Minimally invasive surgical management of pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction: update on the current status of robotic-assisted pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is characterized by a functionally significant impairment of urinary transport caused by intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction in the area where the ureter joins the renal pelvis. The majority of cases are congenital in origin; however, acquired conditions at the level of the ureteropelvic junction may also present with symptoms and signs of obstruction. Historically, open pyeloplasty and endoscopic techniques have been the main surgical options with the intent of complete excision or incision of the obstruction. The advent of laparoscopy and robotic-assisted applications has allowed for minimally invasive reconstructive surgery that mirrors open surgical techniques. AIMS We review the current status of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and report on the result, continuing evolution, and potential role for this surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the recent literature encompassing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted pyeloplasty was conducted with particular attention to operative techniques, surgical outcomes, and complication rates. RESULTS: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches are able to duplicate the open technique, and not surprisingly, are now being shown to be as efficacious as the gold standard open approach. The laparoscopic remains technically challenging due to the high proficiency level required for intracorporeal suturing, although added experience has resulted in shorter operative times. The advent of robotics has further expanded the breadth of this reconstructive procedure while preserving the benefits of decreased pain, shorter hospitalization, rapid convalescence, and an improved cosmetic result. DISCUSSION: The introduction of robotics to the field of minimally invasive surgery facilitates this procedure and may allow for more widespread implementation by surgeons of varying skill levels. These benefits must be balanced against the increased costs of the robotic platform. CONCLUSION: Clinical reports have demonstrated that robotic-assisted pyeloplasty is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction in short term studies. Additional studies with prolonged follow-up will ultimately provide valuable information as to the long-term efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Vascular anomalies during laparoscopic renal surgery: incidence and management of left-sided inferior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) is an unusual abnormality that may be clinically significant during renal surgery. METHODS: We report the unique case of a patient with a centrally located left renal mass who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. During the hilar dissection, unusual vascular anatomy was encountered. The patient was noted to have a left-sided inferior vena cava with multiple renal veins and anomalous tributaries. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed without complication. DISCUSSION: The embryology of a left-sided inferior vena cava is reviewed, and the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic approach is discussed.

Critical analysis of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in the setting of complex renal vasculature: initial experience and intermediate outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) in the setting of complex renal vasculature and critically analyze the technique and intermediate recipient outcomes. METHODS: Thirty-nine living renal donors with multiple renal arteries or veins, or anomalous venous anatomy, who underwent LDN between 2003 and 2007 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and perioperative data were collected on donors and recipients. RESULTS: Complex vasculature consisted of multiple renal arteries in 26 cases (67%), multiple renal veins in 10 cases (26%), retroaortic renal vein in 5 cases (13%), circumaortic renal vein in 4 cases (10%), and a persistent left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) in 1 case (3%). Thirty-four (87%) patients had a single anomaly and five (13%) had multiple anomalies. Mean operative time was 196.3 minutes (range 135-311 minutes), mean blood loss was 99.4 mL (range 25-400 mL), and mean hospitalization period was 2.6 days (range 1-4 days). Donor creatinine preoperatively and at discharge was 0.8 mg/dL and 1.2 mg/dL, respectively. Mean warm ischemia time was 168.9 seconds (range 90-300 seconds). Mean recipient creatinine at the time of discharge was 1.45 mg/dL, and nadir creatinine at 1 and 2 years follow-up was 1.41 mg/dL and 1.30 mg/dL, respectively. There were three (7.7%) intraoperative complications and two (5%) cases of allograft failure over the 2-year period. CONCLUSIONS: LDN in patients with complex vascular anatomy is safe and efficacious and does not negatively impact the complication rate or recipient outcomes. This procedure may improve the availability of allografts.

Paraneoplastic hypertension associated with renal oncocytoma: management with cryoablation.

Paraneoplastic hypertension associated with a renal oncocytoma is an unreported syndrome. We report a unique case of a patient with multidrug-resistant hypertension who was found to have a solitary renal mass. Cryoablation was performed and resulted in an immediate and dramatic decrease in blood pressure. Histologic review of intraoperative biopsy specimens revealed findings consistent with renal oncocytoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hypertension in the setting of a renal oncocytoma, with subsequent improvement of this paraneoplastic syndrome after cryoablation.

Cryoablation of small renal tumors in patients with solitary kidneys: initial experience.

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of renal cryoablation in patients with solitary kidneys with the goals of tumor destruction and maximal renal parenchymal preservation. Methods. Eleven patients with single tumors were treated with cryoablation, of which 10 patients had solitary kidneys and 1 had a nonfunctioning contralateral kidney. All procedures were performed via an open extraperitoneal approach; ten tumors were treated with in-situ cryoablation and 1 tumor was treated with cryo-assisted partial nephrectomy. Results. Cryoablation was successfully performed without any preoperative complications. Mean patient age was 62.4 years (range 49-79), tumor location included: 6 (upper pole), 2 (mid-kidney), 3 (lower pole). The mean and median tumor size was 2.6 cm and 2.8 cm (range 1.2-4.3 cm), mean operative time 205 minutes (range 180-270 minutes), blood loss 98.5 ml (range 40-250 ml), and hospitalization 4.6 days (range 3-8 days). Creatinine values included: preoperative 1.43 mg/dL (range 1.2-1.9), postoperative 1.67 mg/dL (range 1.5-2.5), and nadir 1.57 mg/dL (range 1.3-2.1). All patients were followed postoperatively with magnetic resonance imaging for surveillance. At a median follow-up of 43 months, 9 patients had no evidence of recurrence, 1 patient has an enhancing indeterminate area, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion. Intermediate-term results suggest that renal cryoablation offers a feasible alternative for patients that require a maximal nephron-sparing effort with preservation of renal function and minimal risk of tumor recurrence.

Adrenal-preserving minimally invasive surgery: update on the current status of laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy.

Adrenalectomy is the standard of care for hormonally active adrenal masses. In recent years, minimally invasive laparoscopic excision has become a preferred management option. As with advances in parenchymal-sparing renal surgery, investigators have begun to examine adrenal-sparing procedures to preserve functional adrenal tissue. This article reviews the recent literature and reports on intermediate results with laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA).

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma: diagnosis and management.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas (EAPs) may arise in any portion of the paraganglion system, though they most commonly occur below the diaphragm, frequently in the organ of Zuckerkandl. EAPs probably represent at least 15% of adult and 30% of childhood pheochromocytomas, as opposed to the traditional teaching that 10% of all pheochromocytomas are at extra-adrenal sites. They may be malignant in up to 40% of the cases, though conflicting data add to the uncertainty of this point. Patients with EAPs may present with headache, palpitations, sweating, or hypertension. A small percent of patients may also be asymptomatic at presentation due to nonfunctional tumors. The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating elevated blood and urine levels of catecholamines and their metabolites. Imaging studies to evaluate for EAPs include CT, MRI, and (131)I-labelled metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Preoperative pharmacologic preparation, attentive intraoperative monitoring, and aggressive surgical therapy have important roles in achieving successful outcomes. Recent reports suggest that a laparoscopic approach, along with intraoperative ultrasound, can safely remove these tumors. EAPs recur and metastasize more often than their adrenal counterparts, making lifelong follow-up essential.