Long-term results of nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma in 114 patients: risk factors for progressive disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate risk factors for metastatic disease after nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: NSS for RCC was used 117 times in 114 patients at our institution; 61 had a normal contralateral kidney and were selected for elective NSS, and in 56 cases (53 patients) the indication for NSS was imperative. Univariate and multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for metastatic disease. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 80 months, there was tumour progression in 17 of the 114 patients (15%). In the univariate analysis, the tumour diameter (P = 0.03) and imperative indication (P = 0.009), and in multiple regression analysis only imperative indication, were significant risk factors for metastatic disease (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Elective NSS for RCC provides excellent long-term results in selected patients, whereas those undergoing NSS imperatively are at a significantly higher risk of metastatic disease and require a close follow-up.

Angiomyolipoma with a caval thrombus.

We report the case of a female patient presenting with flank pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a tumor of 8 cm in diameter. After abdominal computerized tomography, the tumor was classified as angiomyolipoma with a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. After nephrectomy, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. To our knowledge, this is the 11th case of a renal angiomyolipoma extending into the vena cava.

Value of transrectal ultrasound in preoperative staging of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare preoperative transrectal ultrasound findings with final histopathological stage after radical prostatectomy to determine the value of TRUS in preoperative staging of prostate cancer. METHODS: The evaluation was performed as a retrospective study. In 114 radical prostatectomy specimens the histopathological, ultrasound and rectal digital findings were correlated. Mean age of patients was 63 years and in all patients a radical retropubic prostatectomy was performed. RESULTS: Organ confined PC was found correctly with TRUS in 68% and capsular penetration in 32%. Corresponding findings with digital rectal examination (DRE) were 68% and 17% respectively. Sensitivity of TRUS in organ confined PC (T1-2) was 66.1% (DRE 68.5%), specificity 32.6% (DRE 20%) and positive predictive value 55.7% (DRE 49.3%). Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of TRUS for stage T3 (a,b,c) were 32.6%, 68.4% and 45.5% respectively. A separate evaluation of stage T3c revealed for TRUS: sensitivity 41.2%, specificity 81.8% and positive predictive value 36.8%. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this retrospective analysis, and due to the low sensitivity and specificity, TRUS is not suitable for adequate preoperative staging of prostatic cancer.

The determination of metabolite M17 and its meaning for immunosuppressive cyclosporin therapy.

Cyclosporin A (CyA) is intensively metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome p450 III monooxygenase A system in the human liver, the most important metabolites being M1, M17, and M21. Because CyA and its metabolites have nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic side effects, CyA dosage must be calculated to avoid the risk of organ rejection through underdosage and toxic organ damage through overdosage or accumulation of metabolites. In this study, we determined the whole-blood concentrations of cyclosporin and metabolite M17 by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and by monoclonal specific and polyclonal nonspecific fluorescence polarization immunoassay (Abbott) in patients after immunosuppressive treatment. Patients with different resorption and metabolization rates showed high individual variations. CyA concentrations in patients with good liver function and low concentrations of CyA metabolites showed a good correlation between the HPLC and the FPIA (TDx-monoclonal assay) methods in ranges between 25 and 180 ng/mL. TDx-monoclonal was not always as precise as HPLC. In cases of metabolic disorders, we found false high CyA concentrations assayed with the immunologic method, caused by a crossreaction of the elevated metabolite concentration. We found that HPLC rendered more information about the extent of immunosuppressive activity and the metabolization rate and showed a good correlation with the concentration of metabolite M17 and total metabolites measured with the Abbott CyA polyclonal kit.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging of human renal allografts during the post-transplant period: preliminary observations.

Graft dysfunction is a common occurrence during the first weeks following renal transplantation. The current study was designed to evaluate the potential of renal magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging to differentiate acute allograft rejection (AAR) from acute tubular necrosis (ATN) during the post-transplant period. Twenty-three consecutive patients with clinically suspected ATN and/or AAR and eight consecutive control patients (asymptomatic, serum creatinine concentration < 1.5 mg/dL) underwent MR perfusion imaging of the renal allograft within 64 days after transplantation. Histopathology was obtained in all cases with clinical suspicion of ATN or AAR. Sixty sequential fast gradient-recalled-echo MR images were acquired in each patient after intravenous administration of gadolinium-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg). Histopathology revealed 6 patients with pure AAR, 4 patients with a combination of AAR and ATN, 12 patients with ATN and 1 patient with normal findings. Kidney graft recipients with normal renal function showed a moderate increase in signal intensity (SI) of the renal cortex and medulla after administration of contrast agent followed by an immediate and short decrease in SI of the medulla (biphasic medullary enhancement pattern). The increase in cortical SI of patients with AAR was significantly smaller (61 +/- 4% increase above baseline) than that measured in normal allografts (136 +/- 9% increase above baseline) (p < 0.05) and patients with ATN (129 +/- 3% increase above baseline) (p < .05). Patients with ATN had a slightly delayed and diminished cortical enhancement and an uniphasic and lesser medullary enhancement pattern compared to that observed in normal allografts (p < 0.05). A close correlation (r = 0.72) was found between serum creatinine concentration levels and changes in SI. Thus, MR imaging results and histopathology were in agreement in 22 of 23 patients (96%). MR perfusion imaging of renal allografts can be used to noninvasively differentiate ATN from AAR during the post-transplant period, and may also be helpful in cases were covert AAR is superimposing ATN during a phase of anuria. Patients with ATN can be separated from normals in the majority of cases as reflected by an uniphasic medullary enhancement pattern.

[Nephrogenic adenoma after kidney transplantation]. / Nephrogenes Adenom nach Nierentransplantation.

We report five cases of nephrogenic adenoma that arose several years after cadaver kidney transplantation. Cystoscopy was performed in all patients because of gross haematuria and revealed multifocal tumorous lesions in all parts of the bladder. On admission to of hospital graft function was satisfactory in all patients. There were three female and two male patients. In all patients the therapeutic procedure consisted of transurethral resection. Only very small lesions were fulgurated. Postoperatively an indwelling catheter was left in place for 2-4 days, and after a check on kidney parameters and immunosuppressive therapy all patients were discharged. Postoperative management consisted in cystoscopy every 3 months in the first year and then every 6 months. Though the etiology of nephrogenic adenoma remains unclear, mechanical traumatization and recurrent urinary tract infection seem to be the most important factors in its development.

[Indications and results of ex-vivo surgery of the kidney]. / Indikation und Ergebnisse der Ex-vivo-Chirurgie der Niere.

394 renal transplantations have been performed in our unit between 1974 and 1995. In all instances extra-corporal surgical procedures on the graft, its vessels and, in rare instances, on the collecting system were necessary. The surgical procedures, which took up to 90 minutes on the work-bench, ranged from repair of minor iatrogenic vascular injuries to major vascular reconstructions, in order to facilitate the subsequent implantation of the graft. During the same period work-bench surgical procedures with subsequent autotransplantation were performed in 8 patients. The indication for such a procedure was a renal cell carcinoma in 2 patients with a solitary kidney and bilateral renal cell carcinoma in 1 patient, as well as renovascular disease (renal artery stenosis, aneurysm of the renal artery) in the remaining 5 cases.

[Prenatal diagnosis of abnormalities of the urinary tract]. / Pränataldiagnose von Fehlbildungen der Harnorgane.

During the period January 1983 to December 1993 malformations of the urinary tract were suspected in 166 cases prenatally and confirmed after birth. Boys dominated (72% of cases); in 66% of the cases the malformation was unilateral. The most frequent diagnosis was ureteropelvic obstruction in 74 infants (45%). 73 out of 166 infants (44%) required surgical intervention. Altogether 124 operations were performed (68% temporary diversions; 32% definitive corrections). The high number of required interventions already during the first month of life highlights the importance of prenatal screening for the early detection of urinary tract malformations, especially obstructive uropathy and multicystic-dysplastic kidney. On the other hand, vesicouretal reflux is usually detected only postnatally on investigation of a urinary tract infection.

[Laparoscopic ligation of spermatic vessels in varicocele]. / Laparoskopische Spermatikaligatur bei Varikozele.

Open surgical procedures and percutaneous transvenous radiological techniques are available for the treatment of varicoceles. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery another minimally invasive procedure has become available. In 39 patients with left unilateral and 1 with bilateral, clinically evident, varicocele laparoscopic ligation of the spermatic vessels was performed. In 17 cases both the spermatic veins and the artery were cut, whereas in 24 cases it was possible to spare the spermatic artery. In more than 90% of these cases the artery could be identified as a pulsatile vessel. No serious complications were encountered. All patients were discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 1 or 2. Out of 26 patients who could be followed clinically and by colour coded Duplex sonography, 1 showed signs of persistent and 1 of recurrent varicocele. The quick convalescence of the mostly young patients, the excellent identification of the anatomic structures, and the minimal surgical trauma are advantages of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

Primary vesicoureteral reflux in infants with a dilated fetal urinary tract.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was recognized neonatally by voiding cystography in 25 of 117 infants with a dilated fetal urinary tract. There was a male preponderance (76%) and a high percentage (40%) of associated urinary malformations. Thirty-nine refluxing units were studied. All grades of VUR were detected but gross dilating VUR dominated (59%). Spontaneous resolution was excellent in lower grades of VUR but was poor in gross VUR. Surgery was successfully performed in 13 renal units of nine patients with gross reflux, additional ipsilateral malformations, or pyelonephritis during antibiotic prophylaxis. Segmental renal scars developed in four kidneys after urinary infections, and a diffuse parenchymal lesion was noted in nine kidneys even at birth. One boy with duplication had a non-functioning refluxing system. Our results in a small number of infants show differences to children with VUR detected after urinary infections and seem to support the existence of a congenital reflux nephropathy.

[Which therapy is necessary for prenatally diagnosed multicystic kidney dysplasia?]. / Welche Therapie erfordert die pränatal diagnostizierte multizystische Nierendysplasie?

Multicystic dysplastic kidneys (MCD) were found in 17 of 114 neonates with prenatal diagnosis of urinary tract malformations. Distribution of side and of sex was not different. Contralateral malformations were present in 3 infants. One of them with contralateral renal dysplasia and cardiac malformation died at the age of 4 weeks. All other children so far have a normal renal function. Three neonates presented with a palpable abdominal mass, 2 infants had urinary infections during the first year of life. Two neonates had obstruction of the contralateral kidney caused by the giant MCD which relieved after nephrectomy. Hypertension or development of malignancy were not noted. Nephrectomy was performed in 10 infants at the mean age of 3.2 months. Six infants had conservative treatment and a complete regression was noted in 5 of them within a period of 8 to 18 months. Prenatal diagnosis of MCD enables early recognition of contralateral urinary malformations and of problems caused by the MCD itself. Conservative treatment is recommended in all asymptomatic patients. Studies of the natural history may show that regression of MCD is the rule and could account for many cases with apparent unilateral renal agenesis.

A multivitamin infusion prevents lipid peroxidation and improves transplantation performance.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that ischemia reperfusion damage in kidney transplantation is associated with lipid peroxidation and that inhibition of lipid peroxidation by antioxidants improves the function of the transplanted kidney. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the plasma malonaldehyde content (as thiobarbituric acid reaction product) with high-performance liquid chromatography. Kidney function was assessed by plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance. Thirty patients of an ongoing series were randomly selected into two groups, with 14 controls and 16 patients in the antioxidant therapy group. Therapy consisted of two ampoules of Omnibionta (which contains vitamins C, E, A and B complex) diluted in 500 ml physiological sodium chloride, which was infused intravenously prior to reperfusion onset. No significant differences existed for the age of the patients in the control (43.00 +/- 9.86 years) and the therapy group (41.56 +/- 14.14 years) nor in the kidney preservation time, which was 24.12 +/- 8.73 and 18.43 +/- 9.97 hours in the control and therapy group, respectively. The controls showed a transient increase of plasma lipid peroxides as measured by malonaldehyde with a peak one hour after onset of reperfusion. Compared to the baseline value of 0.74 +/- 0.26 (mean +/- SD) the one hour malonaldehyde value increased to 1.46 +/- 0.22 nmol/ml (P < 0.001). In the therapy group the plasma malonaldehyde level did not increase, but slightly decreased by about 20% compared to the baseline value. The difference of plasma malonaldehyde between the two groups one hour after reperfusion onset was highly significant (P > 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Doppler sonography in congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction and multicystic dysplastic kidneys.

The accurate diagnosis of severe congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and the indications for surgical intervention are a matter of debate. Differential diagnosis from, for example, congenital cystic kidney malformations is important. In the present study we analysed the value of Doppler sonography (DS) for assessment of obstruction in congenital UPJO and its usefulness for differential diagnosis. A total of 138 infants and children were examined. Forty-three healthy infants and 24 children who had had a pyeloplasty at least 1 year previously served as control groups. Seventy-one children with UPJO and cystic kidney malformations underwent DS in addition to the usual examinations of intravenous urography and scintigraphy. Resistive Index (RI) was measured in both kidneys. Twenty infants showed decompensated UPJO and had needed an operation. Preoperatively all showed significantly increased RI (RI = 74%), which returned to normal after operation (RI = 68.3%). Thirty-nine children with UPJO could be managed conservatively, showing compensated obstruction on diuretic renography. On DS they had normal and symmetrical RI values (RI = 67%). Eleven children had multicystic dysplastic kidneys; 4 underwent nephrectomy. On DS all showed either absence of perfusion signals or very low flow velocities with very high RI values (RI = 90-100%) in the renal vessels. One child was found to be suffering from a cystic nephroma. DS was able to reveal quite normal vessel distribution in renal parenchyma with slightly elevated RI values (RI = 80%). Our results indicate that DS a non-invasive, non-ionising method of investigation, may serve as an additional functional parameter for defining accurately the degree of obstruction in UPJO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Combined ultrasound-urodynamic study in paraplegic patients]. / Kombinierte Ultraschall-Urodynamik-Untersuchung beim Querschnittpatienten.

Over a period of 2 years (1989-1991), combined urodynamic and ultrasonic investigations of the lower urinary tract were performed in 80 patients with spinal cord injuries. The main advantage of this procedure proved to be the lack of irradiation to both patient and investigator. Besides the real-time image of the bladder, bladder neck, prostate, pelvic floor and urethra, functional conclusions were possible, especially when urodynamic pressure curves were also considered.

[Prenatal diagnosis of primary megaureter]. / Der pränatal diagnostizierte primäre Megaureter.

22 of 114 infants with prenatal diagnosis of urinary tract malformations (15 boys) had obstruction of the ureterovesical junction caused by primary megaureter (n = 14), ureterocele (n = 7), or ectopic ureter (n = 1). Infants with infravesical obstruction or refluxing systems were excluded. All infants had a normal renal function and probably only 5 of them (23%) would have been diagnosed during infancy without prenatal diagnosis. A total number of 26 renal units was evaluated. Six infants had ipsilateral duplication with additional contralateral duplication (n = 2) or vesicoureteric reflux (n = 2). A nonfunctioning kidney or upper pole of duplication was noted in 7 units (5 with ureteroceles); in two instances a moderately dysplastic kidney was present. One boy with urinary infections developed renal scarring during follow-up. Conservative treatment was performed in 14 renal units while 12 units of 11 children had 22 operations (9 temporary diversions) at a mean age of 4,6 months. A severe operative complication was noted in one infant. Conservative treatment is justified in many infants with primary obstructive megaureters but severe renal dysplasia may be present even neonatally. Yet we feel that prenatal diagnosis benefitted most infants, especially those with the most severe malformations.

In situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of ureteral calculi with the MPL-9000X lithotriptor.

Within the wide armamentarium of urinary stone treatment modalities extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been established as the first line procedure. With the Dornier MPL-9000X lithotriptor one has the choice of ultrasound or fluoroscopic localization of calculi throughout the entire urinary tract. Except for the kidney, ultrasound guidance is preferred for calculi in the distal ureter, while fluoroscopy is generally used on the proximal two-thirds of the ureter. Between January and December 1990, 123 ESWL treatments were performed on 83 patients suffering from ureteral calculi with an average stone size of 9.3 x 6 mm. Median treatment parameters were 1,597 shock waves at 19.3 kv. for 43 minutes. For stones in the upper two-thirds of the ureter sedation analgesia was given, while ESWL on the pelvic ureter did not create intolerable pain. Of the treatments 69% were done on an outpatient basis. In situ ESWL treatment of urinary calculi was successful in 72 patients (86.7%), and 20 patients (24.1%) were treated with multiple treatment sessions. ESWL therapy for 47 stones in the distal ureter showed better results than for 33 stones plus 2 steinstrasse in the proximal part (95.5% versus 80% stone-free rate). Of 4 patients with mid ureteral calculi 2 could be rendered stone-free by ESWL alone. Auxiliary procedures, such as percutaneous nephrostomy or ureteral splints, had to be performed in 15.7%. Final endoscopic stone extraction was done in 7 cases and open surgery in 4, constituting a 13.3% failure rate for ESWL therapy. The results prove that the MPL-9000X lithotriptor is effective for primary noninvasive stone treatment.

Ultrasonography of urinary tract and micturition as an alternative to radiologic investigations in the spinal-cord-injured patient.

Over a period of 1.5 years (July 1989-Jan. 1991), a total of 504 patients, 442 of them suffering from spinal cord injuries with subsequent voiding disorders, were investigated by ultrasonography of the genitourinary tract. Ultrasonography of the upper urinary tract as well as the bladder and prostate provided and accurate image of the pathomorphological changes which go along with this kind of malfunction of the lower urinary tract in this group of patients. The application of rectal ultrasonography using a linear array rectal transducer was able to provide equal or even better images of the micturition process than micturition cystourethrography (MCU). An adequate and accurate real time image of the bladderneck, the prostatic urethra and the external rhabdosphincter could be obtained in all instances. Combined micturition cytourethrosonography (MCUS) with urodynamic evaluation has also been performed, which made the observation and judgement of the bladder outlet as well as the position of the catheter possible throughout the procedure without the interference of X-rays.