[What can be expected of x-ray computed tomography in the assessment of the loco-regional extension of kidney cancer?].

The authors assess the role of CT scanning in investigations for the extension of renal tumors with the aid of a series of 40 patients. A complete inventory of the lesions was obtained in 30 patients who had undergone radical surgery. Capsular damage is visualized with a high percentage of uncertainty, and, setting aside a few exceptions, it is impossible to specify the histological nature of adenomegalies. On the other hand, venous exploration can be performed with growing accuracy thanks to series of angioscans. This method of investigation would therefore not seem suitable for staging tumors on Robson's scale, but it is most useful in selecting surgical tactics in the preoperative assessment of the lesions.