Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) compromises all forms of mesenteric ischemia with patent mesenteric arteries. It generally affects patients over 50 years of age suffering from myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, aortic insufficiency, renal or hepatic disease and patients following cardiac surgery. Non-occlusive disease accounts for 20-30% of all cases of acute mesenteric ischemia with a mortality rate of the order of 50%. Acute abdominal pain may be the only early presenting symptom of mesenteric ischemia. Non-invasive imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound, are able to evaluate the aorta and the origins of splanchnic arteries. Despite the technical evolution of those methods, selective angiography of mesenteric arteries is still the gold standard in diagnosing peripheral splanchnic vessel disease. In early non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia, as opposed to occlusive disease, there is no surgical therapy. It is known that mesenteric vasospasm persists even after correction of the precipitating event. Vasospasm frequently responds to direct intra-arterial vasodilator therapy, which is the only treatment that has been shown to be effective.

Therapeutic strategies and operative techniques in urology develop rapidly. In particular, surgery becomes more and more differentiated and complex. Radiologists, especially uroradiologists wil have to provide special knowledge about urologic therapy and operative techniques in order to critically look at postoperative changes. Part I of this review will cover therapy and postoperative evaluation in nephrolitiasis, renal tumors and disease of the ureter. Using the appropriate modality at the appropriate time in postoperative course is discussed. Typical postoperative changes are shown. There is a focus on evaluation and typical radiologic findings in postoperative complications.

Radiologists, especially uroradiologists, must retain abreast of rapid developments in urologic therapy and operative techniques in order to critically assess postoperative changes. Part 2 of this review will cover therapy and postoperative evaluation in bladder surgery, surgery in prostate cancer, and retroperitoneal disease associated with testicular tumors. Using the appropriate modality at the appropriate time during the postoperative course is discussed. A variety of alternatives are available to perform urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. Knowledge of operative techniques and postoperative anatomy are mandatory for interpretation of postoperative radiologic findings.

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