Right-sided ureteral hemangiosarcoma in a paraplegic dog.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe a rare case of primary ureteral hemangiosarcoma, in which surgical intervention preserved the kidney and ureter after tumor removal. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old, neutered male dog, weighing 14 kg, mixed-breed, presented with apathy, anorexia, acute-onset vomiting, and abdominal discomfort during the physical examination. Ultrasonography and pyelography revealed a right-sided dilation of the renal pelvis and ureter due to complete obstruction in the middle third of the ureter. A mass obstructing the lumen of the right ureter was completely resected, and ureteral suturing was performed, preserving the integrity of the involved structures. Histopathology confirmed primary ureteral hemangiosarcoma. Due to the local and non-invasive nature of the mass, chemotherapy was not initiated. The patient's survival was approximately two years, and normal renal function was preserved throughout this period. CONCLUSIONS: Considering this type of tumor in the differential diagnosis of upper urinary tract obstructive disorders. Furthermore, the preservation of the ureter and kidney is a suitable therapeutic option after surgical resection of non-invasive tumors.

Analysis of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Laparoscopic Treatment for Fibroepithelial Polyps of the Ureter in Children.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric ureteral fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) patients. Our hypothesis is that laparoscopic surgery can effectively treat FEPs while minimizing patient discomfort and complications. Our research aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the surgery, including postoperative symptom relief, improvement in kidney function, and risk of postoperative complications. Methods: The clinical records of 34 patients who underwent ureteral polyp surgery at the Department of Urology at Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital between May 2014 and February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Among the 34 pediatric patients, there were 31 males and 3 females, with 2 on the right side and 32 on the left side. Of these cases, 24 polyps were located at the ureteropelvic junction, while seven were found in the upper segment of the ureter and three in its middle segment. Patients' ages ranged from 4 years and 3 months to 15 years, with a median age of 8 years and 6 months. All children presented with varying degrees of hydronephrosis, and preoperative clinical symptoms included ipsilateral flank or abdominal pain, hematuria, and other discomfort. Preoperative examinations mainly comprised ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, CT, or magnetic resonance urography imaging studies, as well as diuretic renography. All pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic excision of the polyp segment of the ureter, followed by renal pelvis ureteroplasty or ureter-to-ureter anastomosis. Results: All patients underwent surgery without conversion to open surgery. The surgical duration ranged from 72 to 313 minutes, with an average of 179.5 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 14 mL. Postoperatively, one patient experienced leakage at the anastomotic site; however, no other significant complications occurred during or after the procedure. Postoperative histopathology confirmed the presence of FEPs in the ureter for all cases. All patients experienced a favorable postoperative recovery, with hospitalization periods ranging from 3 to 16 days and an average stay of 8.6 days. A Double-J stent was inserted in all patients for a duration of 1 to 2 months after surgery, and upon removal, follow-up color Doppler ultrasound revealed reduced hydronephrosis within 1 to 3 months. Follow-up examinations were conducted at intervals ranging from 3 to 108 months postsurgery, with an average follow-up time of 42.2 months, during which no recurrence of ureteral polyps or symptoms such as pain and hematuria was observed. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that laparoscopic excision of the polyp segment of the ureter, renal pelvis ureteroplasty, and ureter-to-ureter anastomosis represent safe and effective treatment modalities for pediatric FEPs in the ureters. This technique offers several advantages, including minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and definitive therapeutic efficacy, which effectively alleviate clinical symptoms and improve hydronephrosis.

The influence of the initial clinical presentation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma on histopathological tumor features.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of the initial clinical presentation (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) on histopathological tumor features in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional, and retrospective study that enrolled 72 adults with primary UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at our institution over a period of 4 years (April 2019-April 2023). RESULTS: Symptomatic patients exhibited significantly higher frequencies of high-grade UTUC (73.6% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.006), ≥ T2 stage UTUC (60.4% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.007), and larger tumor sizes (median 5 vs. 4 cm, p = 0.015) compared to asymptomatic patients. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated significant associations between symptomatic presentation and the presence of high-grade UTUC (OR 6.35, 95% CI 1.81-22.27, p = 0.004), ≥ T2 stage UTUC (OR 5.98, 95% CI 1.62-22.08, p = 0.007), and larger tumor size (B 3.14, 95% CI 0.62-5.66, p = 0.015). A subset of patients with hematuria was separately analyzed to assess the influence of hematuria severity (gross vs. microscopic) on UTUC characteristics. Patients with gross hematuria exhibited significantly higher frequencies of high-grade UTUC (72.9% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.048) and ≥ T2 stage UTUC (58.3% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between gross hematuria and the presence of high-grade UTUC (OR 6.34, 95% CI 1.15-34.95, p = 0.034) and ≥ T2 stage UTUC (OR 6.54, 95% CI 1.11-38.93, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Initial symptomatic presentation was independently associated with adverse histopathological UTUC characteristics, potentially attributed to earlier detection of UTUC in asymptomatic patients, before the onset of symptoms.

Promising Response of Paclitaxel in Metastatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Distal Ureter Complicated with Hydroureteronephrosis: A Case Report.

Ureteric carcinoma is the rarest of all urothelial malignancies, and little attention has been given to it. Palliation in these groups of patients is a dilemma in the clinics. Use of chemotherapeutic agents in ureteric carcinoma is a double edged sword, as these patients had already impaired renal function due to post-renal failure and nephrotoxic nature of most of the chemotherapeutic agents can further deteriorate the renal function, making the management approach, a relatively visionary task. Here, we present a case of a 77-year-old female with metastatic ureteric carcinoma locally complicated with hydroureteronephrosis, coming to us with gross haematuria, lower abdominal pain along with cough. Apart from age factor of the lady, presence of hydroureteronephrosis and pulmonary metastases was another challenge for us. Paclitaxel remains the mainstay of our treatment. Keywords: carcinoma; case reports; metastasis; paclitaxel.

Chondrosarcoma of Ureter in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report.

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the upper urinary tract. Because of its rarity, the clinical presentation of chondrosarcoma can be similar to other urinary tract conditions, such as renal colic, hematuria, and urothelial carcinoma. The primary treatment for chondrosarcoma is the surgical removal of the tumor, and radiation or chemotherapy may be used for advanced cases. However, because of the limited number of patients with this condition, there are no established guidelines for chemotherapy, and the outcomes are unclear. In this case, we present a 71-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with ureteral chondrosarcoma. She presented with abdominal pain and hydronephrosis, and a tumor was found beneath a small stone. The patient underwent nephroureterectomy and received oral fluorouracil chemotherapy due to the advanced stage of the disease. Fortunately, the patient survived, and at the 7 months post-operative follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, the chondrosarcoma of the upper urinary tract is a rare condition that can be difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other urinary tract conditions. Treatment typically involves the surgical removal of the tumor, with radiation or chemotherapy reserved for advanced cases. However, because of the limited number of patients, there are no established guidelines for chemotherapy, and the outcomes of treatment are unclear.

Gross hematuria as the presentation of ureteral paraganglioma: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Paraganglioma of genitourinary tract is uncommon, and origin from ureter is even rarer. We aim to present a case of paraganglioma from ureter in a 48-year-old female patient, who presented with gross hematuria. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 48-year-old female who complained of gross hematuria for one week. A left ureteral tumor was found by image study. However, hypertension was unexpectedly recorded during diagnostic ureteroscopy survey. Due to persisted gross hematuria and bladder tamponade, she underwent left nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection. Blood pressure surged again when the tumor was surgically approached. Ureteral paraganglioma was confirmed according to pathological report. After the surgery, the patient recovered well, and no more gross hematuria was noted. She is now under regular follow-up at our outpatient clinic. CONCLUSION: Ureteral paraganglioma should be kept in mind not only when blood pressure fluctuates during operation, but also before we manipulate the ureteral tumor when gross hematuria is the only sign. Whenever the presumption of paraganglioma is raised, laboratory evaluation and anatomical or even functional imaging should be considered. The concomitant anesthesia consultation before the surgery should not be deferred, either.

A rare cause of hydronephrosis: Leiomyoma of the ureter and a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyomas of the genitourinary tract are rare and their manifestation in the ureter is even rarer. To our knowledge, only 14 cases of leiomyoma of the ureter have been reported worldwide since 1955, therefore this case will be 15th. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of primary leiomyoma of the right ureter. Ureteroscopy did not show any abnormal findings in the ureteral mucosa. The primary leiomyoma was resected with distal ureterectomy and partial cystectomy that was followed with ureteroneocystostomy due to extraluminal mass that caused hydronephrosis and back pain. CONCLUSION: Although rare, we believe that leiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnoses of well-circumscribed ureteral masses and kidney-sparing surgery should be performed.

Robotic distal ureterectomy and re-implant for obstructing metastatic melanoma - surgical considerations in the palliative setting.

Non-urothelial malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) causes hydronephrosis, renal damage and infectious sequelae. The overall condition, symptoms, and plans for systemic therapy inform urologic intervention. In well-selected cases, there is a role for definitive reconstruction. We describe a robotic-assisted distal ureterectomy and reimplant for definitive repair of obstructive metastatic melanoma.

Tranexamic acid-induced ureteric clot obstruction in a patient with urothelial cell carcinoma resulting in upper urinary tract perforation.

This is the first report of upper urinary tract (UUT) perforation secondary to tranexamic acid (TXA) induced ureteric clot obstruction. A 77-year-old woman was referred to the urology department with intermittent, painless visible haematuria from a lesion in the right upper calyx, suspicious of urothelial cell carcinoma. She did not have any flank pain or blood clots in her urine. Preoperatively, her haemoglobin level dropped from 113 g/L to 95 g/L and was prescribed oral TXA by her general practitioner, which led to extensive clot formation within the right kidney and ureter resulting in pain and ureteric obstruction. At ureteroscopy, a large ureteric blood clot was extracted and perforation close to the tumour with resultant urinary extravasation was noted. The patient subsequently underwent a successful nephroureterectomy, but risk of potential perforation-related complications such as tumour seeding, sepsis and urinoma formation could have been avoided. TXA in haematuria from the UUT should be strongly discouraged due to the risk of ureteric clot obstruction and UUT perforation.

Bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial carcinoma: a very rare coalition.

Upper tract urothelial cancers account for 5% of all urothelial cancers. Among these, more than 90% of tumours are located in the renal pelvis, while ureteric tumours are extremely rare. The distal ureter is the most common location, although multifocal implants may also occur. Megaureter is a common cause of obstructive uropathy in neonates and children. Nevertheless, it may be unnoticed, if asymptomatic. Megaureter may be obstructing or refluxing. Long-standing urinary stasis and recurrent urinary tract infection in megaureter may cause chronic irritation of the ureteric mucosa leading to dysplasia and malignancy. We report a 55-year-old man diagnosed with bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial cancer and review the current literature.

Bladder and upper urinary tract cancers as first and second primary cancers.

BACKGROUND: Previous population-based studies on second primary cancers (SPCs) in urothelial cancers have focused on known risk factors in bladder cancer patients without data on other urothelial sites of the renal pelvis or ureter. AIMS: To estimate sex-specific risks for any SPCs after urothelial cancers, and in reverse order, for urothelial cancers as SPCs after any cancer. Such two-way analysis may help interpret the results. METHODS: We employed standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) to estimate bidirectional relative risks of subsequent cancer associated with urothelial cancers. Patient data were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry from years 1990 through 2015. RESULTS: We identified 46 234 urinary bladder cancers (75% male), 940 ureteral cancers (60% male), and 2410 renal pelvic cancers (57% male). After male bladder cancer, SIRs significantly increased for 9 SPCs, most for ureteral (SIR 41.9) and renal pelvic (17.2) cancers. In the reversed order (bladder cancer as SPC), 10 individual FPCs were associated with an increased risk; highest associations were noted after renal pelvic (21.0) and ureteral (20.9) cancers. After female bladder cancer, SIRs of four SPCs were significantly increased, most for ureteral (87.8) and pelvic (35.7) cancers. Female bladder, ureteral, and pelvic cancers associated are with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of recurrent urothelial cancers were very high, and, at most sites, female risks were twice over the male risks. Risks persisted often to follow-up periods of >5 years, motivating an extended patient follow-up. Lynch syndrome-related cancers were associated with particularly female urothelial cancers, calling for clinical vigilance.

The IDENTIFY study: the investigation and detection of urological neoplasia in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer - a multicentre observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contemporary prevalence of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial cancer [UTUC] and renal cancer) in patients referred to secondary care with haematuria, adjusted for established patient risk markers and geographical variation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an international multicentre prospective observational study. We included patients aged ≥16 years, referred to secondary care with suspected urinary tract cancer. Patients with a known or previous urological malignancy were excluded. We estimated the prevalence of bladder cancer, UTUC, renal cancer and prostate cancer; stratified by age, type of haematuria, sex, and smoking. We used a multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression to adjust cancer prevalence for age, type of haematuria, sex, smoking, hospitals, and countries. RESULTS: Of the 11 059 patients assessed for eligibility, 10 896 were included from 110 hospitals across 26 countries. The overall adjusted cancer prevalence (n = 2257) was 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.3-34.1), bladder cancer (n = 1951) 24.7% (95% CI 19.1-30.2), UTUC (n = 128) 1.14% (95% CI 0.77-1.52), renal cancer (n = 107) 1.05% (95% CI 0.80-1.29), and prostate cancer (n = 124) 1.75% (95% CI 1.32-2.18). The odds ratios for patient risk markers in the model for all cancers were: age 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.05; P < 0.001), visible haematuria 3.47 (95% CI 2.90-4.15; P < 0.001), male sex 1.30 (95% CI 1.14-1.50; P < 0.001), and smoking 2.70 (95% CI 2.30-3.18; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of cancer prevalence across an international population is required to inform clinical guidelines. We are the first to report urinary tract cancer prevalence across an international population in patients referred to secondary care, adjusted for patient risk markers and geographical variation. Bladder cancer was the most prevalent disease. Visible haematuria was the strongest predictor for urinary tract cancer.

Large distal ureteric stone with high burden urothelial cancer of the entire ureter and renal pelvis: a dual pathology.

Upper-tract urothelial cancer comprises only 3% of all urothelial cancers. Risk factors include tobacco smoking, recurrent urinary infection, urolithiasis and analgesic abuse. Urolithiasis-induced chronic inflammation leads to urothelial proliferation and eventual malignant transformation. The most common association is reported with squamous cell cancer. A 54-year man under evaluation for right flank pain was diagnosed with a large distal ureteric stone and urothelial cancer of the entire right ureter and renal pelvis. The patient underwent right nephroureterectomy and stone retrieval, with urinary bladder cuff excision and pelvic lymph node dissection. On follow-up, the patient succumbed to disease recurrence with widespread metastasis. Urothelial cancer associated with stone disease is atypical. Long-standing inflammation causing metaplastic and dysplastic changes is a possible hypothesis. Careful assessment of the malignancy should be looked for in patients with long-standing obstruction due to stone disease.

Tertiary lymphoid tissue in early-stage IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis incidentally detected with a tumor lesion of the ureteropelvic junction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related kidney disease causes renal impairment of unknown pathogenesis that may progress to kidney failure. Although ectopic germinal centers contribute to the pathogenesis of the head and neck lesions of IgG4-related disease, the presence of tertiary lymphoid tissue (TLT) containing germinal centers in IgG4-RKD has rarely been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 72-year-old Japanese man who had IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) with TLT formation incidentally detected in a resected kidney with mass lesion of IgG4-related ureteritis in the ureteropelvic junction. During follow-up for past surgical resection of a bladder tumor, renal dysfunction developed and a ureter mass was found in the right ureteropelvic junction, which was treated by nephroureterectomy after chemotherapy. Pathology revealed no malignancy but abundant IgG4-positive cell infiltration, obliterative phlebitis and storiform fibrosis, confirming the diagnosis of IgG4-related ureteritis. In the resected right kidney, lymphoplasmacytes infiltrated the interstitium with focal distribution in the renal subcapsule and around medium vessels without storiform fibrosis, suggesting the very early stage of IgG4-TIN. Lymphocyte aggregates were also detected at these sites and consisted of B, T, and follicular dendritic cells, indicating TLT formation. IgG4-positive cells infiltrated around TLTs. CONCLUSIONS: Our case suggests that TLT formation is related with the development of IgG4-TIN and our analysis of distribution of TLT have possibility to elucidate IgG4-TIN pathophysiology.

Prognostic impact of perirenal fat stranding on oncologic outcomes in ureteral urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Perirenal fat stranding (PRFS) is defined as linear areas of soft-tissue attenuation in the perirenal space that can result from ureteral obstruction. We analyzed the prognostic impact of PRFS on outcomes in patients with ureteral urothelial carcinoma (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 126 patients evaluated preoperatively by computerized tomography (CT) scan and diagnosed with ureteral UC following nephroureterectomy between January 2001 and May 2018 were included. We analyzed associations between oncologic outcomes and secondary signs such as hydronephrosis and PRFS. RESULTS: Overall, 68 patients (54.0%) showed PRFS on preoperative CT scans. The patients' mean age was 66.33±9.49 years. A high pT stage (≥T3) was seen in 47 patients (37.3%) and high-grade tumors were seen in 90 patients (71.4%). Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was seen in 15 patients (11.9%), and 5 (4.0%) were at the pN1 stage. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that cT stage≥3, PRFS, pT stage≥3, tumor grade, LVI, and pN1 stage were independent prognostic factors of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PRFS was found to be an independent prognostic factor for RFS and CSS. PRFS is easily detectable in preoperative CT imaging and may be useful for improving the prediction of oncologic outcomes of ureteral UC. Therefore, PRFS along with other important preoperative CT findings can help urologists give preoperative advice to patients with ureteral UC before surgical management.

Interethnic differences in the impact of body mass index on upper tract urothelial carcinoma following radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: Inconsistent prognostic implications of body mass index (BMI) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) have been reported across different ethnicities. In this study, we aimed to analyze the oncologic role of BMI in Asian and Caucasian patients with UTUC. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 648 Asian Taiwanese and 213 Caucasian American patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC. We compared clinicopathologic features among groups categorized by different BMI. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to examine the impact of BMI on recurrence and survival by ethnicity. RESULTS: According to ethnicity-specific criteria, overweight and obesity were found in 151 (23.2%) and 215 (33.2%) Asians, and 79 (37.1%) and 78 (36.6%) Caucasians, respectively. No significant association between BMI and disease characteristics was detected in both ethnicities. On multivariate analysis, overweight and obese Asians had significantly lower recurrence than those with normal weight (HR 0.631, 95% CI 0.413-0.966; HR 0.695, 95% CI 0.493-0.981, respectively), and obesity was an independent prognostic factor for favorable cancer-specific and overall survival (HR 0.521, 95% CI 0.342-0.794; HR 0.545, 95% CI 0.386-0.769, respectively). There was no significant difference in outcomes among normal, overweight and obese Caucasians, but obese patients had a relatively poorer 5-year RFS, CSS, and OS rates of 52.8%, 60.5%, and 47.2%, compared to 54.9%, 69.1%, and 54.9% for normal weight patients. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI was associated with improved outcomes in Asian patients with UTUC. Interethnic differences could influence preoperative counseling or prediction modeling in patients with UTUC.

Accuracy of ultrasound vs computed tomography scan for upper urinary tract malignancies and development of a risk-based diagnostic algorithm for haematuria in a UK tertiary centre.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus across guidelines on a diagnostic algorithm for upper urinary tract (UUT) evaluation following presentation with haematuria. Our aim is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (USS) compared to CT-scan for UUT malignancies and also determine the considerations important for a risk-based diagnostic protocol for haematuria. METHODS: We reviewed our 'haematuria clinic' database to identify patients who had both USS and CT-scan for UUT evaluation between September 2015 and August 2017, and calculated the diagnostic accuracy of these imaging modalities for histologically confirmed UUT cancers. Furthermore, we identified risk factors in our diagnostic algorithm for haematuria and conducted regression analysis to determine their ability to predict UUT malignancies. RESULTS: Overall, 575 patient records were studied. Age range was 21-92 years, M:F was 1.4:1, majority (81.2%) had visible haematuria, and 12 (2.1%) UUT cancers were diagnosed [renal cell carcinoma-1.4%; upper tract urothelial cancer-0.7%]. USS and CT-scan had diagnostic accuracy for UUT cancers of 95.8 and 99.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). Haematuria type was a significant consideration only on univariate analysis, while multivariate binary logistic regression showed that male gender, smoking, occupational exposure, and positive urologic history were the main risk factors associated with UUT malignancies. CONCLUSION: USS and CT-scan have comparably high diagnostic accuracy for detecting UUT malignancies. USS may, therefore, be considered as the first-line UUT imaging modality when utilized in a risk-based diagnostic algorithm. Larger, multicentred studies are needed to validate our findings and influence guideline development.

Does Ureteral Stent Drainage Prior to Cystectomy Increase the Risk of Subsequent Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and Ureteral Complications?

OBJECTIVE: To guide management of preoperative hydronephrosis prior to radical cystectomy (RC), we compared post-RC risks of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and ureteroenteric anastomotic complications between ureteral stent and percutaneous nephrostomy tube drainage. METHODS: Patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma without a prior diagnosis of UTUC at our institution between 2000 and 2015 were included and divided into 4 patient groups: (1) no hydronephrosis (75%, N = 787); (2) hydronephrosis without preoperative upper tract drainage (13%, N = 132); (3) hydronephrosis treated with nephrostomy tube (3%, N = 36); (4) hydronephrosis treated with ureteral stent (9%, N = 94). The incidence of post-RC UTUC and ureteral complications was compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling. RESULTS: We identified a total of 1049 patients who underwent RC (median postoperative follow-up 4.3 years). Five-year post-RC UTUC incidence was 6.6%, 10.2%, 17%, 18.7% for groups 1-4, respectively (P= .13). On multivariable analysis, nephrostomy tube drainage (hazard ratio [HR] 4.10, P = .02) and preoperative ureteral stenting (HR 2.35, P = .04) were both associated with UTUC after RC, but ureteral stenting did not have a significantly higher association with UTUC than nephrostomy tube drainage. Severe hydronephrosis was also associated with development of UTUC (HR 4.03, P = .02). The incidence of ureteroenteric anastomotic complications did not vary by drainage modality. CONCLUSION: Preoperative hydronephrosis was associated with UTUC after RC, but ureteral stent placement did not increase the risk of UTUC or ureteral complications relative to nephrostomy tube placement. The choice of hydronephrosis drainage pre-RC should not be guided by concern for UTUC risk.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy improves the survival outcome of high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with cardiovascular comorbidity.

This prospective randomized comparative trial study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) used in combination in high risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients with cardiovascular comorbidity. Based on the inclusion criteria of high-risk UTUC in EAU guidelines (updated in 2014), all eligible patients treated in our hospital from January 2014 to March 2018 were included, and cases with late disease, renal dysfunction, severe cardiopulmonary disease or other malignant tumors were excluded. The cases were randomized into two groups based on treatment regimen. Multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the influencing factors of survival outcome in the enrolled patients. The Cox proportional-hazards model and the Kaplan-Meier method were employed to assess progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS). In addition, the potential adverse effects of chemotherapy were actively monitored. A total of 176 high-risk UTUC individuals with cardiovascular comorbidity were enrolled and evaluated in this study. Median follow-up durations were 30 months (range 6-54) in the RNU (n = 82) group and 36 months (range 6-54) in the RNU + ACT (n = 94) group. Multivariable analysis indicated that peri-operative cardiovascular events risk grade was independent prognostic factor for OS. Tumor size was independent prognostic factor for PFS and CSS. BMI and lymphovacular invasion were significant predictors of PFS. Clinical stage, lymph node involvement, and tumor grade were significant predictors of PFS, OS and CSS in these patients. Especially, chemotherapy was helpful in improving PFS [P < 0.001, HR = 6.327 (5.115-7.793)], OS [P = 0.013, HR = 2.336 (1.956-2.883)] and CSS [P = 0.008, HR = 3.073 (2.533-3.738)]. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the oncologic outcomes of RNU treated high-risk UTUC patients were improved much significantly by ACT, including PFS [P = 0.0033, HR = 3.78 (3.13-4.55)], OS [P = 0.0397, HR = 1.39 (1.01-1.75)] and CSS [P = 0.0255, HR = 1.26 (1.07-1.45)]. Further analysis of the lymph node positive subgroup showed that the median time of oncologic events was enhanced in RNU + ACT treated individuals in comparison with the RNU group, including PFS (11.4 months vs. 31.9 months, P = 0.0018), OS (26.8 months vs. 36.3 months, P = 0.0255) and CSS (28.2 months vs. 39.3 months, P = 0.0197). In the T3/4 cohort, significantly increased median PFS (13.9 months vs. 36.3 months, P = 0.0217), OS (20.6 months vs. 32.2 months, P = 0.0183) and CSS (21.9 months vs. 38.4 months, P = 0.0226) were obtained in the combination group. Additionally, no severe adverse events (over grade 4) associated with chemotherapy were detected in the RNU + ACT group. In conclusion, ACT after radical surgery has statistically significant therapeutic effects on PFS, OS and CSS in high-risk UTUC patients with cardiovascular comorbidity.