Circumferential Inferior Vena Cavectomy Without Caval Replacement in the Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renal cell carcinoma presents a unique proclivity for vascular involvement giving rise to a peculiar form of locally advanced disease so-called tumor thrombus. To date, the only curative strategy for these cases remains surgery, which should aim to remove every vestige of macroscopic disease. Most of the preexisting literature advocates opening the vena cava to allow tumor thrombus removal and subsequent venous suture closure. However, inferior vena cava circumferential resection (cavectomy) without caval replacement is possible in the majority of cases since progressive occlusion facilitates the development of a collateral venous network aimed at maintaining cardiac preload. RECENT FINDINGS: Radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy remains a surgical challenge not exempt of operative complications even in experienced hands. In opposition to what traditional cavotomy and thrombus withdrawal can offer, circumferential cavectomy without caval replacement would provide comparable or even better oncologic control, decrease the likelihood of operative bleeding, and prevent the development of perioperative pulmonary embolism. This review focuses on the rationale of circumferential IVC resection without caval replacement and the important technical aspects of this approach in cases of renal cell carcinoma with vascular involvement. We also include an initial report on the surgical outcomes of a contemporary series of patients managed under this approach at our center.

The need for re-TUR of the bladder in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: risk factors of tumor persistence in re-TUR specimens.

AIM: This study evaluated the need for re-TUR of the bladder in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with complete transurethral resection (TUR) and examined the risk factors for disease occurrence in re-TUR of the bladder. METHODS: A cohort of 211 patients diagnosed consecutively of NMIBC (July 2009 to October 2011) underwent re-TURB 4-6 weeks after the initial TURB. Association with tumor presence in re-TURB of the following parameters was analyzed: sex, primary/recurrent, number, size, stage, grade, association of carcinoma in situ, early instillation of Mitomycin C, and its classification according to the EORTC risk groups. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (27%) cases exhibited residual tumors in the re-TURB and understaging was observed in 3 (1.4%) patients. The EORTC classified 151 (71.6%) patients as high risk; 124 (58.7%) patients received postoperative instillations of Mitomycin C. 31.8% of high risk patients exhibited tumors in the re-TUR compared to 14% of the low/intermediate risk (P<0.05). A total of 19.4% of patients with early instillation of Mitomycin C had tumor in re-TURB compared to 38.4% of patients without it (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that high-risk tumors behaved as an independent risk factor for the tumor presence in re-TURB (HR=12.65, P=0.008), but early postoperative instillation of Mitomycin C was a protective factor (HR=2.16, P=0.02). The limitations of the study are the absence of randomization and its unicentric character. CONCLUSION: Patients who were at a high risk of tumor recurrence and/or progression according to the EORTC classification exhibited a higher percentage of tumors in re-TURB. Therefore, these patients are optimal candidates for re-TURB.

Urethral bleeding after open radical prostatectomy treated with selective arterial embolization. A rare complication.

OBJECTIVE: Gross hematuria in the immediate postoperative radical prostatectomy is a rare complication. According to different series reviewed, significant bleeding after this surgery appears between 0.5-1.5% of the cases. METHODS: 58 year old male with localized prostate cancer who underwent open radical prostatectomy with preservation of the neurovascular bundles and a left accessory pudendal branch. In the 4th postoperative day patient presented severe hematuria and urethral bleeding requiring continuous bladder irrigation and blood transfusion. Given the persistence of bleeding despite conservative measures CT-angiography was performed demonstrating active bleeding at a bulbar artery from the left internal pudendal artery without associated pelvic hematoma RESULTS: Given the findings selective embolization was performed with absorbable material stopping the bleeding. Three months later the patient maintains urinary continence and erectile function with tadalafil. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral bleeding after radical prostatectomy is a rare complication the cause of which is distal to the urinary sphincter unrelated to the pelvic vessels. The performance of CT angiography and subsequent embolization is the treatment of choice, avoiding open surgical revision, with less morbidity.

Predictive postoperative model for biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy as monotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the post-prostatectomy prognostic factors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and develop a predictive model for BCR based on predictive pathological variables after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with RP as monotherapy with a minimum follow up period of 12 months. We considered BCR to be the persistence or elevation of PSA levels after RP of> 0,4 ng/ml, and rising in the following determination. We performed uni-and multivariate analysis, using the logistic regression test to determine the variables associated with BCR. We developed a mathematical model to estimate BCR, based on the variables identified, with a logistic function equation and then designed an Excel spreadsheet to apply it. Calibration and discrimination were performed by way of a Hosmer-Lemeshow test and an ROC curve. RESULTS: 693 patients were included. Average age was 63.5 years and average follow up was 88.5 months. BCR was observed in 218 patients. The average time to BCR was 35.5 months, and 90% of the cases occurred in the first 7 years. In the multivariate analysis, the PSA, Gleason Score (GS) = 7(4+3), pathological stage pT3b and affectation of the surgical margin (SM) were identified as independent prognostic pathological variables related to BCR (p〈0,001). The above four variables were included into the equation of the model. Specificity and sensitivity were 90.6% and 50.2%. Its predictive capacity was 80.5% (CI 95% 76,80 -84.3). CONCLUSIONS: PSA, GS = 7(4+3), pathological stage pT3b and PSM were found to be the independent prognostic pathological variables related to BCR-free survival. The predictive model developed permits BCR risk estimation with a reliability of 80.5%

Prevalence and management of urinary incontinece after pelvic organ prolapse surgery (sacrocolpopexy). A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and may occur after its surgical treatment. AIM: To determine the incidence, risk factors and management of SUI during and after POP surgery through a review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Narrative literature review on the incidence and management of SUI after POP surgery after search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo published in Spanish and English between 2013 and 2023. RESULTS: Occult SUI is defined as visible urine leakage when prolapse is reduced in patients without SUI symptoms. De novo SUI develops after prolapse surgery without having previously existed. In continent patients, the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of de novo SUI is estimated to be 9 patients and about 17 to avoid repeat incontinence surgery. In patients with occult UI, the NNT to avoid repeat incontinence surgery is around 7. Patients with POP and concomitant SUI are the group most likely to benefit from combined surgery with a more favorable NNT (NNT 2). CONCLUSION: Quality studies on combined surgery for treatment SUI and POP repair are lacking. Continent patients with prolapse should be warned of the risk of de novo SUI, although concomitant incontinence treatment is not currently recommended. Incontinence surgery should be considered on an individual basis in patients with prolapse and SUI.

Use of Bladder Epicheck® in the follow-up of high-risk non-muscle-invasive Bladder cancer: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, different urinary markers such as the Bladder Epicheck® have been developed in an attempt to reduce the number of cystoscopies in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). AIM: To provide a systematic review of Bladder Epicheck® and its current clinical utility in the follow-up and detection of recurrence of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review based on a literature search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases until October 2023, according to PRISMA and Quadas-2 criteria. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the marker were calculated. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were analyzed (n = 3761) including 86.7% prospective studies. Of the patient series, 53.2% had received previous intravesical instillations. The mean Se of the biomarker in the detection of recurrence varied according to tumor grade (87.9%-high grade/HG vs. 44.9%-low grade/LG, respectively). Their weighted mean Se and Sp were 71.6% and 84.5%, respectively. The mean recurrence rate was 29.1%. The weighted mean PPV and NPV were 56.4% and 92.8% (97.7% non-LG), respectively. The mean AUC was 85.63%. CONCLUSION: Bladder Epicheck® is a useful urinary marker in the follow-up of NMIBC, with significantly high Se and NPV in the detection of recurrences, especially in cases of HG disease. Its use can reduce the number of cystoscopies required in the follow-up of NMIBC, improving the quality of life of patients and potentially increasing health economic savings.

Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n=570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP. RESULTS: Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p>0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n=20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p<0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p>0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device. CONCLUSION: The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

Development of an immune-nutritional prognostic index in patients with muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer candidates for radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle-infiltrating bladder tumor (MIBT) has a recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 50% at 5 years. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has increased it by 8%, which group of patients benefits the most from this treatment remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prognostic value of immune-nutritional status in patients with MIBT who are candidates for cystectomy, and to develop a score that allows identifying patients with a worse prognosis (pT3-4 and/or pN0-1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 284 patients with MIBT treated with radical cystectomy. Preoperative laboratory tests were analyzed and immune-nutritional indices were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the PFS. Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship with leukocyte/lymphocyte index (p = 0.0001), neutrophil/lymphocyte index (p = 0.02), prognostic nutritional index (p = 0.002), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the leukocyte/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.002) and PNI (p = 0.04) behaved as independent prognostic factors of decreased RFS. Based on these, a prognostic score was developed to classify patients into 3 prognostic groups. Eighty percent of patients with pT3-4 and/or pN0-1 tumors were in the intermediate-poor prognostic groups. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a precystectomy immune-nutritional score in clinical practice would help in the selection of a group of patients with a more unfavorable pathologic stage and worse PFS. We believe that these patients could benefit more from a NACT.

Deceased donor kidney procurement: Systematic review of the surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney procurement procedure must be carried out following a standardized technique in order to optimize kidney grafts for their subsequent implantation. OBJECTIVES: Review of the available literature on kidney procurement procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review of the available evidence on deceased donor kidney procurement technique after a search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo written in English and Spanish. RESULTS: Deceased donor kidney procurement can be divided into two groups, donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD). Kidney procurement in DBD frequently includes other chest and/or abdominal organs, requiring multidisciplinary surgical coordination. During the harvesting procedure, the renal vascular pedicle must remain intact for subsequent implantation and reduced ischemia time. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate execution and perfect knowledge of the technique for surgical removal and anatomy reduces the rate of graft losses associated to inadequate harvesting techniques.

Traumatic rupture of horseshoe kidney.

We present the case of a 25-year-old male who came to the emergency room for pain and abdominal distension following trauma to the mesogastrium. A CT scan was performed, revealing a voluminous retroperitoneal hematoma with laceration of both inferior renal poles with regard to rupture of the isthmus of a horseshoe kidney. The patient presented anemization and increased pain, requiring selective embolization by means of arteriography of a branch of the right renal artery and placement of a double J stent due to urinary extravasation in the lower left kidney pole. Following 1 year of monitoring, the patient has maintained normal renal function. Renal affection in blunt abdominal trauma is frequent, occurring in 7% of previously pathological kidneys. The traumatic rupture of horseshoe kidney is facilitated by its particular anatomical characteristics, constituting an infrequent entity, knowledge of which is necessary to achieve conservative management that renders it possible to preserve renal function.

Impossible bladder catheter removal. What can we do?

OBJECTIVE: The inability to remove a bladder catheter due to impossible balloon removal is a situation with controversial management; there are no action guidelines and it is limited to individual experience in most cases. In this article, we review the techniques described for removing a urethral catheter and we share our experience with one case. METHODS: A 70-year-old male with permanent bladder catheter was referred to the emergency department due to an inability to deflate the self-retaining balloon during routine change in his health centre. RESULTS: After unsuccessfully trying to puncture the balloon through the inflation channel previously cut above the valve, we punctured it via the suprapubic route under ultrasound guidance with a biopsy needle. Using this technique, we managed to rupture the balloon without free fragments, enabling the catheter to be changed without incident. CONCLUSIONS: There are various techniques for approaching this situation, the knowledge of which enables the urologist to resolve the problem by adapting to patient's characteristics and available resources. Suprapubic puncture of the self-retaining balloon is an easily reproducible technique with minimal complications and a lower rate of free fragments.

Pelvic and inguinal single-site approach: PISA technique. New minimally invasive technique for lymph node dissection in penile cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our initial experience with a new minimally invasive inguinal and pelvic single-access laparoscopic approach, for performing lymph node dissection (LND) in penile cancer: the Pelvic and Inguinal Single Access (PISA) technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 patients with different penile squamous cell carcinoma stages (cN0 and ≥pT1G3 or cN1/cN2) were operated by means of the PISA technique, between 2015-2018. Intraoperative frozen section analysis was carried out routinely and if ≥2 inguinal nodes (pN2) or extracapsular nodal extension (pN3) are detected, ipsilateral pelvic LND was performed sequentially as a single-stage procedure and using the same surgical incisions. VARIABLES: 30-day PCs, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, operative time, time to drainage removal, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Medians and ranges of values for selected variables were reported as descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Inguinal LND was bilateral in all cases, and pelvic LND was required in 40%. Total operative time was 120-170 min and median EBL was 66 (30-100) cc. No blood transfusion was required. No intraoperative complications were noted, and postoperative complications rate was 40% (10% major complications-symptomatic inguinal lymphocele). Median LOS was 5.8 (3-10) days. Median time to inguinal drain removal was 4.7 days. Mean number of lymph nodes removed by inguinal LND: 10.25 (8-14). Limited volume retrospective experience from a referral center with short follow-up. Outcomes reported may not be reproducible by surgeons with less experience and skills. CONCLUSIONS: PISA is a novel, minimally invasive single-site surgical approach to one stage bilateral inguinal/pelvic LNDs for penile cancer showing a low rate of major complications.

Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery and radical nephrectomy in cT1 renal tumors. Comparative analysis of complications and survival.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Comparative analysis of postoperative complications and survival between laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) in cT1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with two kidneys and single renal tumor cT1 treated in our center between 2005 and 2018 by laparoscopic PN or RN. RESULTS: 372 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. RN was performed in 156 (41.9%) patients and PN in 216 (58.1%). Clavien Dindo III-V complications were observed in 10 (4,6%) PN and 6 (3,9%) RN patients (p = 0.75). The comorbidity Charlson index (CCI) was identified as an independent predictor variable of complications (p = 0.02) and surgical approach did not affect multivariate analysis. Estimated overall survival (OS) was 81.2% and 56.8% at 5 and 10 years in the RN group and 90.2% and 75.7% in the PN group, respectively (p = 0.0001). Obesity (HR 2.77, p = 0.01), CCI ≥ 3 (HR 3.69, p = 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge (HR 1.87, p = 0.03) were identified as predictors of overall mortality. Nephrectomy approach showed no influence on OS. Estimated recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.1% at 5 and 10 years in the RN group and 93.5% and 83.6% in the PN group, respectively (p = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic PN is not inferior to RN in terms of oncologic and surgical safety in cT1 RCC. Nephrectomy approach did not influence patient OS, however, obesity, CCI ≥ 3 and GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge did behave as predictors.

Influence of double J stent in the complications of ureterovesical anastomosis during kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Complications arising from ureterovesical anastomosis in kidney transplantation have an important influence on the success of the procedure. The most serious and frequent complications are fistula and stenosis of the ureterovesical junction. The placement of double J stents in anastomosis is currently recommended to reduce these complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the placement of a DJ stent affects complications of anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 697 patients treated with cadaveric donor renal transplant in our center from 1999 to 2018 was performed. Results were compared according to double J stent placement and the surgical technique employed for anastomosis. RESULTS: Transplantation was performed without DJ placement in 51.7% of the patients, compared to 48.3% who were treated with DJ stent placement. The most commonly used technique was Lich-Gregoir. Ureterovesical fistula occurred in 5% of cases, and ureterovesical stenosis in 4.2%. DJ stent behaved as a protective factor for ureterovesical fistula but did not significantly influence the development of stenosis. The Taguchi technique greatly increased the risk of developing both ureterovesical fistula and stenosis. The incidence of stenosis and fistula was significantly higher when the Taguchi technique was combined with no DJ stent placement. CONCLUSION: DJ stent placement acts as a protective factor for ureterovesical stenosis complications. The results of our study seem to agree with current literature.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: Our experience and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal carcinomatosis associated with renal cell carcinoma is an infrequent entity, usually associated with large renal masses, and with a very rare presentation after surgery of localized renal tumors. Our objective is to review the literature and analyze the factors involved in the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in localized tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our experience with two cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. We reviewed the literature and analyzed the factors associated with the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial surgery in renal cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Between 2005-2018, 225 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for localized renal neoplasia in our service. Two patients developed peritoneal carcinomatosis during follow-up, at 1.5 and 7 years after surgery. Few cases of postoperative peritoneal carcinomatosis for renal neoplasia have been described in the literature, being more frequently associated with large renal masses, with multiple metastases at diagnosis, with a poor prognosis. The dissemination of tumor cells during surgery, direct tumor extension or metastasis by hematogenous route, are among the factors involved in the development of this condition. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy constitutes a very rare event. However, it should be taken into consideration, and, since it is the only factor we can influence, we must maximize precautions during the surgical act, following oncological principles.

Evolution of renal function in patients with cT1 renal tumors after laparoscopic partial and radical nephrectomy. Predictive factors for renal function impairment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of kidney function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) and to identify predictive factors for renal function impairment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients with two kidneys, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and single renal tumor cT1, treated in our center between 2005 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 372 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study; 156 (41.9%) were treated with RN and 216 (58.1%) with PN. There was a difference of 26.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 in GFR between RN and PN at discharge. Age >60 years, postoperative complications (OR 2.97, p = 0.005) and RN (OR 10.03, p = 0.0001) were predictors of GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge. Only RN (OR 7.69, p = 0.0001) behaved as an independent prognostic factor for GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge. The median follow-up of the series was 57 (IQR 28-100) months. At the end of the follow-up period, nine (6%) patients treated with RN developed severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and three (2%) developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). Age >70 years, diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR 2.12, p = 0.001), arterial hypertension (AHT) (HR 1.73, p = 0.01) and RN (HR 2.88, p = 0.0001) behaved as independent predictors of GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The independent predictors for GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were age >70 years, DM (HR 1.99 CI 95% 1.04-3.83, p = 0.04) and RN (HR 5.88 CI 95% 2.57-13.45, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RN is a short- and long-term risk factor for CKD although with a low probability of severe CKD or ESRD in patients with preoperative GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Age, DM and AHT contribute to worsening renal function during follow-up.

Predictive factors for recurrence in clinically localized squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Analisys of our case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive factors for relapse in clinically localized squamous cell carcinoma of the penis undergoing surgical treatment. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were diagnosed with cancer of the penis in our Service between 1999 and 2009. In the present study we excluded 18 subjects: 9 due to the presence of palpable adenopathies, 6 due to histological characteristics other than squamous cell carcinoma, two lost to follow-up, and one due to death at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis was based on physical examination and biopsy findings. The primary lesion was treated by circumcision, partial surgery or total penectomy. Disease relapse was defined by lymph node or metastatic involvement after three months from surgery. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out using the chi-squared test and logistic regression to identify the factors involved in tumor relapse. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 36 months (median 29). The histopathological study yielded the following profile: 55% pT1 cases, 32% pT2 cases and 13% pT3 tumors. Regarding histological grade, the distribution was G1: 29%, G2: 32%, G3: 39%. Recurrence and mortality rates were 38.7% and 35.5%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, location of the lesion (p=0.004), type of surgery (p=0.008), tumor stage (p=0.003) and cellular grade (p<0.001)were significantly correlated to disease relapse. In the multivariate analysis, only cellular grade proved statistically significant (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In our series, only histological grade could be regarded as an independent predictor of tumor relapse.

Retrohepatic inferior vena cava control through an anterior approach in cases of renal cell carcinoma with level IIIa tumor thrombus: Step-by-step description.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava control through an anterior approach (RIVCA) technique in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level IIIa tumor thrombus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initial series of 6 cases presenting RCC and level IIIa tumor thrombus who underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy using the RIVCA technique between 2018-2019. RIVCA technique aims to gain complete control of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava above the cranial end of the tumor thrombus, but excluding the major hepatic veins in order to preserve the natural hepato-caval shunt. A step-by-step description of the procedure is provided. Disease features, operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were registered prospectively. RESULTS: Radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy were completed in all cases. RIVCA technique did not increase operative time significantly (range: 14-22 min). Mean estimated blood loss was 325 cc (range: 250-400). Blood transfusion was not required intraoperatively in any of the cases. Mean postoperative transfusion rate was 1.3 red blood cells packed units (range: 0-2). There were no cases of intraoperative pulmonary embolism or major complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V) in the period of 30 days postoperatively. Median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (range: 5-11). CONCLUSIONS: The RIVCA technique applied to cases of RCC and level IIIa tumor thrombus provides complete control of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava above the tumor thrombus cranial end, while prevents intraoperative hemodynamic instability by maintaining cardiac preload through the porto-caval shunt. This technique may limit operative morbidity (intraoperative pulmonary embolism and massive hemorrhage), thus becoming a helpful adjunct to be used in cases of RCC with level IIIa tumor thrombus.

Retrohepatic inferior vena cava control through an anterior approach in cases of renal cell carcinoma with level iiia tumor thrombus: Step-by-step description. / Control de la vena cava inferior retrohepática por acceso anterior en el carcinoma de células renales con trombo tumoral nivel iiia: descripción paso a paso.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava control through an anterior approach (RIVCA) technique in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level iiia tumor thrombus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initial series of 6 cases presenting RCC and level iiia tumor thrombus who underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy using the RIVCA technique between 2018-2019. RIVCA technique aims to gain complete control of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava above the cranial end of the tumor thrombus, but excluding the major hepatic veins in order to preserve the natural hepato-caval shunt. A step-by-step description of the procedure is provided. Disease features, operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were registered prospectively. RESULTS: Radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy were completed in all cases. RIVCA technique did not increase operative time significantly (range: 14-22min). Mean estimated blood loss was 325cc (range: 250-400). Blood transfusion was not required intraoperatively in any of the cases. Mean postoperative transfusion rate was 1.3 red blood cells packed units (range: 0-2). There were no cases of intraoperative pulmonary embolism or major complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V) in the period of 30 days postoperatively. Median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (range: 5-11). CONCLUSIONS: The RIVCA technique applied to cases of RCC and level iiia tumor thrombus provides complete control of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava above the tumor thrombus cranial end, while prevents intraoperative hemodynamic instability by maintaining cardiac preload through the porto-caval shunt. This technique may limit operative morbidity (intraoperative pulmonary embolism and massive hemorrhage), thus becoming a helpful adjunct to be used in cases of RCC with level iiia tumor thrombus.

Renal artery infectious (mycotic) pseudoaneurysms in renal transplantation recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Infection of the artery at or around the anastomotic site is an ominous complication commonly presenting as a leak and/or local dissolution of the arterial wall. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative review based on relevant PubMed, EMBASE, and Scielo indexed English or Spanish-written articles for the period January 2000-December 2019. A pooled analysis regarding etiology was performed. Based on the results obtained with this approach, a diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm is suggested in order to optimize its clinical management. FINDINGS: Arterial pseudoaneurysms are pseudocapsuled contained hematomas generated as the result of an arterial leaking. They are infrequent (<1% of cases), mostly related with infection (contamination of preservation fluid or sepsis) and located at the arterial anastomotic site in renal transplantation recipients. Although they are frequently diagnosed in symptomatic patients days/weeks after transplantation, they may remain unnoticed for long periods being diagnosed incidentally. Color coded-Doppler ultrasound confirms the clinical suspicion. Angio CT-scan and angiography are used for surgical planning or endovascular treatment, respectively. The etiological diagnosis is made on a basis of excised tissue culture. The decision-making process regarding the treatment approach, mostly relies on clinical presentation and anatomical location. Therapeutic options include ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection, endovascular treatment, and surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Mycotic pseudoaneurysms in renal transplantation recipients may pose a significant challenge in cases of spontaneous rupture, given the risk for massive bleeding and death. Adequate management requires accurate diagnosis. Early endovascular stenting remains the treatment of choice in hemodynamically unstable patients. Percutaneous injection and vascular reconstruction present variable success rates in preserving graft function.