Parenchymal volume analysis to assess longitudinal functional decline following partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with longitudinal ipsilateral functional decline after partial nephrectomy (PN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 1140 patients managed with PN (2012-2014), 349 (31%) had imaging/serum creatinine levels pre-PN, 1-12 months post-PN (new baseline), and >3 years later necessary for inclusion. Parenchymal-volume analysis was used to determine split renal function. Patients were grouped as having significant renal comorbidity (CohortSRC : diabetes mellitus with insulin-dependence or end-organ damage, refractory hypertension, or severe pre-existing chronic kidney disease) vs not having significant renal comorbidity (CohortNoSRC ) preoperatively. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of annual ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy and functional decline relative to new baseline values post-PN, after the kidney had healed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 6.3 years with 87/226/36 patients having cold/warm/zero ischaemia. The median cold/warm ischaemia times were 32/22 min. Overall, the median tumour size was 3.0 cm. The preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and new baseline GFR (NBGFR) were 81 and 71 mL/min/1.73 m2 , respectively. After establishment of the NBGFR, the median loss of global and ipsilateral function was 0.7 and 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 /year, respectively, consistent with the natural ageing process. Overall, the median ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy was 1.2 cm3 /year and accounted for a median of 53% of the annual functional decline. Significant renal comorbidity, age, and warm ischaemia were independently associated with ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy (all P < 0.01). Significant renal comorbidity and ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy were independently associated with annual ipsilateral functional decline (both P < 0.01). Annual median ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy and functional decline were both significantly increased for CohortSRC compared to CohortNoSRC (2.8 vs 0.9 cm3 , P < 0.01 and 0.90 vs 0.30 mL/min/1.73 m2 /year, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal renal function following PN generally follows the normal ageing process. Significant renal comorbidities, age, warm ischaemia, and ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy were the most important predictors of ipsilateral functional decline following establishment of NBGFR.

Evaluation of disease activity in a low-income juvenile idiopathic arthritis cohort.

Determine disease activity in a low income juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cohort. 164 JIA patients from families with less than US$ 4500.00/capita mean annual income followed in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, were cross-sectionally evaluated between May 2015-April 2016. Mean age was 14 ± 5.1 years (95 female) with 10.31 ± 3.7 years disease duration. Polyarticular category predominated, with 63 (38.4%) patients, followed by 40 (24%) enthesitis-related (ERA), and 36 (22%) oligoarticular. All but 1 out of 84 parents declared less than US$ 10,000.00 annual family income. Eighty-eight (60.7%) were receiving methotrexate and 19 (13%) leflunomide including 12 (63%) using both; 46 (28%) were on biologic DMARD including 20 (43.5%) adalimumab, 17 (41.5) etanercept, 5 (10.8%) tocilizumab, 2 (4.2%) abatacept, and 1 (2.1%) each on infliximab and canakinumab. Mean CHAQ and JADAS27 were 0.36 ± 0.55 and 5.31 ± 8.5, respectively. Thirty-two (20%) out of 159 patients had deformities. A bivariate analysis revealed that polyarticular had more deformities than oligoarticular patients (p = 0.002; OR = 2.389; 95% CI 1.37-4.14). Logistic regression showed no association between high JADAS and family income (p = 0.339; OR = 1.45; 95% CI 0.67-3.31). A general linear model showed significantly lower CHAQ score in patients from families earning more as compared to those earning less than 300.00 US$ monthly (p = 0.002). This study reports JIA disease activity in a low income population. Low income apparently did not influence prognosis given the low mean JADAS27 and CHAQ scores vis-à-vis data from other cohorts.

Posterior Urethral Reconstruction at the Time of Rectourethral Fistula Repair: Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of posterior urethral stenosis or defect on outcomes following rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair, we present a cohort of 23 men who underwent posterior urethroplasty concurrent with RUF repair. METHODS: We identified 130 men who underwent RUF repair at our institution between 2003 and 2021. Of these, 23 (18%) underwent simultaneous posterior urethroplasty. Fifteen men received prior radiation for prostate cancer. Of the 8 men who were not radiated, 4 had a history of radical prostatectomy, 2 pelvic trauma, and 3 inflammatory bowel disease. All 23 men underwent fecal diversion prior to surgery (median, 6 months preoperatively), and 20 men suprapubic catheter placement (median, 5.5 months preoperatively). RESULTS: RUF repair was performed via perineal approach in 22 cases (96%) and prone Kraske position in 1 (4%). Intraoperatively, 20 men (87%) had urethral stenosis, and 3 (13%) had significant urethral defects due to cavitation and tissue loss. There was stenosis/stricture involving the prostatomembranous urethra in 18 cases (78%) and vesicourethral anastomosis in 5 (22%). Urethroplasty was performed with anastomotic repair in 18 patients (78%) and using a buccal mucosal graft in 5 (22%). Gracilis flap interposition was performed in 21 cases (91%). At a median follow-up of 55.7 months (interquartile range (IQR), 23-82 months), 20 men (87%) had successful RUF closure, with 3 patients experiencing RUF recurrence requiring further surgery. Fourteen men (61%) reported postoperative urinary incontinence, with 7 (30%) ultimately undergoing artificial urinary sphincter placement. There were no isolated stricture recurrences requiring instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Posterior urethral stenosis associated with RUF complicates an already challenging problem. However, most of these patients can be successfully treated concurrent with RUF repair. This series demonstrates that patients with RUF should not be ruled out for restorative reconstructive surgery based on the presence of posterior urethral stenosis or defect.

Functional recovery after partial nephrectomy in a solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVES: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the reference standard for renal mass in a solitary kidney (RMSK), although factors determining functional recovery in this setting remain poorly defined. PATIENTS/METHODS: Single center, retrospective analysis of 841 RMSK patients (1975-2022) managed with PN with functional data, including 361/435/45 with cold/warm/zero ischemia, respectively. A total of 155 of these patients also had necessary studies for detailed analysis of parenchymal volume preserved. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was classified by RIFLE (Risk/Injury/Failure/Loss/Endstage). Recovery-from-ischemia (Rec-Ischemia) was defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) saved normalized by parenchymal volume saved. Logistic regression identified predictive factors for AKI and predictors of Rec-Ischemia were analyzed by multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Overall, median preoperative GFR was 56.7 ml/min/1.73m2 and new-baseline and 5-year GFRs were 43.1 and 44.5 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. Median follow-up was 55 months; 5-year dialysis-free survival was 97%. In the detailed analysis cohort, a primary focus of this study, median warm (n = 70)/cold (n = 85) ischemia times were 25/34 minutes, respectively; and median preoperative, new-baseline and 5-year GFRs were 57.8, 45.0, and 41.7 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. Functional recovery correlated strongly with parenchymal volume preserved (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Parenchymal volume loss accounted for 69% of the total median GFR decline associated with PN, leaving only 3 to 4 ml/min/1.73m2 attributed to ischemia and other factors. AKI occurred in 52% of patients and the only independent predictor of AKI was ischemia time. Independent predictors of reduced Rec-Ischemia were increased age, warm ischemia, and AKI. CONCLUSION: The main determinant of functional recovery after PN in RMSK is parenchymal volume preservation. Type/duration of ischemia, AKI, and age also correlated, although altogether their contributions were less impactful. Our findings suggest multiple opportunities for optimizing functional outcomes although preservation of parenchymal volume remains predominant. Long-term function generally remains stable with dialysis only occasionally required.

Diversity Attracts Diversity: 2023 AUA Match Results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rationale behind the choice of programs for preference signaling (PS) and subinternships by urology applicants in the 2023 cycle. METHODS: We emailed an anonymous, multiple-choice survey to the 403 prospective candidates who applied to our institution for the 2023 Urology Residency Match. RESULTS: 121 applicants (30.0%) responded to the survey. 81.8% were in favor of the continuation of PS, with 4.1% against it. When choosing where to PS or subinternship, geographic location and perceived quality of clinical training were the highest-ranked criteria. Racial/ethnic diversity of the residents influenced PS or subinternship choice for 77.8% of Black, 72.7% of Asian, 57.1% of Latinos, and 46.5% of White respondents (P < .05 for Black and Asian vs White). Institutional statements on diversity influenced PS or subinternship choice for 88.9% of Black, 55% of Asian, 64.3% of Latino, and 25.4% of White respondents (P < .05 for Black, Asian and Latino vs White). Females had an increased likelihood of PS or choosing subinternship programs with gender diversity of residents (81.6% vs 33.8, P = .002). A program with PS was associated with a 2.74 increase in likelihood of obtaining an interview compared to programs that were not PS. Of 107 matched applicants, 47.5% matched at a program where they completed a subinternship, and 25.7% matched at a signaled program. CONCLUSION: PS plays a major role in the match process. When choosing where to PS, applicants prioritize geographic location and perceived quality of training. Diversity of residents plays a major role in recruiting diverse applicants.

Cancer risk in bladder diverticula: a large institutional analysis of risk and management.

PURPOSE: Bladder diverticula (BD) are usually asymptomatic, but may increase the risk of infections, stones, or malignancy, likely due to urinary stasis within the BD. We aim to characterize the risk of bladder cancer (BC) within diverticula. METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted of patients diagnosed with BD between 1994 and 2021 at a single institution. Cancer risk was characterized using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression as appropriate. RESULTS: We identified 764 patients with mean age 68 years, the majority of whom were male (87%) and Caucasian (86%). Of this total, 13.3% (102/764) had a diagnosis of BC and 35.3% of this subset (36/102) had definitive cancer within the BD. Diverticulectomy or partial cystectomy was performed in 13.6% (104/764), 76% of whom were preoperatively presumed to have benign disease. Surgical patients were younger and had larger BD. Of the 79 patients who underwent diverticulectomy without preoperative suspicion for cancer, 5 were incidentally diagnosed with BC on final pathology. On multivariable logistic regression, male gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, p = 0.03] and increasing age (OR = 1.02, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for BC diagnosis. Indwelling catheter, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bladder stones did not affect the risk of BC. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with BD are not managed with surgery. BC is identified in a small but considerable proportion of patients with BD, with an even lower rate of incidentally diagnosed cancer among those undergoing BD surgery. Male gender and increasing age increased the risk of BC diagnosis.

Comprehensive Management of Renal Masses in Solitary Kidneys.

BACKGROUND: A renal mass in a solitary kidney (RMSK) has traditionally been managed with partial nephrectomy (PN), although radical nephrectomy (RN) is occasionally required. Most RMSK studies have focused on patients for whom PN was achieved. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the management strategies/outcomes for an RMSK and address knowledge deficits regarding this challenging disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1024 patients diagnosed with an RMSK (1975-2022) were retrospectively evaluated. Baseline characteristics and pathologic/functional/survival outcomes were analyzed. INTERVENTION: PN/RN/cryoablation (CA)/active surveillance (AS). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Functional outcomes, perioperative morbidity/mortality, and 5-yr recurrence-free survival (RFS) were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used to compare cohorts, and log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were used for survival analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 1024 patients, 842 underwent PN (82%), 102 CA (10%), 54 RN (5%), and 26 AS (3%). The median tumor size and RENAL([R]adius [tumor size as maximal diameter], [E]xophytic/endophytic properties of tumor, [N]earness of tumor deepest portion to collecting system or sinus, [A]nterior [a]/posterior [p] descriptor, and [L]ocation relative to polar lines) score were 3.7 cm and 8, respectively. The median follow-up was 53 mo. For PN, 95% were clamped, and the median warm and cold ischemia times were 22 and 45 min, respectively. For PN, the median preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 57 ml/min/1.73 m2, and the median new baseline and 5-yr GFRs were 47 and 48 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Dialysis-free survival for PN was 97% at 5 yr. Twenty-two (2.1%) patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and RENAL score ≥10 (median = 11) received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to facilitate PN, leading to 57% median decrease of tumor volume; PN was accomplished in 20 (91%). Forty-one patients had planned RN (4.0%), most often due to severe pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 13 were converted from PN to RN (1.5%). Clavien III-V perioperative complications were observed in 80 (8%) patients and 90-d mortality was 0.6%. Five-year RFS for PN, CA, and RN were 83%, 80%, and 72%, respectively (p = 0.03 for PN vs RN). CONCLUSIONS: Nephron-sparing approaches are feasible and successful in most RMSK patients. PN for an RMSK is often challenging but can be facilitated by selective use of TKIs. RN is occasionally required due to severe CKD, over-riding oncologic concerns, or conversion from PN. This is the first large RMSK study to provide a comprehensive analysis of all management strategies/outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: Kidney cancer in a solitary kidney is a major challenge for achieving cancer-free status and avoiding dialysis. Although partial nephrectomy is the principal treatment for a renal mass in a solitary kidney, other options are occasionally required to optimize outcomes.