Outcomes of high-complexity renal tumours with a Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score of ≥10 after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with a median 46.5-month follow-up: a tertiary centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To compare perioperative trifecta achievement and long-term oncological and functional outcomes between patients with renal tumours of low [Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score 6-7], intermediate (PADUA score 8-9) and high (PADUA score ≥10) complexity undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), and to determine predictors for trifecta achievement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively analysed from 295 patients, who underwent RAPN, between 2006 and 2015, at a high-volume tertiary centre. Trifecta achievement was the primary outcome measurement. The perioperative parameters and long-term oncological and functional outcomes were the secondary outcome measures. Groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test or chi-square test. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the most important determinant variables associated with trifecta accomplishment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and cancer-free survival (CFS). RESULTS: Of the 295 patients, 121 (41%) had a PADUA score of ≥10. Patients in the high-complexity PADUA group had larger tumours (P ≤ 0.001), higher clinical stages ≥T1b (P < 0.001), an increased risk of malignancy (P = 0.02), longer warm ischaemia time (P = 0.0030), and higher estimated blood loss (P = 0.001) compared with those in the intermediate- and low-complexity groups. Seven of eight patients who were converted to radical nephrectomy had high-complexity tumours (P = 0.02). Trifecta achievement was less in the high-complexity PADUA group (P < 0.001). Renal functional outcomes did not differ among the groups at follow-up (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for OS (P = 0.314), CSS (P = 0.228) and CFS (P = 0.532). In multivariable analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, operative time and tumour size were independent predictors of trifecta achievement (P = 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: High-complexity PADUA tumours are associated with a lower rate of trifecta achievement; however, long-term oncological and functional outcomes seem to be equivalent among high-, intermediate-, and low-complexity tumours. Despite the perioperative outcomes; high-complexity tumours can be handled successfully via the robotic approach and the improved long-term oncological and functional outcomes might be considered useful for patients counselling.

Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site transumbilical partial nephrectomy: functional and oncologic outcomes at 2 years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional and oncologic outcomes of robotic laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) partial nephrectomy with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients who had undergone robotic LESS partial nephrectomy were identified with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Perioperative data were recorded along with functional and oncologic outcomes. Patient's estimated glomerular filtration rate was determined using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. A univariate analysis was performed using independent samples t test. Data are presented as medians with interquartile range and counts or frequencies with percentages or proportion. RESULTS: The median age was 51 (45, 59). The median resected tumor size was 3 cm (2, 3.7), and the median operative time was 185 minutes (135, 237). The median estimated blood loss was 150 mL (70, 150), and the median warm ischemia time was 25 minutes (17, 35). The estimated glomerular filtration rate did not change significantly at 24 month follow-up with a mean decrease of 6.4 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (-7.5%, P = .22). Renal cell carcinoma was confirmed in 33 patients (85%) with tumor stage pT1a in 26 patients (78%). There was 1 patient with a positive surgical margin. At a median follow-up of 26 months (24, 32), there was no local recurrence and only 1 distant recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: This study appears to be the first to report on intermediate term functional and oncologic outcomes after robotic LESS partial nephrectomy. It has shown comparable results with other minimal invasive surgical options.

A comparison of long term renal functional outcomes following partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation.

INTRODUCTION: To compare long term glomerular filtration rate (GFR) outcomes of partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation performed for renal malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal function of 347 patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (n = 142) or partial nephrectomy (n = 205) for renal malignancy between 1994 and 2011 were compared from a retrospective database at a single tertiary care center. Minimum 1 year of follow up was required, resulting in a mean follow up of 48.2 (SD +/- 28.2) months. Renal function was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The primary study outcome was progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage, calculated using the Kaplan-Meier life table method. Multivariate analysis was also conducted to determine the level of association between GFR decline and treatment modality. RESULTS: The 5 year freedom from CKD stage progression for radiofrequency ablation and partial nephrectomy was 85.4% (95% CI 76.8%-91.1%) versus 82.1% (95% CI 73.7%-88.1%) (p = 0.06). A longer follow up interval was associated with greater GFR decline, although hypertension, diabetes, age, and tumor size were not. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation provides similar long term renal function preservation benefit as partial nephrectomy.

Feasibility of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy for renal tumors >4 cm.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) urologic procedures have gained significant interest worldwide in an attempt to further reduce morbidity and minimize scarring associated with conventional laparoscopic surgery. The robotic technology has overcome some of the limitations of manual single-incision surgery relating to lack of triangulation, instrument collision, and surgical exposure. There are no data on robotic LESS partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal tumors >4 cm. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of robotic LESS PN for renal tumors >4 cm. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data from 67 consecutive patients who underwent robotic LESS PN were collected between May 2009 to January 2011. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Patients were stratified into two groups: 20 patients with renal tumors >4 cm (group 1) and 47 patients with renal tumors ≤ 4 cm (group 2). Perioperative data were recorded and comparisons between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in demographic information, operative complications, pathologic characteristics, mean decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate, estimated blood loss, operative times, conversion rate, or positive surgical margins. However, group 1 had a higher mean nephrometry score (p<0.01), longer warm ischemia time (p = 0.007), and longer length of stay (p = 0.046). Its retrospective design and being conducted at a single center were the main limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of robotic LESS PN for tumors >4 cm. Patients with tumors >4 cm had a statistically significant, higher mean nephrometry score, longer warm ischemia time, and longer length of stay, but there was no increased risk of adverse outcomes. A long-term study is needed to confirm the durable renal preservation and oncologic outcomes for patients with larger tumor burden.