Pre-operative Renal Artery Embolization in Laparoscopic Radical and Partial Nephrectomy: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Renal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Despite being widely adopted, the laparoscopic approach to radical and partial nephrectomy is still burdened by high rates of hemorrhagic complications, which require blood transfusions and conversion to open surgery with increased morbidity. While pre-operative renal artery embolization (PRAE) can prevent intraoperative blood loss and vascular injuries, its prophylactic use is still a matter of debate. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of PRAE in overcoming the main pitfalls of laparoscopy, which are related to the absence of tactile feedback. METHODS: Data from 48 patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for cancer (34 laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and 14 "off-clamp" laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) after selective and superselective PRAE, respectively) were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The overall median blood loss was 50 ml and only 2 patients (4%) required one unit of blood products. While conversion to open surgery was not required in the LPN group, one case in the LRN group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative incoercible bleeding from an unrecognized, and thus not embolized, aberrant inferior polar artery. Post-embolization syndrome occurred in 7 patients (15%), resulting in mild flank pain and nausea. No patients in the LPN group experienced new onset of acute renal failure. CONCLUSION: Our experience supports pre-operative renal embolization as a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is effective for reducing perioperative bleeding in the laparoscopic setting.

Viabahn stent for hemodialysis shunt: efficacy, long segment recanalization and prognostic factors for reintervention.

INTRODUCTION: The study evaluated the Heparin Bioactive Surface (HBS) Viabahn Stent (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) efficacy in the maintenance or re-establishment of hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty HBS Viabahn stents deployed in 37 consecutive patients with hemodialysis dysfunction from January 2008 to May 2016 were evaluated in a single-institution retrospective review. Outcomes were stent patency intended as primary circuit patency (PP), assisted primary patency (APP), target lesion primary patency (TLPP) and secondary patency (SP). Moreover, the risk factor analysis for hemodialysis dysfunction that required reintervention was performed. A subgroup analysis was conducted to assess patency of Viabahn stent to treat peripheral venous long segment obstruction (LSO). RESULTS: Overall Kaplan-Meyer PPs were 60% at 12 months and 42% at 24 months. Overall TLPP estimated rates were 68% and 49% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The corresponding SP rates were 85% and 78% at the same period. Estimated PP rates at 12 and 24 months for stent placement after peripheral venous long segment recanalization procedure were 53% and 31%, respectively. Corresponding SP rates were 82% and 68%, respectively. The APP rates were 79% at 12 months and 61% at 24 months. Female sex, access age and thrombosis were associated with reduced primary patency. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high rates of PP, TLPP, APP and SP, Viabahn stents have been proven effective in maintaining or re-establishing the hemodialysis access. Moreover, stent placement after recanalization of LSO of venous out-flow represented a valid approach to rescue a dysfunctional fistula that would otherwise be abandoned.

A Rare Anatomical Variant of Spermatic Vein as Cause of Recurrence After Surgical Correction of Varicocele.

Varicocele may be treated with many different modalities, including radiologic and surgical approaches, but what is the best treatment remains controversial. The recurrence rate following varicocele repair ranges from 0.6% to 35% depending upon the technique used. We describe in detail a rare anatomical variant of the left internal spermatic veins and the appropriate treatment of recurrent varicocele with percutaneous scleroembolization. In case of recurrent varicocele after surgical repair, knowledge of anatomical variability of internal spermatic veins is essential for treatment planning.