Trends and inequalities in the surgical management of ureteric calculi in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in the surgical management of ureteric calculi over a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of the 5% Medicare Public Use Files, from 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2010, was performed to assess the use of ureteroscopy (URS), extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureterolithotomy (UL) in treating ureteric calculi. Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9th edition (Clinical Modification) and Current Procedure Terminology codes. Statistical analyses using the Fisher and chi-squared tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis (dependent variables: URS, ESWL, UL, treatment, no treatment; independent variables: age, gender, ethnicity, geography and year of treatment) were performed. RESULTS: A total of 299 920 patients with ureteric calculi were identified. Of these, 115 200 underwent surgery. Men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, P < 0.001) were more likely, while patients from ethnic minorities (OR = 0.84, P = 0.004) were less likely to be treated. Patients in the West of the USA were also less likely to be treated (OR = 0.76, P < 0.001) as were patients aged <65 or >84 years old (P = 0.29). The predominant surgical approach was URS (65.2%), followed by ESWL (33.6%) and UL (1.2%). The use of URS increased over time, while the use of ESWL and UL declined. Women (OR = 1.25, P < 0.001) were more likely to undergo URS. Patients in the South of the USA (OR = 1.51, P < 0.001) and patients from ethnic minorities were more likely to undergo ESWL (OR = 1.23, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of ureteric calculi changed significantly between 2001 and 2010. The use of URS expanded at the expense of ESWL and UL. Multiple inequalities existed in overall surgical treatment rates and in the choice of treatment; age, gender, ethnicity and geography influenced both whether patients underwent surgical intervention and the type of surgical approach used.

Preoperative radiographic parameters predict long-term renal impairment following partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We analyzed radiographic parameters describing anatomic features of renal tumors to identify preoperative characteristics that could help predict long-term decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 194 consecutive patients who underwent partial nephrectomy from January 2006 to March 2009 and analyzed a cohort of 53 patients for whom complete clinical, radiographic, and operative information was available. Computed tomography images were reviewed by a single radiologist. Radiographic criteria for describing renal tumor size and location included diameter, volume, endophytic properties, proximity to collecting system, anterior/posterior location, location relative to polar lines, and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the MDRD study group equation with serum creatinine at last follow-up. RESULTS: The median preoperative and postoperative GFR values were 75 (IQR 65-97) and 66 (IQR 55-84) mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. At a median follow-up of 38 months, the median percentage decrease in GFR was 12%. On univariate analyses, tumor diameter (P = 0.002), tumor volume (P < 0.0001), nearness of tumor to collecting system (P = 0.017), and location relative to polar lines (P = 0.017) were associated with percentage decrease in GFR. Furthermore, higher R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was also associated with poorer renal functional outcomes following partial nephrectomy (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic features of renal tumors defined by preoperative radiographic characteristics correlate with the degree of renal functional decline after partial nephrectomy. Identification of these parameters may assist in patient counseling and clinical decision making following partial nephrectomy. Validation in larger prospective studies is necessary.

Living donor kidney paired donation transplantation: experience as a founding member center of the National Kidney Registry.

Kidney paired donation (KPD) is a safe and effective means of transplantation for transplant candidates with willing but incompatible donors. We report our single-center experience with KPD through participation in the National Kidney Registry. Patient demographics, transplant rates, and clinical outcomes including delayed graft function (DGF), rejection, and survival were analyzed. We also review strategies employed by our center to maximize living donor transplantation through KPD. We entered 44 incompatible donor/recipient pairs into KPD from 9/2007 to 1/2011, enabling 50 transplants. Incompatibility was attributable to blood type (54.4%) and donor-specific sensitization (43.2%). Thirty-six candidates (81.8%) were transplanted after 157 d (median), enabling pre-emptive transplantation in eight patients. Fourteen candidates on the deceased donor waiting list also received transplants. More than 50% of kidneys were received from other transplant centers. DGF occurred in 6%; one-yr rejection rate was 9.1%. One-yr patient and graft survival was 98.0% and 94.8%. KPD involving participation of multiple transplant centers can provide opportunities for transplantation, with potential to expand the donor pool, minimize waiting times, and enable pre-emptive transplantation. Our experience demonstrates promising short-term outcomes; however, longer follow-up is needed to assess the impact of KPD on the shortage of organs available for transplantation.

Laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy: complication comparison using the Clavien system.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy using a standardized complication-reporting system and a standardized tumor-scoring system. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 189 consecutive patients with nephrometry scores available who underwent elective partial nephrectomy for renal masses. Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were recorded. By using the modified Clavien scale, we graded 30- and 90-day complication rates. RESULTS: 107 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 82 underwent open partial nephrectomy (N=189). Open partial nephrectomy patients had higher nephrometry scores than laparoscopic patients had (7.1±2.4 vs. 5.6±1.8, P<.001). Surgical and hospitalization times were shorter, and estimated blood loss was lower in the laparoscopic group (P<.001). At 30 days, there were more overall complications in the open group, but more major complications in the laparoscopic group (P>.05). After multivariable logistic regression analysis, only higher body mass index and higher estimated blood loss were predictors of more overall complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has the advantages of decreased operative time, lower blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. The complication rate in the laparoscopic group is similar to that in the open group, despite favorable tumor characteristics in the laparoscopic group.

Comparison of complications of laparoscopic versus laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy using the modified Clavien grading system.

PURPOSE: We compared postoperative complications of laparoendoscopic single site and standard laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy using a standardized complication reporting system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of consecutive patients who underwent a total of 663 laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies and 101 laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomies. All data were recorded retrospectively. The 30-day complication rate was compiled and graded using the modified Clavien complication scale. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of complications. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were comparable between the groups. Compared to those with laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy patients who underwent laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy had a shorter hospital stay and less estimated blood loss but longer operative time (p <0.05) as well as higher oral but lower intravenous in hospital analgesic requirements (p <0.05). Mean warm ischemia time was marginally lower in the laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy group (3.9 vs 4 minutes, p = 0.03). At 30 days there was no difference in the overall complication rate between the laparoscopic living and laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy groups (7.1% vs 7.9%, p >0.05). There were 8 major complications (grade 3 to 5) in the laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy group but only 1 in the laparoendoscopic single site group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that estimated blood loss was a predictor of fewer complications at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate patient selection and operative experience laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy may be a safe procedure associated with postoperative outcomes similar to those of laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy as well as low morbidity. Using a standardized complication system can aid in counseling potential donors in the future.

Laparoendoscopic single site live donor nephrectomy: single institution report of initial 100 cases.

PURPOSE: Laparoendoscopic single site surgery is a recent advance in minimally invasive urology. We report outcomes from our initial 100 consecutive laparoendoscopic single site live donor nephrectomies done by a single surgeon and provide a matched comparison of conventional laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies done by the same surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2010 at a tertiary referral center 100 consecutive laparoendoscopic single site live donor nephrectomies were performed by a single surgeon through a periumbilical incision using the GelPoint® system. No extraumbilical incisions or punctures were made. A retrospective review was performed using a prospectively managed database of standard perioperative and convalescent parameters. Comparison was made using a matched cohort of conventional live donor nephrectomies done by the same surgeon. RESULTS: Mean operative time was longer in the laparoendoscopic single site group (156 vs 130 minutes) but there was no difference in estimated blood loss or warm ischemia time. There was no difference in the complication rate between the 2 groups. Mean hospital stay and visual analog pain scores were similar in the groups but the laparoendoscopic group showed improved convalescence with faster return to work, normal activity and 100% recovery. Recipient graft function was equivalent in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, matched comparison laparoendoscopic single site live donor nephrectomy was associated with longer operative time but equivalent recipient graft function and improved convalescence. The benefits of laparoendoscopic single site surgery over conventional laparoscopy may be limited. However, with respect to live donor nephrectomy the benefits of laparoendoscopic single site surgery may nevertheless prove beneficial to decrease barriers to live organ donation.

Current status of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN).

OBJECTIVE: • Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is a minimally invasive option for patients undergoing nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). As the technique of RPN develops and matures, intraoperative and perioperative outcomes continue to be reported. In the current review, we discuss safety, efficacy, and recent technical advances in RPN. METHODS: • A Medline search using the keywords 'partial nephrectomy', 'robotic partial nephrectomy', 'robot partial nephrectomy', 'robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy', and 'laparoscopic partial nephrectomy' was conducted to identify original articles, review articles, and editorials on RPN. RESULTS: • There have been multiple recent retrospective studies comparing RPN with laparoscopic PN (LPN). These comparisons suggest a shorter learning curve for RPN and confirm the safety and feasibility of RPN, even for select complex renal masses. • Novel techniques have been developed in efforts to decrease warm ischaemia time. These include use of sliding-clip renorrhaphy, selective renal parenchymal clamping, and 'early unclamping' or 'no-clamp' techniques. CONCLUSIONS: • RPN appears to be a viable minimally invasive option for NSS. RPN may reduce some of the technical challenges associated with LPN, and thus, extend the potential benefits of minimally invasive NSS to a larger population. • Further studies of the long-term renal functional outcomes and oncological efficacy of RPN are needed before fully advocating this technique.

Simultaneous bilateral single-port radical nephrectomies.

The management of bilateral enhancing renal masses can be technically challenging. Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomies in postrenal transplant patients have been previously described, but these typically require multiple port placements in addition to a hand port. Herein, we describe simultaneous bilateral single-port laparoscopic radical nephrectomies in a postrenal transplant patient.

Laparoendoscopic single site live donor nephrectomy: initial experience.

PURPOSE: We present our initial experience in 40 patients undergoing laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data on 40 consecutive patients. A single access GelPOINT™ device was inserted into the abdomen through a 4 to 5 cm periumbilical incision. We used a bariatric camera with a right angle attachment for the light cord to maximize triangulation. Parameters analyzed included warm ischemia time, operative time, estimated blood loss, visual analog pain score, time to recipient creatinine less than 3 mg/dl, and recipient creatinine at discharge home, and 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 38 left and 2 right donor nephrectomies were performed. Complete laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy was successful in 38 cases. One left and 1 right case were converted to a hand assisted approach. Average ± SD body mass index was 26.1 ± 5.2 kg/m(2). Mean operative time to allograft extraction was 93.5 ± 27.5 minutes and mean total operative time was 166.7 ± 33.8 minutes. Average estimated blood loss was 106.7 ± 93.5 cc. Mean warm ischemia time was 3.96 ± 0.72 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1.77 ± 0.43 days and median time to recipient creatinine less than 3.0 mg/dl was 54.2 ± 110.3 hours. Mean recipient creatinine at discharge home, and at 3 and 6 months was 1.48 ± 0.67, 1.29 ± 0.38 and 1.19 ± 0.34 mg/dl, respectively. Complications included hyponatremia in 1 patient, wound infection in 1, and a grade III laceration in an allograft that was sustained during extraction. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy is encouraging. This approach to kidney donation without an extra-umbilical incision could become particularly relevant to minimize morbidity in young, healthy organ donors.

The emerging role of robotics in adrenal surgery.

Robotic surgery is being performed more frequently for a variety of urologic procedures. Since the first robotic adrenalectomy less than a decade ago, this modality has gained increased acceptance in the urologic community and has been employed with increased frequency in minimally invasive centers. This review evaluates the current literature on robotic adrenalectomy, its indications, as well as its advantages and limitations compared with other forms of surgical management of adrenal pathology.

Needlescopic ablation of small adrenal masses.

Needlescopic adrenal ablative therapy is an attractive therapeutic option for the management of small adrenal masses. The spectrum of neoplasms that can be ablated includes isolated solid organ metastases (lung, kidney, liver), nonisolated but symptomatic (painful) adrenal metastasis, and small, nonmetastatic, hormonally active adrenal tumors. Moreover, needlescopic ablation offers an effective minimally morbid intervention for patients who are poor surgical candidates either due to advanced age and/or significant comorbid conditions. Ablative techniques described to date include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, and chemical ablation. Most procedures can be performed under percutaneous radiographic guidance on an outpatient basis. By and large, the bulk of clinical experience with adrenal ablation pertains to RFA. Successful ablation is usually dependent upon lesion size, with tumors 5 cm or smaller demonstrating the highest successful ablation rates. The most frequently described adverse sequelae of adrenal ablation are local tumor recurrences. However, many of these local recurrences can be managed by repeat ablation, with patients demonstrating durable oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal masses 7 centimeters or larger.

OBJECTIVE: To report our operative experience and oncologic outcomes for the laparoscopic management of large renal tumors. METHODS: All laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomies performed at our institution were reviewed. Thirty patients with tumors >or=7cm and a pathologic diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma were included. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 175.7+/-24.5 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was 275.5+/-165.8 mL. No case required conversion to open radical nephrectomy. The mean hospital stay was 2.4+/-1.6 days. Four patients (13%) had minor complications. Of the 30 tumors, 18 were pathologic stage T2, 9 were stage T3a, 2 were stage T3b, and one was stage T4. At a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 10 to 70), 22 patients (73%) were alive without evidence of recurrence, and 5 patients (17%) were alive with disease. One patient (3%) died of complications related to renal cell carcinoma, and 2 patients (7%) died from other causes. Overall survival was 90%, cancer-specific survival was 97%, and recurrence-free survival was 80%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large tumors is a technically challenging operation. However, in experienced hands, it is a reasonable therapeutic option for the management of larger RCC neoplasms.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal masses.

Open adrenalectomy has been the gold-standard therapy for adrenal neoplasms. Minimally invasive treatments, however, have assumed a more central role in the management of these lesions. The traditional benefits of laparoscopy, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital duration, and improved convalescence, extend to adrenal disease without compromising the oncologic efficacy of the surgery. Contemporary series suggest that minimally invasive surgery is also a reasonable therapeutic modality for larger adrenal masses. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for these large masses is a technically demanding procedure that should be undertaken by experienced laparoscopic surgeons familiar with retroperitoneal anatomy and adept with vascular techniques in the event of an open conversion. Oncologic outcomes collectively suggest that in the setting of adequate surgical resection, recurrence patterns relate more to disease-process biology than surgical approach. Neither size criteria, suspicion of malignancy, nor locally invasive disease should be considered an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (HALN) for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma and compare our results with a contemporary series of open nephroureterectomy (ON) performed at our institution. METHODS: Between August 1996 and May 2003, 90 patients underwent nephroureterectomy for upper-tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Thirty-eight patients underwent HALN, while 52 had an ON. End-points of comparison included operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, pathologic grade and stage of tumor, and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 72.3 and 70.6 years in the ON and HALN groups, respectively. Mean operative duration was 243 minutes (ON) and 244 minutes (HALN), with an EBL of 478mL in the open group versus 191 mL in the hand-assisted group (P<0.001). No intraoperative complications occurred, but postoperative complications occurred in 4% and 11% of the ON and HALN groups, respectively (P=0.21). The mean hospital duration was 7.1 days (ON) versus 4.6 days (HALN) (P<0.01). No difference existed in the pathologic grade or stage distribution of urothelial tumors between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up was 51.0 months in the ON group and 31.7 months in the HALN group. Recurrence of urothelial carcinoma occurred in 50% of patients who underwent ON and 40% treated by HALN (P=0.38) at a median interval of 9.1 and 7.7 months, respectively, after surgery. CONCLUSION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is an effective modality for the treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients benefited from less intraoperative blood loss and a shorter hospitalization with an equivalent intermediate-term oncologic outcome compared with that of the open approach.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty: a combined experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The need for advanced laparoscopic skills limits the implementation of laparoscopic pyeloplasty to centers with extensive experience. The introduction of robotic technology into the field of minimally invasive surgery has facilitated complex surgical dissection and genitourinary reconstruction. We report our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty using the daVinci Surgical System at three New York City medical centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all robot-assisted laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty cases in 18 female and 17 male patients between April 2001 and January 2004 was performed. The average patient age was 39.0 years (range 15-69 years). All patients had symptoms or radiographic evidence of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Robotic assistance with the daVinci Surgical System was employed after preparation of the UPJ with a standard laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: The mean operative time and suturing time was 216.4 +/- 52.9 minutes and 63.0 +/- 14.2 minutes, respectively. The average estimated blood loss was minimal at 73.9 +/- 58.3 mL. The mean length of hospitalization was 69.4 hours (range 28-310 hours). The average use of intravenous morphine was 28.4 mg (range 0-162 mg). There were no intraoperative complications or open conversions. A mean follow-up of 7.9 months revealed a success rate of 94%, with two patients requiring further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This combined multi-institutional series reveals that robot-assisted pyeloplasty with the daVinci Surgical System is safe and reproducible. These intermediate results appear comparable to those of open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty repairs.

Right laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN) is increasingly used by transplantation centers worldwide. As in open live donor nephrectomy, the left kidney is preferred for LLDN; however, not all potential donors have anatomy conducive to left nephrectomy. The purpose of our study, therefore, was to report on a large, single-institution experience with right LLDN performed using a hand-assisted, transperitoneal approach. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 40 consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal right hand-assisted LLDN at our institution. Information on donor age, relation to recipient, and indication for right-sided donation was collected. Surgical demographics included operative time, warm ischemia time, and estimated blood loss. Recipients were followed for graft loss and for long-term renal allograft function. RESULTS: The indications for right-sided donor nephrectomy were a difference in split renal function of greater than 10%, multiple left renal vessels, and right renal cysts. The mean surgical time in our series was 115.8 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 85.7 mL and a warm ischemia time of 116.0 seconds. Surgical and postoperative complications were limited. Mean serum creatinine levels in the recipients were 1.6 mg/dL on day 7, 1.4 mg/dL on day 30, and 1.4 mg/dL at 1 year after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Right LLDN using a hand-assisted, transperitoneal technique was performed with minimal morbidity and favorable graft function. We believe that offering hand-assisted LLDN to patients with an indication for right-sided donation can safely and effectively increase the pool of donor organs available to patients with end-stage renal disease.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: the New York-Presbyterian Hospital experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard technique for the surgical removal of the adrenal gland. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach include shorter length of stay (LOS), a decrease in postoperative pain, faster return to preoperative activity level, improved cosmesis, and reduced complications. We report our experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy via a lateral transperitoneal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1993 and April 2001, we performed 100 lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomies in 91 patients. In 82 cases, the adrenalectomy was unilateral and in the other 9, it was bilateral. A total of 59 left-sided lesions and 41 right-sided lesions were removed. The indications for surgery were Cushing's syndrome (24), aldosteronoma (34), pheochromocytoma (17), nonfunctioning adenoma (13), Carney's syndrome (1), and a metastasis from colon cancer (1) RESULTS: The overall success rate was 98%. Complications occurred in the two patients who required open conversion. In addition, three patients suffered pneumothoraces because of direct iatrogenic injury to the diaphragm during laparoscopic dissection. One additional patient suffered a splenic laceration. Operative time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications were similar in the laparoscopic and open surgery control group (N = 32). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically feasible and reproducible. The lateral transperitoneal technique offers distinct advantages to the laparoscopist, including better visibility of familiar anatomic landmarks, easy access to other organ systems, the use of gravity to retract the spleen and liver, and a wide exposure, which allows removal of large adrenal lesions.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: history, evolution, and future.

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is characterized by a functionally significant impairment of urinary transport caused by obstruction in the area where the ureter joins the renal pelvis. The majority of cases are congenital; however, acquired conditions at the level of the UPJ may also present with symptoms and signs of obstruction. Until recently, open pyeloplasty and endoscopic techniques have been the main surgical options with the intent of complete excision or incision of the obstruction. The introduction of laparoscopy has allowed minimally invasive reconstructive surgery that mirrors open surgical techniques. In the hands of experienced surgeons, laparoscopic pyeloplasty offers a less invasive alternative to open surgery with decreased morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and faster convalescence. During the last decade, laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the treatment of congenital or acquired UPJ obstruction has garnered much interest, but, as this procedure is technically challenging, it is being performed only at selected medical centers by surgeons with advanced laparoscopic training. This review describes the early results, ongoing evaluation, and future role for this novel surgical procedure.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary-tract transitional-cell carcinoma.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with laparoscopic, cystoscopic, or open management of the distal ureter and bladder cuff allow anyone from the novice to the advanced laparoscopic surgeon to perform en-bloc resection of the kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff without compromising oncologic principles. Patients receive significant benefits in the form of less pain, shorter hospital stay, and rapid convalescence. As more urologic surgeons develop skills with this procedure, a more critical analysis of early and long-term results will be possible. As operative times decrease, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy may become the procedure of choice for upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma. The techniques and early results are described.

Abnormal selective cytology results predict recurrence of upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma treated with ureteroscopic laser ablation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endoscopic management of transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) of the upper urinary tract remains associated with a significant rate of recurrence. We evaluated the impact of selective upper-tract cytology findings on tumor recurrence and renal salvage rate after ureteroscopic laser tumor ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1993 though 2003, 38 patients with upper-tract TCC underwent ureteroscopic laser tumor ablation. Cytology specimens were collected from the upper urinary tract prior to ablation. "Abnormal cytology" was defined as the presence of malignant or atypical cells. Patients with abnormal cytology results were compared with patients with those having negative findings for tumor recurrence and renal salvage rates using the X (2) test. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 26 (68.4%) experienced at least one recurrence at a mean follow-up of 37.2 months. Pretreatment upper-tract cytology results were available in 34 of these patients: 17 (50%) were negative, and 17 were abnormal. Sixteen of the patients (94.1%) with abnormal cytology results had tumor recurrence after ablation, compared with 8 of the 17 (47.1%) with negative cytology findings (P = 0.0026). Twelve patients (31.5%) underwent nephroureterectomy during follow-up: 8 of the 17 (47.1%) with abnormal cytology, and 4 of the 17 (23.5%) with negative cytology (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Abnormal selective cytology results were associated with a significantly higher rate of tumor recurrence and a trend toward increased renal loss in patients with upper-tract TCC treated with ureteroscopic ablation. These findings suggest a prognostic value for upper-tract cytology analysis in patients undergoing endoscopic therapy.