Assessment of the complexity of renal tumors by nephrometry (R.E.N.A.L. score) with CT and MRI images versus 3D reconstruction model images

Three‐dimensional virtual reconstruction guides robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy in a horseshoe kidney

“…When compared with the use of 2D imaging alone, 3D reconstruction models can alter the R.E.N.A.L. (Radius, Exophytic/Endophytic, Nearness, Anterior/Posterior, Location) score of intermediate complexity tumours [7]. The 3D reconstructions can thereby alter surgical plans, at times to a less invasive approach [3], and influence decisions of retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approaches [8].…”

Three-Dimensional Customized Imaging Reconstruction for Urological Surgery: Diffusion and Role in Real-Life Practice from an International Survey

“…The use of 3D models was also found useful in improving the reliability of nephrometric scores in predicting case complexity; some articles addressed the issue, and, generally, scores calculated with 3D images were downgraded in 14 to 67% of cases [19,[32][33][34][35]. The occurrence could be explained by the better understanding of the tumor's depth and contact surface provided by 3D reconstruction compared to 2D images.…”

Nephrometry scoring systems: their importance for the planning of nephron-sparing surgery and the relationships among them

“…Another important aspect is the correlation among CT scans, MRI scans, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, in terms of the nephrometry score. Campos et al ( 40 ) analyzed the readings and RENAL nephrometry scores assigned by radiologists and urologists on the basis of each image type. The authors found that, in 37.5% of the patients evaluated, there was a statistically significant difference in the RENAL nephrometry score between the simple images and the 3D reconstructions, which could affect the management of cases by changing their eligibility for NSS.…”

“…The authors also found that the use of 3D reconstructions in cases of intermediate complexity has a statistically significant impact on the perception of the RENAL nephrometry score, which plays an important role in surgical planning, whereas it was less relevant in cases of low and high complexity. The use of 3D reconstructions to determine the nephrometry score facilitates the work of surgeons by informing decisions regarding surgical planning, including selective vascular planning, as well as allowing difficulties to be anticipated and complications to be predicted, thus increasing the success rate of partial nephrectomy, with greater nephron preservation, which translates to better renal function ( 40 ) .…”