Renal Cell Carcinoma on the Native Kidney Following Kidney Transplantation.

A 48-year-old man with histories of IgA nephropathy for 33 years, hemodialysis for 29 years, and a kidney transplant from a deceased donor 5 years ago was admitted to our institute complaining of high fever and back pain. Although repeated follow-up of computed tomography failed to detect any de novo issues, he was eventually diagnosed as a renal cell carcinoma with multiple metastases, developing from his native-acquired cystic disease kidney with multiple cysts using a positron emission tomography. We should be cautious of de novo renal cell carcinoma in kidney transplantation recipients, and careful follow-up might be helpful to detect it.

Significance of PSA Screening in Niigata, Japan: Survey of Actual Status of New Cases of Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the utility of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening by conducting an all-case survey of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients at Niigata Prefecture, Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Depending on whether patients were subjected to screening, information was prospectively collected on all prostate cancer patients newly diagnosed between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, at all institutions in Niigata Prefecture where urologists performing prostate biopsy routinely work and differences in clinical parameters were investigated. RESULTS: PSA was measured in 478 out of 1332 patients (35.8%) as part of a community health screening. The rate of metastatic carcinoma (M1) in all patients was 14.9%. When patients were divided into three categories of population-based screening (community health screening and workplace health screening), opportunistic screening (PSA measurements at complete medical check-ups or on patient request), and testing triggered by clinical symptoms or findings, the proportion of metastatic cancer was 4.5%, 3.7%, and 30.6%, respectively, demonstrating that the number of distant metastases was significantly lesser in all patients who underwent screening. CONCLUSION: The one-year all-case survey of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients demonstrated that PSA screening significantly contributed to the early diagnosis of current prostate cancer in Japan.

Impact of urgent resuscitative surgery for life-threatening torso trauma.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the advantages of performing urgent resuscitative surgery (URS) in the emergency department (ED); namely, our URS policy, to avoid a delay in hemorrhage control for patients with severe torso trauma and unstable vital signs. METHODS: We divided 264 eligible cases into a URS group (n = 97) and a non-URS group (n = 167) to compare, retrospectively, the observed survival rate with the predicted survival using the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS). RESULTS: While the revised trauma score and the injury severity score were significantly lower in the URS group than in the non-URS group, the observed survival rate was significantly higher than the predicted rate in the URS (48.5 vs. 40.2%; p = 0.038). URS group patients with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg and a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of ≥9 had significantly higher observed survival rates than predicted survival rates (0.433 vs. 0.309, p = 0.008), (0.795 vs. 0.681, p = 0.004). The implementation of damage control surgery (DCS) was found to be a significant predictor of survival (OR 5.23, 95% CI 0.113-0.526, p < 0.010). CONCLUSION: The best indications for the URS policy are an SBP <90 mmHg, a GCS ≥9 on ED arrival, and/or the need for DCS. By implementing our URS policy, satisfactory survival of patients requiring immediate hemostatic surgery was achieved.

Trousseau's syndrome caused by bladder cancer producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and parathyroid hormone-related protein: A case report.

The present study reports a rare case of bladder cancer that caused Trousseau's syndrome, a malignancy-associated hypercoagulative state leading to venous or arterial thrombosis. A 38-year-old Japanese female patient experienced a sudden onset of visual field defects and lower limb weakness. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed multi-regional hypointense areas compatible with acute cerebral infarction. Despite the repeated administration of anticoagulant treatment with heparin, the condition could not be adequately controlled and thromboembolic events occasionally recurred. Several tumor markers, including carbohydrate antigen 19-9, cancer antigen 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 19 fragment and squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels, were elevated. Consequently, computed tomography scans were performed, which revealed a massive bladder tumor with multiple bone and lymph node metastases. The patient also exhibited other paraneoplastic disorders, including leukocytosis due to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) production, and hypercalcemia due to parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) production. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed, and the tumor was pathologically confirmed as urothelial cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical testing revealed positive staining for G-CSF and PTHrP. Despite undergoing gemcitabine/cisplatin-based systemic chemotherapy, the disease developed rapidly and the patient succumbed to the disease within 3 months of initial symptoms. The present case indicates that occult visceral malignancy should be considered in patients with unexplained thromboembolism.

Analysis of repeated 24-core saturation prostate biopsy: Inverse association between asymptomatic histological inflammation and prostate cancer detection.

Saturation prostate biopsy protocols have been developed to improve the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate, particularly in the setting of repeat biopsies. The present study attempted to clarify the association between PCa detection and various risk factors in repeat saturation biopsies. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 Japanese patients for whom findings had caused suspicion of PCa despite previous negative prostate biopsies, and who consecutively underwent a 24-core transperineal repeat biopsy at Toyama University Hospital (Toyama, Japan). PCa was confirmed histologically in 16 of the 78 patients (20.5%). A univariate analysis revealed that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at repeat biopsy was higher (P<0.01), the fPSA/tPSA ratio was lower (P=0.04), the total prostate volume was smaller (P=0.01) and the PSA density was higher (P<0.01) in PCa patients than in patients with benign prostatic disease (BPD). Histological inflammation was more frequently observed in BPD patients than in PCa patients (P<0.01). A multivariate analysis revealed that histological inflammation was the only independent predictor of the presence of a malignant lesion on repeat biopsy (odds ratio, 0.027; P=0.01). It must be considered that inflammation may cause a PSA increase in some patients with a negative initial biopsy, leading to unnecessary repeat biopsy.

Dispatch of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Via Advanced Automatic Collision Notification.

BACKGROUND: Advanced automatic collision notification (AACN) is a system for predicting occupant injury from collision information. If the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) physician can be alerted by AACN, it may be possible to reduce the time to patient contact. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to validate the feasibility of early HEMS dispatch via AACN. METHODS: A full-scale validation study was conducted. A car equipped with AACN was made to collide with a wall. Immediately after the collision, the HEMS was alerted directly by the operation center, which received the information from AACN. Elapsed times were recorded and compared with those inferred from the normal, real-world HEMS emergency request process. RESULTS: AACN information was sent to the operation center only 7 s after the collision; the HEMS was dispatched after 3 min. The helicopter landed at the temporary helipad 18 min later. Finally, medical intervention was started 21 min after the collision. Without AACN, it was estimated that the HEMS would be requested 14 min after the collision by fire department personnel. The start of treatment was estimated to be at 32 min, which was 11 min later than that associated with the use of AACN. CONCLUSIONS: The dispatch of the HEMS using the AACN can shorten the start time of treatment for patients in motor vehicle collisions. This study demonstrated that it is feasible to automatically alert and activate the HEMS via AACN.

The Pedicled Omental Flap Technique for Treating Extensive Defects or Soft-Tissue Infection of the Pelvic Area: A Report of 2 Cases.

Severe trauma injuries, such as open pelvic fractures and degloving injuries, have recently become salvageable. However, extensive soft-tissue defects often remain and can lead to disuse atrophy of the extremities, prolonged hospital stays, and numerous other problems. Such injuries can be easily and effectively treated by a general trauma surgeon performing the pedicled omental flap technique. We report on 2 highly diverse and complicated cases of soft-tissue defect that were both successfully treated with this technique. One case was an extensive right-sided defect of the pelvic soft-tissue in a 20-year-old woman. The other case was in a 55-year-old man who underwent emergency artificial vessel replacement surgery for a femoral artery tear with severe damage to the surrounding muscle. Although the surgery was successful, a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection developed around the artificial vessel 10 days after surgery. In both cases, the pedicled omental flap technique was successfully performed and yielded epithelization without serious infection and with the infection subsiding with wound-area healing. To our knowledge, the pedicled omental flap technique has rarely been used to treat severe trauma, and our results suggest its usefulness for both preventing infection in large wounds and healing infected wounds.

Evaluation of the safety and feasibility of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is one of the ultimately invasive procedures for managing a noncompressive torso injury. Since it is less invasive than resuscitative open aortic cross-clamping, its clinical application is expected. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the safety and clinical feasibility of REBOA (intra-aortic occlusion balloon, MERA, Tokyo, Japan) using the Seldinger technique to control severe hemorrhage. Of 5,230 patients admitted to our trauma center in Japan from 2007 to 2013, we included 24 who underwent REBOA primarily. The indications for REBOA were a pelvic ring fracture or hemoperitoneum with hemodynamically instability and impending cardiac arrest. Emergency hemostasis was performed during REBOA in all patients. RESULTS: All 24 patients had a blunt injury, the median age was 59 (interquartile range, 41-71 years), the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 47 (interquartile range, 37-52), the 30-day survival rate was 29.2% (n = 7), and the median probability survival rate was 12.5%. Indications for REBOA were hemoperitoneum and pelvic ring fracture in 15 cases and overlap in 8 cases. In 10 cases of death, the balloon could not be deflated in 5 cases. In 19 cases in which the balloon was deflated, the median duration of aortic occlusion was shorter in survivors than in deaths (21 minutes vs. 35 minutes, p = 0.05). The mean systolic blood pressure was significantly increased by REBOA (from 53.1 [21] mm Hg to 98.0 [26.6] mm Hg, p < 0.01). There were three cases with complications (12.5%), one external iliac artery injury and two lower limb ischemias in which lower limb amputation was necessary in all cases. Acute kidney injury developed in all three cases, but failure was not persistent. CONCLUSION: REBOA seems to be feasible for trauma resuscitation and may improve survivorship. However, the serious complication of lower limb ischemia warrants more research on its safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management, level V.

Development of an educational program for the helicopter emergency medical services in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: The Japanese helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) system provides advanced prehospital treatment at the scene. The education of the dispatched HEMS physicians is important for guaranteeing the quality of medical and safety management, but there is no nationally established training program. This study aimed to determine the validity of the HEMS educational program developed by our team. METHODS: A 3-step educational program was designed for HEMS trainees: step 1, 20 HEMS missions as an observer; step 2, 80 missions of on-the-job training; and step 3, certifying examination conducted by a supervisor. As an evaluation standard, scene time, defined as time from landing at the scene to taking off for a hospital, was determined retrospectively. RESULTS: For trainees, scene time was significantly longer (16.3 ± 5.4 min, 95% CI 15.5-17.1) than for experts (doctors who completed >200 HEMS missions; 15.2 ± 6.7 min, 95% CI 14.7-15.8; P = 0.040) but was significantly shorter than for doctors trained before establishment of the HEMS program (17.5 ± 7.0 min, 95% CI 16.9-18.2; P = 0.030). In cases of trauma or intrinsic disease, there was no significant difference in scene time between trainees (17.4 ± 5.6 min and 14.9 ± 4.8 min, respectively) and experts (16.4 ± 7.8 min and 14.2 ± 5.5 min, respectively). CONCLUSION: The finding that scene time was shortened for program trainees demonstrates the validity of our HEMS educational program. The quality of HEMS missions will be better ensured through this educational system.

Laparoscopic resection of adrenal and extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic resection of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (EAPs) necessitates meticulous surgical procedures because of changes in anatomic disposition and/or proximity to major blood vessels. Complete resection can be traumatic and may cause an increase in catecholamine levels. We present our experiences with laparoscopic resection of EAP (LEAP) and compare the intraoperative hemodynamics with those during laparoscopic resection of adrenal pheochromocytoma (LAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of five patients who underwent LEAP (retrocaval EAP, n=2; interaortocaval EAP, n=1; periadrenal EAP, n=2) and five who underwent LAP between October 2001 and October 2011. We also evaluated fluctuations in blood pressure (BP) reported during both surgeries. RESULTS: The tumors were successfully resected under laparoscopic guidance in both groups, and conversion to open surgery or blood transfusion was not needed. Intraoperative hypertension (BP>200 mm Hg) was observed in three LEAP and four LAP patients, whereas intraoperative hypotension (BP<80 mm Hg) was observed in five LEAP and three LAP patients. No significant differences were observed between groups, however. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is the method of choice for surgeons experienced in EAP resection because it is feasible and reproducible with appropriate preoperative planning, similar to LAP.

Early quality of life outcomes in patients with prostate cancer managed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early quality of life outcomes in prostate cancer patients managed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with cT1c-T3aN0M0 prostate cancer treated between July 2007 and January 2010 were included in this study. The average age was 69 years, and the average initial serum prostate-specific antigen was 10.98 ng/mL. A total of 25, 18 and eight patients were considered to be low, intermediate and high risk, respectively. All patients received one implant of Ir-192 and seven fractions of 6.5 Gy within 3.5 days for a total prescribed dose of 45.5 Gy. For high-risk prostate cancer, neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was carried out for at least 6 months, and continued after high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Quality of life outcomes were measured by using the International Prostate Symptom Score, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate and the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire. The oncological outcome was assessed by serum prostate-specific antigen and diagnostic imaging. Adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate scores decreased for a few months after high-dose-rate brachytherapy, and recovered to pretreatment condition thereafter. The International Prostate Symptom Score significantly increased 2 weeks after treatment for each of its items and their sum, and it returned to baseline after 12 weeks. Sexual function decreased at 2 and 4 weeks, and recovered after 12 weeks. Severe complications were rare. Within a median follow up of 17.2 months, two patients showed a prostate-specific antigen recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a feasible treatment modality with acceptable toxicity and only a limited impact on the quality of life.

Efficacy of laparoendoscopic single-site biopsy for diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumor of unknown origin.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: When percutaneous image-guided biopsies are not possible for retroperitoneal tumor of unknown origin (RTUO), surgical tissue diagnosis becomes necessary. Laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery are current standard treatments; however, the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach offers many potential benefits. We describe our technique for LESS biopsy of RTUO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients underwent LESS biopsy for diagnosis of RTUO. A multichannel port was inserted into the peritoneal or retroperitoneal space through a 3-cm skin incision, which adequately exposed the retroperitoneal tumor. The specimen was grasped and isolated circumferentially from the surrounding tissue. RESULTS: LESS surgery was performed successfully without any complications such as open conversion. Mean operative time was 183 min and estimated blood loss was negligible. The diagnoses were IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (n = 4) and lymphoma (n = 1). Sufficient specimens were safely obtained not only for pathological diagnosis but also for further examinations such as immunophenotyping or DNA analysis. Convalescence was satisfactory. All patients were treated appropriately according to the resulting diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: LESS biopsy for RTUO is a safe and effective alternative to open surgical and standard laparoscopic biopsies. Further studies of clinical experiences are needed to confirm the benefits of this new technique.

Selective renal parenchymal clamping in retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Herein, we report our experience with retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) without hilar occlusion by the use of a laparoscopic clamp to induce selective regional ischemia. METHODS: A 48-year-old woman was referred for a left upper polar renal mass, which was suspected to be malignant. The contralateral kidney revealed severe atrophy, and she was scheduled to undergo RPN using a laparoscopic clamp to induce selective regional ischemia. At first, the kidney is fully mobilized within the retroperitoneal space. Thereafter, the laparoscopic clamp is applied directly to the kidney, about 1 cm below the resection line. When closed, the renal parenchyma is compressed, so that blood supply to the tumor is interrupted. The preserved portion of the kidney is perfused normally, and it is possible to remove the tumor in a bloodless field without involving warm ischemia. RESULTS: Renal hilar clamping was avoided, with minimal estimated blood loss. There was no perioperative complication, and the final pathology revealed a hemorrhagic renal cyst. The radioisotope absorption of the enucleated kidney was well maintained, except for the marginal area of the enucleated site. The renogram pattern was found to be equivocal when compared with the preoperative renogram. CONCLUSION: Regional renal parenchymal clamping during RPN can be safely and effectively used to create a bloodless operative field. Moreover, our preliminary experience demonstrates that this technique facilitates maximal nephron-sparing surgery for patients with an anatomically or functionally solitary kidney, without involving warm ischemia.

Use of the Laparoscope Holder for Liver Retraction during Urological Laparoscopic Surgery.

PURPOSE: During laparoscopy, as in open surgery, exposure is critical. Here, we describe the use of a laparoscope holder to facilitate the liver lift during urological laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy (n = 3), partial nephrectomy (n = 1), and adrenalectomy (n = 2) were performed with 4 ports. At the beginning of the operation, the small snake retractor was placed through the 5-mm port under direct vision and the liver was lifted in the appropriate direction to optimize exposure. RESULTS: The laparoscope holder provided quick, reproducible retraction to facilitate exposure. No complications occurred with its use. The device reduced the need for a dedicated second assistant to stand bedside. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved significant improvements in the safety and efficiency of liver retraction during urological laparoscopic surgery using the laparoscope holder.

Laparoscopic resection of retrocaval paraganglioma.

OBJECTIVES: Definitive treatment of paraganglioma is by surgical resection. Laparoscopic resection of the paraganglioma presents a unique surgical challenge due to inherent risks associated with excessive catecholamine release during surgical manipulation and variable anatomic presentation. In this report, we present our experience with the laparoscopic resection of the retrocaval paraganglioma. METHODS: Between October 2001 and November 2007, 2 patients underwent the laparoscopic resection of a retrocaval paraganglioma. In both cases, the tumors were located just behind the inferior vena cava (IVC) without evidence of vessel-wall invasion. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 47 and 44 mm, respectively. There was extrinsic compression of the IVC in an anterior direction by the tumor. To expose the tumor surface completely, the IVC was mobilized medially. Thereafter, we proceeded with dissection of the posterior attachment of the tumor by using a Harmonic Scalpel (Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH). Finally, the tumor and the right adrenal gland were extracted in an endobag. RESULTS: In both cases, the tumors were successfully removed laparoscopically without the need for conversion or blood transfusion. The operative time was 440 and 195 minutes, respectively. There were no significant postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the laparoscopic resection of a retrocaval paraganglioma. For the resection of a paraganglioma, in this location, laparoscopy has the advantage of precise visualization, which helps to resect the tumor completely. Laparoscopic resection of a paraganglioma, despite the high level of compression of the IVC, is a feasible, reproducible technique with appropriate preoperative planning.

Role of resuscitative emergency field thoracotomy in the Japanese helicopter emergency medical service system.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether emergency thoracotomy (ET) performed in pre-hospital settings contributed to saving the lives of blunt trauma patients with impending or recent cardiac arrest. METHODS: Eighty-one consecutive cardiac arrest patients with blunt trauma were performed ET before or after arrival at the emergency department (ED). These were reviewed retrospectively and were classified into the following three groups: (1) an emergency field thoracotomy was performed (EFT group, n=34); (2) a doctor dispatched to the scene, but the thoracotomy was performed in the ED (EDT-a group, n=10); and (3) no doctor dispatched to the scene, and the thoracotomy was performed in the ED (EDT-b group, n=37). The patients in the EFT and EDT-a groups were managed within the Japanese helicopter emergency medical service system with a doctor dispatched to the scene. RESULT: The time between the arrival of the EMT at the scene and the start of the thoracotomy was significantly shorter in the EFT group than in the EDT-b group (19.2+/-7.9 min vs. 30.7+/-6.8 min, p<0.001). In the EFT group, the "ICU admission" rate was significantly higher among the patients who experienced cardiac arrest after the EMT arrival than among the patients who experienced cardiac arrest before the EMT arrival (70% vs. 8%, p=0.001). Unfortunately, however, there were no survivors in this series. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that "early access" to a doctor's expertise and the performance of an "emergency field thoracotomy" might be two important factors for improving the possibility of saving the lives of blunt trauma patients with impending or recent cardiac arrest.