Histologic Abnormalities in Non-neoplastic Renal Parenchyma and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease Following Radical Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of histopathological parameters in non-neoplastic renal parenchyma with the development of new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) after radical nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from 222 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula was used. The study end point was development of CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A renal pathologist assessed three histologic features in the non-neoplastic parenchyma, namely global glomerulosclerosis (GS), arteriosclerosis (AS), and interstitial fibrosis (IF). For GS assessment, the percent of affected glomeruli was determined. AS was graded and divided into three groups, namely 1-0%-25%, 2-26%-50%, and 3-greater than 50%. IF was evaluated as absent or present. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 49.06 months, the mean eGFR rate decrease was 26.5% after radical nephrectomy. Almost half of the patients (53.8%) developed CKD. For each 2.5% increase in GS, each point increase in Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and each 10-year increase in patient's age, the eGFR decreased 28%, 33%, and 39%, respectively (P < .05). In a univariate analysis, age, CCI, GS, AS, IF, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were associated with new-onset CKD after radical nephrectomy (P < .05). After multivariate logistic regression, CCI, GS, and baseline eGFR were associated with new-onset CKD after radical nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Histopathological evaluation of non-neoplastic renal parenchyma in patients who undergo radical nephrectomy can be used to predict the development of new-onset CKD.

Small-bowel obstruction and bladder injury due to retropubic sling malposition in the peritoneal cavity.

We report a case of small-bowel obstruction caused by an internal hernia produced by the presence of an intraperitoneal sling mesh. A woman with a history of multiple abdominal surgeries was referred from another center after a sling procedure. On the fifth day after surgery, she developed small-bowel obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy showed the distal ileum compressed between the visceral peritoneum of the bladder and a loop mesh sling. The segment of ileum was repositioned into the peritoneal cavity and the sling segment was resected. In cases of small-bowel obstructions after a mesh surgery, one must be aware of the possibility of bowel entrapment and that the mere presence of intraperitoneal tape can trigger the obstruction.

Robotic and laparoscopic high extended pelvic lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy: technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing use of laparoscopic and robotic radical cystectomy (RC), there are perceived concerns about the adequacy of lymph node dissection (LND). OBJECTIVE: Describe the robotic and laparoscopic technique and the short-term outcomes of high extended pelvic LND (PLND) up to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during RC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From January 2007 through September 2009, we performed high extended PLND with proximal extent up to the IMA (n=10) or aortic bifurcation (n=5) in 15 patients undergoing robotic RC (n=4) or laparoscopic RC (n=11) at two institutions. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: We performed robotic extended PLND with the proximal extent up to the IMA or aortic bifurcation. The LND was performed starting from the right external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, common iliac, preaortic and para-aortic, precaval, and presacral and then proceeding to the left side. The accompanying video highlights our detailed technique. MEASUREMENTS: Median age was 69 yr, body mass index was 26, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥ 3 was present in 40% of patients. All urinary diversions, including orthotopic neobladder (n=5) and ileal conduit (n=10), were performed extracorporeally. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All 15 procedures were technically successful without need for conversion to open surgery. Median operative time was 6.7h, estimated blood loss was 500 ml, and three patients (21%) required blood transfusion. Median nodal yield in the entire cohort was 31 (range: 15-78). The IMA group had more nodes retrieved (median: 42.5) compared with the aortic bifurcation group (median: 20.5). Histopathology confirmed nodal metastases in four patients (27%), including three patients in the IMA group and one patient in the aortic bifurcation group. Perioperative complications were recorded in six cases (40%). During a median follow-up of 13 mo, no patient developed local or systemic recurrence. Limitations of the study include its retrospective design and small cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: High extended PLND during laparoscopic or robotic RC is technically feasible. Longer survival data in a larger cohort of patients are necessary to determine the proper place for robotic and laparoscopic surgery in patients undergoing RC for high-risk bladder cancer.

Laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty: a comparison with the standard laparoscopic technique.

OBJECTIVE: • To compare laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) and standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty procedures with the aim of defining whether perioperative, recovery or health-related quality of life (HRQL) benefits exist for the LESS procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • From November 2007 to August 2008, sixteen patients underwent LESS pyeloplasty at a tertiary care referral centre. These patients were compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty. • Matching criteria included gender and age (within 10 years), as well as preoperative degree of obstruction (T(½) within 15 min) and differential renal function (within 10% ipsilaterally) based on diuretic radionuclide scanning. Mean follow-up was 13 ± 4 months for the LESS group and 17 ± 3 months for the standard laparoscopic group. • LESS pyeloplasty procedures were all performed using a single-port device in the umbilicus and suturing was assisted with a 2-mm grasping instrument. Perioperative variables, successful relief of obstruction and HRQL measurements were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: • Except for a lower body mass index in the LESS group (23 ± 6 kg/m² vs 30 ± 7 kg/m², P = 0.002), no difference was noted for perioperative variables between the two cohorts, including hospital stay and analgesic requirement. • No significant HRQL advantage was noted for either group based on a six-item non-validated questionnaire. • All patients in both groups experienced clinical resolution of their symptoms. A patient in the standard laparoscopy group and two patients in the LESS group had T(½) > 20 min (0.063% vs 0.125%, P= 1.00) on diuretic radionuclide scanning. • Limitations include the retrospective nature of the present study, as well as the relatively small study population and short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: • No benefit was noted for LESS pyeloplasty over the standard laparoscopic procedure beyond aesthetic advantages. • Further comparisons are needed to determine whether these results are generalizable to other LESS procedures.

Surgical management of bilateral synchronous kidney tumors: functional and oncological outcomes.

PURPOSE: We evaluated renal functional and oncological outcomes after sequential partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy in patients with bilateral synchronous kidney tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 220 patients treated from June 1994 to July 2008 were included in the study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, and overall, cancer specific and recurrence-free survival were assessed. RESULTS: Patients underwent sequential partial nephrectomy (134), partial nephrectomy followed by radical nephrectomy (60) or radical nephrectomy followed by partial nephrectomy (26). Final estimated glomerular filtration rate after bilateral surgery was 59, 36 and 35 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) in these 3 groups, respectively (p <0.001). The order in which partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy were conducted did not affect functional outcomes. Overall survival of patients with bilateral cancer was 86% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years, cancer specific survival was 96% at 5 and 10 years, and recurrence-free survival was 73% at 5 years and 44% at 10 years. Overall survival was decreased in patients with tumors larger than 7 cm (p = 0.003). Patients with postoperative stage III or greater chronic kidney disease had decreased overall survival due to noncancer causes (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with sequential surgery for bilateral synchronous kidney tumors have 5 and 10-year oncological outcomes comparable to those of patients with unilateral kidney cancer. Decreased overall survival was significantly associated with tumor size larger than 7 cm and postoperative stage III or greater chronic kidney disease. Nephron sparing surgery should be conducted for all amenable bilateral kidney masses given the negative impact of renal functional decline on overall survival.

Current status of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As familiarity with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has grown, application has expanded into increasingly complex cases. In this review, we present a recent series describing use of LPN in specific clinical scenarios and describe common technical modifications commonly employed in each case. In addition, we discuss modifications to standardly performed maneuvers. RECENT FINDINGS: Partial nephrectomy was originally reserved for absolute indications and small peripheral masses. However, well tolerated utilization of LPN in larger and more complex tumors including those in hilar or central locations, in kidneys with multiple masses, and in patients with previous renal surgery have been described. Additionally, patients with comorbidities such as obesity, and anatomic variations including multiple renal vessels and solitary kidneys have also undergone LPN with success. Furthermore, modifications to standard techniques have helped improve perioperative characteristics, such as warm ischemia time, to levels comparable to open surgery. Although many of the LPN series are small, they represent the most recent novel applications of the technique. SUMMARY: LPN is a continuously evolving technique, and with case specific modifications can be safely performed in a wide range of clinical scenarios by sufficiently experienced hands.

Complex percutaneous resections for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous endoscopic resection is a viable treatment option for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UC) in selected patients. We present our experience with patients who underwent percutaneous resections for complex urothelial tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who were undergoing percutaneous treatment for UC were identified within a prospectively maintained database at a single institution. Charts were reviewed to identify complex patients (n = 16) who met the following criteria: (a) tumor size >2.5 cm (n = 8), (b) preoperative creatinine level >3.0 mg/dL (n = 3), or (c) anatomic variant (cystectomy/urinary diversion [n = 2]; autotransplanted kidney [n = 1]; ipsilateral partial nephrectomy [n = 1]; distal ureterectomy [n = 1]). Demographic, operative, and oncologic data were captured. Recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survivals were calculated and compared with a control group of noncomplex cases (n = 23). RESULTS: No difference was found in mean age (69.7 +/- 10.8 years vs 69.8 +/- 11.2 years), complication rate (6.3% vs 7.1%), or change in creatinine level (1.53 mg/dL to 1.51 mg/dL vs 1.88 mg/dL to 1.57 mg/dL) between noncomplex and complex cases. The incidences of high-grade tumors (55% vs 71%), invasive tumors (15% vs 20%), solitary kidney (82% vs 92%), contralateral nephroureterectomy (52% vs 60%), and history of bladder cancers (47% vs 38%) were similar between the two groups. Median follow-up was 36 months. No difference was seen in cancer-specific survival (P = 0.98) or recurrence-free survival (P = 0.39). An improved trend in overall survival (P = 0.20) was seen in the noncomplex patients when compared with the complex group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that patients with large tumors, poor renal function, and significant anatomic variations may be well served by endoscopic treatment for upper-tract UC when indicated.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: advances since 2005.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) technique has continually evolved over the last decade, resulting in better outcomes and increased popularity within the urological community. In this article, we provide an overview of the contemporary literature on LPN. RECENT FINDINGS: The technique of LPN has evolved over the last 5 years with a nearly 50% reduction of warm ischemia time in experienced hands. Complication rates have also declined such that morbidity and oncological outcomes are comparable to open partial nephrectomy, the gold standard. LPN is now an established procedure for the treatment of T1a renal tumors. It can also be safely performed for favorably located T1b tumors and more complex tumors, including hilar tumors, central tumors or tumors in solitary kidneys with good oncological and functional outcomes. SUMMARY: For renal tumors less than 4-7 cm (T1 lesions), partial nephrectomy is the treatment of choice. Contemporary LPN is a sophisticated procedure, and in expert hands, offers perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes comparable to open partial nephrectomy, even for complex tumors.

Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) versus standard laparoscopic left donor nephrectomy: matched-pair comparison.

BACKGROUND: Laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery is a recent development in minimally invasive surgery. Presented herein is the initial comparison of LESS donor nephrectomy (LESS-DN) and standard laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether LESS-DN provides any measurable benefit over LLDN during the perioperative period and subsequent convalescence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Between November 2007 and November 2008, 18 consecutive patients underwent LESS-DN (17 left DN, 1 right DN). A contemporary matched-pair cohort of 17 patients undergoing standard LLDN was selected for retrospective comparison. INTERVENTIONS: LESS-DN was performed through an intraumbilical novel multichannel port. The kidney was extracted through a slightly extended umbilical incision. MEASUREMENTS: All data were prospectively accrued in an institutional review board-approved database. Convalescence data included visual analog pain scores and questionnaires containing patient-reported time to recovery end points. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: One right-sided donor was converted to standard laparoscopy and excluded from analysis. Baseline demographics, operating time, blood loss, and hospital stay were comparable between groups. Compared to LLDN, patients undergoing LESS-DN had similar in-hospital analgesic requirements and mean visual analog scores at discharge. After discharge, patient-reported convalescence was faster in the LESS-DN group, including days on oral pain medication (20 vs 6; p=0.01), days off work (46 vs 18; p=0.0009), and days to 100% physical recovery (83 vs 29; p=0.03). Mean warm ischemia time was longer in the LESS-DN group (3 vs 6.1 min; p<0.0001); however, allograft function was immediate and comparable between groups. One allograft in the LESS-DN group thrombosed postoperatively. Regardless of laparoscopic approach, patients' global satisfaction with kidney donation and willingness to recommend their procedure to others were favorable and equivalent between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective matched-pair comparison between LESS-DN and LLDN suggests that the single-port approach may be associated with quicker convalescence. In this initial series, LESS-DN had longer ischemia time, yet early allograft outcomes were comparable.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: oncological outcomes at 10 years or more.

PURPOSE: We present oncological outcomes at a followup of 10 years or greater after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 1994 and March 1999 a total of 73 laparoscopic radical nephrectomies were performed by 2 surgeons for pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma. Data were obtained from patient charts, radiographic reports, telephone followup and a check of the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: Mean followup was 11.2 years (range 10 to 15). Each patient completed a minimum 10-year followup. Mean patient age at surgery was 60 years. Mean tumor size on computerized tomography was 5 cm (range 1.7 to 13). Pathological stage was pT1a in 41% of cases, pT1b in 30%, pT2 in 15%, pT3a in 10%, pT3b in 3% and pT4 in 1%. High grade tumors (Fuhrman 3 or greater) were present in 18 cases (28%). A positive surgical margin occurred in 1 case. Actual 10-year overall, cancer specific and recurrence-free survival rates were 65%, 92% and 86%, respectively. Overall, cancer specific and recurrence-free survival rates at 12 years were 35%, 78% and 77%, respectively. At a mean of 67 months 10 patients (14%) had metastatic disease, of whom 8 (11%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term oncological outcomes after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma are excellent and appear comparable to those of open surgery.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery: initial hundred patients.

OBJECTIVES: To report our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery in 100 patients in urology. METHODS: Between October 2007 and December 2008, we performed LESS urologic procedures in 100 patients for various indications. These included nephrectomy (N = 34; simple 14, radical 3, donor 17), nephroureterectomy (N = 2), partial nephrectomy (N = 6), pyeloplasty (N = 17), transvesical simple prostatectomy (N = 32), and others (N = 9). Data were prospectively collected in a database approved by the Institutional Review Board. All procedures were performed using a novel single-port device (r-Port) and a varying combination of standard and specialized bent/articulating laparoscopic instruments. Robotic assistance was used to perform LESS pyeloplasty (N = 2) and simple prostatectomy (N = 1). In addition to standard perioperative data, we obtained data on postdischarge analgesia requirements, time to complete convalescence, and time to return to work. RESULTS: In the study period, LESS procedures accounted for 15% of all laparoscopic cases by the authors for similar indications. Conversion to standard multiport laparoscopy was necessary in 3 cases, addition of a single 5-mm port was necessary in 3 cases, and conversion to open surgery was necessary in 4 cases. On death occurred following simple prostatectomy in a Jehovah's Witness due to patient refusal to accept transfusion following hemorrhage. Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in 5 and 9 cases, respectively. Mean operative time was 145, 230, 236, and 113 minutes and hospital stay was 2, 2.9, 2, and 3 days for simple nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and simple prostatectomy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LESS surgery is technically feasible for a variety of ablative and reconstructive applications in urology. With proper patient selection, conversion and complications rates are low. Improvement in instrumentation and technology is likely to expand the role of LESS in minimally invasive urology.

Transvaginal nephrectomy with a multichannel laparoscopic port: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a novel port (QuadPort, Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) can facilitate transvaginal nephrectomy (TN), a natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) procedure, using standard and articulating laparoscopic instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four fresh female cadavers were used in this feasibility study with a plan to perform two right-sided and two left-sided TN. Exclusion criteria were a history of nephrectomy and a height of >1.82 m. The cadaver was placed in the lithotomy position with the target side up 30-45 degrees . A three-channel R-port (Advanced Surgical Concepts) was placed in the umbilicus to monitor the transvaginal procedure. The four-channel QuadPort was placed through the posterior fornix into the peritoneal cavity. Regular laparoscopic instruments were used transvaginally to mobilize the colon, dissect the ureter, identify and divide the renal artery between clips, and divide the renal vein with a laparoscopic stapler. Remaining attachments of the kidney were divided and the specimen entrapped in a plastic bag before transvaginal extraction. RESULTS Three (two right- and one left-sided) TNs were performed successfully; one left-sided TN was aborted in the last cadaver due to dense pelvic adhesions from previous pelvic surgery. In the first two cadavers we required assistance from the umbilical port only to divide the attachments between the upper pole of the kidney and the diaphragm supero-posteriorly. In the third case we were able to perform this dissection completely transvaginally using a flexible gastroscope. CONCLUSIONS A completely NOTES-based TN in humans is challenging. Robust laparoscopic instruments have the requisite tensile strength when deployed through a large calibre, secure, multichannel transvaginal port. Extra-long laparoscopic instruments are helpful. The cephalad aspect of the hilum and the upper pole attachments are difficult areas. Novel and robust flexible instruments still need to be developed.

Critical appraisal of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To perform a contemporary critical appraisal of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RaRP) through a review of the recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Most studies of RaRP are observational and report perioperative, functional and short-term oncological outcomes. RaRP is associated with less blood loss and blood transfusion than open radical prostatectomy (ORP), has a positive margin rate of 9.4-20.9%, potency rate of 79.2-80.4% at 1 year and a continence rate of 90.2-97% at 1 year. Costs of the da Vinci system remain a limitation of this technique. SUMMARY: RaRP has shown rapid dissemination over the past few years in the US urological community. However, prospective randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up of RaRP, ORP and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are still necessary.