Partial nephrectomy is associated with improved overall survival compared to radical nephrectomy in patients with unanticipated benign renal tumours.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy (PN) has been associated with improved overall survival (OS) in select cohorts with localised renal masses when compared to radical nephrectomy (RN). The driving forces behind these differences have been difficult to elucidate given the heterogeneity of previously compared cohorts. OBJECTIVE: Compare OS in a subset of patients with unanticipated benign renal masses to minimise the confounding effect of cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively evaluated 2608 consecutive clinical T1 enhancing renal masses that were treated with extirpative surgery at our institution between 1999 and 2006. Of these, 499 tumours (19%) were found to be benign on final pathology. Preoperative data and renal functional data were used to generate a propensity model that was then plugged into a multivariate model of survival. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 50 mo (interquartile range [IQR]: 32-73). INTERVENTION: All patients underwent PN or RN. MEASUREMENTS: We measured OS and cardiac-specific survival. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Five-year OS estimates for the PN (n=388) and RN (n=111) cohorts were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93-98) versus 83% (95% CI, 74-90), respectively (P<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, controlling for both comorbidity and age, RN was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of death compared to PN (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-5.1). Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was also an independent predictor of OS and cardiac-specific survival (HR: 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99 and HR: 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99, respectively). The retrospective nature of this analysis limits the strength of the conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: PN was associated with better OS when compared to RN in patients with unanticipated benign tumours. This observed survival advantage appears partly to be the result of better preservation of eGFR, but other kidney functions or unmeasured factors may also play a role. These data indicate that PN should be aggressively pursued in any patient where PN is technically feasible.

Nephrectomy induced chronic renal insufficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death and death from any cause in patients with localized cT1b renal masses.

PURPOSE: Radical nephrectomy has traditionally been preferred to partial nephrectomy in patients with localized renal cell cancer because of its simplicity and established cancer control. Recent data suggest that these patients have significant competing risks of death, some of which may be increased by chronic renal insufficiency. Therefore, we compared overall survival, cancer specific survival and cardiac specific survival in patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy for cT1b tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2006, 1,004 patients with renal masses between 4 and 7 cm underwent extirpative surgery, partial nephrectomy (524) or radical nephrectomy (480). We generated a propensity model based on preoperative patient characteristics, and then modeled survival with the additional variables of pathological stage and new baseline renal function. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis cancer specific survival was equivalent for patients treated with partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy. Those patients undergoing radical nephrectomy lost significantly more renal function than those undergoing partial nephrectomy. The average excess loss of renal function observed with radical nephrectomy was associated with a 25% (95% CI 3-73) increased risk of cardiac death and 17% (95% CI 12-27) increased risk of death from any cause on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Partial nephrectomy offers cancer specific survival equivalent to that of radical nephrectomy and is technically feasible in at least 50% of patients with cT1b tumors. Preservation of renal function was significantly better in patients treated with partial nephrectomy. Postoperative renal insufficiency was a significant independent predictor of overall and cardiovascular specific survival, and efforts should be made to limit the renal function loss associated with surgery for localized renal masses.

Immunological response to renal cryoablation in an in vivo orthotopic renal cell carcinoma murine model.

PURPOSE: The immunological consequences of cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma are largely unknown. Cryoablation is an attractive therapeutic option for tumors due to its minimally invasive nature. Cryoablation is also potentially immunogenic. We describe the development of an animal model to deliver in vivo renal cryotherapy to orthotopically implanted renal cell carcinoma and the results of multiple immunological interrogations after cryoablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four to 6-week-old female Balb/c mice (Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Maine) underwent renal subcapsular implantation of the syngeneic murine renal cell carcinoma Renca. Two weeks later contact cryoablation was done in tumor bearing kidneys. Another group of animals underwent cryoablation of normal kidneys. Animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after tumor injection or 1 and 2 weeks after cryoablation, respectively. Kidneys, spleens and draining lymph nodes were harvested. Evaluation consisted of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and gene expression profiling using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Subcapsular tumor implantation was successful in all cases and confirmed histologically. No significant lymphocytic infiltrate was seen in tumor only animals but those treated with cryoablation (tumor and nontumor bearing) had a significant inflammatory response primarily in sublethal tissue injury and perivascular areas. After cryoablation most infiltrating cells were neutrophils, macrophages and T cells. Polymerase chain reaction showed increased interferon-gamma production in kidneys after cryoablation. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the potential feasibility of this animal model for studying cryo-immunology. We confirm the absence of any significant immune cell infiltration in tumor bearing kidneys and report a significant inflammatory infiltrate after cryoablation, consisting primarily of neutrophils, macrophages, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with an increase in the T helper type 1/2 ratio. This orthotopic murine model can form the basis of future studies of additional immunological aspects of renal cryoablation.

Minimally invasive nephron sparing management for renal tumors in solitary kidneys.

PURPOSE: We present a large series of minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery outcomes in solitary kidneys with a focus on treatment selection criteria, and oncological and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1,019 patients who underwent minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery since September 1997 at our institution 36, 36 and 29 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation, respectively, for tumors in a solitary kidney. Data, including patient and tumor characteristics, surgery details, complications, and postoperative renal function and intermediate term oncological outcomes in each patient, were obtained by telephone contact or from charts. The 3 groups were compared for perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis tumor size, aspect and remnant kidney status were independent predictors of treatment selection. Cancer specific and overall survival at 2 years was 100% and 91.2% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, 88.5% and 88.5% for cryoablation, and 83.9% and 83.9% for radio frequency ablation, respectively. Disease-free survival was significantly better for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy than for cryoablation and radio frequency ablation (100% vs 69.6% and 33.2%, respectively, p <0.0001). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate change for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation of 17, 3 and 7 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) reflected a 26%, 6% and 13% decrease from baseline, respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and probe ablative procedures can be safely and efficiently done for renal tumor in patients with a solitary kidney. Intermediate term oncological outcomes are superior for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy despite somewhat poorer renal function outcomes than those of cryoablation and radio frequency ablation.

Surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma after targeted therapy.

PURPOSE: The development of targeted agents for renal cell carcinoma has renewed interest in consolidative surgery due to the robust clinical responses seen with these agents. The integration of targeted therapy and surgery requires careful consideration due to the potential for increased perioperative morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib, sorafenib or bevacizumab plus interleukin-2 before tumor resection. RESULTS: Between June 2005 and August 2008, 19 patients were treated with targeted therapy and subsequently underwent resection. Surgical extirpation involved an open and a laparoscopic approach in 18 and 3 cases, respectively, for locally advanced (8), locally recurrent (6) and metastatic disease (3). Two patients with extensive bilateral renal cell carcinoma were also treated to downsize the tumors to enable partial nephrectomy. Perioperative complications were noted in 16% of patients. One patient had a significant intraoperative hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy from a concomitant liver resection. An anastomotic bowel leak and abscess were noted postoperatively in another patient who underwent en bloc resection of a retroperitoneal recurrence and adjacent colon. Two patients (11%) had minor wound complications, including a wound seroma and a ventral hernia. Pathological analysis of 20 specimens revealed clear cell, chromophobe and unclassified renal cell carcinoma in 80%, 5% and 10% of cases, respectively. One patient (5%) had a pathological complete response. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma after targeted therapy is feasible with low morbidity in most patients. However, significant complications can occur, raising concern for possible compromise of tissue and/or vascular integrity associated with surgery in this setting.

Renal function assessment in the era of chronic kidney disease: renewed emphasis on renal function centered patient care.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease is more common than previously appreciated and it is now established as a major independent contributor to mortality. Serum creatinine is known to be an inaccurate reflection of the presence or development of chronic kidney disease. Since urologists frequently treat patients with coexistent chronic kidney disease, we reviewed the merits and limitations of the current methods to estimate renal function, and recent data indicating the importance of optimizing renal function during treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed to evaluate the laboratory, computational and imaging techniques for renal function estimation. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of elderly patients with normal serum creatinine (1.4 mg/dl or less) have chronic kidney disease based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2). The National Kidney Foundation currently recommends using a creatinine based estimate of glomerular filtration rate (eg Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) and has advocated a standardized classification for chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease has been independently related to morbid cardiac events and all cause mortality in a dose dependent fashion, even after controlling for a variety of potentially confounding factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Many urological interventions can precipitate or exacerbate chronic kidney disease, most notably radical nephrectomy which is greatly overused. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing urologists should be cognizant of current methodologies to diagnose chronic kidney disease and its profound implications. Estimation of renal function is better using a serum creatinine based formula than individual serum creatinine values. Treatment goals should not be limited to avoidance of dialysis, but should also include greater efforts to optimize renal function in all patients and early referral for nephrological consultation.

Utility of preoperative renal artery embolization for management of renal tumors with inferior vena caval thrombi.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy (RNIVCT) to determine the utility of preoperative embolization. Preoperative embolization has been used as an adjunctive procedure to facilitate surgical resection of complex renal tumors. METHODS: From 1990 to 2007, 225 patients with renal tumors and inferior vena cava thrombus underwent RNIVCT, including 135 patients who had undergone preoperative renal artery embolization and 90 patients who had not. The effect of embolization on perioperative morbidity and mortality, transfusion requirements, blood loss, and operative time was analyzed by comparing the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean primary tumor size was similar in both groups; however, 67% of the RNIVCT embolization group vs 48% of the nonembolization group had retrohepatic (level III) or supradiaphragmatic (level IV) thrombus extension (P = .032). The RNIVCT embolization patients had a greater median number of perioperative units transfused (8 vs 4; P = .001), a longer operative time (390 vs 313 minutes; P < .001), more postoperative complications (43% vs 29%; P < .001), a longer intensive care unit stay (2 vs 0.5 days), and increased perioperative mortality (13% vs 3%; P = .017). No differences were found in intraoperative complications or length of hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed a fivefold greater risk of perioperative death (adjusted odds ratio 5.5; P = .029) and a trend toward increased blood transfusion (regression coefficient 3.9; P = .08) with preoperative embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that routine preoperative renal artery embolization in patients undergoing RNIVCT does not provide any measurable benefit in reducing blood loss or complications and was associated with increased major perioperative complications and mortality.

Management of the adrenal gland during partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Nephron sparing surgery is an increasingly used alternative to Robson's radical nephroadrenalectomy. The indications for adrenalectomy in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy are not clearly defined and some surgeons perform it routinely for large and/or upper pole renal tumors. We analyzed initial management and oncological outcomes of adrenal glands after open partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. During partial nephrectomy the ipsilateral adrenal gland was resected if a suspicious adrenal nodule was noted on radiographic imaging, or if intraoperative findings indicated direct extension or metastasis. RESULTS: Concomitant adrenalectomy was performed in 48 of 2,065 partial nephrectomies (2.3%). Pathological analysis revealed direct invasion of the adrenal gland by renal cell carcinoma (1), renal cell carcinoma metastasis (2), other adrenal neoplasms (3) or benign tissue (42, 87%). During a median followup of 5.5 years only 15 patients underwent subsequent adrenalectomy (0.74%). Metachronous adrenalectomy was ipsilateral (10), contralateral (2) or bilateral (3), revealing metastatic renal cell carcinoma in 11 patients. Overall survival at 5 years in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy with or without adrenalectomy was 82% and 85%, respectively (p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Adrenalectomy should not be routinely performed during partial nephrectomy, even for upper pole tumors. We propose concomitant adrenalectomy only if a suspicious adrenal lesion is identified radiographically or invasion of the adrenal gland is suspected intraoperatively. Using these criteria adrenalectomy was avoided in more than 97% of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy. Even using such strict criteria only 13% of these suspicious adrenal nodules contained cancer. The rarity of metachronous adrenal metastasis and the lack of an observable benefit to concomitant adrenalectomy support adrenal preservation during partial nephrectomy except as previously outlined.

Response of the primary tumor to neoadjuvant sunitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We assessed the activity of neoadjuvant sunitinib on primary renal tumors in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma as well as the feasibility and safety of subsequent surgical resection. METHODS: A total of 19 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma deemed unsuitable for initial nephrectomy due to locally advanced disease or extensive metastatic burden were treated with 50 mg sunitinib daily for 4 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off. Tumor response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors every 2 cycles and the rate of conversion to resectable status was estimated. RESULTS: Median patient age was 64 years and initial median radiographic renal tumor size was 10.5 cm. Clinical stage was N+ (10) and M+ (15). No patients experienced a complete response. Partial responses of the primary tumor were noted in 3 patients (16%), 7 (37%) had stable disease and 9 (47%) had disease progression in the primary tumor. Overall tumor response included 2 patients (11%) with partial response, 7 (37%) with stable disease and 10 (53%) with disease progression. At a median followup of 6 months (range 1 to 15) 4 patients (21%) had undergone nephrectomy and 5 died of disease progression. No unexpected surgical morbidity was encountered. Viable tumor was present in all 4 specimens. Sunitinib was associated with grade 3-4 toxicity in 7 patients (37%) and treatment was discontinued in 1 due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of sunitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with the primary tumor in place is feasible and can lead to a reduction in tumor burden that can facilitate subsequent surgical resection.

Differential expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma identified by gene expression profiling.

PURPOSE: Gene expression profiling has been shown to provide prognostic information on patients with solitary sporadic renal cell carcinoma. To our knowledge there is no reliable way to differentiate synchronous renal metastasis from bilateral primary tumors in patients with bilateral renal cell carcinoma. We present data using a custom kidney cancer cDNA array that can predict the outcome in patients with unilateral and bilateral renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh frozen tissue from 38 clear cell renal cell carcinomas was analyzed using a cancer cDNA array containing 3,966 genes relevant to cancer or kidney development. Median followup was 5.3 years. Cancer recurred in 12 patients (43%) and 11 (39%) had died by the last followup. RESULTS: Using a training data set of 8 tumors a 44 gene expression profile distinguishing aggressive and indolent clear cell renal cell carcinoma was identified. Of 29 single clear cell renal cell carcinomas 16 and 13 were predicted to be indolent and aggressive, respectively, by the gene expression profile. Recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 68% and 42% in these 2 groups, respectively (p = 0.032). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma classified as indolent or aggressive according to SSIGN (stage, size, grade and necrosis) score showed a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of 78% and 42%, respectively (p = 0.021). On Cox proportional hazards analysis the gene expression profile was not an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival after accounting for SSIGN score. Gene expression profile classification correlated with cancer specific survival at 5 years in 4 of 4 patients with metachronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma but in only 2 of 4 with bilateral synchronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression profiling using a kidney cancer relevant cDNA array can differentiate between aggressive and indolent clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Gene expression profile results may be most useful for unilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma when results are discordant with predictions of tumor behavior based on standard clinicopathological features. In addition, gene expression profiling can provide prognostic information that may help characterize tumors of unknown clinical stage, such as bilateral metachronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Choice of operation for clinically localized renal tumor.

The cornerstone of treatment for localized renal tumors is surgical excision, which until recently was accomplished primarily through radical nephrectomy. The last 2 decades have seen a rapid evolution in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma, marked by the increased use of nephron-sparing surgery and the application of minimally invasive techniques. A plethora of surgical options now are available. This article discusses the optimal surgical approach to renal tumors in various clinical scenarios. In all these discussions we assume that a proactive approach to treatment is indicated and desired, recognizing that active surveillance is always an additional option to consider in certain subpopulations such as the elderly or infirm.

Factors predicting renal functional outcome after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Compared to radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy better preserves renal parenchyma and function. Although several clinical factors may impact renal function after partial nephrectomy including preoperative function, age, gender and comorbidities, the contributions of tumor and surgical factors have not been well studied. We evaluate independent factors predicting functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and all postoperative serum creatinine values for 1,169 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were used to estimate glomerular filtration rate. Postoperative nadir glomerular filtration rate and ultimate glomerular filtration rate were analyzed using multiple pertinent covariates. RESULTS: Median preoperative, postoperative nadir and ultimate glomerular filtration rates were 77, 57 and 71 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), respectively. Increasing age, gender, lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate, solitary kidney, tumor size, ischemia time and longer time to nadir glomerular filtration rate significantly predicted postoperative nadir glomerular filtration rate and ultimate glomerular filtration rate. Acute loss of renal function predicted lower ultimate glomerular filtration rate. In the entire cohort, in patients with normal preoperative renal function, and in those with baseline stage 3 and those with stage 4 chronic kidney disease the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy was 3.6%, 0.8%, 6.2% and 34%, and the incidence of chronic end stage renal disease after partial nephrectomy was 2.5%, 0.1%, 3.7% and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate, solitary kidney, older age, gender, tumor size and longer ischemic interval all predicted lower glomerular filtration rate after partial nephrectomy. Therefore, duration of renal ischemia is the strongest modifiable surgical risk factor for decreased renal function after partial nephrectomy, and efforts to limit ischemic time and injury should be pursued in open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Outcomes of partial nephrectomy in patients on chronic oral anticoagulant therapy.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with patients requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy who underwent open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors at our institution. We compared outcomes with those in a control group undergoing partial nephrectomy with no anticoagulation requirements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,031 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open partial nephrectomy from 2000 to 2005. Since 2000, 31 open and 16 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were performed in patients on chronic warfarin, clopidogrel or cilostazol. Anticoagulation was appropriately discontinued perioperatively. The 47 anticoagulated cases were compared with 47 nonanticoagulated controls that were carefully matched for surgical approach, partial nephrectomy defect size, tumor size and location, procedure year and warm ischemia time. Investigators were blinded to all clinical outcomes throughout the matching process. Bleeding and thrombotic outcomes were then analyzed. RESULTS: The 2 groups were well matched for resection bed size, tumor size, tumor location (central vs peripheral), solitary kidney, operative time and warm ischemia time (each p >or=0.3). Controls had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (300 vs 200, p <0.05) and a greater postoperative decrease in hemoglobin (3.5 vs 2.4 mg/dl, p <0.001). However, transfusion rates were similar in the 2 groups (each 15%). Five patients on anticoagulation had thrombotic events postoperatively vs none in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on anticoagulation are at higher perioperative risk but with careful perioperative management of anticoagulation therapy partial nephrectomy can be performed in a safe and efficacious manner. To our knowledge this is the largest study of outcomes in this complex patient population.

Clinical correlates of renal angiomyolipoma subtypes in 209 patients: classic, fat poor, tuberous sclerosis associated and epithelioid.

PURPOSE: Angiomyolipomas classically present radiographically as fat containing lesions but some fail to demonstrate fat content. Histologically confirmed angiomyolipomas uniformly follow a benign course but rare epithelioid variants of angiomyolipoma can recur and metastasize. We investigated the clinical, radiographic and histological characteristics of each angiomyolipoma subtype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pertinent data were recorded for 209 patients surgically treated for angiomyolipoma in 219 kidneys from 1981 to 2007. Classic and fat poor angiomyolipomas were classified radiographically based on the presence or absence of fat and classified histologically based on the presence of triphasic, monophasic or epithelioid histology. RESULTS: Median radiographic size was 3.2, 4.9 and 10 cm in patients with a single angiomyolipoma (59% of patients), multiple angiomyolipomas and tuberous sclerosis (probable or definite), respectively. In these 3 groups 65%, 47% and 33% of lesions were not suspected radiographically (fat poor angiomyolipoma). Fat poor angiomyolipomas were more commonly single, smaller and in older patients. Triphasic histology was evident in 76% of angiomyolipomas with 16% demonstrating a predominance of 1 component and 8% containing epithelioid features. Despite potentially aggressive findings in 18% (eg presence within the perinephric fat, lymph node involvement) no angiomyolipoma recurred during a mean followup of 3.4 years (range 0 to 24). A total of 28 (13%) patients with angiomyolipoma had concomitant renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: A surprisingly high number of resected angiomyolipomas was not suspected radiographically indicating the importance of precise radiographic characterization to minimize nephrectomy for fat poor angiomyolipoma, which should remain a research priority. In this sizeable single institution series no triphasic, monophasic or epithelioid angiomyolipoma recurred despite potentially aggressive findings in a substantial proportion of cases.

Active surveillance of renal masses in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: We identify and report on a large number of patients treated with active surveillance for incidentally diagnosed renal masses at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients 75 years or older evaluated in our department for a renal mass between January 2000 and December 2006. A total of 110 patients with enhancing renal masses were initially treated with active surveillance and this group made up the cohort for our study. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and radiological followup, and vital status was obtained from the Social Security Death Index. Clinical and radiographic followup was available for review on 104 and 89 patients, respectively. RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 81 years (range 76 to 95) with a median Charlson comorbidity index of 2 (range 0 to 7) at diagnosis. Patients had as many as 9 tumors being followed (median of 1) with a median tumor size of 2.5 cm (range 0.9 to 11.2). During a median followup of 24 months (range 1 to 90) mean tumor growth rate was 0.26 cm per year. Of the 89 patients with radiological followup 38 (43%) exhibited no tumor growth on active surveillance. Comparison of the clinical and radiographic features of patients with tumor growth and those with stable disease revealed no statistical differences. Four patients (3.6%) were treated as a result of disease progression 12 to 54 months after diagnosis. At the conclusion of the study 34 patients (31%) were deceased. To our knowledge the renal mass did not contribute to the cause of death in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance of incidental renal masses appears to be a viable option for older patients with multiple medical comorbidities and a limited life expectancy.

Surgical salvage of renal cell carcinoma recurrence after thermal ablative therapy.

PURPOSE: Thermal ablative therapies, including cryoablation and radio frequency ablation, have become viable options for the management of small renal tumors. However, initial data have suggested higher local recurrence rates for ablation compared to partial nephrectomy. We evaluated options for salvage of ipsilateral tumor recurrence after previous ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of renal surgeries performed at our institution between September 1997 and December 2006 were reviewed to identify patients with ipsilateral tumor recurrence after radio frequency ablation or cryoablation, and clinical characteristics and treatment were defined. RESULTS: Recurrence rates at our hospital were 13 of 175 (7.4%) after cryoablation and 26 of 104 (25%) after radio frequency ablation, and 3 additional cases of post-cryoablation recurrence were referred from elsewhere. Overall repeat ablation was performed in 26 patients who experienced post-ablative recurrence. However, 12 patients (33%) were not candidates for repeat ablation due to large tumor size, disease progression or repeat ablative failure. In this group 1 patient received systemic therapy, 1 refused further treatment and 10 underwent attempted extirpation. Partial nephrectomy was only possible in 2 patients and both required an open approach. Remaining patients were treated with radical nephrectomy (7) or had the procedure aborted due to strong patient preference to avoid dialysis (1). Laparoscopic surgery was only possible in 4 cases. Extensive perinephric scarring was encountered in all salvage operations following cryoablation. CONCLUSIONS: Primary thermal ablation for small renal masses may preclude or complicate subsequent surgical salvage. Cryoablation in particular can lead to extensive perinephric fibrosis which can complicate attempts at salvage. Appropriate patient selection for thermal ablation remains of paramount importance.

The impact of minimally invasive techniques on open partial nephrectomy: a 10-year single institutional experience.

PURPOSE: With the advent of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgical options we hypothesized that the indications, perioperative parameters and complication rates of open partial nephrectomy may have changed significantly during a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Open partial nephrectomy was compared during 2, 3-year periods. From 1994 to 1996 (before laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation) 208 cases were compared vs 347 open partial nephrectomies performed from 2004 to 2006 with regard to indications, perioperative parameters and complication rates. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to age (59 vs 58 years), gender (65.5% vs 65.0% male) and tumor size (3.9 vs 3.6 cm). Tumors removed in the recent era were more often in a solitary kidney (40.0% vs 15.6%) and centrally located (55.6% vs 37.3%), and pathological evaluation more often revealed higher grade (Fuhrman 3 or 4) (43.1% vs 27.8%, each p <0.0001). Despite increased technical difficulty ischemia time in the more recent era was shorter (19.1 vs 40.6 minutes, p = 0.0000), and the urological and overall complication rates were statistically similar (7.5% vs 8.9%, p = 0.6071 and 19.1% vs 14.4%, p = 0.1723, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: At a tertiary referral center the introduction of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgical techniques has drawn away less complicated, less aggressive tumors, reserving the bulk of more complicated central tumors for open partial nephrectomy without decreasing the total number of open cases. With experience these more difficult central tumors are being successfully treated with decreased warm ischemia time and complication rates that are comparable to those in historical series.

Adult cystic nephroma and mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney: clinical, radiographic, and pathologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: Adult cystic nephroma (CN) and mixed epithelial and stromal tumor (MEST) are benign renal tumors readily distinguished from cystic renal cell carcinoma and other malignant variants based on histopathology. Clinical and radiographic data regarding these lesions are sparse, especially with respect to factors providing clinical suspicion for CN or MEST. METHODS: Pathology of 22 CN (21 patients) and 10 MEST (9 patients) treated between 1987 and 2005 was re-reviewed according to 2004 WHO classification. RESULTS: Nineteen CN patients (90%) and 9 MEST patients (100%) were female and median ages were 55 (range: 39 to 79) and 52 (range: 39 to 67) years, respectively. Twenty-two patients (73%) presented symptomatically. CN were commonly Bosniak III lesions (77%), whereas 70% of MEST had solid enhancing components. An intrapelvic component was present in 5 CN (23%) and no MEST. Preoperative radiologic suspicion was documented in 36% of CN, but in only 1 patient with MEST. Nephron-sparing surgery was performed for 16 tumors (50%), including 5 suspected preoperatively and 3 that were 7 cm or greater. There was 1 case each of bilateral CN and MEST. Two patients with CN had concomitant renal cell carcinoma. One patient with MEST had sarcomatous component. At mean follow-up of 4.5 years (range: 1 to 18), no patient had novel or recurrent tumors develop. CONCLUSIONS: CN and MEST typically present symptomatically in perimenopausal women. Pedunculation of a multiloculated cystic lesion may allow for preoperative suspicion of these lesions in the proper clinical setting. Nephron-sparing surgery is the preferred treatment even for large and/or central lesions, if amenable.

Seven years after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: oncologic and renal functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term oncologic and renal function outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic (LRN) versus open radical nephrectomy (ORN). METHODS: The medical records of 116 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma before January 2000 were reviewed. Of these 116 patients, 63 underwent LRN and 53 ORN. The oncologic and renal functional data were obtained from the patient charts, radiographic reports, and direct telephone calls to the patients or their families. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 65 months (range 19 to 92) in the LRN group and 76 months (range 8 to 105) in the ORN group. LRN was successfully completed in all patients without open conversion. The mean tumor size was 5.4 cm in the LRN group and 6.4 cm in the ORN group (P = 0.007). The 5-year overall survival (78% versus 84%, respectively; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75) rates were similar between the LRN and ORN groups. At 7 years, the overall survival (72% versus 84%; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75) rates were also comparable. No port site recurrence was noted in the laparoscopic group. The long-term renal function outcomes were similar in the LRN and ORN groups, with serum creatinine increasing by 33% and 25%, and the estimated creatinine clearance decreasing by 31% and 23% from baseline, respectively. Chronic renal insufficiency developed in 4% of patients in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that LRN and ORN have comparable long-term oncologic and renal functional outcomes.