Comparative analysis of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy techniques in the treatment of localized renal tumors.

Objective: To report our initial experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy compared with traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Methods: A retrospective review of the Johns Hopkins minimally invasive urologic surgery database identified 207 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from 2007 to 2011 by a single surgeon. The patient demographics and pathologic, operative, and perioperative outcomes were compared between the surgical techniques.

Half Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo magnetic resonance urography for the evaluation of suspected renal colic in pregnancy.

Objective: To report our experience with magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in pregnant women suspected of having obstructing upper tract calculi. The diagnosis of an upper tract calculus in the pregnant woman can be challenging. Recent evidence suggests that MRU can be used to effectively evaluate renal colic.