Development and Validation of a Preoperative Nomogram for Endoscopic Management Decision Making in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop and validate a preoperative nomogram that predicts low-grade, non-muscle invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (LG-NMI UTUC), thereby aiding in the accurate selection of endoscopic management (EM) candidates. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included 454 patients who underwent radical surgery (Cohort 1 and Cohort 2), and 26 patients who received EM (Cohort 3). Utilizing a multivariate logistic regression model, a nomogram predicting LG-NMI UTUC was developed based on data from Cohort 1. The nomogram's accuracy was compared with conventional European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) models. External validation was performed using Cohort 2 data, and the nomogram's prognostic value was evaluated via disease progression metrics in Cohort 3. RESULTS: In Cohort 1, multivariate analyses highlighted the absence of invasive disease on imaging (odds ratio [OR] 7.04; p = 0.011), absence of hydronephrosis (OR 2.06; p = 0.027), papillary architecture (OR 24.9; p < 0.001), and lack of high-grade urine cytology (OR 0.22; p < 0.001) as independent predictive factors for LG-NMI disease. The nomogram outperformed the two conventional models in predictive accuracy (0.869 vs. 0.759-0.821) and exhibited a higher net benefit in decision curve analysis. The model's clinical efficacy was corroborated in Cohort 2. Moreover, the nomogram stratified disease progression-free survival rates in Cohort 3. CONCLUSION: Our nomogram ( https://kmur.shinyapps.io/UTUC_URS/ ) accurately predicts LG-NMI UTUC, thereby identifying suitable candidates for EM. Additionally, the model serves as a useful tool for prognostic stratification in patients undergoing EM.

Intranodal lymphangiogram: technical aspects and findings.

PURPOSE: To report the technical results and imaging findings of intranodal lymphangiogram (INL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: we studied four patients (three men, one woman) who had persistent chylous leakage despite conservative treatment after esophageal cancer surgery. Their mean age was 68 years (range 61-74 years). The inguinal or femoral lymph node was punctured under ultrasound guidance using a 60-mm-long, 23-gauge needle. If the lipiodol injected via the needle showed granular nodules on fluoroscopy, lipiodol injection was continued manually at a rate of 1 mL/3 min for INL. If the cisterna chyli was detectable on the lymphangiogram, it was punctured percutaneously via the abdomen by a needle under fluoroscopy, and thoracic duct embolization was performed. RESULTS: INL was successful in all patients. Lymphaticovenous anastomoses at the femoral or pelvic region were confirmed in all four patients. In one case, a different ipsilateral lymph node was punctured because major flow of lipiodol into the veins through a lymphaticovenous anastomosis occurred. Catheter cannulation and embolization were successful for three of the four patients. In unsuccessful procedures, the cisterna chyli was not visualized, and puncture was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: INL succeeded in all patients. Lipiodol leaked into the vein through a lymphaticovenous anastomosis at the femoral or pelvic region in all patients.

Intra-arterial infusion of thrombin: animal experiments.

PURPOSE: Thrombin inhibits cadherin on vascular endothelial cells, rapidly and reversibly increasing endothelial permeability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of trans-arterial infusion with thrombin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten rabbits with right thigh tumor were randomly divided into two groups: A thrombin group and a control group. In the thrombin group, a suspension of thrombin (300 IU), cisplatin (3 mg), lipiodol (0.3 ml) and iopamidol (0.3 ml) was infused into the right femoral artery. In the control group, a suspension of cisplatin, lipiodol and iopamidol was infused. Platinum concentrations in plasma were measured five and ten minutes after administration. Platinum concentrations were also measured in tumor specimens excised 30 minutes after infusion. RESULTS: At both five and ten minutes after infusion, platinum concentrations in plasma were significantly lower for the thrombin group than for the control group. Platinum concentration in tumor tissue was significantly higher for the thrombin group than for the control group. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that transarterial infusion with thrombin may offer a number of pharmacological advantages.