Evaluating the Accuracy of Computed Tomography of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder Interpretation by Urology Trainees for Suspected Acute Nephrolithiasis

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the interpretation accuracy of urology trainees in reporting computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) compared with the formal radiology reports inpatients with suspected acute nephrolithiasis. Methods: A sample of 12 consecutive CT-KUB scans for suspected acute nephrolithiasis was prospectively compiled and displayed using a software PACS viewer. 11 urology trainees, with an average of 24 months of urology specialist training, interpreted each scan. A total of 132 urology trainees’ reports were compared to the formal radiology reports for agreement in detecting key findings (presence or absence of stone disease), signs of urinary tract obstruction, clinically significant findings, and clinically non-significant findings. Results: There was a high level of agreement between urology trainees and radiologists for detecting key findings (98.4%) and clinically significant abnormalities (72.7%). There was less agreement in detecting all signs of urinary tract obstruction (56.2%) and non-clinically significant findings (36.8%). Conclusion: This study shows that urology trainees can accurately report CT KUB studies for key findings and clinically significant abnormalities. This may improve ongoing acute management and early patient discharge. However, their findings should be verified against formal radiological reports.