Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an imaging modality that utilizes a non-nephrotoxic, intravascular microbubble agent to capture real-time perfusion of the target organ. CEUS has demonstrated utility for the evaluation and surveillance of indeterminate renal lesions in patients who are unable to receive conventional contrast agents, yet its potential utility in renal surgery remains poorly defined in the current literature. We present a series of 4 patients who underwent successful intraoperative CEUS during partial nephrectomy (PN) to help define renal mass contour and proximity to vascular structures in an attempt to optimize renal function after PN. All cases were endophytic with moderate-high complexity (R.E.N.A.L. scores>9). CEUS was safely performed in all cases providing excellent tumor contour definition. In one case, CEUS provided better visualization of tumor proximity within the hilum than conventional US, facilitating surgical resection and reconstruction. In another case, CEUS provided better definition of tumor contour, allowing wedge resection rather than heminephrectomy. Margins were negative in all cases. The average global renal function preserved following PN was 90%. While grey-scale US with color Doppler is usually sufficient for intraoperative tumor visualization, CEUS can be considered during PN for complex endophytic, infiltrative or hilar tumors where accurate delineation of tumor contour is critical.
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