Resin polymer and corrosion casting of the porcine pelvi-calyceal system: a useful model for investigating new imaging and endoscopic techniques of the upper urinary tract

We describe the use of polyester resin casting of the pelvi-calyceal (PC) system as a method of evaluating the accuracy of new three-dimensional imaging technology such as ultrasound and computerised tomography. Thirty-eight kidneys from large white pigs were used for the study. We describe the process of preparation of the kidney and polyester resin for injection into the PC systems. The setting process of the resin is an exothermic reaction with an associated change in consistency. The PC systems of the kidneys were injected with resin in a controlled manner and casts obtained by maceration of the kidneys. Some of these kidneys had been distended previously with 11% glycerol and three-dimensional ultrasound reconstructions of their PC systems were compared to resin casts to assess accuracy of the reconstructions. Thirty-eight casts were created out of which 13 were poor. The quality of the casts improved with practice and pelvi-calyceal morphology could be faithfully recreated. Controlled perfusion and watching for signs such as a “turgid feel” of the kidney help avoid pelvi-calyceal disruption. Anatomically accurate casts of the kidney PC system can be created using polyester resin with the technique described. These casts can be a useful research and training tool with urological and radiological applications.