Complex Re-do robotic pyeloplasty using cryopreserved placental tissue: an adjunct for success

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objectives: Management of recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) following pyeloplasty presents a challenging clinical problem. Failure of initial pyeloplasty is, in part, secondary to ureteral devascularization and subsequent fibrosis. In this video, we present a case of an anastomotic augmentation with cryopreserved placental tissue (CPT) to improve tissue healing and angiogenesis, and aid with the success of re-do robotic pyeloplasty. Materials and Methods: We present a 46-year-old female with history of recurrent left-sided UPJO treated by initial endopyelotomy and then open pyeloplasty. She underwent re-do robotic pyeloplasty (DaVinci Si™, Intuitive Surgical) with CPT. The patient was placed in the flank position; a 12mm camera port, three 8mm robotic ports, and a 12mm assistant port were used. The renal pelvis and upper ureter were mobilized to reveal a dense scar at the UPJ. A dismembered pyeloplasty was performed with barbed suture. After completion of the anastomosis, a section of CPT (Stravix™, Osiris Therapeutics) was wrapped around the anastomosis. CPT is composed of umbilical amnion and Wharton's jelly, which contains a mixture of extracellular matrix, and growth factors. The CPT is prepared and thawed on the bedside table, and placed into the peritoneum through the 12mm port in the correct orientation. The wrap is secured to the anastomosis with a fibrin sealant (EVICEL™, Johnson & Johnson). Results: The patient experienced resolution of flank pain. MAG3 renogram demonstrated resolution of obstruction at 6 months, with improvement of T½ time from 34 minutes to 7 minutes, with sustained improvement with repeat scan 18 months after surgery. Ureteroscopy demonstrated a patent UPJ. Strategies for successful robotic pyeloplasty after initial failed management include: (1) use of appropriate CPT agent to support the anastomosis - selection of thicker, more durable CPT to allow passage through laparoscopic port, (2) preparation on bedside table with enough time to allow thawing, (3) marking Wharton's jelly side of tissue for orientation, and (4) use of sealing agent to secure CPT to the anastomosis and prevent dislodgement. Conclusions: We demonstrate a novel approach to manage recurrent UPJ obstruction with robotic surgery using CPT. Placenta-derived products may have an increasing role in the performance of complex robotic urologic reconstructive surgery.

Cancer trends in Kashmir; common types, site incidence and demographic profiles: National Cancer Registry 2000-2012.

BACKGROUND: An assessment of cancer incidence in population is required for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and resource allocation. This will also guide in the formation of facilities for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow‑up for these patients. The demographic trend of cancer will help to identify common types and etiological factors. Efforts at clinical, research and administrative levels are needed to overcome this problem. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Present retro prospective study was conducted in regional cancer center of a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After permission from ethics committee, a retro prospective study of 1 year duration was undertaken to study the profile of cancer patients and to compare it with other cancer registries in India. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Pearson’s Chi‑square test and simple linear regression were used. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version‑16 (University of Bristol information services (www.bristol.ac.uk/is/ learning/resources) was used. RESULTS: The overall incidence of cancer in Kashmir is on the increase and common sites of cancer are esophagus and gastroesophageal (GE) junction, lung, stomach, colorectal, lymphomas, skin, laryngopharynx, acute leukemias, prostate and brain in males.In females common sites are breast, esophagus and GE junction, ovary, colorectal, stomach, lung, gallbladder, lymphomas, acute leukemias and brain. CONCLUSION: Cancers of esophagus, stomach and lungs have a high incidence both in men and women in Kashmir. Future studies on sources and types of environmental pollution and exposures in relation to these cancers may improve our understanding of risk factors held responsible for causation of these malignancies in this region. This will help in the allocation of available resources for prevention and treatment strategies.

Robot-assisted vs. Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: utilization rates and perioperative outcomes

Objectives To examine the effect of surgical approach on perioperative morbidity and mortality after partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods Within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, patients who underwent RAPN or LPN between October 2008 and December 2009 were identified. Propensity-based matching was performed to adjust for potential baseline differences between the two groups. The rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications, blood transfusions, prolonged length of stay, and in-hospital mortality, stratified according to RAPN vs. LPN, were compared. Results Overall, 851 (72.5%) patients underwent RAPN and 323 (27.5%) underwent LPN. For RAPN and LPN respectively, the following rates were recorded in the propensity-score matched cohort: blood transfusions, 4.5 vs. 6.8% (p = 0.223); intraoperative complications, 5.2 vs. 2.6% (p = 0.096); postoperative complications, 10.6 vs. 13.5% (p = 0.268); prolonged length of stay, 6.8 vs. 9.4% (p = 0.238); in-hospital mortality, 0.0 vs. 0.0%. Conclusions RAPN has supplanted LPN as the predominant minimally invasive surgical approach for renal masses. Perioperative outcomes after RAPN and LPN are comparable. Interpretation of these findings needs to take into account the lack of adjustment for case complexity and surgical expertise. .