Predictors of surgical difficulty according to surgical proficiency in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer. We previously reported that a large amount of pelvic visceral fat and a small working space, as measured by three-dimensional image analysis, were significantly associated with prolonged console time in RARP, and these factors could be alternatives to the more clinically practical body mass index (BMI) and pelvic width (PW), respectively. Herein, we further investigated whether surgical proficiency affected surgical difficulty as measured by console time. METHODS: Medical records of 413 patients who underwent RARP between 2014 and 2020 at our institution were reviewed. Surgeons who had experience with over and under 100 cases were defined as "experienced" and "non-experienced," respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors that prolonged console time. RESULTS: The median console times for RARP by experienced and non-experienced surgeons were 87.5 and 149.0 min, respectively; a difficult case was defined as one requiring time greater than the median. Among inexperienced surgeons, higher BMI (p < 0.001, odds ratio: 1.89) and smaller PW (p = 0.001, odds ratio: 1.86) were significant factors that increased console time; the complication rate was increased in patients with these factors. However, these factors did not significantly affect the console time or complication rate among experienced surgeons. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that experienced surgeons may be able to overcome obesity- and small workspace-related surgical difficulties. The current analysis may provide useful information regarding unpredictable surgical risks and identify suitable cases for novices.

Differentiation Capacity of Porcine Skeletal Muscle-Derived Stem Cells as Intermediate Species between Mice and Humans.

Large animal experiments are important for preclinical studies of regenerative stem cell transplantation therapy. Therefore, we investigated the differentiation capacity of pig skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (Sk-MSCs) as an intermediate model between mice and humans for nerve muscle regenerative therapy. Enzymatically extracted cells were obtained from green-fluorescence transgenic micro-mini pigs (GFP-Tg MMP) and sorted as CD34+/45- (Sk-34) and CD34-/45-/29+ (Sk-DN) fractions. The ability to differentiate into skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve, and vascular cell lineages was examined via in vitro cell culture and in vivo cell transplantation into the damaged tibialis anterior muscle and sciatic nerves of nude mice and rats. Protein and mRNA levels were analyzed using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoelectron microscopy. The myogenic potential, which was tested by Pax7 and MyoD expression and the formation of muscle fibers, was higher in Sk-DN cells than in Sk-34 cells but remained weak in the latter. In contrast, the capacity to differentiate into peripheral nerve and vascular cell lineages was significantly stronger in Sk-34 cells. In particular, Sk-DN cells did not engraft to the damaged nerve, whereas Sk-34 cells showed active engraftment and differentiation into perineurial/endoneurial cells, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, similar to the human case, as previously reported. Therefore, we concluded that Sk-34 and Sk-DN cells in pigs are closer to those in humans than to those in mice.

Risk factors for recurrence after operation in patients with pT1a renal cell carcinoma: sub-analysis of the multi-institutional national database of the Japanese Urological Association.

BACKGROUND: More patients with renal cell carcinoma are now diagnosed with the disease in its early stages. Although patients with pT1a renal cell carcinoma have a good prognosis and low recurrence rate, a few patients still experience recurrence. Herein, we evaluated the clinicopathological risk factors for postoperative recurrence of pT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: An renal cell carcinoma survey was conducted by the Japanese Urological Association to register newly diagnosed cases of renal cell carcinoma. A total of 1418 patients diagnosed with pT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma who underwent surgery as the primary surgical treatment were included. We analyzed the recurrence-free survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and clinicopathological factors for recurrence using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Among 1418 patients, 58 (4.1%) had recurrences after a median follow-up of 62.8 months. The median time to recurrence was 31.0 months. Metastases to the lungs and the bone were observed in 20 and 10 cases, respectively. Significant differences in sex, tumor size, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and dialysis history, preoperative hemoglobin levels, C-reactive protein levels and creatinine levels were observed between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Multivariate analysis identified male sex, high C-reactive protein level and tumor size ≥3 cm as independent risk factors. The 5-year recurrence-free survival of patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 risk factors was 99.0, 97.2, 93.1 and 80.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex, tumor diameter and a high C-reactive protein level were independent recurrence risk factors for pT1a renal cell carcinoma; special attention should be paid to patients with these risk factors during postoperative follow-up.

Pediatric vestibular schwannoma without evidence of neurofibromatosis: consecutive 18 microsurgical experiences.

PURPOSE: Sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is rare in children in contrast to adults, and detailed investigations of case series of these patients using a single fixed protocol are scarce. This study presents our surgical experience of pediatric VSs without clinical evidence of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) at the initial diagnosis. METHODS: Among 1385 consecutive sporadic VS surgeries, 18 pediatric patients (1.3%; 11-18 years old) were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: The most common initial symptom was hearing disturbance (72.2%), and 6 patients (33.3%) experienced a delayed diagnosis (over 2 years after initial symptom onset). Preoperative image characteristics of these tumors included a solid tumor, hypervascularity, and significant extension into the internal acoustic meatus, when compared with adults. Preoperative embolization was successfully accomplished for 2 recent hypervascular tumors. The tumor resection rate was 95-100% under sufficient intraoperative neuromonitoring, and no additional surgery was required during the follow-up period (average: 57.9 months). No patients experienced permanent facial nerve palsy, and serviceable hearing function was preserved in 6 of 11 patients. Signs of NF2, such as bilateral VSs, were not identified in any patients during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Safe and sufficient tumor resection was achieved under detailed neuromonitoring in pediatric patients with sporadic VS, although this tends to be difficult owing to hypervascularity, a small cranium, and significant meatal extension. Preoperative embolization may help safe resection of hypervascular tumors. Subsequent development of NF2 has not been observed up to the most recent follow-up, but careful observation is essential for these younger patients.

Conditional Survival and Time of Biochemical Recurrence of Localized Prostate Cancer in Japanese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomies.

PURPOSE: Using conditional survival (CS) analysis, we investigated whether the duration of survival without biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer after laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRP) affected the BCR rate. We also investigated the impact of well-known risk factors for BCR. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2014, 627 consecutive patients underwent LRPs at our institution. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations above 0.2  ng/mL were defined as BCR. Conditional BCR-free survival rates were determined through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Assessment of potential BCR risk factors was performed using a Cox proportional hazard analysis. RESULTS: The 10-year BCR-free rates after LRP increased to 82.4%, 84.5%, 86.6%, 90.1%, and 94.7% in patients surviving 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.5 years without BCR, respectively. Multivariate analyses of age, PSA concentrations, neoadjuvant therapy, and pathological findings were performed for all patients. In all patients, positive surgical margins (PSM) and Gleason Grade Groups (GG) ≥ 4 were independent risk factors for BCR (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.45; and p < 0.001, HR = 2.83, respectively,). Similarly, PSM and GG ≥ 4 were significant risk factors in patients surviving 1-5 years without BCR. No clear risk factors were observed in patients surviving > 5 years without BCR after LRPs. CONCLUSIONS: The BCR-free rate increased with time after LRP. It is recommended that patients with PSM, GG ≥ 4, or with both factors are strictly monitored for 5 years postoperatively. CS analysis is particularly useful for predicting the postoperative course of patients.

Effects of psoas major muscle volume in predicting the prognosis of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of sarcopenia and psoas major muscle volume on the survival of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical nephroureterectomy. METHODS: We reviewed data from 110 patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy in our department between June 2007 and February 2017. Psoas major muscle volume was quantified based on computed tomography data using Synapse Vincent software. The psoas major muscle volume index was calculated as psoas major muscle volume/height squared (cm3/m2). We analysed relapse-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival after radical nephroureterectomy to identify factors that predicted patient survival. RESULTS: The median psoas major muscle volume index was 121.5 cm3/m2, and the psoas major muscle volume index was <100 cm3/m2 in 34 of 110 patients (30.9%). Multivariate analysis indicated that ≥pT3-stage cancer, lymphovascular invasion and a psoas major muscle volume index of <100 cm3/m2 were independent predictors of shorter relapse-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival. Using these factors, patients were stratified into three groups: low, intermediate and high risks for relapse-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Low psoas major muscle volume resulting from sarcopenia, high T stage and the presence of lymphovascular invasion was associated with poor survival in patients with urinary tract urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical nephroureterectomy, supporting the use of psoas major muscle volume as a new objective prognostic marker.

What factors affect the operative time of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has gained prominence since the da Vinci surgical system was introduced in 2000. RARP has now become a standard procedure for treating cases with localized prostate cancer. However, no study has examined its surgical time by accurately measuring the pelvic visceral fat (PVF) volume. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with prolonged console time and surgical difficulty by RARP surgeons. METHODS: This study included 405 patients who underwent RARP between 2014 and 2019 at our institution. Given that the anatomical characteristics were considered to affect RARP, PVF and working space (WS) were estimated preoperatively by computed tomography using a 3D image analysis system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors prolonging console time, such as body mass index (BMI), prostate volume, previous abdominal surgery, nerve-sparing procedure, PVF, and WS. We also investigated whether post-operative complications were associated with any of these factors. RESULTS: Larger PVF (p = 0.028, odds ratio (OR) 1.43), smaller WS (p < 0.001, OR 2.48), and the nerve-sparing procedure (p = 0.037, OR 1.61) were statistically significant factors associated with prolonged console time. Furthermore, higher BMI (p = 0.013, OR 1.49) and smaller pelvic width (p < 0.001, OR 2.63) were the alternative and more practical factors associated with prolonged console time. The post-operative anastomotic leakage occurrence rate increased with the number of risk factors, while post-operative complications did not change even in high-risk cases. CONCLUSION: PVF and WS are significant factors associated with prolonged console time in RARP cases. However, BMI can be as useful as PVF, since BMI significantly correlated with PVF. Additionally, pelvic width (PW) can be an alternative to WS, since PW correlated with WS. This study demonstrated that preoperative BMI and PW might predict the surgical risk and identify suitable RARP cases for novice surgeons.

Clinical impact of psoas muscle volume on the development of inguinal hernia after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass, has attracted attention in the field of oncology, as it reflects poor nutritional status. The present study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative inguinal hernia (PIH) development after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer, and discuss whether sarcopenia could be used as a sensitive predictor of PIH. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 147 patients who underwent RARP at our institution. The psoas muscle volume (PMV), as an indicator of sarcopenia, was quantified from computed tomography images using a 3-dimensional image analysis system. Multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of PIH, including pre- and peri-operative factors. RESULTS: The mean PMV was 393 cm3, and the correlation coefficient between PMV and body mass index was 0.37 (p < 0.01). The PIH-free rate at 2 years postoperatively was 78.2% among all patients. The multivariate analysis revealed that a PMV < 350 cm3 was a significant risk factor for PIH (p = 0.03; hazard ratio 2.19). Body mass index, age, prostate volume, lymph node dissection, nerve sparing, rectus muscle thickness, and console time were not related to PIH development. The PIH-free rate at 2 years postoperatively was 83.4% and 68.9% in patients with a PMV ≥ 350 cm3 and < 350 cm3, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PIH occurred significantly more frequently in patients with a PMV < 350 cm3 than in patients with a PMV ≥ 350 cm3, and a low PMV was an independent risk factor for PIH. Thus, urologists should pay attention to the cumulative incidence of IH after RARP, especially in patients with a PMV < 350 cm3.

Importance of appropriate surgical approach selection for radical resection of cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cysts with preservation of cranial nerve functions: our experience of 54 cases.

BACKGROUND: Although many reports state that only the lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach (LSO) should be used for removal of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) epidermoid cysts, it is preferable to use various surgical approaches as appropriate for each patient, for radical resection with an optimal operative field under direct visualization, and for the preservation of cranial nerve (CN) functions. In the present study, we hence focused on the importance of surgical approach selection for removal of CPA epidermoid cysts and analyzed the results of CPA epidermoid cysts after surgery in our series. METHODS: Fifty-four patients who underwent surgery for CPA epidermoid cysts were retrospectively analyzed, regarding their surgical approaches, removal rates, preservation rates of CN function 1 year after surgery, and recurrence. Surgical approaches were selected for patients according to the size and extension of the tumor. RESULTS: Surgical approaches consisted of LSO (20 cases), anterior transpetrosal approach (ATP; 3 cases), combined transpetrosal approach (27 cases), and ATP + LSO (4 cases). Mean tumor content removal and capsule removal rates were 97.4% and 78.3%, respectively. Preservation rates of facial nerve function and useful hearing were 94.4% and 90.7%, respectively. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 62.8 months, and there were two cases of recurrence requiring reoperation about 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: For CPA epidermoid cyst surgeries, selection of the appropriate surgical approach for each patient and radical resection with an optimal operative field under direct visualization enable tumor removal without the need for reoperation for a long time, with preservation of CN functions.

Arterial spin labeling imaging correlates with the angiographic and clinical vascularity of vestibular schwannomas.

PURPOSE: Hypervascular vestibular schwannomas (HVSs) are a type of the vestibular schwannomas (VSs) that are extremely difficult to remove. We examined whether HVSs can be predicted by using arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with VSs underwent ASL imaging and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before surgery. Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) of gray matter and regional tumor blood flow (TBF) were calculated from ASL imaging, and we defined the ratio of TBF to CBF as the relative TBF (rTBF = TBF/CBF). Angiographic vascularity was evaluated by DSA, and clinical vascularity was evaluated by the degree of intraoperative tumor bleeding. Based on the angiographic and clinical vascularity, the VSs were divided into two categories: HVS and non-HVS. We compared rTBF with angiographic and clinical vascularities, retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean rTBFs of angiographic non-HVSs and HVSs were 1.29 and 2.58, respectively (p < 0.0001). At a cutoff value of 1.55, the sensitivity and specificity were 93.9% and 72.9%, respectively. The mean rTBFs of clinical non-HVS and HVSs were 1.45 and 2.22, respectively (p = 0.0002). At a cutoff value of 1.55, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.4% and 66.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The rTBF calculated from ASL imaging correlates well with tumor vascularity and may be useful for predicting HVSs before surgery.

Long-term prognosis of preserved useful hearing after surgery in patients with vestibular schwannoma: a study of 91 cases.

BACKGROUND: In patients with a vestibular schwannoma, some studies have reported that useful hearing preserved initially after surgery deteriorates gradually in the long term. Studies with more patients are needed to clarify the maintenance rate of postoperative hearing function and to identify prognostic of hearing function. METHOD: Ninety-one patients (mean age, 39.5 years; mean tumor size, 18.9 mm) with preserved useful hearing immediately after surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The useful hearing was defined as the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) classes A and B. Hearing tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at outpatient follow-up. RESULTS: At the final follow-up (mean, 63.0 months), the useful hearing was maintained in 79 patients (87%), and the hearing class remained unchanged during the follow-up period in 40 patients (44%). Significant predictors of useful hearing maintenance were AAO-HNS class A immediately after surgery, improvement of ABR, and the absence of postoperative DPOAE deterioration. Postoperative DPOAE deterioration correlated with hearing class deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Despite hearing being preserved in vestibular schwannoma patients immediately after surgery, Thirteen percent lost their useful hearing during the long follow-up period, and hearing class worsened in 55% of the patients. This study, which analyzed one of the largest series of vestibular schwannoma patients, demonstrated that retrocochlear condition is a key factor for useful hearing maintenance. In patients with vestibular schwannoma who have preserved hearing function, regular postoperative monitoring of hearing function is as important as regular MRI.

Hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery via retrosigmoid transmeatal approach.

BACKGROUND: Advances in various diagnostic and/or treatment modalities, including radiological imaging, neuromonitoring, and microsurgical techniques, have resulted in treatments of vestibular schwannomas being aimed at preserving facial and hearing functions while achieving optimal tumor control. METHOD: We describe our surgical technique for hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery. CONCLUSION: The retrosigmoid transmeatal approach under continuous neuromonitoring (auditory brainstem response, cochlear nerve action potentials, and continuous facial nerve monitoring) enables gross-total resection of vestibular schwannomas, while preserving hearing and facial functions. Radiological assessment and microsurgical techniques, such as meticulous tumor dissection, are also essential for functional preservation with sufficient tumor removal.

[Neuroendocrine Tumor Possibly Originating from the Kidney : A Case Report].

A 40-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with right lower back pain as the chief complaint. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a partially-solid tumor within a cyst measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter in the right renal hilum. The solid part was enhanced in the early phase and contrast medium was washed out earlier in the solid part than in the parenchyma in the equilibrium phase. Plain CT revealed partial cyst wall calcification. A soft tissue shadow approximately 10 mm in diameter in the dorsal inferior vena cava at the upper pole of the kidney and a solid tumor adjacent to the iliopsoas muscle and the kidney were detected. We performed radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection with transperitoneal approach. The histopathological diagnosis was neuroendocrine tumor. Her clinical course has since been observed on an outpatient basis, for nearly 10 months to date, without any recurrence.

Total pelvic floor reconstruction during non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: impact on early recovery of urinary continence.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a modified technique of "total pelvic floor reconstruction" during non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to determine its effect on postoperative urinary outcomes. METHODS: A total of 128 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were evaluated, including 81 with total pelvic floor reconstruction and 47 with non-total pelvic floor reconstruction. Nerve-sparing cases were excluded. Urinary outcomes were assessed with self-administrated questionnaires (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique included two concepts involving posterior and anterior reconstructions. In posterior reconstruction, Denonvilliers' fascia was approximated to the bladder neck and the median dorsal raphe by slipknot. The anterior surface of the bladder-neck was approximated to the anterior detrusor apron and the puboprostatic ligament collar for anterior reconstruction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the patients' characteristics, and in perioperative and oncological outcomes. In the total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were 45.7%, 71.4%, and 84.6%, respectively. In the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates were 26.1%, 46.8% and 60.9%, respectively. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique resulted in significantly higher continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, respectively (all P < 0.05). The mean interval to achieve continence was significantly shorter in the total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 7.7 months) than in the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 9.8 months; P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique allows preservation of the blood supply to the urethra and physical reinforcement of the pelvic floor. Therefore, this technique is likely to improve urinary continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Safety of Endoscopic Surgery for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Registry of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treated by Endoscopic Hematoma Evacuation in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The long history of treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) includes the development of surgical procedures. However, few studies have demonstrated that surgery improved the functional outcome. The present study used the prospective Registry of Intracerebral hemorrhage treated by endoscopic hematoma evacuation of the outcomes in endoscopic surgery, which is widely followed in Japan, to try to establish clinical evidence. METHODS: The Registry of Intracerebral hemorrhage treated by endoscopic hematoma evacuation is a multicenter, prospective registry in Japan, and included 143 surgical cases treated by certified neurosurgeons. The etiology and the location of ICH was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses as follows: deep, surface, intraventricular hemorrhage, cerebellum, and surgical outcome. RESULTS: Hematoma location was deep in 44.8% of cases, intraventricular hemorrhage in 19.6%, surface in 21.7%, and cerebellum in 14.0%. Most cases were treated in the ultraearly stage within 8 hours. Mean hematoma evacuation rate was 83.6% and median residual hematoma volume was 3.0 ml. Duration of surgery was median 78 minutes. Rebleeding as a complication was observed in 6.7%, but only 2.9% were symptomatic. 2 cases required reoperation. Favorable outcome at 6 months was achieved in 35.8% of cases, with a mortality rate of 5.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery for spontaneous ICH is safe and comparable to conventional surgery. The time required for the procedure was significantly reduced, demonstrating the minimally invasive character of the surgical burden. However, this study did not establish whether minimally invasive surgery is superior to conservative treatment. Future randomized controlled trials should clarify the effectiveness of the treatment.

A case report of a 5 mm port site hernia that occurred at the drain insertion site after laparoscopic right nephrectomy.

A 5 mm port site hernia during laparoscopic surgery is rarer than a 12 mm port site hernia. Here, we report the case of a 5 mm port site hernia in an 85-year-old woman who underwent long-term steroid therapy and laparoscopic right nephrectomy. There was also a hernia at the port site where the drain was placed. Due to the 5 mm port at the drain removal site, fascial suturing was impossible after removal of the drain, and countermeasures were difficult. However, we believe that patients at a higher risk of port need suturing wound patients like this and should be carefully observed.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in a patient with prostate cancer complicated by benign prostate hypertrophy with middle lobe hypertrophy.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is difficult in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition causing frequent urination, because of the large prostate volume and particularly true when BPH is accompanied by an enlarged middle lobe. To overcome this difficulty, some surgeons elevate the middle lobe with a third arm or tow the urethral catheter to the edge to identify the resection line. Herein, we describe a method for lifting a prostate with an enlarged middle lobe, which was successfully applied in a patient with prostate cancer and BPH. This technique can help identify the resection line between the bladder and prostate, reducing surgical difficulty and the number of unnecessary sutures.

Transcatheter renal arterial embolization for intractable urinary fistula occurring after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a case report.

Partial nephrectomy is the standard surgical procedure for small renal tumors. Since the advent of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), the number of cases of renal tumors undergoing the procedure has increased exponentially. Urinary fistula is a complication of partial nephrectomy. Conservative management using ureteral stents is useful in most cases of urinary fistulas. However, some patients develop intractable urinary fistulas. Herein, we report a case in which vascular embolization was useful for treating an infected and intractable urinary fistula that developed after RAPN. A 59-year-old man was accidentally found to have a right renal tumor (approximately 3 cm in diameter) during a physical examination. Pathology was clear cell carcinoma. RAPN was performed owing to the small size of the renal tumor; however, postoperatively, an intractable urinary fistula with an isolated calyx developed, which was successfully treated with transcatheter renal arterial embolization (TAE). We encountered a rare case of infected refractory urinary fistula with an isolated calyx in which TAE was successful. TAE seems useful in treating intractable urinary fistulas with an isolated calyx occurring after RAPN.

Mutant mice with rod-specific VPS35 deletion exhibit retinal α-synuclein pathology-associated degeneration.

Vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35), the core component of the retromer complex which regulates endosomal trafficking, is genetically linked with Parkinson's disease (PD). Impaired vision is a common non-motor manifestation of PD. Here, we show mouse retinas with VPS35-deficient rods exhibit synapse loss and visual deficit, followed by progressive degeneration concomitant with the emergence of Lewy body-like inclusions and phospho-α-synuclein (P-αSyn) aggregation. Ultrastructural analyses reveal VPS35-deficient rods accumulate aggregates in late endosomes, deposited as lipofuscins bound to P-αSyn. Mechanistically, we uncover a protein network of VPS35 and its interaction with HSC70. VPS35 deficiency promotes sequestration of HSC70 and P-αSyn aggregation in late endosomes. Microglia which engulf lipofuscins and P-αSyn aggregates are activated, displaying autofluorescence, observed as bright dots in fundus imaging of live animals, coinciding with pathology onset and progression. The Rod∆Vps35 mouse line is a valuable tool for further mechanistic investigation of αSyn lesions and retinal degenerative diseases.

Skeletal Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation Accelerates the Recovery of Peripheral Nerve Gap Injury under 50% and 100% Allogeneic Compatibility with the Swine Leucocyte Antigen.

Pig skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (SK-MSCs) were transplanted onto the common peroneal nerve with a collagen tube as a preclinical large animal experiment designed to address long nerve gaps. In terms of therapeutic usefulness, a human family case was simulated by adjusting the major histocompatibility complex to 50% and 100% correspondences. Swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I haplotypes were analyzed and clarified, as well as cell transplantation. Skeletal muscle-derived CD34+/45- (Sk-34) cells were injected into bridged tubes in two groups (50% and 100%) and with non-cell groups. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using sedentary/general behavior-based functional recovery score, muscle atrophy ratio, and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that a two-Sk-34-cell-transplantation group showed clearly and significantly favorable functional recovery compared to a non-cell bridging-only group. Supporting functional recovery, the morphological reconstitution of the axons, endoneurium, and perineurium was predominantly evident in the transplanted groups. Thus, Sk-34 cell transplantation is effective for the regeneration of peripheral nerve gap injury. Additionally, 50% and 100% SLA correspondences were therapeutically similar and not problematic, and no adverse reaction was found in the 50% group. Therefore, the immunological response to Sk-MSCs is considered relatively low. The possibility of the Sk-MSC transplantation therapy may extend to the family members beyond the autologous transplantation.