American Confederation of Urology (CAU) experience in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the perioperative and oncology outcomes in a series of laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomies (PN) for renal tumors treated in diverse institutions of Hispanic America from the beginning of their minimally invasive (MI) PN experience through December 2014. METHODS: Seventeen institutions participated in the CAU generated a MI PN database. We estimated proportions, medians, 95 % confidence intervals, Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Clavien-Dindo classification was used. RESULTS: We evaluated 1501 laparoscopic (98 %) or robotic (2 %) PNs. Median age: 58 years. Median surgical time, warm ischemia and intraoperative bleeding were 150, 20 min and 200 cc. 81 % of the lesions were malignant, with clear cell histology being 65 % of the total. Median maximum tumor diameter is 2.7 cm, positive margin is 8.2 %, and median hospitalization is 3 days. One or more postoperative complication was recorded in 19.8 % of the patients: Clavien 1: 5.6 %; Clavien 2: 8.4 %; Clavien 3A: 1.5 %; Clavien 3B: 3.2 %; Clavien 4A: 1 %; Clavien 4B: 0.1 %; Clavien 5: 0 %. Bleeding was the main cause of a reoperation (5.5 %), conversion to radical nephrectomy (3 %) or open partial nephrectomy (6 %). Transfusion rate is 10 %. In multivariate analysis, RENAL nephrometry score was the only variable associated with complications (OR 1.1; 95 % CI 1.02-1.2; p = 0.02). Nineteen patients presented disease progression or died of disease in a median follow-up of 1.37 years. The 5-year progression or kidney cancer mortality-free rate was 94 % (95 % CI 90, 97). Positive margins (HR 4.98; 95 % CI 1.3-19; p = 0.02) and females (HR 5.6; 95 % CI 1.7-19; p = 0.005) were associated with disease progression or kidney cancer mortality after adjusting for maximum tumor diameter. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic PN in these centers of Hispanic America seem to have acceptable perioperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes.

Chylous ascites and high-output chylous fistula after extended pelvic lymph node dissection for urological cancer: a rare postoperative complication.

OBJECTIVES: Chylous ascites and high-output chylous fistula are rare complications following abdominal or pelvic surgery. We report a series of five cases that occurred after pelvic lymph node dissection for urological cancer, in addition to their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. METHODS: The series comprises five patients; four men in whom robotic radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed, and one woman with an infiltrating bladder cancer that underwent robotic anterior pelvic exenteration and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. The first four patients developed chylous ascites, and the female patient a high-output chylous fistula. RESULTS: In all cases, diagnosis of chylous ascites or chylous fistula was confirmed, and they were handled in varied ways, from observation to medical treatment, paracentesis, and surgery, according to their clinical presentation and evolution. We describe a simple treatment algorithm. CONCLUSION: This rare surgical complication requires a grade of suspicion and a defined treatment according to the probability of the medical compromise. Prevention is an important element. This series, according to our knowledge, is the first description in patients undergoing robotic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Vaginal Gartner cysts: clinical report of four cases and a bibliographic review.

OBJECTIVES: To present a series of four cases of Gartner cysts and their clinical presentation. A bibliographic review was performed. METHODS: The series consisted of 4 women, mean age 39, who complained of a bulge at the anterior vaginal wall, associated with a variety of urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Surgical removal was performed in all cases. The pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of Gartner cyst. There were no recurrences in the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Vaginal wall cysts are rarely found in common urological practice. Gartner cysts arise as a consequence of the Gartner duct (mesonephric remainder) obstruction and they are located in the anterior or lateral wall of the vagina. They may be associated with renal and ureteral anomalies. Differential diagnosis with other vaginal cysts can only be made by histological studies. The correct treatment is the entire removal through a vaginal approach.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage of renal origin (Wunderlich syndrome): analysis of 8 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the characteristics, etiology and treatment of a series of patients with spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage from renal causes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage between 2006 and 2011. All patients consulted for back pain and the diagnosis was made by computed tomography (CT) and /or magnetic resonance (MR). All patients were treated surgically. RESULTS: The series includes 8 patients. Six cases had renal mass and associated hematoma and 2 presented only perirenal hematoma. Six patients underwent total nephrectomy, one underwent partial nephrectomy, and one just drainage of the hematoma.The pathological study showed 4 cases of renal angiomyolipoma (one associated with multiple small renal carcinomas), 2 cases of renal carcinoma and 1 case of hemorrhagic renal infarction. CONCLUSION: Renal masses are the main cause of Wunderlich syndrome and CT is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Surgical treatment is preferred in patients with renal mass diagnosed and cases of hemodynamic compromise.

Renal cancer from laparoscopic to robotic: How to proceed.

The benefits laparoscopic surgery brings to the table are well established in the literature. In our environment however, still most of the reconstructive/oncologic procedures are performed as open surgery. This can be explained by the multiple challenges this technique involves, as well as a demanding learning curve. Technology has provided means to improve precision and usefulness of laparoscopy, as well as broaden its use amongst the medical community by shortening its learning curve. Renal tumors have been managed by laparoscopic approach for the past 20 years. During this time, many studies appeared in the literature comparing this procedure with open surgery. In the vast majority, laparoscopic surgery has the upper hand in regards of perioperative events. A number of series are available regarding the feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy, however there is no literature available that demonstrates better outcome of robotic radical nephrectomy compared to standard laparoscopy. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is technically difficult, which has prevented its massive spread through the urologist community, even amongst trained laparoscopists. Current reports are starting to favor robotic partial nephrectomy over standard laparoscopy regarding perioperative outcomes, with similar oncologic results. More studies have to be performed in order to elucidate the importance of NOTES and LESS in the treatment on localized renal cancer, but the use of the robot will lower their learning curve and probably make them attractive in the short term. Even though this technology has brought laparoscopy closer to a greater number of surgeons, physicians should become familiar and proficient in conventional laparoscopic procedures before embarking into robotics.

Fistula between external iliac artery and ileal conduit after radical cystectomy: a life-threatening complication.

OBJECTIVE: To present a rare complication of an iliac artery to ileal conduit fistula after radical cystectomy. METHODS: A 74 year-old man with muscle invasive bladder cancer was submitted for robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit. Twenty-four days after surgery he was readmitted due to an active bleeding from the ileal conduit. RESULTS: CT-Scan showed an arterial fistula between the external iliac artery and the ileal conduit. The emergency procedure done was an artery ligation, bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy and extra-anatomic femoro-femoral bypass. CONCLUSIONS: A fistula from the external iliac artery to the ileal conduit is a rare and serious complication in the Bricker type urinary diversion, with only 7 cases reported in the international literature.

[Renal cell carcinoma of the collecting ducts of bellini with retroperitoneal recurrence by another histological subtype Of renal tumor]. / Carcinoma renal de los conductos colectores de bellini con recidiva retroperitoneal por otro tipo histológico de tumor renal.

OBJECTIVE: Collecting Duct Carcinoma or Bellini Carcinoma (CDC) is a rare aggressive histological subtype. We present a case of CDC with retroperitoneal recurrence by another histological subtype of renal tumor and review of the literature. METHODS: A 59-year-old man with no relevant clinical history presented gross hematuria. At the time of diagnosis, a computed tomography ( CT) showed a tumor mass occupying the left renal pelvis. Left Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy was performed with endoscopic intramural ipsilateral ureter disinsertion. RESULTS: The pathological diagnosis was CDC with negative surgical margins. A CT scan control was performed 10 months later, showed a left retroperitoneal tumor compatible with a local recurrence. We performed a left subcostal laparotomy with complete resection of the mass. Histological diagnosis was large cell carcinoma with components of granular cells and clear cell. CONCLUSIONS: The CDC is a rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and has an aggressive behavior that is associated with poor prognosis. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice. We present the first reported case of CDC with retroperitoneal recurrence by another histological subtype of renal tumor.

Basaloid carcinoma of the prostate: an extremely rare tumor.

OBJECTIVE: The basaloid carcinoma of the prostate (BC) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising from the basal cells of prostatic ducts and acini. We report a case and review the literature. METHODS: A 76-year-old man presented with symptoms of lower obstructive uropathy, the IPSS score was 29 and prostate specific antigen (PSA)of 0,924 ng /ml. Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) was performed in September 2008, histopathological diagnosis was BC. In February 2009 laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed a BC with adenoid cystic growth pattern, perineural infiltration and focal involvement of the left seminal vesicle. Immunohistochemically, the cells were negative for PSA, stained and were strongly positive for specific monoclonal antibodies anti-cytokeratin 34ßE12, p63 and BCL-2. The patient has 23 months of follow-up, with complete continence and no evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The BC is an extremely rare subtype of malignant tumors of the prostate, where immunohistochemistry plays a fundamental role in diagnosis.

Robot assisted partial nephrectomy (Da Vinci) in an angiomyolipoma associated to Wünderlich Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of renal angiomyolipoma treated by robotic assisted surgery. METHOD AND RESULTS: We report the case of a 26 year old females patient, in the context of third month pregnancy, who was diagnosed of spontaneous self-limited retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to renal angiomyolipoma. The patient was treated conservatively until normal delivery. At the 3rd month postpartum a robot-assisted (Da Vinci S) nephron sparing surgery (partial nephrectomy) was performed. CONCLUSION: Despite being a benign tumor, there are cases in which the renal angiomyolipoma requires surgical treatment. To our knowledge, after a thorough review of the literature, this would be the first reported case of angiomyolipoma treated with conservative surgery with robotic assistance (Da Vinci S-HD).

Laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair.

OBJECTIVES: Vesicovaginal fistulas are uncommon and remain a surgical challenge. Abdominal hysterectomy remains their main cause. We present our experience in laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula. METHODS: Between January 2006 and January 2008, 8 laparoscopic transvesical procedures for VVF repair were performed at our institution (O'Connor technique). For each case we analyzed demographic and surgical variables as well as the outcome. Surgical technique is also described. RESULTS: Average patient age was 45 years. All patients had past history of hysterectomy and subsequent history of urine leak through vagina, with a mean evolution time of 22 months. The average operative time was 150 minutes and the mean hospital stay 4.7 days. All patients evolved without complications except one who had urinary tract infection (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that was treated with antibiotics. After a mean follow up of 32 months, there were no recurrences. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, transvesical transabdominal laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair is a feasible and safe procedure, preserving all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Discontinuous intrabdominal splenogonadal fusion with germ cell tumor. Excision with robotic assistence. Adult case report.

OBJECTIVE: Present the case of a patient with a discontinuous intrabdominal splenogonadal fusion with an associated germ cell tumor. METHODS: A case of a man of 29 years with bilateral cryptorchidism and left intra-abdominal discontinuous splenogonadal fusion associated with seminoma as an accidental finding in the context of a robotic pyeloplasty due to ipsilateral ureteropelvic junction stenosis. RESULTS: The total operative time was 80 minutes (atrophic gonad removal and pyeloplasty by the Anderson-Hynes technique) with an estimated blood loss less than 100 cc. The hospitalization time was less than 36 hrs. The pathology and immunohistochemical report was compatible with intratubular germ cell neoplasia (seminoma). CONCLUSION: The splenogonadal fusion is an uncommon pathology. While a high clinical suspicion may avoid unnecessary orchiectomy in young patients, its association with disorders such as cryptorchidism should make us suspect the possible presence of a concomitant germ cell neoplasia.

Bladder hemangioma: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder hemangioma is a benign rare lesion. There are no pathognomonic clinical signs and management is controversial due to the bleeding risk. We report a bladder cavernous hemangioma resolved using bipolar transurethral resection. METHODS: We review the case of a female patient who presented with asymptomatic hematuria. On cystoscopy we discovered a reddish sessile lesion compatible with bladder hemangioma. We describe the diagnostic work up, surgical management and review other therapeutic alternatives for these lesions. RESULTS: Fifty five year old healthy female patient consulting for total painless hematuria. Cystoscopic evaluation revealed a 1 cm diameter sessile reddish elevated lesion near the bladder neck. We performed a transurethral endoscopic resection using the Gyrus Bipolar resectoscope®. Pathologic report concluded cavernous angioma. CONCLUSION: Bladder hemangiomas are benign and rare lesions. Clinical presentation has no pathognomonic signs although gross painless hematuria is the most frequent complain. Management is controversial due to the bleeding risk of this highly vascularized lesion. However, it appears that small lesions could be treated using transurethral resection. Although they have a benign course, follow up is mandatory to detect recurrence or residual disease.

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney (MEST).

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of renal tumor and review the literature. METHODS: We present a 20 years old female with a history of acute right pyelonephritis. The ultrasound study revealed a tumor-like image in the lower pole of the right kidney . The CT-scan showed a mixed solid and cystic mass of 7 cm. in the lower pole of the right kidney. RESULTS: A right laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed. The total operative time was 90 minutes, with 24 minutes of warm ischemia. The estimated blood loss was 50 ml. and the length of stay (LOS) 36 hours. The pathology findings confirm a mixed epithelial and stromal tumor (MEST) of the kidney. CONCLUSION: Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor (MEST) of the kidney is a benign and rare condition that doesn't show a clear difference with other renal tumors in image studies. Nephron-sparing surgery with margin study is the standard treatment when is feasible.

Histological changes due to intravesical instillation of mitomycin C.

OBJECTIVE: Transurethral resection (TUR) is highly effective in the local control of superficial bladder cancer. However, the recurrence rate can reach 80% of the cases. Adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy may decrease significantly tumor recurrence. We describe a bladder adverse reaction to mitomycin C as adjuvant therapy for non-invasive bladder cancer METHODS: Three patients with diagnosis of pTa G1 urothelial carcinoma were treated by TUR plus an instillation of 40 mg. of mitomicin C. A month later, the patients were attended for dysuria and hematuria. Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy were performed in all cases. RESULTS: Multiple sessile lesions suspicious of tumor recurrence were found on cystoscopy. The histopathological diagnosis disclosed the existence of severe atypia of the urothelium and stromal changes similar to those observed after radiotherapy CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy with mitomycin C may cause local reactions with macroscopic patterns similar to tumoral recurrences.

Ureteral inverted papilloma: laparoscopic distal ureterectomy and boari flap.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of ureteral inverted papilloma (IP) with laparoscopic resolution. METHODS: We report the case of a 30-year-old male patient who consulted for asymptomatic hematuria with the radiological finding of a filling defect at the distal right ureter. Ureteroscopy biopsy was not diagnostic, so laparoscopic ureterectomy with a Boari flap technique was performed. The pathology report showed a ureteral inverted papilloma. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteral replacement by Boari flap is a safe surgical alternative for defects in the distal ureter with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure.

Laparoscoscopic synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience in a series of bilateral synchronous laparoscopic adrenalectomies detailing technique and results. METHODS: A total of 242 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in an 8 year period at our institution. Twenty four out of these were bilateral. Of the 24 patients, 22 (92%) were bilateral and synchronous. Mean patient age was 41.4 years (range 17 to 72 years) and male to female ratio was 1:2.1. RESULTS: Mean adrenal size was 5.5 cm (range 2 to 11 cm). In order of frequency, pathological finding was: pheochromocytoma, cushing`s disease, metastatic lesions, hyperaldosteronism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, myelolipoma and adrenal adenoma. Complete adrenalectomy was performed in 36 cases (82%) while in 8 cases (18%) partial adrenalectomy was preferred. Mean operative time was 78.6 minutes (range 25 to 210 min) being 79.5 min and 77 min for right and left adrenalectomies respectively. Mean operative bleeding was 63 ml (range 0 to 500 ml). Only one patient received blood transfusion. Intraoperative complications occurred in only one patient (2%), a small tear in the renal vein that was successfully controlled by intracorporeal suturing. Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 5 days). CONCLUSION: We believe that laparoscopic synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy is a feasible, safe and reproducible technique that should be considered of choice for the management of benign bilateral adrenal pathology.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic lymph node dissection (RPLND) in testicular cancer.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Lymph node Dissection (RPLND) seems to offer similar staging accuracy and long term outcomes to Open RPLND. It is also a reasonable option in terms of morbidity. However, solid laparoscopic skills are necessary to safely perform this surgery. In the following article, we assess indications, access, surgical technique, complications and controversies of the laparoscopic RPLND.

Laparoscopic heminefrectomy for crossed fused kidney with inferior ectopia.

OBJECTIVES: Crossed fused renal ectopia is a rare congenital anomaly. We report the case of a 3 year old boy with diagnosis of right crossed fused renal ectopia, history of recurrent urinary tract infection and previous failure of surgical treatment. METHODS: Three year old boy with diagnosis of right crossed fused renal ectopia of the inferior moiety underwent a laparoscopic heminephrectomy of the inferior renal unit, due to severe hydronephrosis and recurrent urinary tract infections. RESULTS: A laparoscopic right heminephrectomy of the inferior renal moiety was performed uneventfully. Operation room time was 200 minutes and there were no perioperative complications. Patient was discharged 18 hours after the procedure. After 5 years of follow up patient remains asymptomatic with good renal function. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is an acceptable option to treat this anomaly, with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

[Open vs Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: Comparison of perioperative and Mid-term oncological outcomes.] / Cistectomía radical abierta versus laparoscópica: comparación de resultados perioperatorios y oncológicos a mediano plazo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri-operative and mid-term oncological outcomes between Open radical cystectomy (ORC) and Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC). METHODS: A retrospective cohort was assembled, in which 182 patients had been subjected consecutively to Radical Cystectomy (RC) for treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) between 2000 and 2010 in a single center. Two cohorts were included: ORC (n=83) and LRC (n=99). All the RCs were performed by the same surgeon. Perioperatory complications were registered according to Clavien-Dindo classification. We evaluated recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and association between the surgical technique performed and disease recurrence, with co-variable adjustment. RESULTS: Clinical and pathologic characteristics were similar for both groups. Significant differences were observed between the two groups, regarding blood loss, operative time and hospitalization days (p<0.04). The ORC group displayed 27 (32.5%) Clavien I-II cases, vs. 11 (11.1%) in the LRC group. Four Clavien≥III (4.8%) complications were reported in the ORC, vs. 7 (7%) in the LRC group (NS). Mean follow-up time for patients without recurrence was 23 months (12-48). A total of 60 patients (72.3%) showed recurrence in the ORC group, compared to 59 (59.6%) in the LRC group. Cumulative cancer-specific mortality index, stratified by surgical technique, was similar between both groups (p.-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience, LRC showed advantages in intraoperative bleeding and length of hospital stay with no difference in major complications between both groups. Mid-term oncological control, regarding local recurrence and cancer-specific survival, showed no significant difference between LRC and ORC in the management of MIBC.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados perioperatorios y oncológicos a mediano plazo entre Cistectomía Radical Abierta (CRA) versus Cistectomía Radical Laparoscópica (CRL).MÉTODOS: Se realizó una cohorte retrospectiva, en la cual se incluyeron 182 pacientes sometidos de forma consecutiva a Cistectomía radical (CR) como tratamiento de Cáncer Vesical Músculo-Invasor entre el 2000 y el 2010 en un solo centro. La serie se dividió en dos grupos: CRA (n=83) y CRL (n=99). Todas las CR fueron realizadas por el mismo cirujano. Las complicaciones perioperatorias fueron registradas según la clasificación Clavien-Dindo. Se evaluó sobrevida libre de recurrencia, sobrevida cáncer-específica y asociación entre la técnica quirúrgica y recurrencia de enfermedad ajustando co-variables. RESULTADOS: Las características clínicas y patológicas fueron similares entre los dos grupos. Se observaron diferencias significativas en pérdida sanguínea estimada, tiempo operatorio y estadía hospitalaria entre los grupos (p<0,05). Se presentaron 27 (32,5%) complicaciones Clavien I-II en el grupo abierto y 11 (11,1%) en el grupo laparoscópico. Cuatro complicaciones Clavien ≥III (4,8%) se presentaron en el grupo CRA versus 7 (7%) en el grupo CRL (ns). La mediana de seguimiento para pacientes sin recurrencia fue de 23 meses (12-48). Un total de 60 pacientes (72,3%) presentaron recurrencia de algún tipo en el grupo de CRA y 59 pacientes (59,6%) en el de CRL. La incidencia acumulada de mortalidad cáncer-específica, estratificada por abordaje quirúrgico, fue similar entre ambos grupos (p.0,9). CONCLUSIONES: En base a nuestra experiencia, la CRL mostró ventajas en sangrado intraoperatorio y estadía hospitalaria, sin encontrar diferencias en complicaciones mayores entre ambos grupos. El control oncológico a mediano plazo en relación a recurrencia como a sobrevida cáncer-especifica no presenta diferencias significativas entre la CRL y CRA en el manejo del cáncer vesical músculo-invasor.

[Laparoscopic simple nephrectomy with transvaginal notes assistance and the use of standard laparoscopic instruments]. / Nefrectomía laparoscópica simple con asistencia de notes transvaginal y uso de instrumentos laparoscópicos estándar.

INTRODUCTION: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technique, which allows to performed surgical procedures avoiding any surgical scars. However there are some problems due to the lack of equipment available for these procedures. The aim of these study is to present our initial experience with the transvaginal nephrectomy NOTES using standard laparoscopic instruments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two female patients 23 and 29 years old, both of them with diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection and renal atrophy. A transvaginal simple nephrectomy was performed using a transvaginal Access for the camera port and two abdominal work ports of 10 and 3 mm. RESULTS: Total operation room time was 120 min in the first case and 40 min. in the second with an average blood loss of 200 cc. There were no perioperative complications, and both patients was discharged 36 hours after the surgery CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy with transvaginal NOTES assistance is technically feasible with the use of standard laparoscopic instruments. Special Access trocars and instruments development for this procedure will allow to perform a pure technique without the use of abdominal incisions.