Symptom burden profiles in men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

To identify symptom burden profiles among men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy and examine their association with baseline sociodemographic and medical characteristics and psychosocial outcomes over time. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct groups based on the Expanded Prostate Index Composite and the McGill Pain Questionnaire at baseline. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Three profiles emerged: "high symptom burden," "high sexual bother," and "low symptom burden." Men with "high symptom burden" were younger and exhibited higher baseline levels of depression, stress, cancer-specific distress, and anxiety than men in the other two groups. However, men with "high symptom burden" also demonstrated improvement in these psychosocial outcomes over time. Men with advanced prostate cancer who experience multiple co-occurring symptoms demonstrate worse psychosocial adjustment. Patients with substantial symptom burden, and specifically young men, may benefit from prompt referral to supportive care services.

Effects of web-based cognitive behavioral stress management and health promotion interventions on neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers in men with advanced prostate cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves quality of life and mitigates stress biology in patients with early-stage cancer, including men with localized prostate cancer. However, treatments for advanced prostate cancer like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can lead to significant symptom burden that may be further exacerbated by stress-induced inflammation and cortisol dysregulation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CBSM (versus an active health promotion control) on circulating inflammatory markers and cortisol in men with advanced prostate cancer. METHODS: Men with stage III or IV prostate cancer (N = 192) who had undergone ADT within the last year were randomized to CBSM or health promotion. Both interventions were 10 weeks, group-based, and delivered online. Venous blood was drawn at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to measure circulating levels of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Saliva samples were collected at awakening, 30 min after awakening, evening, and night for two consecutive days at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months to measure diurnal cortisol slopes. RESULTS: Mixed modeling analyses demonstrated that changes in inflammatory markers and cortisol did not differ by intervention. Men in both CBSM and health promotion showed decreases in IL-10, IL-8, and TNF-α from baseline to 6 months (ß = -3.85--5.04, p's = 0.004-<0.001). However, these markers generally demonstrated a rebound increase from 6 to 12 months (ß = 1.91-4.06, p's = 0.06-<0.001). Men in health promotion also demonstrated a flatter diurnal cortisol slope versus men in CBSM at 6 months (ß = -2.27, p = .023), but not at 12 months. There were no intervention effects on CRP, IL-6, or overall cortisol output. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to hypotheses, CBSM did not lead to changes in the circulating inflammatory markers and cortisol relative to health promotion. CBSM may be associated with healthy diurnal cortisol rhythm because of its focus on cognitive behavioral approaches to stress management. More research is needed to understand the impact of CBSM and health promotion on biomarkers among men with advanced prostate cancer.

Technology-Based Psychosocial Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Reduce Symptom Burden in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Men with advanced prostate cancer (APC) face multiple challenges including poor prognosis, poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and elevated symptom burden. This study sought to establish the efficacy of a tablet-delivered, group-based psychosocial intervention for improving HRQOL and reducing symptom burden in men with APC. We hypothesized that men randomized to cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) would report improved HRQOL and reduced symptom burden relative to men randomized to an active control health promotion (HP) condition. Condition effects on intervention targets and moderators of these effects were explored. METHODS: Men with APC (N = 192) were randomized (1:1) to 10-week tablet-delivered CBSM or HP, and followed for 1 year. Multilevel modeling was used to evaluate condition effects over time. RESULTS: Changes in HRQOL and symptom burden did not differ between groups. Men in both groups improved across several intervention targets; men in the CBSM condition reported greater increases in self-reported ability to relax, and both conditions showed improvements in cancer-related anxiety, cancer-related distress, and feelings of cohesiveness with other patients over time. Moderating factors included baseline interpersonal disruption, fatigue, and sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Tablet-delivered CBSM and HP were well received by men with APC. The hypothesized effects of CBSM on HRQOL and symptom burden were not supported, though improvements in intervention targets were observed across conditions. Participants reported high-baseline HRQOL relative to cancer and general population norms, possibly limiting intervention effects. The identified moderating factors should be considered in the development and implementation of interventions targeting HRQOL and symptom burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03149185.

AI Alone Will Not Reduce the Administrative Burden of Health Care.

This Viewpoint considers AI's limits in solving the medical billing quagmire and argues that standardizing health insurance claim forms and simplifying billing must occur before AI can shoulder the load.

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Renal Angiomyolipoma.

PURPOSE: Advances in minimally invasive therapies and novel targeted chemotherapeutics have provided a breadth of options for the management of renal masses. Management of renal angiomyolipoma has not been reviewed in a comprehensive fashion in more than a decade. We provide an updated review of the current diagnosis and management strategies for renal angiomyolipoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a PubMed(®) search of all available literature for renal or kidney angiomyolipoma. Further sources were identified in the reference lists of identified articles. We specifically reviewed case series of partial nephrectomy, selective arterial embolization and ablative therapies as well as trials of mTOR inhibitors for angiomyolipoma from 1999 to 2014. RESULTS: Renal angiomyolipoma is an uncommon benign renal tumor. Although associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, these tumors occur sporadically. Risk of life threatening hemorrhage is the main clinical concern. Due to the fat content, angiomyolipomas are generally readily identifiable on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, fat poor angiomyolipoma can present a diagnostic challenge. Novel research suggests that various strategies using magnetic resonance imaging, including chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging, have the potential to differentiate fat poor angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma. Active surveillance is the accepted management for small asymptomatic masses. Generally, symptomatic masses and masses greater than 4 cm should be treated. However, other relative indications may apply. Options for treatment have traditionally included radical and partial nephrectomy, selective arterial embolization and ablative therapies, including cryoablation and radio frequency ablation, all of which we review and update. We also review recent advances in the medical treatment of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex associated angiomyolipomas with mTOR inhibitors. Specifically trials of everolimus for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex suggest that this agent may be safe and effective in treating angiomyolipoma tumor burden. A schema for the suggested management of renal angiomyolipoma is provided. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately selected cases of renal angiomyolipoma can be managed by active surveillance. For those patients requiring treatment nephron sparing approaches, including partial nephrectomy and selective arterial embolization, are preferred options. For those with tuberous sclerosis complex mTOR inhibitors may represent a viable approach to control tumor burden while conserving renal parenchyma.

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a technology-assisted psychosocial intervention for racially diverse men with advanced prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The utility of psychosocial interventions in reducing symptom burden and improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for men with localized prostate cancer has been demonstrated. However, studies have yet to demonstrate the efficacy of interventions in advanced prostate cancer (APC). This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a technology-assisted, 10-week, group-based psychosocial intervention for diverse men with APC. METHODS: The participants were 74 men (mean age, 68.84 years; non-Hispanic white, 57%; black, 40.5%) who were randomized to a cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) treatment or health promotion (HP) attention-control condition. The participants were assessed at the baseline, weekly throughout the 10-week program, and 6 months after the baseline. Outcomes were assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System along with established measures of HRQOL, CBSM intervention targets (eg, relaxation skills), and patient-reported acceptability. RESULTS: Feasibility was demonstrated through good retention rates (>85%) and acceptable average attendance rates (>70%), and acceptability was demonstrated through very favorable weekly session evaluations (mean score, 4/5) and exit surveys (mean score, 3.6/4). Men randomized to the CBSM condition reported significant reductions (P < .05) in depressive symptoms and improvements in relaxation self-efficacy (P < .05) at the 6-month follow-up. CBSM participants reported trends for improvement in distress and functional well-being (P < .08) in comparison with those in the HP condition. Effect sizes ranged from medium (0.54) to large (1.87) and, in some instances, were clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: Technology-based CBSM interventions among diverse men with APC may be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious.

Safety and Diagnostic Efficacy of Image-Guided Biopsy of Small Renal Masses.

INTRODUCTION: Image-guided renal mass biopsy is gaining increased diagnostic acceptance, but there are limited data concerning the safety and diagnostic yield of biopsy for small renal masses (≤4 cm). This study evaluated the safety, diagnostic yield, and management after image-guided percutaneous biopsy for small renal masses. METHODS: A retrospective IRB-approved study was conducted on patients who underwent renal mass biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis at a single center from 2015 to 2021. Patients with a prior history of malignancy or a renal mass >4 cm were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient demographics, tumor size, the imaging modality used for biopsy, procedure details, complications, pathological diagnosis, and post-biopsy management. A biopsy was considered successful when the specimen was sufficient for diagnosis without need for a repeat biopsy. Complications were graded according to the SIR classification of adverse events. A chi-squared test (significance level set at p ≤ 0.05) was used to compare the success rate of biopsies in different lesion size groups. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 65 years (range: 26-87) and 51% were male. The median renal mass size was 2.6 cm (range: one-four). Ultrasound was solely employed in 60% of procedures, CT in 33%, a combination of US/CT in 6%, and MRI in one case. With on-site cytopathology, the median number of specimens obtained per procedure was four (range: one-nine). The overall complication rate was 5%. Grade A complications were seen in 4% (n = 7), consisting of perinephric hematoma (n = 6) and retroperitoneal hematoma (n = 1). There was one grade B complication (0.5%; pain) and one grade D complication (0.5%; pyelonephritis). There was no patient mortality within 30 days post-biopsy. Biopsy was successful in 88% of cases. A sub-group analysis showed a success rate of 85% in tumors <3 cm and 93% in tumors ≥3 cm (p = 0.01). Pathological diagnoses included renal cell carcinoma (65%), oncocytoma (18%), clear cell papillary renal cell tumors (9%), angiomyolipoma (4%), xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (1%), lymphoma (1%), high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma (1%), and metanephric adenoma (1%), revealing benign diagnosis in 30% of cases. The most common treatment was surgery (40%), followed by percutaneous cryoablation (22%). In total, 37% of patients were managed conservatively, and one patient received chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and diagnostic efficacy of image-guided biopsy of small renal masses. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for masses 3-4 cm in size compared to those <3 cm. The biopsy results showed a high percentage of benign diagnoses and informed treatment decisions in most patients.

Trajectory image-guided percutaneous renal cryoablation in a porcine model: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the technical feasibility and safety of trajectory image-guided percutaneous renal cryoablation in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six pigs (12 kidneys) were utilized. Only the posterior and lateral regions of the kidneys were considered. A bone-anchored dynamic reference frame (DRF) was inserted into the iliac crest and the O-Arm and StealthStation TREON System (OASSTS, Medtronic, CO, USA) was used to acquire 3-dimensional (3D) imaging of the kidneys. A hand-held pointing device was crafted from a cryoablation needle (Galil Medical, MN, USA) and an optical reference frame. The hand-held pointer/cryoablation needle ("cryoprobe") was then optically recognized by the OASSTS. The cryoprobe was then used to navigate its tip into a randomly chosen renal region of interest using 3D trajectory images. Two freeze-thaw cryoablation cycles were then performed. We assessed treatment times and effective radiation doses. We also assessed concordance between projected iceball location on trajectory imaging and cryolesion location on necropsy. RESULTS: The mean total treatment time was 24.0 minutes. The mean effective radiation dose was 23.7 mSv per kidney treated. The trajectory-guided images used to place the cryoprobe tips into the renal region of interest agreed with the necropsy-determined location of the cryolesion in all cases. Injury to a lumbar muscle and a renal pelvis were observed in two separate cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Trajectory image-guided percutaneous renal cryoablation using OASSTS is technically feasible, appears safe, and is associated with acceptable levels of radiation exposure. Comparison of trajectory image-guidance and cryolesions on necropsy demonstrated concordant needle placement.

What is the long-term relevance of clinically detected postoperative anastomotic urine leakage after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy?

OBJECTIVE: • To determine whether patients with postoperative clinically detected anastomotic urine leaks are at increased risk for poorer erectile function, urinary incontinence and bladder neck contracture (BNC) after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • A retrospective review of all patients undergoing RALRP from October 2005 until December 2009 by a single surgeon (R.B.N.) was conducted. Clinically detected anastomotic urine leak was defined as drain output consistent with urine at more than 24 h postoperatively. The presence of BNC was identified on cystoscopy. • Erectile function was measured with the Sexual Healthy Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. Incontinence was measured by patient-reported daily pad use. • Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Outcomes were assessed at the most recent follow-up. RESULTS: • Among 213 patients eligible for inclusion, 27 experienced an anastomotic urine leak (12.7%). • At a mean long-term follow-up of 24.2 months, there was no difference in SHIM scores (7.0 vs 13.1; P= 0.101), continence rates (87.5% vs 85.2%; P= 0.999) or risk of BNC (7.4% vs 3.2%; P= 0.268) between patients with and without postoperative anastomotic urine leaks, respectively. • The results did not change after controlling for covariates in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: • The present study suggests that patients with clinically detected postoperative anastomotic urine leaks do not necessarily have worse long-term outcomes of erectile function, continence and risk of BNC.

Suture versus staple ligation of the dorsal venous complex during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To present our operative and postoperative functional outcomes of sutured compared with endovascular staple ligation of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Ligation of the DVC during RALP with an endovascular stapler has purported advantages of decreased apical positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, blood loss, and operative time when compared with suture ligation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 162 patients who underwent RALP between October 2005 and April 2008 by one surgeon (R.B.N.) were assessed. We retrospectively analysed two different treatment groups: group 1 underwent DVC ligation with a single suture, while group 2 underwent endovascular staple ligation. RESULTS: Of the 162 patients evaluated, 67 had suture ligation (group 1) and 95 had staple ligation (group 2) of the DVC. Baseline patient characteristics (age, body mass index, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage) and tumour characteristics (specimen weight, tumour volume, pathological Gleason score and stage) did not differ between the groups. Estimated blood loss (494 mL vs 288 mL), time to dissect out, ligate and transect the DVC (30 min vs 24 min), apical PSM rate (13.4% vs 2.1%) differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 respectively, favouring staple ligation of the DVC. At 6 months follow-up, there was no difference between the groups for PSA recurrence (3.7% vs 0%), complete continence (63.4% vs 55.7%) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (8.4 vs 8.6). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, staple ligation of the DVC during RALP resulted in improved apical PSM rates, faster operative times and less blood loss.

Trends in urinary calculi composition from 2005 to 2015: a single tertiary center study.

The goal of this study was to investigate recent changes in stone composition and patient demographics to identify factors influencing stone formation for the purpose of reducing the incidence of urolithiasis and preventing stone recurrence. This retrospective analysis includes patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy or ureteroscopy at our institution from 2005 to 2015. Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse was used to retrieve demographic information and stone composition analyses. The composition of mixed stones containing uric acid (UA) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) was analyzed further. Chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables and logistic regression was used to assess trends. From 2005 to 2015, 5268 stones were treated. COM was predominant in 42.2% and only 16.6% were pure. The male/female ratio decreased significantly from 1.8 to 1.08 and patient age increased (p < 0.001) with 45.6% of patients being 60 or older in 2015. Females formed more CO dihydrate (COD; p = 0.008) and struvite (p = 0.001) overall. The incidence of COM (p = 0.007) and UA (p < 0.001) rose significantly in men whereas both sexes saw a decrease in carbonate apatite (CA; p < 0.001). COM increased considerably from 12 to 75% amongst mixed stones with UA over the 11-year span. We concluded that stone formers have become older and more gender-equal. The increase in female patients parallels the increase in female obesity in the US. The rising predominance of COM, including when mixed with UA, and the scarcity of pure stones indicates it may be necessary to develop new approaches to managing and preventing urolithiasis.

Brief report of a tablet-delivered psychosocial intervention for men with advanced prostate cancer: Acceptability and efficacy by race.

Relative to non-Hispanic whites (NHW), black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (PC) incidence, have poorer PC outcomes, and report greater compromises in health-related quality of life. Despite these challenges, black men are underrepresented in psychosocial cancer research, possibly due to limited access to supportive oncology programs. The purpose of this article is to examine the acceptability and efficacy for reducing disease-specific distress of a tablet-delivered psychosocial intervention for older men with advanced PC (APC) and explore differences by race. Men with APC (N = 192, 37.5% black, age M = 68.84 years) were randomized to 10-week Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) or attention-control Health Promotion (HP), both delivered via tablets. Assessments occurred at baseline in person, weekly during the 10-week program via tablets, and at 6 and 12 months in person. Weekly session evaluations and postprogram exit surveys assessed acceptability. Efficacy was assessed with a measure of PC-anxiety validated with racially diverse PC patients using linear mixed effects modeling. Study retention and group attendance did not differ by race. CBSM and HP were both acceptable among older APC patients. Black men rated both conditions more favorably than NHW men. Men in CBSM (vs. HP) reported greater reductions in PC-anxiety at 6 months (not sustained at 12 months). Black men in CBSM reported greater decreases in PC-anxiety over time compared with all other groups. Tablet-delivered CBSM and HP were acceptable for black and NHW APC patients, although black men rated both conditions more favorably. Black men reported a unique intervention benefit related to reduced disease-specific distress.

Integrating PROMIS® computerized adaptive tests into a web-based intervention for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study outlined the implementation and feasibility of delivering PROMIS® computer adaptive tests (CATs) using a web-based method to evaluate the impact of a technological adaptation of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) on the psychosocial functioning of men with advanced prostate cancer (APC) undergoing hormone therapy. METHOD: Patients were randomized to a CBSM group intervention (n = 95) or a health promotion (HP) attention-matched control condition (n = 97). Participants attended all sessions via video conference using tablets, and completed PROMIS® computer adaptive tests (CATs) assessing anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain interference, and physical function weekly during the 10-week intervention. RESULTS: Assessment completion rates >50% at week 1 and week 10 demonstrated moderate feasibility of repeatedly administering PROMIS® CATs using a web-based method. Multilevel modeling demonstrated no significant group-by-time interactions from week 1 to week 10 for any of the assessed PROMIS® domains adjusting for sociodemographic and medical covariates. However, simple effects demonstrated decreases in PROMIS® anxiety scores from week 1 to 10 for both groups. Results also demonstrated significant relationships of medical variables to psychosocial functioning across time points. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the feasibility and benefits of utilizing PROMIS® CATs to repeatedly assess psychosocial functioning using a web-based method and indicate that web-based interventions may be effective for decreasing psychosocial distress and adverse symptoms among men with APC undergoing hormone therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Risk factors and management of urine leaks after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: As nephron sparing surgery is used more frequently for select renal tumors, the incidence of urine leaks will likely increase. To our knowledge the risk factors of and management strategies for urine leaks have not been studied. We report our experience with the risk factors of and management for urine leaks after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 127 consecutive patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between 2001 and 2007, including 70 with open and 57 with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, as performed by 3 surgeons. Urine leak was defined as drain output consistent with urine greater than 48 hours after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. RESULTS: Of the patients 21 experienced a urine leak after partial nephrectomy, including 13.3% overall, and 10.5% after laparoscopic and 18.5% after open partial nephrectomy. Patients with a urine leak had significantly greater tumor size (3.2 vs 2.4 cm, p <0.044), endophytic locations (57% vs 19%, p <0.00027) and repair of collecting system defects during partial nephrectomy (95% vs 56%, p <0.00072). There was no association with the number of tumors removed, estimated blood loss, ischemia time, body mass index, age or other surgical complications. The median duration of urine leak was 20 days. While most urine leaks resolved with prolonged drainage, 38% of cases required further intervention. Patient age at surgery was the only factor that correlated with prolonged (greater than 30 days) urine leak. CONCLUSIONS: Urine leak is a complication unique to partial nephrectomy that is more commonly noted when a larger endophytic mass involves the renal collecting system. Most leaks resolve with prolonged drainage or replacement of a ureteral stent.

Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy: a look at current trends and practice patterns at major transplant centers across the United States.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is now the preferred technique for living donor renal transplantation. To our knowledge we provide the first published multi-institutional consensus describing practice patterns, technical considerations and interesting controversies involved in laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a survey with 33 multiple choice questions looking at demographics, patient selection, technical considerations, postoperative care and followup involved in laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy. Surveys were sent to the 58 fellowship training programs in the United States accredited by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. RESULTS: The 32 responding programs performed approximately 40% of laparoscopic living donor nephrectomies in the United States in 2005. We found that almost all centers used a donor committee to screen candidates, enforce a body mass index cutoff, and use right kidneys when necessary and left kidneys in women of childbearing age. Regarding laparoscopic access, pure laparoscopy was favored 2 to 1 over the hand assisted technique and most of those who use nonbladed trocars do not close the fascia. Most surgeons divide the adrenal vein in left cases, use a vascular stapler on the renal artery and vein, and keep the ureter with the gonadal vein in the specimen. At most centers heparin is given before controlling the vessels. Extraction in pure laparoscopic cases is usually performed using a preplaced entrapment bag through a modified Pfannenstiel incision. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey describes how most renal transplant centers with accredited fellowship programs in the United States approach laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy. Specifically trends are revealed regarding patient selection, laparoscopic access and surgical technique.

Case report: percutaneous cryoablation of a small renal lesion necessitating modified lateral decubitus position.

When performing percutaneous cryoablation for renal masses, the standard patient positioning has been the prone position. We present a case in which placing the patient in a modified lateral decubitus position aided in the access of probe placement for percutaneous cryoablation.

Endophytic lesions: a predictor of failure in laparoscopic renal cryoablation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic renal cryoablation is an emerging minimally invasive management option for T(1) renal lesions. In an analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic cryoablation for renal lesions, our objective was to compare the treatment outcomes in patients with exophytic/partially exophytic and endophytic (peripheral but completely intrarenal) lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 32 consecutive patients with anterior renal lesions who were treated with laparoscopic renal cryoablation between 2003 and 2005. Biopsy samples were obtained from the majority of lesions intraoperatively. The lesions were managed with 17 gauge needles and two freeze/thaw cycles. Follow-up was performed with CT scans at 3, 6, and 12 months, and then yearly. Treatment failures were defined as continued enhancement on CT or growth of the lesion. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, correlative, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 35 lesions in 32 patients were identified. Median lesion size was 1.9 cm. Median age was 67 years, with most patients having significant comorbidities. The median preoperative and postoperative creatinine level was 1.3 and 1.5 mg/dL (P = 0.38). Of the biopsy samples from 27 of 35 lesions, 18 showed renal cell carcinoma, 5 were found to be benign, and findings from 4 were inconclusive. Three lesions were completely endophytic. The median follow-up was 18 months, with treatment failures noted in 2 of 35 lesions (6%), both of which were endophytic (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that only the endophytic status of a lesion was a predictor of failure (P < 0.05). These were lesions that relied entirely on intraoperative ultrasonography for targeting, which suggests that failure was a technical error. CONCLUSIONS: Experience with renal cryoablation is still evolving. Our series further defines the role of laparoscopic renal cryoablation and its limitations in managing peripheral endophytic tumors. Completely endophytic lesions have a significantly higher risk of treatment failure. Reliance solely on intraoperative ultrasonography with no visual cues is a risk factor for treatment failure.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy Allows Continuation of Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Patient outcomes for retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RLRN) in adults on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have not been described in the literature. This is the first series on the successful application of RLRN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on PD. In our series of 5 patients, all were able to promptly resume PD, no wound complications were noted at postoperative visits, and no evidence of recurrence was identified on surveillance imaging at follow-up. We propose that RLRN should be considered in PD patients as it allows immediate reinstitution of PD and prevents the morbidity and complications associated with interim hemodialysis.