Acupuncture for Analgesia During Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor.

Background: Acupuncture has been widely studied, and theories regarding its analgesic mechanism of action have been proposed. It has been used for procedural analgesia; however, no reports of its use in urologic surgery have been reported. In this case report, we demonstrate how acupuncture can be used as an alternative to general anesthesia for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). This may serve as an attractive option for bladder cancer patients with medical comorbidities, which predispose them to high risk for general anesthesia. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Caucasian female with toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) was found to have a bladder mass. TURBT was discussed, and in light of her TILT syndrome, she elected to undergo the procedure with acupuncture in lieu of general anesthesia for fear of an adverse reaction. Acupuncture was performed by a trained practitioner with therapeutic needles placed in the ears, hands, abdomen, and lower extremities bilaterally. She was subsequently taken to the operating room where we performed a TURBT of a bladder tumor overlying the left ureteral orifice. The procedure was generally well tolerated and the patient experienced mild pain. There were no perioperative complications. The tumor was estimated to be 3 cm in largest diameter, and a total of 8 g of aggregate tissue was sent to our pathologists. Pathology analysis demonstrated adequate resection with detrusor muscle present in the sample. The bladder tumor was low-grade papillary urothelial cell carcinoma (Stage Ta). She has had tumor recurrence and has undergone repeat TURBT, but to date, she is 22 months free of bladder cancer. Conclusion: In this case report, we demonstrate that acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for patients undergoing TURBT. Since tobacco use is prevalent among bladder cancer patients, many of these individuals have associated medical comorbidities, which predispose them to high risk with general anesthesia. Therefore, acupuncture may serve as an attractive alternative for certain patients in this population.

Does timing of targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma impact treatment toxicity and surgical complications? A comparison of primary and adjuvant approaches.

INTRODUCTION: To compare surgical complications and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-toxicities in patients who underwent primary cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) followed by adjuvant TKI therapy versus those who underwent neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to planned CN for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-center retrospective analysis. Sixty-one mRCC patients underwent TKI therapy with sunitinib between July 2007 to January 2014. Patients were divided into three groups: primary CN followed by adjuvant TKI (n = 27, Group 1), neoadjuvant TKI prior to CN (n = 21, Group 2), and primary TKI alone (no surgery, n = 13, Group 3). Primary outcome was frequency and severity of surgical complications (Clavien). Secondary outcome was frequency and severity of TKI-related toxicities (NIH Common Toxicity Criteria). Multivariable analysis was carried out for factors associated with complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics, ECOG status, and median number TKI cycles (p = 0.337). Mean tumor size (cm) was larger in Group 3 (12.8) than Group 2 (8.9) and Group 1 (9.3), p = 0.014. TKI-related toxicities occurred in 100%, 90.5%, and 88.9% in Group 3, Group 2, and Group 1 (p = 0.469). There was no difference in incidence of high grade (p = 0.967) and low grade (p = 0.380) TKI-toxicities. Overall surgical complication rate was similar between Group 2 (47.6%) and Group 1 (33.3%), p = 0.380. Group 2 had more high grade surgical complications (28.6%) than Group 1 (0%), p = 0.004. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increasing age was independently associated with development of surgical complications (HR 1.059, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Patients receiving neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to CN experienced more high grade surgical complications than patients who underwent primary CN. Potential for increased high grade surgical complications requires further investigation and may impact pretreatment counseling.

Association of rise in C-reactive protein with decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate association of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, with renal functional decline patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent PN between February 2006-March 2011, with ≥ 6 months follow up. Data was analyzed between two groups: CRP increase ≥ 0.5 mg/L from 6 months postoperative ('CRP rise,' CRPR), versus no CRP increase = 0.5 ('CRP stable,' CRPS). Primary outcome was change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), with de novo postoperative stage III chronic kidney disease (stage III-CKD, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) being secondary. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was conducted to identify risk factors for development of de novo stage III-CKD. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (206 CRPS/37 CRPR) were analyzed. Demographics and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were similar. CRPR had significantly higher median ΔeGFR (-13.7 versus -32.0 mL/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001) and de novo stage III-CKD at last follow up (43.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Median time to CRP rise was 10 (IQR 6.5-12) months. Median time from CRP rise to de novo stage III-CKD was 9 (IQR 7.5-11) months. MVA found RENAL score (OR 1.89, p = 0.001), hypertension (OR 4.75, p = 0.016), and CRP rise (OR 55.76, p < 0.001) were associated with de novo stage III-CKD. Sensitivity of CRP increase ≥ 0.5 for predicting CKD was 69.6%, specificity 93.3%, positive predictive value 55.2%, and negative predictive value 96.3%. CONCLUSION: Rise in CRP postoperatively is independently associated with renal functional decline after PN and may be useful in identifying patients to evaluate for renoprotective strategies. Further studies are requisite to clarify etiology of this association.

Analysis of Renal Functional Outcomes After Radical or Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Masses ≥7 cm Using the RENAL Score.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if partial nephrectomy (PN) confers a renal functional benefit compared to radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (T2RM) when adjusting for tumor complexity characterized by the RENAL nephrometry score. METHODS: A 2-center study of 202 patients with T2RM undergoing RN (122) or PN (80) (median follow-up, 41.5 months). RN and PN cohorts were subanalyzed according to RENAL sum as a categorical variable of <10 or ≥10. Primary outcome was median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) between preoperative to 6 months postoperative. Logistic regression-identified prognostic factors and survival models analyzed association between the RENAL sum and the freedom from de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m(2)). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between PN and RN for RENAL score. ΔeGFR was greater in RN (-19.7) vs PN (-11.9; P = .006). De novo CKD was 40.2% after RN vs 16.3% after PN (P <.001). RENAL score ≥10 (odds ratio, 6.67; P = .025) and RN among patients with RENAL score <10 (odds ratio, 24.8; P <.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD at 6 months by logistic regression. Among patients with RENAL score <10, median CKD-free survival was PN 38 vs RN 16 months (P = .001). Cox proportional hazard demonstrated decreasing risk of CKD for PN vs RN from RENAL 10 (hazard ratio, 0.836) to RENAL 6 (hazard ratio, 0.003; P = .001). CONCLUSION: RN is independently associated with decreased renal function compared to PN for T2RM with RENAL sum ≤10, but not >10, with larger relative decrease in eGFR for each decrease in RENAL sum. Further investigation is required to determine optimal candidates for PN in T2RM.

Impact of renal surgery for cortical neoplasms on lipid metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of and risk factors for development of hyperlipidaemia in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cortical neoplasms, as hyperlipidaemia is a major source of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a two-centre retrospective analysis of 905 patients (mean age 57.5 years, mean follow-up 78 months), who underwent RN (n = 610) or PN (n = 295) between July 1987 and June 2007. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative hyperlipidaemia were recorded. De novo hyperlipidaemia was defined as that ocurring ≥6 months after surgery in cases where laboratory values met National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definitions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors for de novo hyperlipidaemia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences with respect to demographics, preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = 0.123) and hyperlipidaemia (P = 0.144). Tumour size (cm) was significantly larger in the RN group vs the PN group (7.0 vs 3.7; P < 0.001). Significantly greater postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was noted in the RN group (45.7 vs 18%, P < 0.001). Significantly, more de novo hyperlipidaemia developed in the RN group than in the PN group (23 vs 6.4%; P < 0.001). The mean time to development of hyperlipidaemia was longer for PN than for RN (54 vs 44 months; P = 0.03). Five-year freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia probability was 76% for RN vs 96% for PN (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that RN (odds ratio [OR] 2.93; P = 0.0107), preoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR 1.98; P = 0.037) and postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR 7.89; P < 0.001) were factors associated with hyperlipidaemia development. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent RN had a significantly higher incidence of and shorter time to development of de novo hyperlipidaemia. RN and pre- and postoperative eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were associated with development of hyperlipidaemia. Further follow-up and prospective investigation are necessary to confirm these findings.

Determinants of renal functional decline after open partial nephrectomy: a comparison of warm, cold, and non-ischemic modalities.

INTRODUCTION: Renal functional decline after partial nephrectomy (PN) may be related to a variety of nonmodifiable and modifiable factors, including ischemia time (IT) and modality. We sought to determine the impact of these factors on renal functional degeneration after PN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis (n = 347) was performed, identifying patients who underwent open PN using warm, cold, and non-ischemic techniques. Primary outcome was development of de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD), (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), at 1 year follow up. Univariate and multivariable analysis (MVA) were performed examining factors associated with ischemia technique and the development of de novo CKD. RESULTS: Median follow up 34.7 months. Two hundred and forty-one patients underwent warm ischemic, 31 cold ischemic, and 75 clampless PN. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Clampless group had lower mean RENAL scores (6.4) than cold (7.9, p = 0.005) and warm (7, p = 0.037) ischemia groups. Cold ischemia cohort had longer median IT than the warm cohort (50min versus 25 min, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in proportion of patients developing de novo CKD (warm 14.9%, cold 15%, clampless 8.7%, p = 0.422). MVA demonstrated that neither ischemic modality nor IT ≥ 30 minutes was associated with development of de novo CKD, while RENAL scores of increasing complexity (RENAL score 7-9 OR 4.32, p = 0.003; RENAL score ≥ 10 OR 15.42, p < 0.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing tumor complexity, as indicated by the RENAL score, was an overriding determinant of post PN renal functional outcome. Prospective investigation is requisite to elucidate risk and protective factors for renal functional degeneration after PN.

Survival outcomes after radical and partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal tumours categorised by R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated survival outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (cT2RM) controlling for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A two-centre study comprised of 202 patients with cT2RM who underwent RN (122) or PN (80) between July 2002 and June 2012 (median follow-up 41.5 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among the entire cohort and within categories of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 and <10. Association between procedure and PFS and OS was analysed using Cox-proportional hazard. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between PN and RN in clinical T stage and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores. For RN and PN, the 5-year PFS was 69.8% and 79.9% (P = 0.115), CSS was 82.5% and 86.7% (P = 0.407), and OS was 80% and 83.3% (P = 0.291). Cox regression showed no association between RN vs PN and PFS; a R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 was associated with a shorter PFS (hazard ratio 6.69, P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier analysis for RN vs PN showed no difference in PFS for entire cohort or within the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score categories of ≥10 and <10. The PFS was better for those with R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores of <10 vs ≥10 (P < 0.001) and for cT2a vs cT2b tumours (P = 0.012). OS was no different between cT2a and cT2b tumours; patients with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of ≥10 were more likely to die from disease (P < 0.001) or any cause (P < 0.001) vs those with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of <10. CONCLUSIONS: PN may be oncologically effective for cT2RM. A R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score of ≥10 is negatively associated with OS among cT2RM compared with a score of <10 and provides additional risk assessment beyond clinical T stage. Further follow-up and prospective randomised investigation is requisite to confirm efficacy of PN for cT2RM.

National trends in hospitalization from indwelling urinary catheter complications, 2001-2010.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate national trends in hospitalization from indwelling urinary catheters complications from 2001 to 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Healthcare Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was analyzed for this study. We examine hospitalization rates, patient demographics, hospital stays, insurance provider, hospital type, geographic location, and septicemia rates of patients hospitalized for indwelling urinary catheter complications from 2001 to 2010. RESULTS: Hospitalization from indwelling urinary catheters almost quadrupled from 11,742 in 2001 to 40,429 in 2010. The increases have been due to patients who are older and predominantly male compared to all hospitalization. The "national bill" increased from $213 million to $1.3 billion (a factor of 6) after adjusting for inflation. Most patients had urinary tract infections, 77 % in 2001 and 87 % in 2010. Septicemia in indwelling urinary catheter hospitalization patients has increased from 21 % in 2001 to 40 % in 2010. In 2010, secondary diseases associated with hospitalization due to indwelling urinary catheters included urinary tract infections (86.5 %), adverse effects of medical care (61.9 %), bacterial infection (48.6 %), and septicemia (40.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization due to indwelling urinary catheter complications has almost quadrupled from 11,742 in 2001 to 40,429 in 2010, and the majority of patients had urinary tract infections. Septicemia is of particular concern since rates have almost doubled (from 21 to 40 % over the period) in these patients. The specific medical indication for urinary catheters used postoperatively should be scrutinized, and the duration of placement should be minimized to reduce future complication rates.

Impact of tumour morphology on renal function decline after partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of renal morphology with renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 322 PNs performed between 2003 and 2011. The RENAL nephrometry score for each lesion was determined and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated preoperatively and at last follow-up. We divided patients into two RENAL nephrometry score groups, low (<8) and high (≥8), and analysed and compared the outcomes of each group. The primary outcome was median change in eGFR between preoperative and last follow-up (ΔeGFR). The secondary outcome was eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. Multivariable analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 25.2 (13.5-39.3) months. Low (n = 165) and high (n = 157) RENAL score groups were well-matched for baseline eGFR. The median tumour size (4.2 vs 2.4 cm, P < 0.001) was greater for the high group. In all, 64% of the low and 88.2% of the high RENAL score group (P < 0.001) had decreased eGFR at last follow-up. Median eGFR was -7 for the low vs -13.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for the high group (P = 0.001); eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up was 27.3% for the low vs 37.6% for the high group (P = 0.057). Linear regression analysis showed that for each 1-point increase in RENAL score, there was 2.5% decrease in eGFR (P = 0.002); for each 1-cm increase in tumour size, there was 1.8% decrease in eGFR (P = 0.013). Area under curve analyses showed no significant difference between RENAL score and tumour size for prediction of de novo eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = 0.920) and ΔeGFR ≥50% (P = 0.85). Multivariable analysis showed that increasing RENAL score (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, P = 0.046) and decreasing preoperative eGFR (OR 1.10, P < 0.001) were risk factors for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing RENAL nephrometry score is an independent risk factor for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) after PN. RENAL nephrometry score may serve as an additional measure for risk stratification before PN, but further investigation is required.

Does timing of cytoreductive nephrectomy impact patient survival with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era? A multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients who underwent primary cytoreductive nephrectomy (CRN), followed by adjuvant sunitinib therapy, vs those who underwent primary sunitinib therapy before planned CRN. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 35 mRCC patients from June 2005 to August 2009 (median follow-up, 28.5 months): 17 underwent primary CRN, followed by adjuvant sunitinib (group 1); 18 underwent primary sunitinib therapy, followed by planned CRN (group 2). Response to therapy was determined using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Group 2 patients who had partial response (PR)/stable disease (SD) proceeded to CRN (group 2 +CRN). Group 2 patients who progressed were treated with salvage systemic therapy (group 2 no-CRN). Primary and secondary outcomes were disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patient demographic and tumor characteristics were similar. The groups had similar rates of DSS and OS on univariate analysis (P = .318 and P = .181). In group 2, 11 (61%) had PR/DS; 7 (39%) progressed. Mean times to disease-specific death in group 1, group 2 (+CRN), and group 2 (no-CRN) were 29.2, 4.6, and 28.7 months, respectively (P = .025). Kaplan-Meier analysis of DSS and OS demonstrated significant improvement in group 2 (+CRN) vs group 1 vs group 2 (no-CRN; P <.001), which remained significant on multivariate regression. CONCLUSION: Nonresponders to primary sunitinib therapy had a poor prognosis. Offering CRN, if safely feasible, combined with sunitinib, was associated with improved disease-specific outcome in mRCC. Responders to primary sunitinib who underwent CRN had better DSS and OS than patients who underwent primary CRN, followed by sunitinib. Further investigation is required to assess the role, timing, and sequencing of targeted therapy and CRN in treatment of mRCC.

Does radical nephrectomy increase the risk of erectile dysfunction compared with partial nephrectomy? A cohort analysis.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a form of endothelial dysfunction that is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that partial nephrectomy (PN) would limit development of ED compared with radical nephrectomy (RN), primarily due to renal function preservation, and found that patients undergoing RN had significantly higher de novo ED compared with a contemporary, well-matched cohort undergoing PN; in addition to RN, hypertension, CKD and diabetes mellitus were associated with developing ED. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an increased risk of ED after RN compared with PN. OBJECTIVES: • To evaluate prevalence and risk factors for development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN). • ED is a form of endothelial dysfunction that is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PN confers superior renal functional preservation compared with RN; however, the impact on ED is unclear. METHODS: • This was a retrospective study of 432 patients (264 RN/168 PN, mean age 58 years, mean follow-up 5.8 years) who underwent surgery for renal tumours between January 1998 and December 2007. • The primary outcome was rate of de novo ED postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included development of CKD (estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ) and response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. • Multivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for de novo ED postoperatively. RESULTS: • RN and PN groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. • Tumour size (cm) was larger for RN (RN 7.0 vs PN 3.7, P < 0.001) and more preoperative ED existed in PN vs RN (P= 0.042). No differences were observed for preoperative CKD, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. • Postoperatively, higher rates of de novo ED (29.5% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001) and CKD (33.0% vs 9.8%, P < 0.001) developed in RN vs PN cohorts, respectively. • Of men with ED, 63% responded to phosphodiesterase inhibitors, without significant difference between the two groups (P= 0.896). • Multivariate analysis demonstrated de novo ED to be associated with RN (odds ratio [OR] 3.56, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.32, P= 0.014), preoperative (OR 8.77, P < 0.001) and postoperative (OR 2.64, P= 0.001) CKD, and postoperative diabetes mellitus (OR 2.93, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: • Patients undergoing RN had significantly higher de novo ED compared with a contemporary, well-matched cohort undergoing PN. In addition to RN, hypertension, CKD and diabetes mellitus were associated with developing ED. • Further investigation on effects of surgically induced nephron loss on ED is requisite.

Nomogram to predict prostate cancer diagnosis on primary transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in a contemporary series.

OBJECTIVE: Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUSB) remains the mainstay for prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis. Numerous variables have shown associations with development of CaP. We present a nomogram that predicts the probability of detecting CaP on TRUSB. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, all patients undergoing primary TRUSB for CaP detection at a single center at our institution between 2/2000 and 9/2007 were reviewed. Patients undergoing repeat biopsies were excluded, and only the first biopsy was included in the analysis. Variables included age at biopsy, race, clinical stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA), number of cores removed, TRUS prostate volume (TRUSPV), body mass index, family history of CaP, and pathology results. S-PLUS 2000 statistical software was utilized with p < 0.05 considered significant. Cox proportional hazards regression models with restricted cubic splines were utilized to construct the nomogram. Validation utilized bootstrapping, and the concordance index was calculated based on these predictions. RESULTS: A total of 1,542 consecutive patients underwent primary TRUSB with a median age of 64.2 years (range 34.9-89.2 years), PSA of 5.7 ng/ml (range 0.3-3,900 ng/ml), number of cores removed of 8.0 (range 1- 22) and TRUSPV of 36.4 cm(3) (range 9.6-212.0 cm(3)). CaP was diagnosed in 561 (36.4%) patients. A nomogram was constructed incorporating age at biopsy, race, PSA, body mass index, clinical stage, TRUSPV, number of cores removed, and family history of CaP. The concordance index when validated internally was 0.802. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed and internally validated a model predicting cancer detection in men undergoing TRUSB in a contemporary series. This model may assist clinicians in risk-stratifying potential candidates for TRUSB, potentially avoiding unnecessary or low-probability TRUSB.

Factors affecting renal function after open partial nephrectomy-a comparison of clampless and clamped warm ischemic technique.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors impacting postoperative renal function after open partial nephrectomy using both the clampless and clamped warm-ischemic technique. METHODS: We studied a cohort of patients who underwent clamped partial nephrectomy (n = 164) and clampless partial nephrectomy (n = 64) from March 2002 to March 2009 with ≥ 12-months follow-up. Clamped partial nephrectomy used hilar occlusion before resection. Clampless partial nephrectomy used focal radio frequency coagulation to facilitate hemostasis before resection, nonischemic dissection/resection with hydro-dissection, or sharp resection after local compression. Demographics, tumor characteristics/RENAL nephrometry scores, perioperative variables, and complications were compared between the two methods. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors predicting de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Mean RENAL score was greater in clamped (6.9) vs clampless (6.4, P = .026); complications (P = .430) and urine leaks (clampless partial nephrectomy 3.1% vs clamped-PN 7.3%, P = .360) were similar. Mean warm ischemia time (min) was 24.5 for clamped partial nephrectomy. De novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60(%) at last follow up was 13.5 (clamped) vs 3.1 (clampless) (P = .071). Multivariable analysis of the entire cohort revealed increasing body mass index (OR 1.1, P = .042) and RENAL score (OR 1.71, P = .002) as being independently associated with development of postoperative de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. Multivariable analysis of the clamped subgroup demonstrated increasing body mass index (OR 1.12, P = .028), RENAL score (OR 1.56, P = .010), and ischemia time (OR 1.15, P = .042) as independent factors associated with de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. CONCLUSION: Body mass index and RENAL score were factors predictive of development of de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 after partial nephrectomy, with increasing warm ischemia time also being predictive in clamped partial nephrectomy patients. Further investigation and long-term functional data are requisite.

RENAL nephrometry score is associated with operative approach for partial nephrectomy and urine leak.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether RENAL nephrometry score is associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) technique. RENAL nephrometry score quantifies anatomic characteristics of renal tumors. Data are limited regarding clinical utility for surgical planning. METHODS: Multicenter analysis of patients undergoing PN for renal masses from March 2003 to May 2011. Cohort was stratified by surgical modality: open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). Demographic and clinicopathological variables were compared between groups; RENAL score was calculated from preoperative imaging. Factors associated with choice of treatment modality and urine leak were entered into multivariable models. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three patients who underwent OPN, 100 patients who underwent LPN, and 31 patients who underwent RALPN were evaluated, the median tumor size (cm) was significantly larger for OPN (OPN 4.2 vs LPN 2.4 vs RALPN 2.0; P < .001); median operative time (minutes) and ischemia time (minutes) were shorter in OPN (OPN 190 and 25 vs LPN 200 and 29 vs RALPN 195 and 30; P = .042 and P < .001). Mean RENAL score was highest in OPN (OPN 8 vs LPN 6.3 vs RALPN 6.4; P < .001). No significant differences were noted in overall/high-grade complication rates (Clavien, P = .441/.985). On multivariate analysis, there was a 55% increased odds of undergoing OPN for each increase in RENAL score (P < .001). Higher RENAL score was associated with increased odds of urine leak (odds ratios [OR], 1.56; P = .002). CONCLUSION: RENAL nephrometry score was associated with type of surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic/robotic) and urine leak. RENAL score may be useful as a decision-making tool in evaluation of patients for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Further investigation is requisite.

Comparison of rates and risk factors for development of anaemia and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent utilization after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of and risk factors for the development of anaemia and erythropoiesis-stimulation agent (ESA) treatment in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) because anaemia is a significant cause of morbidity in chronic kidney disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised a retrospective review of 905 patients (610 RN/295 PN; mean age, 57.5 years; mean follow-up, 6.4 years) who underwent surgery for renal tumours at two institutions from July 1987 to June 2007. Demographics, disease characteristics and pre- and postoperative (i.e. renal function, metabolic parameters, anaemia and ESA treatment) were recorded. Data were analyzed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs PN). Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors for developing anaemia after surgery. RESULTS: Tumour size (cm) was significantly larger for RN (RN 7.0 vs PN 3.7; P < 0.001). No significant differences were noted with respect to demographics and preoperative anaemia (RN 16.4% vs PN 18.6%; P = 0.454) and ESA-treatment (RN 0.7% vs PN 1.4%; P = 0.499). After surgery, significantly less de novo anaemia (PN 4.1% vs RN 17.5%; P < 0.001) and ESA utilization (PN 2.7% vs RN 13.4%; P < 0.001) occurred in the PN cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years (odds ratio, OR, 1.62; P = 0.008), African American ethnicity (OR, 2.30; P < 0.001), smoking (OR, 1.60; P = 0.013), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR, 4.09; P < 0.001), ≥1+ proteinuria (OR, 2.19; P < 0.03), metabolic acidosis (OR, 4.08; P = 0.007) and RN (OR, 2.58; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with de novo anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent RN had a significantly higher prevalence of anaemia and ESA-treatment compared to a well-matched cohort that underwent PN. In addition to RN, age ≥60 years, African American ethnicity, history of smoking, GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), proteinuria and metabolic acidosis were associated with developing anaemia.

Comparison of rates and risk factors for development of osteoporosis and fractures after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine incidence of and risk factors for development of osteoporosis and fractures in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (NSS), as osteoporosis is an important cause of morbidity in chronic kidney disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 905 patients (mean age 57.5 years, mean follow-up 6.4 years) who underwent RN or NSS for renal tumors at 2 institutions from July 1987 to June 2007. Demographics, renal function, metabolic parameters, and history of preoperative and postoperative osteoporosis and fractures were recorded. Data were analyzed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs NSS). Multivariate analysis was conducted to elucidate risk factors for developing osteoporosis following surgery. RESULTS: A total of 610 patients underwent RN and 295 underwent NSS. Tumor size (cm) was significantly larger for RN (RN 7.0 vs NSS 3.7, P<.0001). No significant differences were noted with respect to demographic factors and preoperative osteoporosis (RN 8.7% vs NSS 9.5%, P=.785) and fractures (RN 1.7% vs NSS 0.7%, P=.382). Postoperatively, significantly less osteoporosis (NSS 12.5% vs RN 22.6%, P<.001) and fewer fractures (NSS 4.4% vs RN 9.8%, P=.007) developed in the NSS cohort. MVA demonstrated female (OR 1.85, P=.001), Caucasian (OR 2.33, P<.0001), preoperative eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2, (OR=3.02, P<.0001), preoperative metabolic acidosis (OR=4.22, P=.0006), and RN (OR 2.59, P<.0001) were risk factors for developing osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RN had a significantly higher incidence of osteoporosis and fractures compared with a well-matched cohort of patients who underwent NSS. In addition to RN, female gender, Caucasian background, preoperative eGFR<60, and preoperative metabolic acidosis were associated with developing osteoporosis.

Feasibility and efficacy of neoadjuvant sunitinib before nephron-sparing surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate efficacy of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase-inhibitor therapy (TKI) before imperative nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), as NSS in patients with large locally advanced or centrally located tumours can be challenging, and TKI therapy might result in a reduction of primary tumour burden and increase the feasibility of NSS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective review and prospective pilot study of patients undergoing neoadjuvant sunitinib before planned NSS from February 2006 to February 2009. All patients underwent confirmatory biopsy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Patients received two 28-day cycles of sunitinib before NSS. Demographics/tumour characteristics, tumour response (by the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors), outcomes and complications were analysed. RESULTS: Twelve patients (seven men and five women; mean age 60.1 years, tumours on 14 renal units) were given TKI before NSS for imperative indications. The mean pretreatment tumour diameter was 7.1 cm; all patients had a decrease in size of the primary tumour after TKI, with a mean reduction in maximum diameter of 1.5 cm (21.1%). Four of 14 and 10 of 14 primary tumours had a partial response and stable disease after TKI. NSS was achievable in all 14 kidneys. Four patients had a concurrent metastasectomy. The mean warm ischaemia time was 22.5 min; postoperative dialysis was not required in any patients. Final pathology revealed negative tumour margins in all 14 tumours. The mean creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (before/after NSS) were 1.34/1.40 mg/dL (P = 0.431) and 57.7/53.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = 0.475), respectively. At a mean follow-up of 23.9 months, 10 of the 12 patients were alive, one died from metastatic RCC and none required dialysis. Three of the 14 renal units developed delayed urinary leaks, all in patients who also received postoperative sunitinib. All leaks resolved with conservative measures. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant TKI followed by NSS is safe and feasible, with all patients achieving a reduction in maximum tumour diameter, and with NSS being achievable with negative margins and with no requirement for postoperative dialysis. Further investigation is required.

Variation in the incidence of and risk factors for the development of nephrolithiasis after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: to examine incidence of and risk factors for the development of nephrolithiasis in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery, NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: the study comprised a single-centre review of 749 patients treated with RN or NSS from August 1987 to June 2006. Demographics, medical and stone history, metabolic variables and postoperative stone events were recorded. Data were analysed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs NSS). Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for postoperative stone formation. RESULTS: in all, 499 patients had RN and 250 had NSS (mean age 57.9 years; mean follow-up 6.3 years). There were no significant differences in their demographic factors, but tumours were significantly larger in RN (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in preoperative urinary pH < 6.0 or stone history. Significantly fewer patients after NSS than RN formed calculi (NSS 1.6% vs RN 8.4%, P < 0.001), developed hypobicarbonataemia (NSS 7.2% vs RN 12.8%, P= 0.020), and a urinary pH of <6.0 (NSS 11.2% vs RN 19.4%, P= 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that RN (odds ratio 18.18), postoperative urinary pH < 6 (15.63), previous stone disease (13.7), age <60 years (7.33, all P < 0.001), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (3.26, P= 0.033), male gender (2.67, P= 0.039), and hypobicarbonataemia (2.46, P= 0.034) were significantly associated with the development of postoperative calculi. CONCLUSIONS: patients undergoing RN have a significantly higher incidence of postoperative nephrolithiasis than a well-matched cohort undergoing NSS. In addition to RN, male sex, urinary pH < 6.0, hypobicarbonataemia, history of stone disease, obesity, and age <60 years were significantly associated with postoperative stone formation.

Survival outcomes in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy as primary or salvage treatment for localized or advanced prostate cancer: 20-year single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in men receiving primary androgen-deprivation therapy (PADT) or salvage medical ADT (SADT) for prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer between July 1987 and June 2007. Variables included age at diagnosis and ADT induction, race, PSA level before ADT, ADT schedule (continuous/intermittent), clinical/pathological stage, hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRCP) status, PADT or SADT, and deaths. RESULTS: In all, 548 men were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis and ADT induction were 70.1 and 72.3 years, respectively, and 321 (58.6%) were African-American. The median PSA level before ADT was 16.3 ng/mL. ADT was administered continuously in 497 (90.7%) patients; 342 (62.4%) received PADT while 206 (37.6%) received SADT. At mean (range) follow-up of 81.8 (2.1-445) months, 98 (17.9%) deaths occurred; 31 (31.6%) were cancer-specific. The OS and DSS in the PADT and SADT groups were not significantly different (P = 0.36 and P = 0.81, respectively). Mortality rates/distributions were similar between groups (P = 0.68). Multivariate predictors of OS and DSS included age at diagnosis (P = 0.03) and ADT induction (P = 0.009), tumour stage (P < 0.001), and PSA level at ADT induction (P = 0.01). Progression to HRPC worsened OS and DSS (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PADT and SADT prolong survival in men with prostate cancer. HRPC portends a poor DSS. Age at diagnosis and ADT induction, PSA level before ADT, and disease stage predict both OS and DSS in this population. However, most men died from causes unrelated to prostate cancer, thus questioning the true value of ADT in prolonging patient survival.

Comparison of rates and risk factors for developing chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria and metabolic acidosis after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for developing chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), proteinuria and metabolic acidosis (MA) in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 749 patients (mean age 57.7 years; mean follow-up 6.4 years) who had RN or NSS for renal tumours between July 1987 and June 2006 at our institution. The demographics and outcomes were analysed and recorded. The primary outcome variable was the development of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), with secondary outcomes being the development of a serum creatinine level of > or =2.0 mg/dL, MA (serum bicarbonate <22 mmol/L), and proteinuria (> or =1+ on dipstick testing). Multivariate logistic regression (MV) was used to identify risk factors for developing an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), a creatinine level of > or =2.0 mg/dL and MA. RESULTS: Of the 749 patients, 499 had RN and 250 NSS; there were no significant demographic differences between the groups. After surgery a significantly greater proportion of the RN than the NSS group had a low eGFR (44.7% vs 16.0%, P < 0.001), MA (12.8% vs 7.2%, P = 0.02), proteinuria (22.2% vs 13.2%, P = 0.003) and elevated creatinine (14.2% vs 8.4%, P = 0.022). MV showed that diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 8.96, P = 0.002), RN (5.32, P < 0.001), hypertension (4.55, P = 0.003), a body mass index (BMI) of > or =30 kg/m(2) (3.51, P = 0.017), age > or =60 years (2.91, P = 0.015) and smoking (2.44, P = 0.014) were risk factors for developing a low eGFR; and that age > or =60 years (2.00, P = 0.019), diabetes mellitus (10, P < 0.001), hypertension (7.41, P = 0.002), smoking (5.29, P < 0.001) and RN (3.08, P < 0.001) were risk factors for developing an elevated creatinine level; and that being male (2.50, P = 0.019), age > or =60 years (3.13, P = 0.002), a BMI > or =30 (3.52, P < 0.001), RN (9.82, P < 0.001), preoperative eGFR <60 (9.71, P < 0.001) and elevated creatinine (5.9, P = 0.008) were risk factors for developing MA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RN had significantly greater CRI, MA and proteinuria rates than a well-matched group undergoing NSS. In addition to RN, age > or =60 years, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were associated with progression to CRI after surgery.