For more than 50 years, ultrasound (US) has been a useful imaging tool in medical practice, which has proved helpful for the diagnosis and staging of diseases. Although Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) has been available for more than 15 years, it was only through the development of the most recent computer technologies and its adaptation to ultrasound systems, that 3DUS has become able to achieve the high level of sensitivity and performance necessary to be considered seriously in clinical practice.
For the assessment of nephro-urologic system, 3DUS has developed into an excellent method. Combining the volumetric and surface rendering, we should be able to see with remarkable detail the internal surface of the bladder, thus detecting the presence of tumors, polyps, or any other disorders of the walls. By using a non-invasive procedure, we can distinguish the normal surface of the organ from the regions affected by the condition as well as the changes they undergo both as a result from aging processes and progression of the disease. The urethral meati, the urethra and the vesical trigon can be clearly seen. This method is effective for the visualization of tumoral lesions and ureteric jets. Calculation of the urinary volume is most accurate when using 3DUS.
Three-dimensional reconstruction allows for a better calculation of the transplanted kidney's volume, especially when the VOCAL® technique is used. 3D vascular reconstruction also offers a superior spatial visualization of vascularity and the renal artery path.
This lecture provides examples and different applications of 3DUS in Nephro-urology.