Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in percutaneous nephrostomy for the treatment of complex renal calculi

Objective To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in percutaneous nephrostomy for the treatment of complex renal calculi without hydronephrosis.Methods 22 patients with complex renal calculi underwent puncture and catheterization under the conventional ultrasound guidance,and then were injected with ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue) through the needles and tubes to confirm appropriate puncture and catheterization.The display rates of puncture needle,renal pelvis,calyces,drainage tube body and distal end under CEUS were observed,and the results were compared with those of routine ultrasonography.The dosage of contrast agent,success rate and complications were also recorded.Results The display rates of puncture needle,renal pelvis,calyces,drainage tube body and distal end under routine ultrasonography were 63.64％,36.36％,63.64％,18.18％,as compared with CEUS the display rates were 100％,100％,100％,81.18％.The differences were statistically significant between CEUS and routine ultrasonography (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions CEUS guided percutaneous catheterization makes up for the inadequacy of conventional ultrasound in patients of complex renal calculi without hydronephrosis,and it can be worthy for clinical application. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles; Kidney calculi; Drainage