Current and future imaging for urologic interventions.

Overview

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review focuses on novel imaging techniques used for guiding urologic procedures that are likely to provide additional opportunities to physicians in the years to come. RECENT FINDINGS: In the past, most image-guided urologic procedures have utilized two-dimensional x-ray images. This review will discuss the use of a variety of new and more sophisticated image-guiding tools such as rotational fluoroscopy, intraoperative ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, ultrasound elastography, real-time computed tomography, magnetic resonance fluoroscopy, and molecular imaging. SUMMARY: Technological breakthroughs in imaging have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques in urologic care. Application of these new techniques brings together the complementary disciplines of endourology and interventional radiology to optimize treatments and outcomes for urologic disease.