Doppler and B-mode ultrasound for avascular nephrotomy

Doppler sonography for intraoperative localization of the intrarenal arteries combined with B-scan sonography for intraoperative visualization of stones allows complete stone removal via small radial nephrotomies for which clamping of the renal artery is no longer necessary. Since September 1980 we used this technique on 35 patients with staghorn or recurrent calculi. The main advantages of this technique are exact and quick stone localization, minimal loss of renal function owing to preservation of the intrarenal vascular system, and no need for renal ischemia and cooling.