Programs ROCKS

Post-Operative Imaging


Optimizing the utilization of imaging after kidney stone surgery

What is the ROCKS Post-Operative Imaging initiative?

Observational data suggest that the development of post-operative ureteral obstruction, which can be asymptomatic, occurs in up to 10% of ureteroscopy (URS) cases for upper tract urinary stone disease. Post-operative imaging can help to identify these patients, as they may need additional intervention, yet we continue to see variation in adherence to this practice for ureteroscopy across the collaborative. Interestingly, there seems to be less of an association in variation when comparing ureteroscopy to shockwave lithotripsy. MUSIC ROCKS has set out to better understand why.

What we do?

  • Develop a patient education resource aimed at ensuring patients are informed of why it’s important to get imaging following kidney stone surgery.
  • Ongoing tracking of post-op imaging rates for MUSIC practices to help improve adherence to national guidelines and offer targeted coaching/consultation as necessary.

MUSIC Efforts to Improve Post-Ureteroscopy Imaging Rates

Educating Patients on the Importance of Imaging After Kidney Stone Surgery

MUSIC-ROCKS Post-Op Imaging Brochure

Urologists recommend imaging after kidney stone surgery for many important reasons, yet less than half of patients in Michigan receive imaging after kidney stone surgery. A recent MUSIC survey suggests patients being lost to follow-up may be a primary reason. To download a patient educational brochure on the importance of imaging after kidney stone surgery, please click the link below.