Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration and acute kidney injury in patients undergoing unilateral partial nephrectomy: a retrospective study.

Partial nephrectomies are associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), but dexmedetomidine administration may improve renal outcomes. We hypothesized that intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration would be associated with a decrease in AKI development in patients undergoing unilateral partial nephrectomy. In this retrospective study, adult patients who underwent unilateral partial nephrectomy from April 2016 to October 2023 were included. Exclusion criteria were a history of end-stage renal disease, ineligible procedures (i.e., aborted procedure, conversion to radical nephrectomy, surgery on a horseshoe kidney), and reoperation within three days of the initial nephrectomy. Patients were categorized according to whether they received intraoperative dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was AKI incidence within three days of surgery; AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definition. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to account for potential confounders (age, body mass index, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, final surgical approach, clamping-related ischemia for >15 min). We included 1,632 patients; 214 received dexmedetomidine and 1,418 did not. Before PSM, the AKI rate was 31.2% in patients who received dexmedetomidine and 25.7% in patients who did not (p = 0.081). After PSM, the AKI rate was 31.3% in patients who received dexmedetomidine and 27.6% in those who did not (p = 0.396). The post-PSM odds ratio for AKI following dexmedetomidine administration during unilateral partial nephrectomy was 0.910 (95% CI: 0.585-1.142; p = 0.677). Intraoperative dexmedetomidine was not associated with a reduction in postoperative AKI incidence or severity after unilateral partial nephrectomy.

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors: A review of current evidence and ongoing trials.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was diagnosed in over 400 000 individuals globally in 2020, making it a significant global health concern. The incidence of RCC varies by region and overall mortality rates have been declining. This decline is attributed in part to advancements in early cancer detection through imaging and the development of more effective systemic therapies. Cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) was adopted as a standard treatment for metastatic RCC (mRCC) based on clinical experience and early clinical trials. However, the treatment landscape has shifted with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in 2007 and, more recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Dual ICI therapy and combinations of ICIs with TKIs are collectively referred to as immuno-combination therapies and have become standard first-line treatments. This review examines the evolving role of CN in the era of immuno-combination therapies, with a focus on patient selection and the timing of surgery. The immunogenic nature of RCC, characterized by spontaneous tumor regression and immune cell infiltration, suggests a potential benefit from combining CN with ICI therapy to enhance treatment outcomes. This is supported by several clinical studies that reported improved outcomes; however, these were limited by their retrospective nature. Ongoing clinical trials, such as NORDIC-SUN, PROBE, and SEVURO-CN, are expected to provide critical insights into the role of CN in the ICI era. Their findings will ultimately guide future clinical decision-making and further refine treatment strategies for mRCC.

Clinical Impact of the CARMENA Trial on Cytoreductive Nephrectomy Practices in the USA: A Difference-in-differences Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) practices have changed in the USA after the publication of the Cancer du Rein Métastatique Nephrectomie et Antiangiogéniques (CARMENA) trial in 2018. Our primary objective is to determine the effect of the CARMENA trial on CN rates in the USA. METHODS: Patients were identified in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2020. A quasiexperimental difference-in-differences analysis was used to test the primary outcome, as follows: the change in CN rate was assessed among metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients diagnosed before versus after 2018, while using the localized nephrectomy (LN) rate performed in the setting of nonmetastatic ccRCC as a control group. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: The difference-in-differences analysis identified a statistically significant decrease in CN rate after CARMENA (ß-coefficient [standard error]: -0.06 [0.025], p = 0.028), with a 10.2% absolute and a 31.8% relative rate reduction when compared with the counterfactual (expected) value (34.7% â†’ 21.9% [actual] vs 32.1% [expected]). Primarily, relative differences in CN and LN rates before and after 2018 may be attributable to additional factors, aside from CARMENA publication, not tested in this quasiexperimental model. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CN rates decreased significantly after the publication of the CARMENA trial in 2018, with a minimal difference in regional or demographic practice patterns. Overall, the publication of the CARMENA trial results is seemingly associated with substantial alteration of clinical practice in the USA, with relatively broad and nonspecific adoption across facilities, regions, and demographics. PATIENT SUMMARY: For decades, the immediate surgical removal of the kidney tumor (cytoreductive nephrectomy) was a mainstay of metastatic kidney cancer treatment. In 2018, the CARMENA study showed that patients treated with systemic therapy alone had similar outcomes to patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy first. In this study, we show that fewer cytoreductive nephrectomies were performed after the CARMENA trial results were published.

Race-modified estimated glomerular filtration rate underestimates chronic kidney disease prevalence in Black patients undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy: Implications for surgical planning.

Introduction: In estimated glomerular filtration rate equations (eGFR), the race multiplier (RM) yields greater eGFR values and may assign less severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages to black individuals. When deciding on appropriateness for partial nephrectomy (PN), patients with CKD are often considered a relative or absolute indication. We hypothesize that the eGFR RM may have ramifications for patients being counseled for radical nephrectomy (RN) versus PN to manage their renal tumor. Methods: We utilized prospective and retrospective, IRB-approved single-center databases to select patients who underwent PN or RN between 2016 and 2022. Demographics, preoperative risk factors, preoperative eGFR, and surgical management were collected. Descriptive statistics and two-tailed difference of proportion tests compared the percentage of patients with CKD who underwent nephrectomy. Results: This cohort included 1137 patients who underwent RN or PN, including 74 (6.5%) Black patients and 93.5% (n = 1063) non-Black patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the eGFR of Black and non-Black individuals using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation (P = 0.24) or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2009 (CKD-EPI 2009) (P = 0.45); however, there was statistically significant difference in eGFR between sample populations when using CKD-EPI 2021 (P = 0.0055). Of the Black patient cohort, 16.2% of patients reclassified to a worse CKD class using CKD-EPI 2021, including 9.5% of Black patients reclassified to CKD3a or worse, and 14.6% of all patients (Black and non-Black) reclassified to a different CKD class under the CKD-EPI 2021 equation. Conclusions: There are quantitative differences in the evaluation of eGFR when utilizing different equations that may impact clinical considerations and health equity outcomes for nephrectomy across racial groups.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients With Nonmetastatic Pathological T3a Stage Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To establish a nomogram predicting postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of pathological T3a (pT3a) stage undergoing nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review included 668 patients with pT3a RCC between 2008 and 2019, randomly divided into training and validation groups (7:3 ratio). Cox regression analysis established the RFS-predicting nomogram in the training group. Nomogram performance was assessed using Harrell's concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Of the 668 patients with pT3a RCC, 167 patients experienced local recurrence or distant metastasis. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, tumor size, ISUP grade, necrosis, capsular invasion, pT3a invasion pattern were identified as the significant predictors for RFS to establish the nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.753 (95% CI, 0.710-0.796) and 0.762 (95% CI, 0.701-0.822) for the training and validating group, respectively. The areas under the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year RFS receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.814, 0.769 and 0.768, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed the optimal application of the model in clinical decision-making. Patients with low risk T3a RCC have better RFS than those with high risk T3a RCC. CONCLUSION: Tumor size, ISUP grade, necrosis, capsular invasion and T3a invasion patterns were independent risk factors for worse RFS in patients with nonmetastatic pT3a RCC. The current nomogram could effectively predict the RFS of patients with nonmetastatic pT3a RCC.

Role of Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal cell Carcinoma in the Era of immunotherapy: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the clinical outcome of CN (Cytoreductive Nephrectomy) in cases of mccRCC (Metastatic Clear Cell Renal cell Carcinoma) is still uncertain despite two trials, SURTIME and CARMENA. These trials, conducted with Sunitinib as the standard treatment, did not provide evidence supporting the use of CN. METHODS: We queried the NCDB for stage IV mccRCC patients between the years of 2004 to 2020, who received (immunotherapy) IO with or without nephrectomy. Overall survival (OS) was calculated among three groups of IO alone, IO followed by CN (IOCN), CN followed by IO (CNIO). Cox models compared OS by treatment group after adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and facility variables. RESULTS: From 1,549,101 renal cancer cases, 7983 clear and nonclear cell renal cell carcinoma cases were identified. After adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates, patients who received IO followed by CN or CN followed by IO had a respective 64% (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.30-0.43, P = .006] and 47% (aHR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.49-0.56, P = .001) mortality risk reduction respectively compared to patients who received IO alone. Compared to White adults, individuals who identified as Black exhibited 17% higher risk mortality (aHR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06-1.30, P = .002). Patients who received CN prior to IO had a 59% associated mortality risk compared to patients who received IO followed by CN who had a lower risk, 35.7% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving CN regardless of sequence with IO did better than IO alone in this national registry-based adjusted analysis for mccRCC. Presently available data indicates that the combination of CN and IO holds promise for enhancing clinical results in patients with mRCC.

Developing lower pole desmoid fibrosis in patient with known case of upper pole renal cell carcinoma after partial nephrectomy.

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is an extremely rare tumor, which is locally aggressive in nature with no metastatic potential. Presenting symptoms depend on tumor size, site and progression speed. Most commonly occur sporadically, or associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Factors may contribute to develop DF are trauma or surgical incision. In this article, we report a 41-years old male, which had partial upper pole nephrectomy, and developed lower pole desmoid fibrosis proven by histopathology. To our best knowledge, there are no article discussed the 2 different tumors occur in the same kidney at 2 different locations.

Upfront Versus Deferred Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite its well-established role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the optimal timing of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) is unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the overall survival (OS) between upfront (uCN) and deferred (dCN) CN. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried (end of search date: August 26, 2023) for studies comparing OS between uCN and dCN in mRCC patients. We reconstructed individual patient data from published Kaplan-Meier survival curves and performed one- and two-stage meta-analyses, using 6- and 12-mo landmarks to mitigate immortal time bias. We also performed subgroup analyses according to systemic therapy (ST) type and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)/International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk scores. We assessed the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions and Risk of Bias 2.0 tools. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: We identified 12 (two randomized trials and ten retrospective cohorts) eligible studies with a total of 3323 (2610 uCN and 713 dCN) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups, other than the number of metastases and ST type. The overall risk of bias was high in nine out of 12 studies. Deferred CN was associated with superior OS in the primary analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.84; 5-yr life expectancy difference 5.15 mo, 95% CI 3.23-7.08), all secondary analyses, as well as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor-treated (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51-0.74), immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46-0.97), and intermediate IMDC/MSKCC risk (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97) subgroups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Deferred CN is associated with superior OS compared with uCN in mRCC patients treated with contemporary STs. Randomized studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Predictive models are needed to optimize the selection of patients most likely to benefit from dCN. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we compared the outcomes of nephrectomy performed before (upfront) or after (deferred) starting systemic therapy for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. We found that deferred nephrectomy is associated with superior survival compared with upfront nephrectomy, irrespective of the systemic therapy regimens used.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney in adults: A case report of unilateral presentation in an adult sudanese female.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney is a congenital anomaly typically diagnosed in infancy, rare in adults, in our case of a 25-year-old Sudanese female presented with left flank pain. Imaging showed the left kidney replaced by cysts, consistent with MCDK, and ovarian cyst. She underwent a successful open simple nephrectomy; and histopathology confirmed MCDK. Our case highlights diagnostic and management challenges of MCDK in adults. Conservative management is increasing, especially for asymptomatic patients with normal contralateral kidney function. Healthcare barriers in Sudan, including limited awareness and political unrest, complicate timely diagnosis and treatment. Multidisciplinary care and improved healthcare access are essential.

A clinical study on 3D virtual model-assisted precise navigation for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a standard surgical treatment option for renal tumors. Prior to LPN, it is necessary to evaluate the tumor condition and develop a surgical plan using precise imaging. OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application value of 3D virtual model (3DVM) in LPN. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with renal tumor who underwent LPN were measured. Patients were divided into three cohorts (A, B, C) according to the difficulty of surgery. Each group was further divided into the test and control groups based on the application of preoperative 3DVM. Surgical safety and efficacy were assessed, and a questionnaire was developed to investigate the opinions of patients and physicians on 3DVM. RESULTS: The duration of LPN and intraoperative renal artery occlusion were significantly different between the test and control groups in both cohorts A and B (P< 0.05). In cohort C, the surgical duration, duration of intraoperative renal artery occlusion, length of stay, time to postoperative ambulation, intraoperative bleeding, incidence of postoperative bleeding were significantly between the two groups (P< 0.05). The analysis both of patients and physicians questionnaire scores were statistically significant (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3DVM contributes to safer and more effective LPN. It benefits both doctors and patients.

Assessment of mechanical bowel preparation prior to nephrectomy in the minimally invasive surgery era: insights from a national database analysis in the United States.

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the association between mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and perioperative outcomes following nephrectomy in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) era. Methods: All partial and radical nephrectomies between 2019 and 2021 from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were evaluated. Thirty-day perioperative outcomes were compared between groups where MBP was performed vs. not, in both the MIS and open surgery (OS) cohorts. A propensity score matching technique was utilized within MIS cases to control for covariates. The chi-square and t tests were used to determine significance. Results: A total of 11,869 cases met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these, 8,204 (69.1%; comprising 65.3% robotic and 34.7% laparoscopic) underwent MIS, while 3,655 (30.9%) underwent OS. The rate of MBP was higher in the MIS group (16.0% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.001). Within the MIS group, MBP was associated with reduced rates of postoperative ileus (0.9% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.02), while other complications were comparable. Propensity score matching showed no association between MBP and postoperative ileus. However, a lower rate of 30-day readmission in the MBP group became statistically significant (4.4% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.01). Conversely, patients in the MBP group also demonstrated higher rates of pneumonia (1.29% vs. 0.46%, p = 0.002) and pulmonary embolism (0.6% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) after matching. Conclusion: MBP practice prior to nephrectomy is infrequent in both OS and MIS cases, with minor differences in perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing MIS. Routine MBP should continue to be excluded from the standard of care for nephrectomy in the MIS era.

Comparative efficacy of cryoablation versus robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the treatment of cT1 renal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study utilizes a meta-analytic approach to investigate the effects of cryoablation and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy on perioperative outcomes, postoperative renal function, and oncological results in patients. METHODS: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published in English up to November 2023. The primary outcomes were perioperative results, complications, postoperative renal function and oncologic outcomes. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis. RESULTS: This study included a total of 10 studies comprising 2,011 patients. Compared to RAPN (Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy), the CA (Cryoablation) group had a shorter hospital stay [MD -1.76 days; 95% CI -3.12 to -0.41; p = 0.01], less blood loss [MD -104.60 ml; 95% CI -152.58 to -56.62; p < 0.0001], and fewer overall complications [OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.86; p = 0.004], but a higher recurrence rate [OR 7.83; 95% CI 4.32 to 14.19; p < 0.00001]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operative time, minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade 1-2), major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-5), changes in renal function at 12 months post-operation, RFS (Recurrence-Free Survival), and OS (Overall Survival). CONCLUSION: The evidence provided by this meta-analysis indicates that the therapeutic effects of Cryoablation (CA) are similar to those of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) in terms of perioperative outcomes and renal function. However, the recurrence rate of tumors treated with CA is significantly higher. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The study has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023465846).

A case of hydronephrosis due to intrarenal ureteral obstruction in a Japanese Black calf.

A 23-day-old Japanese Black female calf presented with distension of the lower abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a cystic structure with fluid accumulation and moderate echoluminance in the right abdominal cavity. Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed congenital hydronephrosis due to narrowing of the intrarenal ureter, and right kidney resection was performed. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, which were within reference values preoperatively, peaked on the third postoperative day and gradually decreased afterward until reaching preoperative values on the tenth day. In bovine hydronephrosis, nephrectomy may provide a favorable prognosis if one kidney is intact. Moreover, this case suggests that blood tests immediately after surgery are not suitable for evaluating residual kidneys.

Impact of No-Clamping Partial Nephrectomy on Early Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Preservation.

Incidences of kidney cancers are steadily increasing. The surgical resection of renal tumors remains the treatment of choice, and different techniques provide similar oncological outcomes. Minimally invasive methods, especially partial nephrectomy (PN), have emerged as the preferred method of tumor resection, both in traditional and robot-assisted laparoscopy. PN may be performed as an open or laparoscopic operation. On-clamp PN is a variant of PN that includes the clamping of renal vessels; off-clamp PN is performed without any ischemia. Objectives: To assess the short-term loss of eGFR after on-clamp and off-clamp PN. Methods: Data from 2021 to 2024 were retrospectively collected from a hospital database. The patients included in the study had a diagnosed kidney tumor that was confirmed by MRI or CT imaging. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of treatment they received: on-clamp PN or off-clamp PN. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) and eGFR were measured and compared. Results: Both groups had comparable preoperative HTC, Hb, and eGFR. eGFR loss 24 h after the procedure was 35.4% lower in the off-clamp group compared to the on-clamp group (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Off-clamp PN is a safe and viable method for kidney tumor resection, both in traditional and robot-assisted laparoscopy. This technique results in a smaller perioperative loss of eGFR, which relates to better short-term functional outcomes than on-clamp PN.

Evaluation and Long-Term Follow-Up of Living Kidney Donors.

The evaluation of living kidney donor candidates is a complex and lengthy process. Donor candidates face geographic and socioeconomic barriers to completing donor evaluation. Inequities in access to living donations persist. With a growing demand for kidney transplants and a shortage of living donors, transplant centers are more permissive of accepting less-than-ideal donor candidates. Donors have an increased lifetime risk of kidney failure, but the absolute risk increase is small. Efforts are needed to support donor candidates to complete donor nephrectomy safely and efficiently and receive optimal follow-up care to prevent risk factors for kidney disease and detect complications early. In this article, the authors address key elements of donor kidney evaluation, including current living donation policy requirements and transplant center practices. The authors present a simplified comprehensive practical approach to help guide providers in completing donor evaluation and follow-up care with best outcomes possible.

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.

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy With a Pfannenstiel Incision Using Size-Reduced Trocars.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is performed during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) to reduce donor invasiveness. However, the procedure is difficult and does not improve cosmesis when the incision is made at the umbilicus. Therefore, we proposed a minimally invasive LDN with a Pfannenstiel incision using size-reduced trocars (mLDN) to achieve cosmesis and operability and aimed to assess its efficacy and safety. METHODS: A total of 27 patients who underwent mLDN were recruited. Data on estimated blood loss, operative time, pneumoperitoneum time, warm ischemic time (WIT), complication rate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used, and recipient serum creatinine levels were collected retrospectively. In mLDN, the Pfannenstiel position was incised to approximately 6 cm to retrieve the kidney, and three size-reduced trocars were placed in the left upper abdomen (2.5 mm and 5 mm) and umbilicus (5 mm). RESULTS: The median operation time and pneumoperitoneum time were 245 and 194 minutes, respectively. The median WIT was 276 seconds, and the serum creatinine levels of the recipients at seven days and one, three, six, and 12 months were significantly improved compared with baseline. No intra- and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2) were observed, and no patients used additional NSAIDs after the operation. The scarring in the mLDN group was unnoticeable postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: mLDN can be performed safely, with high cosmesis, and with operability similar to that of conventional LDN. Although the WIT tended to be long, the function of the harvested kidney was maintained, and the use of analgesic NSAIDs was lower in this procedure. Our procedure should be considered as an option for LDN.

Giant Renal Angiomyolipoma: A Rare and Formidable Challenge: A Case Report.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML), also referred to as renal hamartoma, is a rare solid tumor without malignant characteristics. The inheritance pattern of renal AML is autosomal dominant. If the lesion grows to a large size, a series of clinical manifestations and serious complications may occur. We herein present a case of giant renal AML in a 49-year-old female patient, who presented with left-sided abdominal bloating for 1 month. Following abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography examination, the patient underwent total left nephrectomy. The resected mass was sized 18 × 15 × 11 cm. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the lesion as a giant renal AML. There are only few cases of giant renal AML (> 10 cm) reported in the literature to date. Due to the large size of the tumor, it is crucial to report similar cases, their diagnosis, and treatment.