Imaging Associated with Percutaneous and Intraoperative Management of Renal Tumors

As new minimally invasive treatment options for small renal tumors have been developed, the reliance upon imaging technologies intraoperatively and postoperatively has expanded. CT, MRI, and ultrasonography are useful adjuvants for intra- and postoperative care, yet it is clear that further improvements can be made. Whether it is the addition of contrast-enhancement for ultrasonography, the refinement of CT, MRI, and PET techniques for the follow-up of ablated masses, or the development of an entirely new technology to diagnosis possible recurrences, improvements in imaging during and following minimally invasive renal surgery will provide greatly improved care. Equally important, the urologist of the 21st century must be facile at interpreting and manipulating these technologies to appropriately care for renal tumor patients.