Polyethylene glycol-coated collagen patch (hemopatch®) in open partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of a polyethylene glycol-coated collagen patch, Hemopatch® on blood loss, surgical time and renal function in partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Out of a single surgeon cohort of n = 565 patients undergoing conventional open PN (CPN) between 01/2015 and 12/2017 at the University of Munich a consecutive subgroup (n = 42) was operated on using a polyethylene glycol-coated collagen-based sealant Hemopatch® (Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, IL, USA) (HPN). RESULTS: Median age was 65.2 years (range 12.7-95.2) with median follow-up of 9.43 months (0.03-49.15). Baseline renal function (CKD-EPI) was 78.56 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 20.38-143.09) with a non-significant decline to 74.78 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 3.75-167.74) at follow-up. In CPN 46% had low complexity, 33% moderate complexity and 20% high complexity lesions with 33% low, 40% moderate and 27% high complexity masses in HPN. Median tumor size was 4.3 cm (range 1-38 cm) in CPN with 4.8 cm (range 3.8-18.3 cm) with HPN, p = 0.293. Median blood loss and duration of surgery was significantly lower in the HPN group vs. CPN (146 ml ± 195 vs. 114 ml ± 159 ml; p = 0.021; 43 min ± 27 for HPN vs. 53 min ± 49; p = 0.035) with no difference in clamping time (12.6 min ± 8.6 for HPN vs. 12.0 min ± 9.5; p = 0.701). CONCLUSIONS: Hemopatch® supported renoraphy shows promising results compared to standard renoraphy in PN. No side effects were seen. Further studies should evaluate the prevention of arterio-venous or urinary fistulas. In complex partial nephrectomies Hemopatch® supported renoraphy should be considered.

[Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) after radical cystectomy-current data]. / Aktuelle Studienlage der Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) nach radikaler Zystektomie.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Based on the solid evidence in colorectal surgery, fast-track/ERAS® (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols have been developed to improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing radical cystectomy. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and guidelines and evaluate the evidence regarding the different components of ERAS® protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systemic literature search and evaluation of relevant guidelines. RESULTS: The majority of ERAS® recommendations for radical cystectomy are based on extrapolations of abdominal surgery studies. Four randomized, controlled trials and one ERAS® guideline were published for radical cystectomy. ERAS® seems to shorten length of stay without increasing the complication rate. Key elements are no bowel preparation, no nasogastric tube, optimized fluid substitution, multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and oral diet. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ERAS® requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Individualization of an ERAS® program, identification of the most important components and adaption to the specific needs of radical cystectomy patients are future goals.

Adjuvant therapy in renal cell carcinoma: the perspective of urologists.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, there was no approved adjuvant therapy (AT) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) unless sunitinib was approved in the US. We evaluated clinical opinion and estimated use regarding different treatment options and patient selection of AT in RCC patients based on current scientific data and individual experience in Germany. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey during a national urology conference in 01/2017. Answers of 157 urologists treating RCC patients could be included. Questions were related to practice setting, treatment of RCC, follow-up strategy, physicians' personal opinion and individually different important parameters regarding S-TRAC and ASSURE-trial. RESULTS: 82% were office based. 67% were located in larger cities. 83% reported that nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was performed in tumors with diameter < 4 cm. Follow-up was done mainly in concordance with guideline recommendations. 68% treated an average of 2.9 patients/year with systemic therapy. Therapy was predominantly advocated using sunitinib (94%). Urologists were informed about S-TRAC and ASSURE-trial. For 47%, reported hazard ratio is the most important parameter to understand trial results followed by overall survival (OS) in 46%, disease-free survival in 38%, and results of other trials in 34%. The most convincing parameter to decide on AT is OS (69%). 62% placed their confidence in ASSURE over STRAC-trial. 44% would use AT for 12 months. Nodal involvement was the most common denominator for use of AT. 82% favor sunitinib as AT. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of urologists would use AT and are more confident in ASSURE-trial. Reluctance of prescribing AT mainly is based on lack of OS data and conflicting trial results.

[Value of imaging in upper urinary tract tumors]. / Wertigkeit der Bildgebung bei Tumoren des oberen Harntraktes.

BACKGROUND: Staging of bladder cancer, hematuria as well as the evaluation of unclear findings of the kidneys and ureters are the most frequent indications for imaging of the upper urinary tract (UUT). Endourological assessment of the UUT is much more invasive compared to imaging of the bladder, raising the question of the optimal imaging technique. Several technical improvements regarding computed tomography (CT) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were implemented in recent years. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and limitations of the most important imaging techniques regarding the UUT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of the literature and current German, European, and American guidelines regarding bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma of the UUT and hematuria. RESULTS: The CT-based urography has superseded excretory urography and is the first choice for imaging of the UUT. In case of contraindications, MRI is a feasible alternative. In all cases, a urography phase is indispensable. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging of the UUT has to be used in a reasonable combination together with endourological methods and cytology. Optical coherence tomography, confocal laser endomicroscopy and scientific innovations such as radiomics might improve UUT imaging and differential diagnosis of UUT lesions in the future.

[Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma in a nonmetastatic stage]. / Nachsorge beim Nierenzellkarzinom im nicht fernmetastasierten Stadium.

Postoperative follow-up care after curative surgery or ablative treatment is the standard of care in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. The goal is to identify and treat postoperative complications and local recurrences early on. Follow-up investigations and their relevance are widely acknowledged and validated and patients undergoing follow-up seem to benefit from a longer survival in nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. Hence there is no consensus on a standardized follow-up strategy. The most disputed question is around the frequency of the investigations and the duration of the follow-up. Without an evidence-based follow-up protocol, urologists should carry out an individualized, potentially lifelong follow-up regimen, which also includes the patients' needs and perspectives.

[Epidemiology and diagnostic assessment of small renal masses]. / Epidemiologie und Diagnostik kleiner Nierentumoren.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of small renal masses has been rising over the last few decades. At the same time, mortality of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is decreasing. These trends can be explained by the availability of improved therapeutic measures and the good prognosis of small renal masses (SRM) turning out to be histopathologically benign or of low malignancy in many cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to present epidemiology and diagnostic assessment of SRM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Statistics, basic research, guidelines. RESULTS: The incidence of SRM is rising due to the widespread use of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Sensitivity is excellent for CEUS and for CECT in the characterization of SRM, while good specificity values can be reached by MRI. For characterization of complex cystic renal masses, CEUS has good diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Due to improved diagnostic possibilities, SRMs can be diagnosed in early asymptomatic stages. As SRM have a good prognosis and often are of low malignancy therapy, options should be carefully considered; especially in older patients, active surveillance should considered.

Dual energy CT allows for improved characterization of response to antiangiogenic treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential role of dual energy CT (DECT) to visualize antiangiogenic treatment effects in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) while treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI). METHODS: 26 patients with mRCC underwent baseline and follow-up single-phase abdominal contrast enhanced DECT scans. Scans were performed immediately before and 10 weeks after start of treatment with TKI. Virtual non-enhanced (VNE) and colour coded iodine images were generated. 44 metastases were measured at the two time points. Hounsfield unit (HU) values for VNE and iodine density (ID) as well as iodine content (IC) in mg/ml of tissue were derived. These values were compared to the venous phase DECT density (CTD) of the lesions. Values before and after treatment were compared using a paired Student's t test. RESULTS: Between baseline and follow up, mean CTD and DECT-derived ID both showed a significant reduction (p < 0.005). The relative reduction measured in percent was significantly greater for ID than for CTD (49.8 ± 36,3 % vs. 29.5 ± 20.8 %, p < 0.005). IC was also significantly reduced under antiangiogenic treatment (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Dual energy CT-based quantification of iodine content of mRCC metastases allows for significantly more sensitive and reproducible detection of antiangiogenic treatment effects. KEY POINTS: • A sign of tumour response to antiangiogenic treatment is reduced tumour perfusion. • DECT allows visualizing iodine uptake, which serves as a marker for vascularization. • More sensitive detection of antiangiogenic treatment effects in mRCC is possible.

[Partial nephrectomy. Rationale and limitations of an organ-preserving approach]. / Partielle Tumornephrektomie. Sinn und Grenzen des Organerhalts.

The rising incidence of renal cell cancer in recent decades has led to a revision in the therapy of this malignancy. For small renal masses, partial nephrectomy has become the standard surgical treatment instead of radical nephrectomy. This approach can lead to a higher overall survival due to preservation of renal function. Avoiding chronic kidney disease is mandatory for patients with benign or small non-aggressive tumors; however, partial nephrectomy correlates with higher complication rates and is conditioned by operator skills. The role of partial nephrectomy compared to radical nephrectomy is still to be established particularly for larger tumors. The results of studies so far are mostly based on non-randomized retrospective data. This article will present the pros and cons of partial nephrectomy and will focus on the steps required to promulgate the indications of nephron-sparing surgery.