Utilization of Non-contrast Enhanced CT KUB in Patients with Suspected Renal Colic

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the yield of non-contrast enhanced CT KUB in patients with suspected renal colic across different ordering specialties. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective assessment of 130 consecutive CT KUB tests that were ordered for suspected renal colic at Bahria Town International Hospital Karachi in the previous year. The demographic parameters, referring clinician, and ultimate diagnosis of the participants were all examined in the data. We included only individuals who had CT scans as the first line of treatment for clinically suspected reno-ureteral colic. A total of three divisions of departments placed orders for these CT KUB examinations: urologists, emergency room (ER) physicians, and others. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 96 out of 130 CT KUB procedures done in the previous year. The mean age of the patients was 33 years and 11 months, and the vast majority (87 percent, or n=83) were male. Urologists ordered the greatest number of CT KUBs (59 percent), followed by emergency room physicians (23 percent), and others (18 percent ). Almost 70% of patients complained of flank pain, which was followed by generalised stomach pain and LUTs in a few cases. 71 percent (n =68) of patients with urolithiasis had a positive result in the study. 65 percent of urologists (n=44) have a good yield, with others (n=13) coming in second and emergency room physicians (16 percent, n=11) coming in third, respectively; p = 0.05 A total of 96 CT KUB tests were performed, with 53 percent (n = 51) revealing secondary symptoms of blockage. Accidental finds accounted for 33 percent (n = 32) of all results, with the majority (n = 19) being genitourinary in nature, followed by extra-genitourinary in nature (n = 13). Conclusion: Across specialties, there is a statistically significant variance in the amount of yield. In the case of suspected urolithiasis, a CT KUB scan should be performed as a first imaging modality in consultation with the urologists. A thorough history taking and physical examination have proven to be critical measures in ordering CT KUB, which can help to reduce needless radiation exposure to the patient.