Clinical safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for small renal masses

ABSTRACT Purpose: CT-guided MWA is a safe and effective tool that should be utilized in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). We aim to clarify the utility of CT-guided MWA by examining patient outcomes such as recurrence, treatment success, changes in renal function, and complications. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with SRMs who underwent same day renal mass biopsy (RMB) and CT-guided MWA between 2015 and 2022 was performed. Treatment safety was assessed by 30-day complications according to the Clavien-Dindo system and change in eGFR >30 days post-procedure. Treatment efficacy was defined by local recurrence and incomplete treatment rates and calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 108 renal masses were found in 104 patients. The overall complication rate was 7.4% (8/108), of which 4 were major complications (3.7%). For those with renal function available >30 days post ablation, the median eGFR was 47.2 (IQR: 36.0, 57), compared to 52.3 (IQR: 43.7, 61.5) pre-ablation, p<0.0001. 5-year local recurrence free survival was 86%. Among those with biopsy proven malignancy (n= 66), there were five local recurrences (7.54%) occurring at a median of 25.1 months (IQR 19.9, 36.2) and one case (1.5%) of incomplete treatment. Conclusions: As the medical field continues to evolve towards less invasive interventions, MWA offers a valuable tool in the management of renal masses. With low major complication and recurrence rates, our findings support the utility of CT-guided MWA as a tool for treatment of SRMs.

Impact of time from biopsy to surgery on complications, functional and oncologic outcomes following radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: To determine the impact of time from biopsy to surgery on outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) as the optimal interval between prostate biopsy and RP is unknown. Material and methods: We identified 7, 350 men who underwent RP at our institution between 1994 and 2012 and had a prostate biopsy within one year of surgery. Patients were grouped into five time intervals for analysis: ≤ 3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 7-12 weeks, 12-26 weeks, and > 26 weeks. Oncologic outcomes were stratified by NCCN disease risk for comparison. The associations of time interval with clinicopathologic features and survival were evaluated using multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Results: Median time from biopsy to surgery was 61 days (IQR 37, 84). Median follow-up after RP was 7.1 years (IQR 4.2, 11.7) while the overall perioperative complication rate was 19.7% (1,448/7,350). Adjusting for pre-operative variables, men waiting 12-26 weeks until RP had the highest likelihood of nerve sparing (OR: 1.45, p = 0.02) while those in the 4-6 week group had higher overall complications (OR: 1.33, p = 0.01). High risk men waiting more than 6 months had higher rates of biochemical recurrence (HR: 3.38, p = 0.05). Limitations include the retrospective design. Conclusions: Surgery in the 4-6 week time period after biopsy is associated with higher complications. There appears to be increased biochemical recurrence rates in delaying RP after biopsy, for men with both low and high risk disease.

Safety and efficacy of intravesical alum for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis: a contemporary evaluation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) represents a challenging clinical entity. While various intravesical agents have been utilized in this setting, limited data exist regarding safety or efficacy. Herein, then, we evaluated the effectiveness and complications associated with intravesical alum instillation for HC in a contemporary cohort. Materials and Methods: We identified 40 patients treated with intravesical alum for HC between 1997-2014. All patients had failed previous continuous bladder irrigation with normal saline and clot evacuation. Treatment success was defined as requiring no additional therapy beyond normal saline irrigation after alum instillation. Results: Median patient age was 76.5 years (IQR 69, 83). Pelvic radiation was the most common etiology for HC (n=38, 95%). Alum use decreased patient's transfusion requirement, with 82% (32/39) receiving a transfusion within 30 days before alum instillation (median 4 units) versus 59% (23/39) within 30 days after completing alum (median 3 units) (p=0.05). In total, 24 patients (60%) required no additional therapy prior to hospital discharge. Moreover, at a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 5, 38.5), 13 patients (32.5%) remained without additional treatment for HC. Adverse effects were reported in 15 patients (38%), with bladder spasms representing the most common event (14/40; 35%). No clinical evidence of clinically significant systemic absorption was detected. Conclusion: Intravesical alum therapy is well-tolerated, with resolution of HC in approximately 60% of patients, and a durable response in approximately one-third. Given its favorable safety/efficacy profile, intravesical alum may be considered as a first-line treatment option for patients with HC.