Surgical Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Comparisons of open and laparoscopic approaches.

Objectives: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a leading urological malignancy with an age-standardised incidence rate of 2.5 per 100,000 per year in Oman. Experts are inclined towards the early detection and use of minimally invasive technology for the treatment of RCC. This study aimed report the shifting trend in the clinical presentation and management of RCC in Oman, comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic and open nephrectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included adult RCC patients from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, diagnosed from 2011-2022. Patient biodata, mode of presentation, diagnostic modality, final histopathology and details of treatment received including the perioperative outcomes were analysed. Results: A total of 56 patients that underwent surgical treatment for RCC, 34 underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) and 22 underwent open nephrectomy (ON). The mean ages in the LN and ON groups were 53.82 ± 13.44 years and 56.22 ± 15.00 years (P = 0.53), respectively. There were 47 patients of Omani descent and 9 patients were expatiates. The patients' mean tumour size was 6.25 ± 3.16 cm and 9.23 ± 5.20 cm for the LN and ON groups, respectively; 55.35% of the RCC cases were incidentally diagnosed. A trend towards LN was observed. Conclusion: This study found a trend towards early diagnosis of RCC in Oman, with the majority of cancers being discovered incidentally in the studied period. LN is more commonly used in the surgical management of RCC with acceptable morbidity. These trends remain aligned with those found in the global literature on RCC.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: A pooled quantitative analysis of published cases.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGP) is a serious and rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. This systematic review analyzes XGP cases. We performed a literature search for "Pyelonephritis, Xanthogranulomatous." The primary composite outcome was recovery with post-surgery complications, partial recovery, death, or chronic kidney disease. The secondary outcome was any presentation or treatment complication. Predictor variables consisted of demographics, history, symptoms, and diagnosis/management. Among the 251 patients, the mean age was 36.1 years, and 57.4% were female. The most common symptom and finding were fever (55.0%) and renal stones (53.8%), respectively. There were 15.5% with the composite outcome. There were 51.0% with any presentation or treatment complication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the composite outcome showed that kidney of both/horseshoe (OR:3.86, 95% CI:1.01, 14.73, p = 0.048), dialysis required (OR:8.64, 95% CI:2.27, 32.94, p = 0.002), and operative treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy (OR:4.57, 95% CI:1.58, 13.17, p = 0.01) were each significantly associated with increased odds. Fever (OR:3.04, 95% CI:1.63, 5.67, p <0.001) and renal stones (OR:2.55, 95% CI:1.35, 4.81, p = 0.004) were each significantly associated with increased odds for any presentation/treatment complication. In conclusion, XGP patients with involvement of both or horseshoe kidneys, dialysis requirements, or treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy may require aggressive treatment to mitigate poor patient outcomes.

Seasonal Patterns of Living Kidney Donation in the United States From 1995 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: The number of living kidney donors in the United States has declined since 2005, with variations based on the donor-recipient relationship. The reasons for this decline are unclear, and strategies to mitigate declined donations remain elusive. We examined the change in donor number monthly (within-year) versus annually (between-years) to inform potentially modifiable factors for future interventions. METHODS: In this registry-based cohort analysis of 141 759 living kidney donors between 1995 and 2019, we used linear mixed-effects models for donor number per month and year to analyze between-year and within-year variation in donation. We used Poisson regression to quantify the change in the number of donors per season before and after 2005, stratified by donor-recipient relationship and zip-code household income tertile. RESULTS: We observed a consistent summer surge in donations during June, July, and August. This surge was statistically significant for related donors (incidence rate ratio [IRR] range: 1.12-1.33) and unrelated donors (IRR range: 1.06-1.16) across donor income tertiles. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate lower rates of living kidney donation in non-summer months across income tertiles. Interventions are needed to address barriers to donation in non-summer seasons and facilitate donations throughout the year. Since the Organ Donor Leave Law provides a solid foundation for supporting year-round donation, extending the law's provisions beyond federal employees may mitigate identified seasonal barriers.

TRENDS IN SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF RENAL NEOPLASMS: SINGLE CENTER RESULTS IN THE LAST DECADE.

The majority of renal neoplasms can be treated surgically using open or minimally-invasive approach. Nephron-sparing surgery should be used when possible, regardless to the operative approach. In this retrospective study, we analyzed surgical trends of operative treatment of renal neoplasms in the period from February 2011 until December 2020. There were a total of 1031 procedures, 703 (68.2%) radical nephrectomies (RN) and 328 (31.8%) partial nephrectomies (PN). Laparoscopic approach was used in 211 (20.5%) (111 PN and 100 RN), while open approach was used in 820 (79.5%) (328 PN and 703 RN) cases. There were 12 procedures performed with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic arrest. The median operative time was 161 minutes for open RN and 158 for open PN, 160 for laparoscopic RN, and 162 for laparoscopic PN. The most common pathology was clear cell carcinoma in 693 (67.3%), papillary carcinoma in 115 (11.2%), chromophobe carcinoma in 67 (6.5%), oncocytoma in 46 (4.5%), and angiomyolipoma in 33 (3.2%) patients. Pathologically, pT1 stage was diagnosed in 56.9%, pT2 in 5.8%, pT3 in 22.4% and pT4 in 1.2% of patients. Regional lymphadenectomy was performed in 354 (34.3%) patients, among which lymph nodes were positive in 40 (11.3%) cases. Surgical margins were positive in 27 cases when PN was performed (8.2%). In conclusion, there was an ongoing raising trend in the number of procedures in general, and also in minimally invasive and nephron-sparing surgery in our study.

Risk Factors and Patterns of Locoregional Recurrence after Radical Nephrectomy for Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the risk factors and patterns of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after radical nephrectomy (RN) in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 245 patients who underwent RN for non-metastatic pT3-4 RCC from January 2006 to January 2016. We analyzed the risk factors associated with poor locoregional control using Cox regression. Anatomical mapping was performed on reference computed tomography scans showing intact kidneys. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 56 months (range, 1 to 128 months). Tumor extension to renal vessels or the inferior vena cava (IVC) and Fuhrman's nuclear grade IV were identified as independent risk factors of LRR. The 5-year actuarial LRR rates in groups with no risk factor, one risk factor, and two risk factors were 2.3%, 19.8%, and 30.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). The locations of LRR were distributed as follows: aortocaval area (n=2), paraaortic area (n=4), retrocaval area (n=5), and tumor bed (n=11). No LRR was observed above the celiac axis (CA) or under the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). CONCLUSION: Tumor extension to renal vessels or the IVC and Fuhrman's nuclear grade IV were the independent risk factors associated with LRR after RN for pT3-4 RCC. The locations of LRR after RN for RCC were distributed in the tumor bed and regional lymphatic area from the bifurcation of the CA to that of the IMA.

Nephrectomy Is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Mortality or Acute Kidney Injury after High-Grade Renal Trauma: A Propensity Score Analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP).

PURPOSE: Patients with high-grade renal trauma (HGRT) undergoing nephrectomy may be at higher risk for mortality compared to those treated conservatively. However, no study has controlled for degree of hemorrhage as a measure of shock. We hypothesized that after controlling for blood transfusions and other factors, nephrectomy after HGRT would be associated with increased mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified adult patients with HGRT (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade III-V) in TQIP (2013-2017). Propensity scoring was used to adjust for the probability of nephrectomy. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the association between nephrectomy and mortality and AKI. We adjusted for patient characteristics, injury specifics, and physiological factors including blood transfusions. RESULTS: There were 12,780 patients with HGRT, and 1,014 (7.9%) underwent nephrectomy. Mortality was 10.6% and 4.2% in the nephrectomy and nonnephrectomy groups, respectively (p <0.001). In nephrectomy patients, 8.6% experienced AKI vs 2.4% of nonnephrectomy patients (p <0.001). In the adjusted analysis, there was no association between nephrectomy and mortality (OR=0.367, 95% CI 0.09-1.497, p=0.162). There was also no association between nephrectomy and AKI. Increasing age, nonCaucasian race, increasing Injury Severity Score, decreasing Glasgow Coma Score and blood transfusions were associated with higher mortality. For AKI, independent predictors included increasing age, male sex, and blood transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for volume of blood transfused in the first 24 hours, nephrectomy after HGRT was not associated with increased mortality or AKI. As a clinical principle, trauma nephrectomy should be avoided when possible.

Perioperative Aspirin Use Is Associated with Bleeding Complications during Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Daily aspirin use following cardiovascular intervention is commonplace and creates concern regarding bleeding risk in patients undergoing surgery. Despite its cardio-protective role, aspirin is often discontinued 5-7 days prior to major surgery due to bleeding concerns. Single institution studies have investigated perioperative outcomes of aspirin use in robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). We sought to evaluate the outcomes of perioperative aspirin (pASA) use during RPN in a multicenter setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing RPN at 5 high volume RPN institutions. We compared perioperative outcomes of patients taking pASA (81 mg) to those not on aspirin. We analyzed the association between pASA use and perioperative transfusion. RESULTS: Of 1,565 patients undergoing RPN, 228 (14.5%) patients continued pASA and were older (62.8 vs 56.8 years, p <0.001) with higher Charlson scores (mean 3 vs 2, p <0.001). pASA was associated with increased perioperative blood transfusions (11% vs 4%, p <0.001) and major complications (10% vs 3%, p <0.001). On multivariable analysis, pASA was associated with increased transfusion risk (OR 1.94, 1.10-3.45, 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, perioperative aspirin 81 mg use during RPN is reasonable and safe; however, there is a higher risk of blood transfusions and major complications. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of antiplatelet therapy in RPN patients requiring pASA for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Changes in cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome over time in living kidney donors: a retrospective cohort study / Cambios en los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y el síndrome metabólico a través del tiempo en los donantes renales vivos: estudio de cohortes retrospectivo

Background: permissibility in the selection of living kidney donors (LKD) with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and/or metabolic syndrome (MS) is an increasingly frequent practice worldwide. These factors, together with kidney donation specifically, are known to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: we analyzed the frequency of CMRFs and MS before and after kidney donation in LKD. In the secondary analysis, we associated CMRFs and MS with renal function. The SPSS V22.0 software was used. Results: we analyzed 110 LKD patients, with a mean age of 35.05 ± 10.5 years: 63 (57.3 %) men and 47 (42.7 %) women. Patients were followed for 25 ± 17.48 months after nephrectomy. Prior to donation, 62 patients (56.4 %) had MS, and the presence of one to six CMRFs was 19.1 %, 32 %, 18.2 %, 17.3 %, 3.6 %, and 0.9 %, respectively. During follow-up, in donors, the incidence of overweight increased from 48.2 % to 52.7 %, (p < 0.01); that of obesity increased from 11.8 % to 20.9 % (p < 0.01); that of hyperuricemia increased from 17.3 % to 26.4 %, (p < 0.01); that of hypercholesterolemia increased from 24.5 % to 33.6 % (p < 0.01); and that of hypertriglyceridemia increased from 47.3 % to 50.9 % (p < 0.01), while the incidence of MS decreased from 56.4 % to 51.8 % (p < 0.01). A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of CMRFs did not show any association with glomerular filtration rates below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. (AU)

Introducción: la permisibilidad en la selección de los donantes renales vivos (DRV) con uno o más factores de riesgo cardiometabólico (FRCM) y/o síndrome metabólico (SM) es una práctica cada vez más frecuente en todo el mundo. Se sabe que estos factores, junto con la donación de riñón, específicamente, están asociados con un mayor riesgo de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Métodos: analizamos la frecuencia de los FRCM y SM antes y después de la donación renal en DRV. En el análisis secundario, asociamos los FRCM y la SM con la función renal. Se utilizó el programa SPSS V22.0. Resultados: se analizaron 110 DRV con una edad media de 35,05 ± 10,5 años: 63 (57,3 %) hombres y 47 (42,7 %) mujeres. Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante 25 ± 17,48 meses después de la nefrectomía. Antes de la donación, 62 pacientes (56,4 %) tenían SM y la presencia de uno a seis FRCM era del 19,1 %, 32 %, 18,2 %, 17,3 %, 3,6 % y 0,9 %, respectivamente. Durante el seguimiento, en los donantes, la incidencia del sobrepeso aumentó del 48,2 % al 52,7 % (p < 0,01); la de la obesidad pasó del 11,8 % al 20,9 % (p < 0,01); la de la hiperuricemia aumentó del 17,3 % al 26,4 % (p < 0,01); la de la hipercolesterolemia aumentó del 24,5 % al 33,6 % (p < 0,01); y la de la hipertrigliceridemia aumentó del 47,3 % al 50,9 % (p < 0,01), mientras que la incidencia del SM disminuyó del 56,4 % al 51,8 % (p < 0,01). El análisis de regresión logística mostró que la presencia de FRCM no presentaba ninguna asociación con las tasas de filtración glomerular por debajo de 60 ml/min/1,73 m2. (AU)

Changes in cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome over time in living kidney donors: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Background: permissibility in the selection of living kidney donors (LKD) with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and/or metabolic syndrome (MS) is an increasingly frequent practice worldwide. These factors, together with kidney donation specifically, are known to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: we analyzed the frequency of CMRFs and MS before and after kidney donation in LKD. In the secondary analysis, we associated CMRFs and MS with renal function. The SPSS V22.0 software was used. Results: we analyzed 110 LKD patients, with a mean age of 35.05 ± 10.5 years: 63 (57.3 %) men and 47 (42.7 %) women. Patients were followed for 25 ± 17.48 months after nephrectomy. Prior to donation, 62 patients (56.4 %) had MS, and the presence of one to six CMRFs was 19.1 %, 32 %, 18.2 %, 17.3 %, 3.6 %, and 0.9 %, respectively. During follow-up, in donors, the incidence of overweight increased from 48.2 % to 52.7 %, (p < 0.01); that of obesity increased from 11.8 % to 20.9 % (p < 0.01); that of hyperuricemia increased from 17.3 % to 26.4 %, (p < 0.01); that of hypercholesterolemia increased from 24.5 % to 33.6 % (p < 0.01); and that of hypertriglyceridemia increased from 47.3 % to 50.9 % (p < 0.01), while the incidence of MS decreased from 56.4 % to 51.8 % (p < 0.01). A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of CMRFs did not show any association with glomerular filtration rates below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: LKD had a high frequency of CMRFs and MS at the time of donation, and over time, the incidence of CMRFs significantly increased. Because these factors, together with kidney donation, could be associated with an increased risk of CKD, we must evaluate protocols for LKD and consider stricter criteria in the selection of LKD, with an emphasis on follow-up protocols to address CMRFs and MS.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la permisibilidad en la selección de los donantes renales vivos (DRV) con uno o más factores de riesgo cardiometabólico (FRCM) y/o síndrome metabólico (SM) es una práctica cada vez más frecuente en todo el mundo. Se sabe que estos factores, junto con la donación de riñón, específicamente, están asociados con un mayor riesgo de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Métodos: analizamos la frecuencia de los FRCM y SM antes y después de la donación renal en DRV. En el análisis secundario, asociamos los FRCM y la SM con la función renal. Se utilizó el programa SPSS V22.0. Resultados: se analizaron 110 DRV con una edad media de 35,05 ± 10,5 años: 63 (57,3 %) hombres y 47 (42,7 %) mujeres. Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante 25 ± 17,48 meses después de la nefrectomía. Antes de la donación, 62 pacientes (56,4 %) tenían SM y la presencia de uno a seis FRCM era del 19,1 %, 32 %, 18,2 %, 17,3 %, 3,6 % y 0,9 %, respectivamente. Durante el seguimiento, en los donantes, la incidencia del sobrepeso aumentó del 48,2 % al 52,7 % (p < 0,01); la de la obesidad pasó del 11,8 % al 20,9 % (p < 0,01); la de la hiperuricemia aumentó del 17,3 % al 26,4 % (p < 0,01); la de la hipercolesterolemia aumentó del 24,5 % al 33,6 % (p < 0,01); y la de la hipertrigliceridemia aumentó del 47,3 % al 50,9 % (p < 0,01), mientras que la incidencia del SM disminuyó del 56,4 % al 51,8 % (p < 0,01). El análisis de regresión logística mostró que la presencia de FRCM no presentaba ninguna asociación con las tasas de filtración glomerular por debajo de 60 ml/min/1,73 m2. Conclusión: los DRV tuvieron una alta frecuencia de FRCM y SM en el momento de la donación y, con el tiempo, la incidencia aumentó significativamente. Debido a que estos factores, junto con la donación de riñón, podrían estar asociados a un mayor riesgo de ERC, debemos evaluar los protocolos de los DRV y considerar criterios más estrictos en la selección de estos donantes, haciendo énfasis en los protocolos de seguimiento para tratar los FRCM y el SM.

Adrenalectomy During Radical Nephrectomy- Incidence and Oncologic Outcomes From the Canadian Kidney Cancer Information System (CKCis) -A Modern Era, Nationwide, Multicenter Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize proportion of patients receiving adrenalectomy, adrenal involvement prevalence and oncologic outcomes of routine adrenalectomy in contemporary practice. Ipsilateral adrenalectomy was once standard during radical nephrectomy. However, benefit of routine adrenalectomy has been questioned because adrenal involvement of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is low. METHODS: All patients receiving radical nephrectomy in the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system, a collaborative prospective cohort populated by 14 major Canadian centers, between January 2011 to February 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they had non-RCC histology, multiple tumors, contralateral tumors, metastatic disease or previous history of RCC. Patient demographic, clinical, and surgical information were summarized and compared. Cox-proportional hazards was used for multivariable analysis. RESULTS: During study period, 2759 patients received radical nephrectomy, of these, 831(30.1%) had concomitant adrenalectomy. Pathological adrenal involvement was identified in 102 (3.7%overall; 12.3%of adrenalectomy). Median follow-up was 21.6months (Interquartile range 7.0-46.5). Patients with adrenalectomy had higher venous tumor thrombus (30.3% vs 9.6%; P <.0001), higher T stage (71.1% vs 43.4% pT3/4; P <.0001), lymph node metastases (17.6% vs 10.7%; P = .0035), Fuhrman grades (71.4% of Fuhrman grades 3/4 vs 56.2%; P <.0001) and increased proportion of clear cell histology (79.3% vs 74.5%; P = .0074) compared to the no adrenalectomy group. Adrenalectomy patients had higher risk of recurrence (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.47; P = .019) and no difference in survival (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.86-1.38, P = .48). CONCLUSION: Adrenalectomy is not associated with better oncological outcome of recurrence/survival. Adrenalectomy should be reserved for patients with radiographic adrenal involvement and/or intra-operative adrenal involvement.

Active Surveillance for Biopsy Proven Renal Oncocytomas: Outcomes and Feasibility.

OBJECTIVES: To report the outcomes and feasibility of active surveillance (AS) of biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective study (2010-2016) in 6 academic centers that included patients with biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas who were allocated to AS (imperative or elective indication) with a follow-up ≥1 year. Imaging was performed at least once a year, by CT-scan or ultrasound or MRI. Conversion to active treatment (surgical excision or ablative treatment) was at the discretion of the urologist. The primary endpoint was renal tumor growth (cm/year). Secondary outcomes included accuracy of biopsy, incidence, and reason to change AS to active treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included: Median age 67 years (26-89) and median tumor size 26 mm [15-90] on diagnosis. During a mean follow-up of 43 months'' (median 36 [12-180]), mean tumor growth was 0.24 cm/year. No predictive factors (demographical, radiological or histologic) of tumor growth could be identified. Conversion from AS to active treatment occurred in 24 patients (27%) (13 surgical excisions, 11 ablative procedures), in a median time of 45 (12-76) months'' after diagnosis. Tumor growth was the main indication to convert AS to active treatment (58%) with 8% of the patients opting to discontinue AS. No patient had metastatic progression nor disease-specific death. The correlation between biopsy and surgical specimen was 92%. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance for biopsy-proven renal oncocytomas was oncologically safe and patient adherence was high. No predictive factor for tumor growth could be identified but the tumor growth rate was low, and biopsy efficacy was high.

Unplanned Open Conversion During Radical or Partial Nephrectomy: Comparing Outcomes and Trends.

OBJECTIVES: To compare perioperative outcomes between open conversion and planned open surgical approach and to investigate trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for cT1 and cT2 RCC treated by radical (RN) or partial (PN) nephrectomy between 2010 and 2016. We retrospectively analyzed patient demographics, clinical tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes between unplanned open conversion and planned open approaches for RN and PN. RESULTS: In total, 152,919 patients underwent RN or PN for cT1 or cT2 RCC over the 7-year span. The rate of unplanned open conversion from MIS was 3.9% overall, remaining lowest for cT1 PN (2.7%) and highest for cT2 RN (5.9%). Cases of open conversion tended to have higher rate of upstaged disease. When comparing open conversion to a planned open case, there was no difference in the length of post-operative hospitalization. On logistic regression, unplanned open conversion from MIS was associated with higher odds of positive margin for RN but not for PN. Increased odds of 30-day's readmission were associated with unplanned open conversion from MIS in the setting of cT1 PN only. CONCLUSION: When compared to a planned open approach, conversion to open from MIS does not affect length of hospital stay but is associated with higher odds of positive surgical margins for RN and higher odds of 30-day's readmission for cT1 PN. Advanced pathologic stage is associated with an open conversion, likely relating to increased tumor complexity. These findings should be considered preoperatively when determining the best surgical approach.

Impact of the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic on a tertiary referral centre for kidney cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a centralized specialist kidney cancer care pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient and pathway characteristics including prioritization strategies at the Specialist Centre for Kidney Cancer located at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFH) before and during the surge of COVID-19. RESULTS: On 18 March 2020 all elective surgery was halted at RFH to redeploy resources and staff for the COVID-19 surge. Prioritizing of patients according to European Association of Urology guidance was introduced. Clinics and the specialist multidisciplinary team (SMDT) meetings were maintained with physical distancing, kidney surgery was moved to a COVID-protected site, and infection prevention measurements were enforced. During the 7 weeks of lockdown (23 March to 10 May 2020), 234 cases were discussed at the SMDT meetings, 53% compared to the 446 cases discussed in the 7 weeks pre-lockdown. The reduction in referrals was more pronounced for small and asymptomatic renal masses. Of 62 low-priority cancer patients, 27 (43.5%) were deferred. Only one (4%) COVID-19 infection occurred postoperatively, and the patient made a full recovery. No increase in clinical or pathological upstaging could be detected in patients who underwent deferred surgery compared to pre-COVID practice. CONCLUSION: The first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted diagnosis, referral and treatment of kidney cancer at a tertiary referral centre. With a policy of prioritization and COVID-protected pathways, capacity for time-sensitive oncological interventions was maintained and no immediate clinical harm was observed.

Utilization Rates of Pancreatectomy, Radical Prostatectomy, and Nephrectomy in New York, Ontario, and New South Wales, 2011 to 2018.

Importance: Few studies have compared surgical utilization between countries or how rates may differ according to patients' socioeconomic status. Objective: To compare population-level utilization of 3 common nonemergent surgical procedures in New York State (US), Ontario (Canada), and New South Wales (Australia) and how utilization differs for residents of lower- and higher-income neighborhoods. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included all adults aged 18 years and older who were hospitalized for pancreatectomy, radical prostatectomy, or nephrectomy between 2011 and 2016 in New York, between 2011 and 2018 in Ontario, and between 2013 and 2018 in New South Wales. Each patient's address of residence was linked to 2016 census data to ascertain neighborhood income. Data were analyzed from August 2019 to November 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were (1) each jurisdiction's per capita age- and sex-standardized utilization rates (procedures per 100 000 residents per year) for each surgery and (2) utilization rates among residents of lower- and higher-income neighborhoods. Results: This study included 115 428 surgical patients (25 780 [22.3%] women); 5717, 21 752, and 24 617 patients in New York were hospitalized for pancreatectomy, radical prostatectomy, and nephrectomy, respectively; 4929, 19 125, and 16 916 patients in Ontario, respectively; and 2069, 13 499, and 6804 patients in New South Wales, respectively. Patients in New South Wales were older for all procedures (eg, radical prostatectomy, mean [SD] age in New South Wales, 64.8 [7.3] years; in New York, 62.7 [8.4] years; in Ontario, 62.8 [6.7] years; P < .001); patients in New York were more likely than those in other locations to be women for pancreatectomy (New York: 2926 [51.2%]; Ontario: 2372 [48.1%]; New South Wales, 1003 [48.5%]; P = .004) and nephrectomy (New York: 10 645 [43.2%]; Ontario: 6529 [38.6%]; 2605 [38.3%]; P < .001). With the exception of nephrectomy in Ontario, there was a higher annual utilization rate for all procedures in all jurisdictions among patients residing in affluent neighborhoods (quintile 5) compared with poorer neighborhoods (quintile 1). This difference was largest in New South Wales for pancreatectomy (4.65 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 0.28]; P < .001) and radical prostatectomy (73.46 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 1.20]; P < .001); largest in New York for nephrectomy (8.43 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 0.85]; P < .001) and smallest in New York for radical prostatectomy (19.70 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 2.63]; P < .001); and smallest in Ontario for pancreatectomy (1.15 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 0.28]; P < .001) and nephrectomy (-1.10 additional procedures per 100 000 residents [SE, 0.52]; P < .001). New York had the highest utilization of nephrectomy (28.93 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.18]) and New South Wales for had the highest utilization of pancreatectomy and radical prostatectomy (6.94 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.15] and 94.37 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.81], respectively; all P < .001). Utilization was lowest in Ontario for all procedures (pancreatectomy, 6.18 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.09]; radical prostatectomy, 49.24 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.36]; nephrectomy, 21.40 procedures per 100 000 residents per year [SE, 0.16]; all P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, New York and New South Wales had higher per capita surgical utilization and larger neighborhood income-utilization gradients than Ontario. These findings suggest that income-based disparities are larger in the United States and Australia and smaller in Canada and highlight trade-offs inherent in the health care systems of different countries.

Application of low-dose CT to the creation of 3D-printed kidney and perinephric tissue models for laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat based on low-dose CT technology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 184 patients with stage T1 complex renal tumors who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively enrolled and divided into three groups: group A (conventional dose kidney and perinephric fat 3D printing group, n = 62), group B (low-dose kidney and perinephric fat 3D printing, n = 64), and group C (conventional dose merely kidney 3D printing group, n = 58). The effective dose (ED), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were determined. The 3D printing quality was evaluated using a 4-point scale, and interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ED of group B was lower than that of group A, with a decrease of 55.1%. The subjective scores of 3D printing quality in all groups were 3 or 4 points. The interobserver agreement among the three observers in 3D printing quality was good (ICC = 0.84-0.92). The perioperative indexes showed that operation time (OT), warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) conversion to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in groups A or B were significantly less than those in group C. LPN was more frequent in group A and group B than in group C (all p < 0.017). There were no significant differences in perioperative indexes between group A and group B (all p > 0.017). CONCLUSION: Low-dose CT technology can be effectively applied to 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat and reduce the patient's radiation dose without compromising 3D printing quality. 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat can significantly increase the success rate of LPN and decrease OT, WIT, and EBL.

Reoperative Partial Nephrectomy-Does Previous Surgical Footprint Impact Outcomes?

PURPOSE: Historically, open techniques have been favored over minimally invasive approaches for complex surgeries. We aimed to identify differences in perioperative outcomes, surgical footprints, and complication rates in patients undergoing either open or robotic reoperative partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing reoperative partial nephrectomy was performed. Patients were assigned to cohorts based on current and prior surgical approaches: open after open, open after minimally invasive surgery, robotic after open, and robotic after minimally invasive surgery cohorts. Perioperative outcomes were compared among cohorts. Factors contributing to complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 192 patients underwent reoperative partial nephrectomy, including 103 in the open after open, 10 in the open after minimally invasive surgery, 47 in the robotic after open, and 32 in the robotic after minimally invasive surgery cohorts. The overall and major complication (grade ≥3) rates were 65% and 19%, respectively. The number of blood transfusions, overall complications, and major complications were significantly lower in robotic compared to open surgical cohorts. On multivariate analysis, the robotic approach was protective against major complications (OR 0.3, p=0.02) and estimated blood loss was predictive (OR 1.03, p=0.004). Prior surgical approach was not predictive for major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Reoperative partial nephrectomy is feasible using both open and robotic approaches. While the robotic approach was independently associated with fewer major complications, prior approach was not, implying that prior surgical approaches are less important to perioperative outcomes and in contributing to the overall surgical footprint.

Recurrence after radical and partial nephrectomy in high complex renal tumor using propensity score matched analysis.

We evaluated the recurrence after radical and partial nephrectomy in patients with RENAL nephrometry score [RENAL] ≥ 10. A total of 474 patients (radical nephrectomy [RN, n = 236] & partial nephrectomy [PN, n = 238]) in a single tertiary referral institution from December 2003 to December 2019 were assessed. Functional outcomes, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate changes, relapse pattern, recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using propensity score-matched analysis. The predictors of recurrence and survival were assessed by Cox-regression analysis. 44 patients in the RN group and 88 in the PN group were included without significant differences in preoperative clinical factors after matching. The PN patients achieved significantly higher renal function preservation rates (p < 0.001). There were five recurrences in RN and six in PN. The PN patients revealed 5-year RFS rate (86.8%), 5-year CSS rate (98.5%), and 5-year OS rate (98.5%) comparable to the RN patients (RFS: 88.7% [p = 0.780], CSS: 96.7% [p = 0.375], and OS: 94.3% [p = 0.248]). Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 had lower 5-year RFS rates (85.5%) and OS rates (95.6%) than those with BMI < 23 (RFS: 90.0% [p = 0.195], OS: 100% [p = 0.117]) without significance. The significant predictor of recurrence was the pathologic T stage (hazard ratio [HR] 3.99, 95% confidence [CI] 1.10-14.50, p = 0.036). The significant predictor of death was the R domain of the RENAL (HR 3.80, 95% CI 1.03-14.11, p = 0.046). PN, if technically feasible, could be considered to preserve renal function in patients with RENAL ≥ 10. Nonetheless, PN needs to be implemented with caution in some patients due to the higher potentiality for recurrence and poor survival.

Hydronephrosis in patients with cervical cancer is an indicator of poor outcome: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: Cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women. The presence of hydronephrosis in patients with cervical cancer can be a challenging clinical problem. The appropriate management of these patients and the prediction of their outcomes are concerns among gynecologists, urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nephrologists. We enrolled a total of 2225 patients with cervical cancer over a 12-year period from the nationwide database of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Bureau. Among them, 445 patients had concomitant hydronephrosis. The remaining 1780 patients without hydronephrosis were randomly enrolled as a control group for the analysis of associated factors. The results indicated that the proportions of patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes were significantly higher in the hydronephrosis group. The hydronephrosis group showed a higher all-cause mortality than the non-hydronephrosis group (adjusted hazard ratio 3.05, 95% confidence interval 2.24-4.15, P < .001). The rates of nephrectomy and stone disease were also significantly higher in the hydronephrosis group. A higher percentage of other cancers was also observed in the hydronephrosis group than in the non-hydronephrosis group (12.36% vs 8.99%, respectively). This study shows that cervical cancer with hydronephrosis may have a higher morbidity and mortality than cervical cancer without hydronephrosis. Other factors such as human papilloma virus vaccination, smoking, and cancer staging need to be further studied.

Clinical, surgical, pathological and follow-up features of kidney cancer patients with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: novel insights from a large consortium.

PURPOSE: To investigate the natural history and follow-up after kidney tumor treatment of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-institutional European consortium of patients with VHL syndrome included 96 non-metastatic patients treated at 9 urological departments (1987-2018). Descriptive and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median age at VHL diagnosis was 34 years (IQR 25-43). Two patients (2.1%) showed only renal manifestations at VHL diagnosis. Concomitant involvement of Central Nervous System (CNS) vs. pancreas vs. eyes vs. adrenal gland vs. others were present in 60.4 vs. 68.7 vs. 30.2 vs. 15.6 vs. 15.6% of patients, respectively. 45% of patients had both CNS and pancreatic diseases alongside kidney. The median interval between VHL diagnosis and renal cancer treatment resulted 79 months (IQR 0-132), and median index tumor size leading to treatment was 35.5 mm (IQR 28-60). Of resected malignant tumours, 73% were low grade. Of high-grade tumors, 61.1% were large > 4 cm. With a median follow-up of 8 years, clinical renal progression rate was 11.7% and 29.3% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Overall mortality was 4% and 7.5% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. During the follow-up, 50% of patients did not receive a second active renal treatment. Finally, 25.3% of patients had CKD at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Mean period between VHL diagnosis and renal cancer detection is roughly three years, with significant variability. Although, most renal tumors are small low-grade, clinical progression and mortality are not negligible. Moreover, kidney function represents a key issue in VHL patients.

Tumor volume: a new prognostic factor of oncological outcome of localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies; however, the present prognostic factors was deficient. This study aims to explore whether there is a relationship between tumor volume (TV) and oncological outcomes for localized ccRCC. METHODS: Seven hundred forty-nine localized ccRCC patients underwent surgery in our hospital. TV was outlined and calculated using a three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning system. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to identified optimal cut-off value. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were performed to explore the association between TV and oncological outcomes. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate survival probabilities and determine the significance, respectively. Time-dependent ROC curve was utilized to assess the prognostic effect. RESULTS: Log rank test showed that higher Fuhrman grade, advanced pT classification and higher TV were associated with shortened OS, cancer-specific survival (CSS), freedom from metastasis (FFM) and freedom from local recurrence (FFLR). multivariable analysis showed higher Fuhrman grade and higher TV were predictors of adverse OS and CSS. The AUC of TV for FFLR was 0.822. The AUC of TV (0.864) for FFM was higher than that of pT classification (0.818) and Fuhrman grade (0.803). For OS and CSS, the AUC of TV was higher than that of Fuhrman grade (0.832 vs. 0.799; 0.829 vs 0.790). CONCLUSIONS: High TV was an independent predictor of poor CSS, OS, FFLR and FFM of localized ccRCC. Compared with pT classification and Fuhrman grade, TV could be a new and better prognostic factor of oncological outcome of localized ccRCC, which might contribute to tailored follow-up or management strategies.