PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of a 3-dimensional (D) navigator for retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with malignant localized renal (16) or ureteral (5) neoplasms underwent multi-detector row computerized tomography. The 3-D navigator was created using volume rendering technique. These findings were compared with videos obtained during laparoscopy. RESULTS: The 3-D navigator depicted all renal arteries (100% sensitivity) and 24 of the 25 renal veins (96% sensitivity). Hilar anatomy, including the tumor, major vessels and adrenal gland, and their relationships were visualized as in laparoscopic views. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-D navigator has a potentially important role in retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. It is able to guide surgeons and aid in avoiding operative risks and possible complications.
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Marukawa et al. (2002) studied this question.
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