Laparoscopic Ureterocalicostomy Technique

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ureterocalicostomy is a technique that was first described by Neuwirt in 1948 (1) The laparoscopic access was initiated in 2003 by Cherullo et al. (2), following the established principles of open surgery. In 2004, Gill et al. had two patients with UPJO treated with laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy, with success (3). In 2014, Arap et. al. presented a case series with good results in adults and children in our service (4). There are factors that prepare the surgeon for an ureterocalicostomy, such as the renal cortex thickness, although the decision is mainly taken during the procedure (5). Material and Methods: A 24 years-old female patient with right lumbar pain was referred to our institution. She already had a right open pyeloplasty two years ago. The CT scan presented a right hydronephrotic kidney, DMSA scan with 30% of relative function and a DTPA scan with an obstructive pattern. Results: A laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed due to the intra-operative findings (inferior kidney pole thickness and challenging access to the uretero-pelvic junction). The overall time was 130 minutes with no complications. The patient was discharged in two days and the double J was withdrawn in four weeks. The CT scan within one year demonstrates a reduction of the hydronephrosis. She had no more lumbar pain. Conclusion: In complex cases, the laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy proves to be a safe and efficient procedure, with a free tension-free anastomosis and the advantages of the laparoscopic access.

Laparoscopic Ureterocalicostomy Technique.

PURPOSE: Ureterocalicostomy is a technique that was first described by Neuwirt in 1948 (1) The laparoscopic access was initiated in 2003 by Cherullo et al. (2), following the established principles of open surgery. In 2004, Gill et al. had two patients with UPJO treated with laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy, with success (3). In 2014, Arap et. al. presented a case series with good results in adults and children in our service (4). There are factors that prepare the surgeon for an ureterocalicostomy, such as the renal cortex thickness, although the decision is mainly taken during the procedure (5). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 24 years-old female patient with right lumbar pain was referred to our institution. She already had a right open pyeloplasty two years ago. The CT scan presented a right hydronephrotic kidney, DMSA scan with 30% of relative function and a DTPA scan with an obstructive pattern. RESULTS: A laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed due to the intra-operative findings (inferior kidney pole thickness and challenging access to the uretero-pelvic junction). The overall time was 130 minutes with no complications. The patient was discharged in two days and the double J was withdrawn in four weeks. The CT scan within one year demonstrates a reduction of the hydronephrosis. She had no more lumbar pain. CONCLUSION: In complex cases, the laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy proves to be a safe and efficient procedure, with a free tension-free anastomosis and the advantages of the laparoscopic access.

Pyeloplasty in Adults With Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Poorly Functioning Kidneys: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically summarize the available evidence concerning the impact of pyeloplasty on symptoms and differential renal function (DRF) in adults with unilateral UPJO in poorly functioning kidneys (PFK), and to identify potential predictors of kidney function recovery that could help clinicians select candidates for pyeloplasty. METHODS: A literature search (MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO Clinical Trials Registry) and systematic review were performed up to September 2020 according to the PRISMA guidelines. PFK were defined as a baseline DRF ≤30% on renal scintigraphy. The primary endpoints were symptom relief and postoperative scintigraphic DRF. Predictors of kidney function recovery were evaluated and compared among studies. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 731 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included for evidence synthesis. A DRF increase >5% occurred in 13.3%-53.8% of 160 patients with a pre- and postoperative renal scan. Symptoms improved in 73.3%-93.3% of 141 adults after pyeloplasty. Neither patient's age, baseline DFR, comorbidities, degree of hydronephrosis, kidney parenchymal thickness, nor kidney biopsy findings consistently predicted a significant DRF increase among 375 patients undergoing pyeloplasty. CONCLUSION: Based on a low level of evidence, pyeloplasty may relieve symptoms and stabilize kidney function in adults with UPJO in PFK. A significant number of patients showed a DRF increase >5%, yet no consistent predictor of kidney function recovery was identified. Until more evidence becomes available, pyeloplasty could be considered for selected cases after accounting for the risks of a failure requiring a future nephrectomy.

Short-term outcomes of pyeloplasty vs. nephrectomy in adult patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and differential renal function ≤15.

OBJECTIVES: To compare symptom resolution and short-term renal function after pyeloplasty or nephrectomy in adults with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in poorly functioning renal units (PFRU). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of adult patients with UPJO and differential renal function (DRF) ≤ 15% who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty or nephrectomy. Primary endpoints included symptom resolution and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 12 months. Surgical complications were compared between groups. A secondary analysis was performed comparing baseline and postoperative DRF to evaluate the PFRU recovery potential after pyeloplasty. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included; 19 underwent pyeloplasty and 44 underwent nephrectomy. The mean age of the cohort was 39.5 ± 13.8 years. Nephrectomy was associated with significantly higher intra-operative blood loss (p = 0.02). Operative time and length of hospital stay were not significantly different between groups. There were three complications in the nephrectomy group, and none in the pyeloplasty group (p = 0.34). Symptom resolution rates were equivalent between groups (73% vs. 76%; p = 0.78). The eGFR variation was not statistically different after pyeloplasty or nephrectomy (+6.2 vs. +0.1 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively; p = 0.18). Patients undergoing pyeloplasty had no significant change in the mean DRF (baseline 9.5 vs. 10%; p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: Pyeloplasty can be considered for selected patients with UPJO in PFRU as an organ-sparing alternative to nephrectomy. Although there was no significant gain in mean DRF, pyeloplasty prevented further functional loss and relieved symptoms in most cases in the short-term with at least the same complication rates of nephrectomy.

Mobilization of a peritoneal dialysis catheter using an extra-corporeal magnet: preliminary experimental phase study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in an experimental model, the mobility of a novel peritoneal dialysis catheter with a metallic tip (Mag-Cath) using an extra-corporeal magnet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Mag-Cath was installed in a porcine model under general anesthesia using laparoscopic access. A senior urologist, a urology resident, and a 3rd-year medical student were assigned to complete 2 tasks guided by fluoroscopy: (1) Move the catheter tip from the right flank to the pelvis and (2) move the catheter tip from the pelvis to the left flank. Accomplishment and time to complete the tasks were recorded. Participants were asked independently to grade the difficulty of the tasks using an analog scale from 1 (extremely easy) to 10 (extremely difficult). RESULTS: All participants completed the tasks. The difficulty of the tasks was graded equal to 1 by the senior urologist and urology resident and equal to 3 by the medical student. The time to move the Mag-Cath from the right flank to the target was 14, 10, and 55 s for the senior urologist, urology resident, and medical student, respectively. The time to move the Mag-Cath from the target to the left flank was 17, 18, and 43 s for the senior urologist, urology resident, and medical student, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary analysis, the use of an extra-corporeal magnet to move the Mag-Cath was feasible, with a low grade of difficulty, and individuals with different levels of expertise could perform it. Further studies in human subjects are needed to evaluate the clinical applicability of the Mag-Cath properly.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty as an alternative to nephrectomy in adults with poorly functioning kidneys due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in adults with poorly functioning kidney due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis was performed between adult patients who underwent LP due to UPJO with differential renal function (DRF) ≤ 15% and DRF > 15%. LP success rate and complications were assessed. LP success was defined as symptoms improvement and DRF improvement or stabilization. DRF and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed before and 12 months after surgery to evaluate renal function recovery. DRF was estimated using Tc-99 m DMSA renal scintigraphy. RESULTS: Among 121 LP performed in the study period at our institution, 15 and 42 were included in the DRF ≤ 15% and DRF > 15% groups, respectively. At a median follow-up of 17.8 months, all patients with DRF ≤ 15% reported symptoms improvement. LP success rate was 86.7% and 90.5% (p = 0.65) for patients with DRF ≤ 15% and DRF > 15%, respectively. There were no complications in the DRF ≤ 15% group, while there were three complications recorded in the DRF > 15% group (Clavien 2 and 3b). In the DRF ≤ 15% group, mean pre-operative and post-operative DRF was 9.5% ± 3.6 and 10.5% ± 7.8 (p = 0.49), respectively. Median pre-operative and post-operative eGFR was 68.5 ml/min and 79.8 ml/min (p = 0.93), respectively. Two patients had DRF improvement after LP. CONCLUSIONS: LP in adult patients with UPJO and poor function kidneys is an effective and safe procedure. DRF recovery is seen in a minority of the patients; however, LP is an alternative to nephrectomy.

Postoperative Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Nephrectomy: Development of a Prediction Model Using Preoperative Risk Factors and 51Cr-EDTA Clearance.

Objectives: To analyze the preoperative variables associated to the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) outcomes after nephrectomy for benign and malignant conditions, measured by the reference isotopic technique 51Cr-ethylene diamine tetra-acetic (51Cr-EDTA) and to create a model to predict the short-term postoperative GFR. Secondary aim was to evaluate which of the common equations for GFR estimation (Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD] or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD-EPI]) has the best correlation with the 51Cr-EDTA. Methods: Patients undergoing unilateral nephrectomy from 2014 to 2018 were selected. Pre- and postoperative variables were prospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify independent risk factors associated with renal function outcomes and to create a model to predict the postoperative GFR. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the performance of various serum creatinine-based equations for GFR estimation compared with 51Cr-EDTA. Results: In total, 107 patients were evaluated. After univariate and multivariate analyses, older age (p = 0.008), higher split function of the operated kidney on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy (p < 0.001), and lower preoperative 51Cr-EDTA (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for higher GFR decline. Correlation analyses showed that GFR estimated by CKD-EPI equation had the best concordance to GFR measured by 51Cr-EDTA. Conclusions: Based on our findings age, DMSA and lower preoperative 51Cr-EDTA are predictors of postoperative renal function after unilateral nephrectomy. For the assessment of estimated GFR, CKD-EPI equation appears to have the best concordance with 51Cr-EDTA.

The role of urinary KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9 and ß2-microglobulin in the assessment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic properties of urinary biomarkers in adults with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: KIM-1, NGAL, CA19-9, and ß2-microglobulin. We also assessed urinary biomarker concentrations following pyeloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively studied adults from December 2013 to February 2015. We included 47 patients with a mean age of 38.6 ± 12.7 years. Each patient provided four samples of voided urine for biomarker measurement, one at pre-operative consultation and the others at 1, 3, and 6 months of post-operative follow-up. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals with no hydronephrosis on ultrasound evaluation. RESULTS: KIM-1 had an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.70-0.89), NGAL 0.71 (95% CI 0.61-0.83), CA19-9 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.81), and ß2-microgloblin 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.73). KIM-1 was the most sensitive marker with a cut-off of 170.4 pg/mg creatinine (sensitivity 91.4%, specificity 59.1%), whereas CA19-9 was the most specific with a cut-off of 51.3 U/mg creatinine (sensitivity 48.9%, specificity 88.0%). Urinary concentrations of biomarkers decreased after pyeloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of urinary biomarkers is useful in adults undergoing pyeloplasty. KIM-1, NGAL, and CA19-9 were elevated and significantly decreased after surgery.

Assessing the effects of modality of surgery on postoperative weight loss in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the early BMI changes postoperatively between patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). METHODS: Patients undergoing open NSS for a single renal tumor between 2010 and 2013 were retrospectively selected for the study. These patients were matched with RPN patients based on preoperative BMI and tumor R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score (1:1 matching). RESULTS: A total of 568 patients (284 pairs) met our inclusion criteria. The median time to lowest BMI was comparable between the OPN and RPN groups (24 vs. 29 days; p = 0.7). The mean BMI preservation was lower for the OPN group (96.8 ± 4.4 vs. 98.1 ± 4.7 %). On multivariable analysis after controlling for age, CCI, gender, tumor size, nephrometry score, estimated blood loss, occurrence of major complications and preoperative renal function, the modality of surgery favoring the RPN approach and the occurrence of major complications remained significant predictors for BMI preservation after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of major complications is associated with weight loss after NSS. Minimally invasive NSS delivered by RPN had lower impact on BMI loss in patients undergoing the procedure compared to OPN. This finding further suggests that RPN delivers minimally invasive surgery beyond the boundaries of just smaller incision sites.

Cryoablation versus Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T1b Renal Tumors: A Matched Group Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional treatment for a cT1b renal tumor has been radical nephrectomy. However, recent guidelines have shifted towards partial nephrectomy (PN) in selected patients with cT1b renal tumors. Furthermore, practitioners have extended the role of cryoablation (CA) to treat cT1b tumors in selected patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of CA compared to PN for cT1b renal tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either renal CA (laparoscopic or percutaneous) or PN (robot-assisted) for a cT1b renal mass (>4cm and ≤7cm) between November 1999 and August 2014. To reduce the inherent biases of a retrospective study, CA and PN groups were matched on the basis of key variables: tumor size, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative serum creatinine, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), gender, and solitary kidney. The matching algorithm was 1:1 genetic matching with no replacement. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Survival analysis was performed only for patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma according to histopathologic evaluation of a tumor biopsy or resected tumor specimen. Recurrence-free, overall, and cancer-specific survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Survival outcomes were compared between groups using the log-rank test. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 31 patients were treated using CA and 161 using PN during the study period. After matching, there was no significant difference between the PN and CA groups for tumor size (4.6 vs 4.3cm; p=0.076), CCI (6 vs 6; p=0.3), RENAL score (9 vs 8; p=0.1), age (68 vs 68 yr; p=0.9), BMI (30 vs 31kg/m2; p=0.2), ASA score (3 vs 3; p=0.3), preoperative creatinine (1.2 vs 1.4mg/dl; p=0.2), preoperative eGFR (63 vs 53ml/min/1.73 m2; p=0.2), and proportion of patients with a solitary kidney (19% vs 32%; p=0.4). The total postoperative complication rate was higher for PN than for CA (42% vs 23%; p=0.10). There was no significant difference in percentage eGFR preservation between PN and CA (89% vs 93%; p=0.5). The rate of local recurrence was significantly higher for CA than for PN (p=0.019). There was no significant difference in cancer-specific mortality (p=0.5) or overall mortality (p=0.15) between the CA and PN groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with CA for cT1b renal tumors had a significantly higher rate of local cancer recurrence at 1 yr compared to those treated with PN. Until further studies are performed to clearly define the role of CA in cT1b renal tumors, CA should be reserved for patients with imperative indications for nephron-sparing surgery who cannot be subjected to the risks of more invasive PN. PATIENT SUMMARY: We evaluated the efficacy of renal cryoablation compared to partial nephrectomy for clinical T1b renal tumors. The cryoablation and partial nephrectomy groups were matched to provide a better comparison. We concluded that renal cryoablation had a higher rate of local cancer recurrence.

Is Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Safe for T3a Renal Cell Carcinoma? Experience of a High-Volume Center.

PURPOSE: To compare the oncological and functional outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with radical nephrectomy (RN) in renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) cases with pT3a staging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our IRB-approved nephrectomy database from 2005 to 2015 was performed. RPN and RN cases with confirmed RCC and pT3a staging were matched. Preoperative variables, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared between the groups, as well as Kaplan-Meier estimated overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model for overall mortality rate was generated to evaluate hazard ratios (HRs) of potential risk factors. RESULTS: Seventy patients with pT3a tumors composed each group. Preoperative variables were comparable between groups. The median follow-up time for the cohort was 20 (9-38) months and the renal function preservation was higher in the RPN group (86% vs 70%; p < 0.001). The estimated 3 years of OS (90% vs 84%; p = 0.42), CSS (94% vs 95%; p = 0.78), and RFS (95% vs. 100%; p = 0.06) were similar between RPN and RN groups, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression model, the presence of ≥2 aggressive tumor features was the only factor associated with increased risk of overall mortality rate (HR 4.01 95% confidence interval [1.13, 14.27)]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients with localized pT3a RCC treated with RPN had similar short-term oncological and better renal functional outcomes compared with similar cases treated by RN. In the minimally invasive robotic surgery era, renal masses suspicious for pathological T3a disease should not be a deterring factor for performing nephron-sparing surgery when technically feasible by skilled surgeons.

Prognostic implications of sarcomatoid and rhabdoid differentiation in patients with grade 4 renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Sarcomatoid and rhabdoid differentiation are associated with poor outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We examined the impact of differentiation on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in surgically treated patients with grade 4 RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using our institutional database of 1176 nephrectomies from 2005 to 2013, we identified patients with grade 4 RCC or any grade and the presence of sarcomatoid or rhabdoid differentiation. We divided the cohort based on differentiation: no differentiation, rhabdoid only, sarcomatoid only, and sarcomatoid and rhabdoid. CSS was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling. RESULTS: Of 264 patients with grade 4 RCC, 159 (60.2 %) exhibited differentiation, including 45 (28.3 %) with rhabdoid only, 87 (54.7 %) with sarcomatoid only, and 27 (16.9 %) with rhabdoid and sarcomatoid. Sarcomatoid differentiation, either alone or with rhabdoid differentiation, was associated with worse median CSS than no differentiation (1.1 vs. 3.3 years, p < 0.01, and 0.9 vs. 3.3 years, p < 0.01, respectively). In patients with non-metastatic (HR 1.95, 95 % CI 1.19-3.19, p = 0.008) and metastatic (HR 2.22, 95 % CI 1.45-3.41, p < 0.001) RCC, sarcomatoid differentiation was associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific death. On multivariable analysis, sarcomatoid differentiation was an independent predictor of RCC death in patients with non-metastatic (HR 1.72, 95 % CI 1.04-2.84, p = 0.03) and metastatic (HR 1.74, 95 % CI 1.05-2.90, p = 0.03) disease. Rhabdoid differentiation alone was not associated with worse CSS (p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: In grade 4 RCC, sarcomatoid differentiation is associated with increased mortality risk across all stages of disease. Rhabdoid differentiation is not associated with additional mortality risk.

Race effects on pathological and functional outcomes after robotic partial nephrectomy in a single academic tertiary care center.

To explore the potential effects of race on pathological outcomes of renal tumor and on kidney function preservation in the patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) at our center. Retrospective review of our institutional review board approved database for African-American (AA) patients undergoing RPN from 2006 to 2014 was performed. AA and non-AA groups were compared with regards to demographics, tumor characteristics, functional data and, oncological outcomes. For functional outcomes, groups were matched (1:1) in terms of age, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and R.E.N.A.L score. From the total of 1005 patients, 84 were AA. Age and the tumor size were comparable between the two groups (2.7 vs. 3 cm; p = 0.29). Proportion of patients with papillary RCC was higher among AAs compared to non-AAs (43.3 vs. 19.4 %; p < 0.001). After matching AA patients with non-AA counterparts (1:1 matching), eGFR preservation at latest follow up after surgery was comparable between groups (84.3 vs. 85 %; p = 0.25). AA race (OR 3.62, p < 0.001), male gender (OR 2.05, p < 0.001) and low preoperative eGFR (OR 0.97, p < 0.001) were predictors of papillary RCC on multivariate analyses. The incidence of papillary RCC is higher in AA patients undergoing RPN. There was no difference in kidney function recovery after robotic partial nephrectomy in both AA and non-AA groups. AA race itself is not a significant factor in determining renal malignancy. Further studies are needed to clarify the impact of higher prevalence of papillary tumors in AA group in terms of long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Five-year Oncologic Outcomes After Transperitoneal Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is established as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing technique with excellent perioperative and intermediate oncologic outcomes. However, long-term oncologic outcomes have not been reported to date. OBJECTIVE: To report long-term oncologic outcomes of RPN. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing RPN from June 2006 to March 2010 were selected from our prospective RPN database. Patients with benign tumors, prior ipsilateral PN, or prior radical nephrectomy and those with follow-up of <1 mo were excluded. INTERVENTION: Transperitoneal RPN. OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), cancer-free survival (CFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis for overall mortality was performed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) for variables of interest. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In total, 115 RPNs for RCC were performed in 110 patients. The mean age was 59.8±11.0 yr and the median age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-5). The median tumor size was 2.6cm (IQR 2.0-3.7) and median RENAL score was 7 (IQR 6-9). Clear cell carcinoma was present in 67.8% of cases, and two cases (1.7%) had positive surgical margins. Glomerular filtration rate preservation was 87.8% (IQR 74.9-98.1), which translates to 19.1% chronic kidney disease upstaging. The median follow-up was 61.9 mo (IQR 50.9-71.4) and the 5-yr OS, CFS, and CSS were 91.1%, 97.8%, and 97.8%, respectively. On univariable logistic regression, ACCI was the only factor associated with a higher risk of overall mortality (OR 1.67, p=0.006). The retrospective design, the high surgical volume at our institution, and the potential selection bias with careful patient selection early in the RPN experience may limit the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study confirming excellent long-term oncologic outcomes after RPN in a selected cohort of patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a relatively recently developed treatment for renal cell carcinoma. This study confirms its safety and reports excellent long-term cancer control.

Is Extensive Parenchymal Resection During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Justified? A Match-Paired Comparison of Two Extirpative Surgical Modalities for Treatment of a Complex Renal Neoplasm.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients where nephron-sparing surgery would have mandated a large amount of renal volume resection. METHODS: Patients undergoing RPN with extensive volume resection (≥30%), from 2006 to 2014, were identified. Pre- and postoperative CT/MRI-based volumetric assessment of the operated kidney was performed. To address the possible benefits of RPN, we matched this cohort to patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). The groups were matched for tumor size, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI), and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Demographics, perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes were compared between the groups. Multivariable analysis of factors predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) upstaging (type of surgery, R.E.N.A.L. score, ACCI, and baseline eGFR) was performed. RESULTS: In total, 52 patients undergoing RPN were matched to 52 LRN patients. The median R.E.N.A.L. score (interquartile range) was 9 (9-10) for both groups. Demographic variables were comparable between the groups. The median renal volume preservation in the RPN group was 57.0% (47.2-67.2). The rates of overall and major complications were comparable between RPN and LRN. The RPN group had higher overall eGFR preservation (75.8% vs 68.5%; p = 0.01) and a lower rate of CKD upstaging (26.9% vs 50.6%; p = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, LRN and baseline eGFR were significant predictors of CKD upstaging (odds ratio [OR] 4.26; 95% CI [1.80-10.12]; p = 0.001 and OR 0.98; 95% CI [0.96-0.99]; p = 0.03, respectively). During the median follow-up time of 21 (9-36) months, local recurrence, metastasis, and cancer-specific and overall survival were comparable between RPN and LRN. CONCLUSION: RPN requiring extensive volume resection provides renal functional preservation without significant increase in surgical complications or compromising short-term oncologic outcomes.

Risks and Benefits of Pharmacological Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Patients Undergoing Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We investigate the safety and efficacy of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients treated with robotic partial nephrectomy at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined our robotic partial nephrectomy database for cases performed between 2006 and 2014. Clinical venous thromboembolism episodes within 6 months from surgery were documented. Patients were stratified according to the administration of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis into pharmacological prophylaxis (222) and no pharmacological prophylaxis (762) groups. The groups were compared in terms of perioperative outcomes, complications and adverse hemorrhagic events defined as the administration of 2 or more units of red blood cells, the need for vascular embolization or any procedures related to blood loss. RESULTS: There were no differences between the pharmacological prophylaxis and no pharmacological prophylaxis groups regarding mean operation time, median warm ischemia time and estimated blood loss. The rates of venous thromboembolism events were comparable between the groups (pharmacological prophylaxis 1.8% vs no pharmacological prophylaxis 2.1%, p=0.75). Overall 90% of venous thromboembolism events occurred within the first postoperative month. In the multivariable regression analysis encompassing pharmacological prophylaxis, perioperative aspirin intake, body mass index, operation time, Charlson comorbidity index, fellowship training and tumor complexity, operation time (OR 1.06, p=0.009) and Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.28, p <0.0001) were associated with adverse hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of pharmacological prophylaxis did not increase the rate of adverse hemorrhagic events. Isolated inpatient administration of pharmacological prophylaxis after robotic partial nephrectomy does not appear to protect against venous thromboembolism postoperatively in that the majority of venous thromboembolism events occurred within the first 30 days after surgery. Longer duration of pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after robotic partial nephrectomy should be considered.