Investigation of acute flank pain: how do practices of U.K.and Irish urologists compare with those of transatlantic and continental European colleagues?

Background And Purpose: Noncontrast-enhanced spiral CT (NESCT) is more accurate and reliable than intravenous urography (IVU) in diagnosing the cause of acute flank pain. This study aimed to determine the impact of current literature on the choice of imaging modality used to investigate acute flank pain within the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire regarding the preferred investigation for acute flank pain was sent to all consultant urologists registered as British Association of Urological Surgeons members.