Cumulative morbidity of ureteroscopy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess complications after ureteroscopy (URS) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) management and to assess its postoperative cumulative morbidity burden using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study including patients submitted to URS for UTUC suspicion. URSs were both diagnostic and operative. Postoperative complications were recorded according to the EAU Guidelines and graded according to Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC). The cumulative postoperative morbidity burden developed by patients experiencing multiple events was assessed using the CCI. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses identified factors independently associated with the development of any grade and major postoperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 360 patients with UTUC suspicion were included with a total of 575 URSs performed. The cumulative number of all postoperative complications recorded was 111. In 86 (15%) procedures, patients experienced at least one postoperative complication, while 25 (4.3%) experienced more than one complication. Of these, 16 (14%) were severe (CDC ≥ IIIa). The most frequent type of complications were urinary (34%), bleeding (30%) and infectious (30%). The higher the CDC grade, the higher the median CCI, with a statistically significant increase in median CCI from CDC II to major complications. Patients who experienced intraoperative complications were at higher risk of developing any grade and major postoperative complications at MLR. CONCLUSIONS: Complications after ureteroscopy for UTUC are relatively uncommon events. Patients who experience intraoperative complications are at higher risk of developing postoperative complications. The comprehensive complication index appeared more representative of the cumulative postoperative morbidity rather than the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Ureteral stricture rate after endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and related risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to accurately determine ureteral stricture (US) rates following urolithiasis treatments and their related risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines using databases from inception to November 2023. Studies were deemed eligible for analysis if they included ≥ 18 years old patients with urinary lithiasis (Patients) who were subjected to endoscopic treatment (Intervention) with ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) (Comparator) to assess the incidence of US (Outcome) in prospective and retrospective studies (Study design). RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included. The pooled US rate was 1.3% post-SWL and 2.1% post-PCNL. The pooled rate of US post-URS was 1.9% but raised to 2.7% considering the last five years' studies and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Moreover, the pooled US rate differed if follow-ups were under or over six months. Patients with proximal ureteral stone, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones showed higher US risk post-endoscopic intervention with odds ratio of 1.6 (P = 0.05), 2.6 (P = 0.009), 7.1 (P < 0.001), and 7.47 (P = 0.003), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The overall US rate ranges from 0.3 to 4.9%, with an increasing trend in the last few years. It is influenced by type of treatment, stone location and impaction, preoperative hydronephrosis and intraoperative perforation. Future standardized reporting and prospective and more extended follow-up studies might contribute to a better understanding of US risks related to calculi treatment.

Evaluación del impacto de la obesidad en los resultados del trasplante renal / Does obesity really affect renal transplantation outcomes?

Introducción El trasplante renal es el tratamiento de elección para pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) estadio 5. Alrededor de 60% de los pacientes con ERC presentan sobrepeso u obesidad en el momento del trasplante de riñón, y la obesidad postrasplante se da en 50% de los pacientes, con un aumento de peso de 10% en el primer año y un alto riesgo de mortalidad cardiovascular. La obesidad se asocia a un mayor riesgo de retraso de la función del injerto (RFI), rechazo agudo, complicaciones quirúrgicas, pérdida del injerto y mortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la evolución clínica de los pacientes obesos y con sobrepeso receptores de un trasplante renal, en términos de las complicaciones a corto y largo plazo asociadas a un mayor índice de masa corporal (IMC). Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal con 104 pacientes sometidos a trasplante de riñón o páncreas-riñón entre marzo de 2017 y diciembre de 2020, con seguimiento hasta abril de 2021. Para el análisis comparativo, los pacientes se agruparon según el IMC. Resultados La edad media fue de 56,65 años, 60,6% varones y 39,4% mujeres. Los pacientes con sobrepeso experimentaron cirugías más prolongadas, más dehiscencia de la herida quirúrgica, RFI, hernias, proteinuria y un requerimiento mayor de biopsias renales. Por otro lado, los pacientes obesos presentaron más RFI, mayor número de biopsias renales requeridas, proteinuria, desarrollo de diabetes mellitus y fibrilación auricular, y necesitaron estancias hospitalarias más prolongadas. Conclusiones A pesar de la alta prevalencia de comorbilidad en la población con sobrepeso y/u obesidad, no se observó un empeoramiento en la supervivencia del paciente y/o del injerto. Sin embargo, es necesario un seguimiento más prolongado. (AU)

Introduction Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 60% of CKD patients are overweight or obese at the time of kidney transplantation, and post-transplant obesity occurs in 50% of patients, with a weight gain of 10% in the first year and high risk of cardiovascular mortality. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection, surgical complications, graft loss and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical evolution of obese and overweight patients that have received a kidney transplant, based on short- and long-term complications associated with a higher BMI. Material and methods A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 kidney or pancreas-kidney transplant patients between March 2017 and December 2020, with a follow-up until April 2021. For comparative analysis, patients were grouped according to BMI. Results Mean age was of 56.65 years, 60.6% male and 39.4% female. Overweight patients experienced prolonged surgeries, more surgical wound dehiscence, delayed graft function, hernias, proteinuria and more indications for renal biopsies. Additionally, obese patients displayed more DGF, indications for renal biopsies, proteinuria, development of diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and needed prolonged hospital stays. Conclusions Despite a high prevalence of comorbidity in the overweight and/or obese population, we found no reduction in patient and/or graft survival. However, longer follow-up is needed. (AU)

Litiasis en receptores de trasplante renal: revisión sistemática / Kidney stones in renal transplant recipients: A systematic review

Introducción La litiasis en el receptor del injerto renal puede ser una enfermedad peligrosa cuyo riesgo potencial es el deterioro de la función renal. Adquisición de la evidencia Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura hasta febrero del 2023. El objetivo primario era evaluar la incidencia de litiasis en receptores de trasplante renal (TR). El secundario era valorar el momento de formación, la localización y la composición de la litiasis, las opciones de tratamiento disponibles y la incidencia de la pérdida del injerto. Síntesis de la evidencia Un total de 41 estudios no aleatorizados compuestos por 699 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La edad en el momento del diagnóstico de la litiasis oscilaba entre 29 y 53 años. La incidencia de urolitiasis se encontraba entre 0,1 y 6,3%, siendo diagnosticada generalmente a los 12 meses del TR. La mayoría de las litiasis detectadas se localizaron en los cálices o en la pelvis. La composición más frecuente fue la de oxalato cálcico. Se consideraron diferentes estrategias de tratamiento como vigilancia activa, ureteroscopia, abordaje percutáneo/combinado o cirugía abierta. Del total de pacientes, 15,73% fueron tratados con litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque (LEOCh) y 26,75% se sometieron a litotricia endoscópica o extracción quirúrgica. De estos sujetos, 18,03% se abordaron mediante nefrolitotomía percutánea, mientras que 3,14% se sometieron a un manejo combinado. Se realizó litotomía quirúrgica en 5,01% de los casos. La tasa libre de litiasis (TLL) global se situó en torno a 80%. Conclusiones La litiasis en el TR es una patología poco frecuente que suele diagnosticarse al año de la cirugía. Su localización más común son los cálices y la pelvis renal, y en la mayoría de los casos está compuesta de oxalato cálcico. Todos los tratamientos activos han demostrado resultados satisfactorios en términos de TLL, ... . (AU)

Introduction Lithiasis in renal graft recipients might be a dangerous condition with a potential risk of organ function impairment. Evidence acquisition A systematic literature search was conducted through February 2023. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of lithiasis in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The secondary objective was to assess the timing of stone formation, localization and composition of stones, possible treatment options, and the incidence of graft loss. Evidence synthesis A total of 41 non-randomized studies comprising 699 patients met our inclusion criteria. The age at lithiasis diagnosis ranged between 29-53 years. Incidence of urolithiasis ranged from 0.1 to 6.3%, usually diagnosed after 12 months from KT. Most of the stones were diagnosed in the calyces or in the pelvis. Calcium oxalate composition was the most frequent. Different treatment strategies were considered, namely active surveillance, ureteroscopy, percutaneous/combined approach, or open surgery. 15.73% of patients were submitted to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while 26.75% underwent endoscopic lithotripsy or stone extraction. 18.03% of patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy whilst 3.14% to a combined approach. Surgical lithotomy was performed in 5.01% of the cases. Global stone-free rate was around 80%. Conclusions Lithiasis in kidney transplant is a rare condition usually diagnosed after one year after surgery and mostly located in the calyces and renal pelvis, more frequently of calcium oxalate composition. Each of the active treatments is associated with good results in terms of stone-free rate, thus the surgical technique should be chosen according to the patient's characteristics and surgeon preferences. (AU)

Does obesity really affect renal transplantation outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 60% of CKD patients are overweight or obese at the time of kidney transplantation, and post-transplant obesity occurs in 50% of patients, with a weight gain of 10% in the first year and high risk of cardiovascular mortality. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection, surgical complications, graft loss and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical evolution of obese and overweight patients that have received a kidney transplant, based on short- and long-term complications associated with a higher BMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 kidney or pancreas-kidney transplant patients between March 2017 and December 2020, with a follow-up until April 2021. For comparative analysis, patients were grouped according to BMI. RESULTS: Mean age was of 56.65 years, 60.6% male and 39.4 % female. Overweight patients experienced prolonged surgeries, more surgical wound dehiscence, delayed graft function, hernias, proteinuria and more indications for renal biopsies. Additionally, obese patients displayed more DGF, indications for renal biopsies, proteinuria, development of diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and needed prolonged hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high prevalence of comorbidity in the overweight and/or obese population, we found no reduction in patient and/or graft survival. However, longer follow-up is needed.

Kidney stones in renal transplant recipients: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Lithiasis in renal graft recipients might be a dangerous condition with a potential risk of organ function impairment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search was conducted through February 2023. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of lithiasis in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The secondary objective was to assess the timing of stone formation, localization and composition of stones, possible treatment options, and the incidence of graft loss. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 41 non-randomized studies comprising 699 patients met our inclusion criteria. The age at lithiasis diagnosis ranged between 29-53 years. Incidence of urolithiasis ranged from 0.1-6.3%, usually diagnosed after 12 months from KT. Most of the stones were diagnosed in the calyces or in the pelvis. Calcium oxalate composition was the most frequent. Different treatment strategies were considered, namely active surveillance, ureteroscopy, percutaneous/combined approach, or open surgery. 15.73% of patients were submitted to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while 26.75% underwent endoscopic lithotripsy or stone extraction. 18.03% of patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy whilst 3.14% to a combined approach. Surgical lithotomy was performed in 5.01% of the cases. Global stone-free rate was around 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Lithiasis in kidney transplant is a rare condition usually diagnosed after one year after surgery and mostly located in the calyces and renal pelvis, more frequently of calcium oxalate composition. Each of the active treatments is associated with good results in terms of stone-free rate, thus the surgical technique should be chosen according to the patient's characteristics and surgeon preferences.

Robot-assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. METHODS: A literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34min, 95% CI 83.83-100.84, p<0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.61, p<0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (p=0.28) and major (p=0.57) complications, length of stay (p=0.18), bowel recovery (p=0.67), health-related quality of life (p=0.86), disease recurrence (p=0.77) and progression (p=0.49) between the two approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.