Chronic kidney disease and risk of kidney or urothelial malignancy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent, affecting approximately 11% of U.S. adults. Multiple studies have evaluated a potential association between CKD and urinary tract malignancies. Summary estimates of urinary tract malignancy risk in CKD patients with and without common co-existing conditions may guide clinical practice recommendations. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched for original cohort studies evaluating the association between CKD and urinary tract cancers (kidney cancer and urothelial carcinoma) through May 25, 2023, in persons with at least moderate CKD and no dialysis or kidney transplantation. Quality assessment was performed for studies meeting inclusion criteria using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed for unadjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) as well as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for confounding conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and/or tobacco use), shown to have association with kidney cancer and urothelial carcinoma. Sub-analysis was conducted for estimates associated with CKD stages separately. RESULTS: Six cohort studies with 8 617 563 persons were included. Overall, methodological quality of the studies was good. CKD was associated with both higher unadjusted incidence and adjusted hazard of kidney cancer (IRR, 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32-4.88; aHR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.77-2.36) and urothelial cancer (IRR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.44-6.40; aHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22-1.68) compared with persons without CKD. Examining incident urinary tract cancers by CKD severity, risks were elevated in stage 3 CKD (kidney aHR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.56-2.30; urothelial carcinoma aHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.18-1.65) as well as in stages 4/5 CKD (kidney cancer aHR, 2.30; 95% CI, 2.00-2.66, UC aHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49). CONCLUSIONS: Even moderate CKD is associated with elevated risk of kidney cancer and UC. Providers should consider these elevated risks when managing individuals with CKD, particularly when considering evaluation for the presence and etiology of hematuria.

A multicenter comparative matched-pair analysis of percutaneous tumor ablation and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy of T1b renal cell carcinoma (AblatT1b study-UroCCR 80).

OBJECTIVE: Renal cell carcinomas represent the sixth- and tenth-most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women. Recently, percutaneous-guided thermal ablations have proved to be as effective as partial nephrectomy and safer for treating small renal masses (i.e., < 3 cm). This study compared the perioperative and recurrence outcomes of percutaneous thermal ablation (TA) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the treatment of T1b renal cell carcinomas (4.1-7 cm). METHODS: Retrospective data from 11 centers on the national database, between 2010 and 2020, included 81 patients treated with thermal ablation (TA) and 308 patients treated with RAPN for T1b renal cell carcinoma, collected retrospectively and matched for tumor size, histology results, and the RENAL score. TA included cryoablation and microwave ablation. Endpoints compared the rate between the two groups: local recurrence, metastases, complications, renal function decrease, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: After matching, 75 patients were included in each group; mean age was 76.6 (± 9) in the TA group and 61.1 (± 12) in the RAPN group, including 69.3% and 76% men respectively. The local recurrence (LR) rate was significantly higher in the TA group than in the PN group (14.6% vs 4%; p = 0.02). The LR rate was 20% (1/5) after microwave ablation, 11.1% (1/9) after radiofrequency ablation, and 14.7% (9/61) after cryoablation. The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) was higher following PN than after TA (5.3% vs 0%; p < 0.001). Metastases, eGFR decrease, and length of hospitalization did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The local recurrence rate was significantly higher after thermal ablation; however, thermal ablation resulted in significantly lower rates of complications. Thermal ablation and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy are effective treatments for T1b renal cancer; however, the local recurrence rate was higher after thermal ablation. KEY POINTS: • The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the thermal ablation group than in the partial nephrectomy group. • The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) was higher following PN than after TA (5.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.001).

Effect of chronic viral hepatitis and metabolic factors on renal cancer risk in a large cohort in Republic of Korea.

PURPOSE: We investigated the association between hepatic and metabolic factors and renal cancer risk. METHODS: This population-based cohort study included cancer-free individuals who underwent general health evaluation (January to December 2010) at the Korean National Health Insurance Service and followed-up through 2017. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), determined by adjusted Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the effect of variables on renal cancer risk. RESULTS: Among 4,518,704 subjects, 6531 patients developed renal cancer. Adjusted analyses of epidemiological factors and BMI (body mass index) (Model I) showed serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ≥60 mg/dL (adjusted HR [aHR] 0.88, 95% CI, 0.81-0.95) reduced renal cancer risk comparing to low HDL-C, whereas hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen (aHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19-1.68) and chronic HBV infection (aHR 1.65, 95% CI 1.26-2.17) increased its risk. Higher BMI increased renal cancer risk in dose-dependent manner (P for trend <0.001). This association persisted after adjustment for epidemiological factors and waist circumference (Model II). Sex-specific analyses showed similar effect of HBV antigen and chronic HBV infection in both sexes. Normal (50-59 mg/dL in women) or high (≥60 mg/dL in men) HDL-C reduced renal cancer risk. Alcohol consumption increased kidney cancer risk in age ≥ 60 years, but it had no association with renal cancer in age < 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: High serum HDL-C levels reduced and HBV antigen and chronic HBV infection increased renal cancer risk across different adjusted analysis models. This effect of low HDL-C and chronic HBV infection persisted in sex-based subanalysis.

Comparison of surgical outcomes after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between patients continuing and discontinuing aspirin therapy: a Japanese single-centre study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of continuing aspirin therapy in patients with renal tumours undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre study included 106 patients receiving aspirin therapy who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The patients were divided into two groups, including those continuing and discontinuing aspirin therapy, and their surgical outcomes were compared. To minimise potential bias, variables including patient and tumour characteristics were adjusted using 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: Aspirin therapy was used for ischaemic heart disease in 38 patients (36%), cerebrovascular disease in 21 (20%) and others in 47 (44%). Of the 106 patients, 49 were classified to the continuing group and 57 to the discontinuing group. After matching, 24 patients were included in each group. The surgical outcomes, such as changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, estimated blood loss, and surgical margin positivity rate, were not significantly different between the groups. In addition, no significant difference was observed in haemoglobin level changes during surgery (continuing: -2.3 g/dl; discontinuing: -1.7 g/dl, P = 0.0676) and haemorrhagic complications (continuing: 8%; discontinuing: 4%, P = 0.500). Multivariate analysis of predictors for haemoglobin level decrease >2 g/dl or haemorrhagic complications showed that, whereas tumour complexity was an independent predictor, continuation or discontinuation of aspirin therapy was not. CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between patients continuing and discontinuing aspirin therapy were not significantly different, thus suggesting the feasibility of continuing aspirin therapy in selected Japanese patients.

Analyses of operative time according to procedure phases during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the iPhone application "My Intuitives".

PURPOSE: We investigated operative time according to procedure phases in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and identify variables associated with longer operative time in each procedure phase. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 108 patients who underwent RAPN conducted by an experienced surgeon. Operative time was divided into dissection, resection, tumor bed suture, and renorrhaphy and hemostasis phases, which were derived from the iPhone application "My Intuitives." Multivariate analyses were performed to identify possible predictors such as sex, body mass index, tumor complexity, and surgical approach for longer operative time in each phase. RESULTS: The median console time was 65 min, and median operative times in dissection, resection, tumor bed suture, and renorrhaphy and hemostasis phases were 41, 8, 9, and 8 min, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, longer console time was observed in high complexity tumors (vs. low, OR: 8.01, 95% CI: 1.94-33.0) and transperitoneal approach (vs. retroperitoneal approach, OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.94-33.0). High complexity tumors were significantly associated with longer operative time in all procedure phases, and the male sex was associated with a longer operative time in the dissection phase than the female sex (OR: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.18-11.0). CONCLUSION: The identified significant predictive factors associated with longer operative time were the male sex and high complexity in the dissection phase, high complexity in the resection phase, in the tumor bed suture phase as well as in the renorrhaphy and hemostasis phase. These findings may help to predict the difficulty of performing RAPN in terms of operative time.

Perioperative outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma according to surgeon generation.

OBJECTIVE: The experience of performing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is associated with better surgical outcomes. However, surgeon's generation may impact surgical outcomes. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes of RAPN between first- and second-generation surgeons according to the surgeon's experience. METHODS: This study included 529 patients who underwent RAPN for renal cell carcinoma from January 2013 to November 2018. Four specific surgeons performed the surgery. According to the surgeon's generation, the patients were divided into two groups: first-generation and second-generation. To reflect the learning curve of RAPN, the surgical outcomes of each case (1-50, 51-100, 101-150) were evaluated between these groups. RESULTS: Between 1 to 50 cases and 101-150 cases, no significant differences in patient characteristics were observed between the two generations. Between 51-100 cases, age at surgery was significantly younger in the first-generation than in the second-generation group (58 years vs. 64 years, p = 0.04). The second-generation group had a shorter operation time in cases 1-50 (169 min vs. 188 min, p = 0.0001), 51-100 (145 min vs. 169 min, p = 0.008), and 101-150 (142 min vs. 165 min, p = 0.009), than the first-generation group. Although shorter WIT and higher trifecta achievement were observed in the second-generation group than in the first-generation group between 1-50 cases, the difference was not noted between 51-100 cases and 101-150 cases. CONCLUSION: Patients operated by second-generation surgeons had better surgical outcomes than first-generation surgeons, especially during the early experience period, which might result from their assistance experience, sophisticated surgical procedures refined by the first-generation, and the first-generation surgeon's introduction.

Thermal ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for clinical T1b renal tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To report our preliminary results of thermal ablation, including microwave and radiofrequency ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for cT1b renal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients with cT1b renal tumors who underwent microwave ablation or radiofrequency ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between January 2014 and May 2018 were enrolled. Thirty of them underwent microwave ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (MWA-LPN group), and the other 26 received radiofrequency ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RFA-LPN group). Baseline, perioperative and follow-up data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences with respect to patients' gender, age, tumor size, RENAL score, BMI and estimated glomerular filtration rate between the MWA-LPN and RFA-LPN group, nor were any differences observed in warm ischemia time, post-operative complications and hospital stay. Patients in the MWA-LPN group had shorter median operative time (p = .012), less estimated blood loss (p = .023). Median follow-up was 36 months (range 12-64). Three-year cancer-specific and progression-free survival was 100% and 96.4%. The overall kidney recurrence rate was 3.6% in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal ablation assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a safe, effective nephron-sparing treatment which provides acceptable results for selective cT1b renal tumors.

Comparison of renal functional outcomes of active surveillance and partial nephrectomy in the management of oncocytoma.

PURPOSE: To compare functional outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and active surveillance (AS) in oncocytoma. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with oncocytoma managed with PN or AS (biopsy-confirmed). Primary outcome development of de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2). Cox regression Multivariable analysis (MVA) was carried out for predictors of de novo CKD. Linear regression was carried out for factors associated with increasing deltaGFR. Kaplan-Meier Analysis (KMA) was performed to analyze 5-year CKD-free survival. RESULTS: 295 patients were analyzed (224 PN/71 AS, median follow-up 37.4 months). No differences were noted for clinical tumor size (AS 2.6 vs. PN 2.9 cm, p = 0.108), and baseline eGFR (AS 79.6 vs. PN 77, p = 0.9670). Median change in tumor diameter for AS was 0.42 cm. Compared to PN, AS had deltaGFR (-15.3 vs. -6.4 mL/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001) and de novo CKD (28.2% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.002). AS patients who developed CKD had higher RENAL score (p = 0.005) and lower baseline eGFR (73 vs. 91.2 mL/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001) than AS patients who did not. MVA demonstrated increasing age (OR = 1.03, p = 0.025), tumor size (HR = 1.26, p = 0.032) and AS (HR = 4.91, p < 0.001) to be predictive for de novo CKD. Linear regression demonstrated AS was associated with larger decrease in deltaGFR (B = -0.219, p < 0.001). KMA revealed 5-year CKD survival was higher in PN (87%) vs. AS (62%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AS was associated with greater functional decline than PN in oncocytoma. PN may be considered to optimalize renal functional preservation in select circumstances. Further investigation into mechanisms of functional decline in oncocytoma is requisite.

Use of dual-energy CT for renal mass assessment.

Although dual-energy CT (DECT) may prove useful in a variety of abdominal imaging tasks, renal mass evaluation represents the area where this technology can be most impactful in abdominal imaging compared to routinely performed contrast-enhanced-only single-energy CT exams. DECT post-processing techniques, such as creation of virtual unenhanced and iodine density images, can help in the characterization of incidentally discovered renal masses that would otherwise remain indeterminate based on post-contrast imaging only. The purpose of this article is to review the use of DECT for renal mass assessment, including its benefits and existing limitations. KEY POINTS: • If DECT is selected as the scanning mode for most common abdominal protocols, many incidentally found renal masses can be fully triaged within the same exam. • Virtual unenhanced and iodine density DECT images can provide additional information when renal masses are discovered in the post-contrast-only setting. • For renal mass evaluation, virtual unenhanced and iodine density DECT images should be interpreted side-by-side to troubleshoot pitfalls that can potentially lead to erroneous interpretation.

Local recurrence and other oncologic outcomes after percutaneous image-guided tumor ablations on stageT1b renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of clinical trials on thermal ablation of T1b RCC was conducted to assess oncologic outcomes of those procedures. The primary endpoint was the rate of local recurrence. Secondary endpoints included technical efficacy, progression to metastatic disease, cancer-specific mortality, complications and renal function decrease. METHODS: PubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase databases were searched in June 2020 for eligible trials following the PRISMA selection process. Prevalence of local recurrence and per procedural major adverse effects were calculated using double arcsine transformation and a random-effects model. RESULTS: Nine clinical trials (all retrospective) involving 288 patients with T1b renal clear cell carcinoma treated with either percutaneous microwave ablation, cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation were analyzed. Using a random-effects model, the overall prevalence of local recurrence following percutaneous ablation was 0.08 (0.04-0.14; p = 0.05). Primary technical efficacy was 226/263 (86%) patients and secondary technical efficacy was 247/263 (94%). Overall, 10/176 (6%) patients presented metastatic locations following the ablation. Major adverse effects prevalence was 0.09 (0.06-0.14; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thermal ablations are feasible, safe, and effective to treat T1b renal clear cell carcinoma. More trials are necessary to determine the rate of the evidence of the benefit.HighlightsThermal ablations are feasible and safe to treat T1b renal clear cell carcinoma.Oncologic outcomes appear to be very good on both local control and distant progression.Due to small number and heterogeneity of studies more trials are necessary to determine the rate of the evidence of the benefit.

Predictive factors for recurrence after partial nephrectomy for clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective study of 1227 cases from a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the predictive factors for tumor recurrence after partial nephrectomy (PN) is useful to determine patients who require careful observation after surgery. Therefore, we investigated recurrence after partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and analyzed predictive factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). METHODS: This study included 1227 patients who underwent PN for clinical T1 RCC and retrospectively investigated patients' characteristics and tumor factors that are associated with tumor recurrence. RESULTS: The median patient age was 59 years, and the median tumor size was 30 mm. Although 970 (74%) and 319 (26%) patients had clinical T1a and T1b RCCs, respectively, 20 patients (1.6%) were upstaged to pathological T3a. A positive surgical margin was found in 19 (1.5%) patients. The distribution of surgical approaches was open surgery in 428 (35%) patients and minimally invasive surgery in 799 (65%) patients. With a median follow-up of 35 months (Interquartile range 19-55 months), 39 (3.2%) patients, including ten with local recurrence, five with recurrence in the ipsilateral kidney, and 28 with other organs or lymph-nude, developed recurrence. The 3-year RFS was 99%, and the median recurrence time from PN was 19 months (interquartile range: 11-37 months). Multivariate analysis identified high grade tumor and upstaging to pT3a as significant predictors for worse RFS. CONCLUSION: Patients with high grade tumors and tumors upstaged to pT3 had a high risk of worse RFS, which suggested that careful monitoring is required for such patients after PN, even if a good prognosis is achieved in patients with clinical T1 RCC.

Renal tumours in Australian children: 30 years of incidence, outcome and second primary malignancy data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry.

AIM: This paper describes the incidence and outcomes of childhood renal malignancies in Australia using national population-based data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry. METHODS: De-identified data for children (0-14 years) diagnosed with renal malignancies from 1983 to 2015 inclusive were extracted. Cause-specific (CSS) and event-free survival up to 20 years from diagnosis were estimated using the cohort method. Adjusted excess mortality hazard ratios were calculated using a multivariable flexible parametric survival model. Details relating to second primary malignancies (SPMs) were also examined. RESULTS: There were 1046 children diagnosed with renal malignancies in Australia between 1983 and 2015 (91% nephroblastoma), generating an annual age-standardised incidence rate of 8 per million children, which remained constant over the study period. CSS was 89% (95% confidence interval = 87-91%) and 88% (86-90%) at 5 and 20 years, respectively, and 5-year event-free survival was 82% (80-84%). Five-year CSS did not change over the study period and was highest for nephroblastoma (91%). Of the 94% of patients achieving remission, 15% relapsed and subsequent 5-year CSS was 49% (40%-58%). Eleven children were diagnosed with SPM (standardised incidence ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.6-5.3, P < 0.001), and five of them (45%) died within 5 years of the second diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Children treated for renal malignancies in Australia have excellent long-term survival, which is unchanged since 1983. SPMs are uncommon following treatment for childhood renal cancer but carry a poor prognosis. Relapse carries a similarly poor prognosis to SPM but is more common. These data are comparable to registry outcomes in similarly developed nations.

Collecting duct carcinoma and endemic nephropathy - case reportS and literature review.

Although collecting duct carcinoma is a subtype of renal cell carcinoma, several studies implicate association with urothelial carcinoma. The coexistence of collecting duct carcinoma and another renal neoplasm is rare. Endemic nephropathy is a renal disease causing chronic renal failure. It is highly associated with urothelial neoplasm and occurs in endemic villages in Bosnia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. Recent studies have confirmed the important role of exposure to aristolochic acid as an etiologic factor. We present three cases of collecting duct carcinoma with literature overview. In one case, we describe collecting duct carcinoma with metachronous urothelial carcinoma of the pyelon and urinary bladder in an endemic nephropathy patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing this coexistence. Certain similarities between collecting duct carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma were found, e.g., higher incidence in female compared to male, higher mean age, and multifocal and multicentric occurrence of the tumor. Our observations support the hypothesis that collecting duct carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma could be connected.

Peritumoral pseudocapsule status according to pathological characteristics from robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate peritumoral pseudocapsule status in patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and to examine predictive factors associated with the absence of peritumoral pseudocapsule. METHODS: A total of 367 patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were divided into two groups according to peritumoral pseudocapsule status. The groups were compared in terms of patient and tumor characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictive factors for the absence of peritumoral pseudocapsule. RESULTS: Of the 367 tumors, 323 (88%) were surrounded by a peritumoral pseudocapsule. The mean tumor size was 30 mm, and 70% of the patients were male. Tumors with a peritumoral pseudocapsule had a larger diameter than those without (31 vs 26 mm; P = 0.0008). A peritumoral pseudocapsule was observed in 92% of the clear cell, in 89% of the papillary and in 86% of the clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma cases compared with just 50% in the chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cases (P < 0.0001). Sex, age, Fuhrman grade and tumor complexity did not differ among patients. A multivariate analysis showed that smaller tumor size (≥34 vs <34 mm, odds ratio 3.31; P = 0.0023) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (vs other subtypes, odds ratio 12.5; P < 0.0001) predicted an absence of peritumoral pseudocapsule. CONCLUSIONS: Small tumor size and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma were significant predictors of a lack of peritumoral pseudocapsule, suggesting that a positive surgical margin must be avoided for these tumors when an enucleation technique is used for robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Association between tumor contact surface area and parenchymal volume change in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy carried out using the enucleation technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change in the operated parenchymal volume during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy limited to the enucleation technique, and to analyze the predictors of decrease in operated parenchymal volume, including the tumor contact surface area. METHODS: The study included 135 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumors using the enucleation technique. Measurements of the parenchymal volume, tumor volume and contact surface area were obtained in the venous phase on enhanced computed tomography. All measurements, including volumetric and renal function analysis, were carried out <2 months before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of included participants was 56 years, and the mean tumor size was 33 mm. The mean tumor volume was 26 cc, and the mean contact surface area was 22 cm2 . In the complete cohort, the mean preoperative and postoperative normal parenchymal volumes of the operated kidney were 158 and 141 cc, respectively. The mean change in parenchymal volume of the operated kidney was -10%. In contrast, the mean change in global estimated glomerular filtration was just -4.0%. Univariate analysis showed that the RENAL nephrometry score, contact surface area, tumor volume and warm ischemia time were associated with the change in the operated kidney parenchymal volume. However, in the multivariate analysis, a large contact surface area was the only independent predictor of decreased operated parenchymal volume <10 cm3 . CONCLUSION: Contact surface area is a strong predictor of the decrease in the parenchymal volume in the operated kidney during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy carried out using the enucleation technique for T1 renal tumors.

Impact of hospital volume and surgeon volume on robot-assisted partial nephrectomy outcomes: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of hospital volume (HV) and surgeon volume (SV) on perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a RAPN from 2009 to 2015, at 11 institutions, were included in a retrospective study. To evaluate the impact of HV, we divided RAPN into four quartiles according to the caseload per year: low HV (<20/year), moderate HV (20-44/year), high HV (45-70/year), and very high HV (>70/year). The SV was also divided into four quartiles: low SV (<7/year), moderate SV (7-14/year), high SV (15-30/year), and very high SV (>30/year). The primary endpoint was the Trifecta defined as the following combination: no complications, warm ischaemia time (WIT) <25 min, and negative surgical margins. RESULTS: In total, 1 222 RAPN were included. The mean (sd) caseload per hospital per year was 44.9 (26.7) RAPNs and the mean (sd) caseload per surgeon per year was 19.2 (14.9) RAPNs. The Trifecta achievement rate increased significantly with SV (69.9% vs 72.8% vs 73% vs 86.1%; P < 0.001) and HV (60.3% vs 72.3% vs 86.2% vs 82.4%; P < 0.001). The positive surgical margins (PSM) rate (P = 0.02), length of hospital stay (LOS; P < 0.001), WIT (P < 0.001), and operative time (P < 0.001), all decreased significantly with increasing SV. The PSM rate (P = 0.02), LOS (P < 0.001), WIT (P < 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001), and major complications rate (P = 0.01), all decreased significantly with increasing HV. In multivariate analysis adjusting for HV and SV (model 3), HV remained the main predictive factor of Trifecta achievement (odds ratio [OR] 3.70 for very high vs low HV; P < 0.001), whereas SV was not associated with Trifecta achievement (OR 1.58 for very high vs low SV; P = 0.34). CONCLUSION: In this multicentre study HV and SV both greatly influenced RAPN perioperative outcomes, but HV appeared to have a greater impact than SV.

Long-term oncological outcomes after robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a prospective multicentre study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at reporting the long-term oncological outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Data from all consecutive patients who underwent RAPN for RCC from July 2009 to January 2012 in three departments of urology were prospectively collected. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and disease free-survival (DFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors associated with CSS were sought in univariate analysis. The log-rank test was used for categorical variables and the Cox model for continuous variables. RESULTS: 110 patients were included with a median follow-up of 64.4 months [95% CI = (61.0-66.7)]. Median age was 61 years (29-83) with 62.7% of men and 37.3% of women. Median RENAL score was 6 (4-10) with elective indications accounting for 95% of cases. Out of 27 patients (24.5%) who experienced peri-operative complication, 12 patients (10.9%) had a major complication (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3). The TRIFECTA achievement rate was 52.7%. Three patients (2.7%) experienced local recurrence and seven patients (6.4%) progressed to a metastatic disease. 5-year OS, CSS, DFS were 94.9, 96.8, 86.4%, respectively. In univariate analysis, no pre/peri-operative characteristic was associated with DFS. No port-site metastasis was observed and there was one case of peritoneal carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter series, long-term OS, DFS and CSS after RPN appeared comparable to large series of open partial nephrectomy, with no port-site metastasis and one case of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Method Used for Tumor Bed Closure (Suture vs. Sealant), Ischemia Time and Duration of Surgery are Independent Predictors of Post-Nephron Sparing Surgery Acute Kidney Injury.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to examine the influence of tumor complexity and operative variables on the degree and rate of post-nephron sparing surgery (NSS) acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 477 patients who underwent NSS for enhancing renal masses in our institution. AKI was determined using the latest definition by AKIN and RIFLE criteria. Serum creatinine was assessed daily starting from day 1 post-surgery and until discharge (usually on postoperative day 3). Estimated glomerular filtration was determined using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. RESULTS: Overall, 191 patients (40%) developed postoperative AKI, and most of them (88%) were grade 1. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most significant and independent variables associated with AKI were operation time (p = 0.02), ischemia time (p = 0.02), and the use of tissue adhesive for tumor bed closure (p = 0.02). Other important factors (by univariate analysis) were the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.003) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Operative time, ischemia, and tumor bed closure method are independent predictors of post-NSS AKI. Efforts should be made to limit prolonged ischemia and to reduce viable parenchymal loss. Further studies concerning the functional impact of AKI in these patients will be required.

Prediction of Intraoperative Urinary Collecting System Entry in Patients with Peripheral Renal Tumors Undergoing Partial Nephrectomy: Usefulness of Tumor-Centered Multiplanar Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of tumor-centered multiplanar reconstruction (TC-MPR) for predicting intraoperative urinary collecting system (UCS) entry in patients with peripheral renal tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Dynamic computed tomography images of 50 peripheral cT1 renal tumors treated with laparoendoscopic PN were analyzed. TC-MPR generated a digital cross-sectional image showing the tumor center and the closest calyx on a same plane. Patients and tumor characteristics including the distance from the tumor margin to the closest calyx (MPR-distance), and the angle formed by 2 tangent lines from the closest calyx to the tumor (MPR-angle) were assessed. RESULTS: Intraoperative UCS entry was observed in 15 patients (30%). The patients who experienced intraoperative UCS entry had a higher RENAL score, wider MPR-angle, and shorter MPR-distance than those who did not (p = 0.04, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified MPR-angle as an independent factor for intraoperative UCS entry (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The spatial information assessed using TC-MPR serves as a predictive factor for intraoperative UCS entry during PN.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: A propensity score-matched comparative analysis of surgical outcomes and preserved renal parenchymal volume.

OBJECTIVES: To compare surgical outcomes, including renal function and the preserved renal parenchymal volume, between robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using propensity score-matched analyses. METHODS: In total, 253 patients, with a normal contralateral kidney, who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 131) or robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 122) with renal arterial clamping between 2010 and 2015, were included. Patients' background and tumor factors were adjusted by propensity score matching. Surgical outcomes, including postoperative renal function, complications, warm ischemia time and preserved renal parenchymal volume, evaluated by volumetric analysis, were compared between the surgical procedures. RESULTS: After matching, 64 patients were assigned to each group. The mean age was 56-57 years, and the mean tumor size was 22 mm. Approximately 50% of patients had low complexity tumors (RENAL nephrometry score 4-7). The incidence rate of acute kidney failure was significantly lower in the robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (11%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (23%) group (P = 0.049), and warm ischemia time shorter in the robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (17 min) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (25 min) group (P < 0.0001). The preservation rate of renal function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, at 6 months post-surgery was 96% for robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 90% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (P < 0.0001). The preserved renal parenchymal volume was higher for robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (89%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (77%; P < 0.0001). The rate of perioperative complications, surgical margin status and length of hospital stay were equivalent for both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy allows to achieve better preservation of renal function and parenchymal volume than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.