephrolithotomy by the Renodor Technique

Abstract

For the positive prevention of recurrent stone formation, even the tiniest fragments must be removed when staghorn calculi or multiple concretions are present in the kidney. If employed in good time, i.e. before intrarenal haemorrhage occurs, pyeloscopes, nowadays commercially available, can effectively assist in the removal of residual stones. However, this method does not guarantee that all fragments are removed. Therefore X-ray control will always be necessary at the end of the operation. After numerous comparative tests with mobile X-ray units with and without cones, with image converters and 6-valve generators featuring heavy-duty X-ray tubes and with stationary grids and stationary Bucky cabinets, we have to date relied on the radiographic method recommended by Leusch in 1970, based on the Status X installation from Siemes AG, Erlangen, and adapted for urological purposes. Since 1970 we have employed the unit carrying the tradename Renodor (Fig. 1) in about 600 nephrolithotomies.