Laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy for renal cancer: technique and surgical outcomes

Background

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has been developed in attempt to further reduce the morbidity and scarring associated with surgical intervention.

Objective

To describe the technique and report the surgical outcomes of LESS radical nephrectomy (RN) in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

Design, setting, and participants

LESS-RN was performed in 33 patients with renal tumours. The indications to perform a LESS-RN were represented by renal tumours not greater than T2 and without evidence of lymphadenopathy or renal vein involvement.

Surgical procedure

The Endocone (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was inserted through a transumbilical incision. A combination of standard laparoscopic instruments and bent grasper and scissors was used. The sequence of steps of LESS-RN was comparable to standard laparoscopic RN.

Measurements

Demographic data and perioperative and postoperative variables were recorded and analysed.

Results and limitations

The mean operative time was 143.7 ± 24.3 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 122.3 ± 34.1 ml and a mean hospital stay of 3.8 ± 0.8 d. The mean length of skin incision was 4.1 ± 0.6 cm and all patients were discharged from hospital with minimal discomfort, as demonstrated by their pain assessment scores (visual analogue scale: 1.9 ± 0.8). The definitive pathologic results revealed a renal cell carcinoma in all cases and a stage distribution of four T1a, 27 T1b, and 2 T2 tumours. All patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the scars, and at a median follow-up period of 13.2 ± 3.9 mo, all patients were alive without evidence of tumour recurrence or port-site metastasis.

Conclusions

LESS is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for RN in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and has excellent cosmetic results.     

经脐单孔腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术11例报告

目的 探讨采用自制单孔腹腔镜通道行经脐单孔腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术的安全性和初期疗效. 方法 2010年7月至2011年11月肾细胞癌患者11例,男5例,女6例.年龄37～68岁,平均49岁.体质指数(body mass index,BMI)18.4～ 30.4 kg/m2,平均24.2 kg/m2.腹部B超及肾脏CT检查提示11例均为肾细胞癌,肿瘤位于左肾7,右肾4例;位于肾上极3例、中部4例、下极4例;2例可疑淋巴结转移,1例患肾并存肾囊肿,未见其他腹部脏器转移征象.肿瘤临床分期:T1aN0M01例,T1bN0M05例,T2aN0M03例,T1bN1M02例.全麻下行经脐单孔腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术,采用自制单孔腹腔镜通道,手术步骤与传统腹腔镜下肾根治性切除术相似. 结果 本组11例手术中8例顺利完成,2例中转为传统腹腔镜手术,1例中转为手助腹腔镜手术,无中转开放手术.手术时间155～ 297 min,平均225 min.术中出血量50 ～900 ml,平均271 ml.术后病理诊断均为肾细胞癌,病理分期为T1a3例,T1b5例,T2a3例.术后视觉模拟疼痛评分3～6分,平均4分.住院时间5～15 d,平均10d.术后随访8～24个月,平均17个月,11例患者均存活,对切口外观满意,无肿瘤复发及转移. 结论 采用自制单孔通道行经脐单孔腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术刘部分肾细胞癌患者是一种安全的治疗方式,切口美观性好,初期肿瘤学效果满意.     

Laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy for localized renal cancer: a descriptive research study with at least a 10-year follow-up

BackgroundLaparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is performed to further narrow the incisions and reduce tissue injury. It has been more than10 years since the surgery was first described. However, there is still no report on the results of 10-year follow-up. This study evaluated the use of long-term oncology and the renal outcomes of LESS radical nephrectomy (LESS-RN) in the treatment of localized renal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients treated with LESS-RN at Changhai Hospital from 2009 to 2012. Patients with localized kidney cancer who were followed-up for at least 10 years were included in the study. The baseline data and major perioperative outcome variables were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsA total of 48 patients were included in the study, which had a median follow-up of 11 years (interquartile range, 10.7–11.8 years). The 10-year OS and CSS rates were 87.5% [42/48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.778–0.972] and 97.9% (47/48; 95% CI: 0.937–1.021), respectively. At the most recent follow-up, there were 5 patients with a chronic kidney disease stage ≥3. Among these 5 patients, 3 developed uremia and required continuous dialysis.ConclusionsFor localized renal cancer, LESS-RN is safe and effective with excellent long-term oncology controllability and good functional outcomes. Prospective studies with large sample sizes need to be conducted to validate our results.     

单孔腹腔镜根治性肾切除术治疗肾细胞癌

目的探讨应用单孔腹腔镜手术(laparo endoscopic single-site surgery,LESS)行根治性肾脏切除术治疗肾脏肿瘤的临床安全性及可行性。方法 2010年11月至2011年4月,我们应用单孔4通道(Quadport)单孔腹腔镜根治性肾脏切除术技术治疗3例肾脏肿瘤,1例为右侧中央型4.2cm肾肿瘤,另两例分别为左侧肾下极7.4cm和肾中部4.5cm肾肿瘤。经脐部切口将Quadport置入腹腔,采用5mm头部可弯腹腔镜和标准腹腔镜直器械实施标准经腹腔途径腹腔镜根治性肾脏切除术。记录患者手术时间、估计术中出血量、术中并发症、留置引流管时间、术后住院时间和术后病理等临床资料,并对结果进行分析。结果本组3例手术均由LESS完成,无加辅助通道、无转标准腹腔镜手术或开放手术完成病例。仔细实施手术步骤,避免过度钝性分离组织造成术中出血是手术顺利进行的基础。采用Quadport减少了器械间的相互干扰。根治性肾脏切除术手术操作时间分别为215、230、170min,估计术中出血量分别为100、100、150ml。本组手术无术中严重并发症。术后留置引流时间分别为4、3、2d,术后住院时间分别为8、10、8d。本组术后无继发性出血和切口感染病例。病理结果示肾透明细胞癌2例,肾嫌色细胞癌1例,无淋巴结转移,病理分期分别为pT1bN0M02例,pT2aN0M01例。本组未见肿瘤侵及肾周围组织。结论 LESS根治性肾脏切除术治疗肾脏肿瘤是安全可行的,但需要更多的研究来进一步验证。     

单孔腹腔镜下根治性膀胱切除术10例报告

目的 探讨单孔腹腔镜根治性膀胱切除术的可行性及初步经验.方法 采用单孔腹腔镜技术完成根治性膀胱切除术10例.男9例,女1例.取下腹正中3～4 cm切口,置入QuadPort(2例)或自制开口器(2环1套法,8例)建立单孔腹腔镜手术通道,术中采用常规和预弯腹腔镜器械.手术步骤包括双侧标准盆腔淋巴结清扫、根治性膀胱切除及开放构建全去带乙状结肠原位新膀胱.结果 10例手术顺利.无中转开放手术或传统腹腔镜手术,未增加其他通道.单孔部分手术时间130～330 min,平均243 min.术中失血50～600 ml,平均270 ml,5例需输浓缩红细胞2～4 U.盆腔淋巴结、尿道及输尿管切缘均阴性.病理报告均为尿路上皮癌T1N0M0 2例,T2aN0M0 6例,T3aN0M0 2例.无围手术期死亡及严重并发症的发生.8例完成6个月以上的随访,白天排尿均完全可控,4例有夜间遗尿,未见肿瘤复发和远处转移.结论 单孔腹腔镜膀胱癌根治性切除术安全可行,美容效果较好,短期随访肿瘤控制效果好.自制开口器制作简单,操作方便,气密性好,成本低,能够完成单孔腹腔镜手术.

Abstract：

Objective To present our initial experience of pure laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for radical cystectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissections. Methods 10 patients with pathology confined bladder urothelial carcinoma underwent laparoendoscopic single-site radical cystectomy, including 9 males and 1 female. After a 3-4 cm lower median abdominal incision was made, quadport or homemade single multichannel port was inserted, and conventional and prebent laparoscopic instruments were utilized. The surgical procedure included bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomies, radical cystectomy and building with a sigmoid orthotopic neobladder by open surgery.Results No extra port needed, neither conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. The time of LESS procedure ranged from 130 to 330 min (mean 243 nin). Estimated blood loss ranged from 50 to 600 ml (mean 270 ml). 5 patients needed blood transfusion of 2 to 4 units. The pathologic evaluation revealed bladder urothelial carcinoma, negative margins and negative pelvic lymph node involvement. No mortality or severe complications were observed perioperatively. After followup of more than 6 months, all revealed controllable urination at daytime, while 4 revealed nocturnal incontinence and needed one or two pads during nighttime. No evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease was detected. Conclusions LESS radical cystectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomies was safe and feasible, and short-term follow-up showed good tumor control outcomes. Homemade single multichannel port made of two elastic ring and glove was simple and effective.     

Retroperitoneal Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery: Preliminary Experience in Kidney and Ureteral Indications

The advantages of retroperitoneoscopic technique are well known. We decided to combine this access with the emerging laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) technique. We present our preliminary data on 11 renoureteral procedures and describe our retroperitoneoscopic LESS technique.     

Patient-reported body image and cosmesis outcomes following kidney surgery: comparison of laparoendoscopic single-site, laparoscopic, and open surgery

Background

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is reported to result in superior cosmesis versus alternative surgical approaches, based solely on surgeon assessment or anecdotal evidence.

Objective

Evaluate patient-reported body image and cosmesis outcomes following kidney surgery.

Design, setting, and participants

We conducted a prospective and retrospective observational cohort study involving patients who underwent kidney surgery (n = 114) via LESS (n = 35), laparoscopic (n = 52), or open (n = 27) approaches. Cosmesis was evaluated using a comprehensive survey administered ≥3 mo postoperatively.

Measurements

Survey components were a body image questionnaire (BIQ) consisting of body image and cosmesis subscales, a photo-series questionnaire (PSQ) assessing scar preferences after knowledge of scar outcomes for alternative surgical approaches, and query of preference for future surgical approach using a trade-off method. Body image, cosmesis, and PSQ scales ranged from 5 to 20, 3 to 24, and 1 to 10, respectively.

Results and limitations

Median BIQ component scores did not significantly differ across surgical approaches. Median ratings for the LESS, laparoscopy, and open scar photographs were 8, 5, and 5, respectively (p = 0.0001). Before viewing photographs, median self-scar ratings for LESS, laparoscopy, and open approaches were 9, 5, and 6.5, respectively (p = 0.02); after photographs, ratings were 9, 7, and 7, respectively (p = 0.008). Assuming equivalent surgical risk among the approaches, overall preference for future LESS, laparoscopy, or open surgery was 39%, 33%, or 4%, respectively. As theoretical risk of LESS was raised, preference for LESS decreased, whereas preference for laparoscopy and open surgery increased. Study limitations are a nonrandomized design and the use of a nonvalidated scale.

Conclusions

Urologic patients favor LESS cosmesis outcomes over those for laparoscopy or open surgery. Considering the superior scar satisfaction among LESS patients, who were younger and more likely to be undergoing surgery for benign disease, we infer that this demographic most values the cosmetic advantages of LESS.     

Laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell cancer in patients with increased comorbidities and previous abdominal surgery: preliminary results of a single-centre retrospective study

Objective

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) represents an evolution of laparoscopy for the treatment for urologic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of LESS in patients with increased comorbidities and previous abdominal surgery undergoing radical nephrectomy (LESS-RN) for renal cell carcinoma.

Materials and methods

A total of 25 patients with increased comorbidities and previous abdominal surgery who underwent LESS-RN were compared to 31 patients with the same characteristics after conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). LRN was performed between January 2009 and May 2010, and LESS-RNs were performed between June 2010 and November 2011. Demographic data and perioperative and postoperative variables were recorded and analysed.

Results

• The mean ASA score in the LESS-RN and LRN groups was 3.2 ± 0.4, and the mean BMI was 32.7 ± 2.1 and 34.2 ± 0.8 kg/m², respectively.
• The mean operative time in the LESS-RN and LRN groups was 143.7 ± 24.3 and 130.6 ± 26.5 min, (p = 0.11), and the mean hospital stay was 3.8 ± 0.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.4 days in the two groups (p = 0.06), respectively.
• Three and four complications were recorded in the LESS-RN and in the LRN groups, for a mean complication rate of 12 and 12.9 % (p = 0.12), respectively
• All tumours were organ-confined with negative surgical margins, and the mean R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score for LESS-RN and LRN was 9.78 ± 1.7 and 9.82 ± 1.3 (p = 0.14), respectively.

Conclusions

LESS-RN in patients with increased comorbidities and previous abdominal surgery is equally effective as LRN without compromising on surgical, oncologic short-term and postoperative outcomes.     

Laparoendoscopic Single-site and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery in Urology: A Critical Analysis of the Literature

Context

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) have been developed to benefit patients by enabling surgeons to perform scarless surgery.

Objective

To summarize and critically analyze the available evidence on the current status and future perspectives of LESS and NOTES in urology.

Evidence acquisition

A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted in June 2010 using the Medline database to identify all publications relating to NOTES and LESS in urology.

Evidence synthesis

In urology, NOTES has been completed experimentally via transgastric, transvaginal, transcolonic, and transvesical routes. Initial clinical experience has shown that NOTES urologic surgery using currently available instruments is indeed possible. Nevertheless, because of the immaturity of the instrumentation, early cases have demanded high technical virtuosity. LESS can safely and effectively be performed in a variety of urologic settings. As clinical experience increases, expanding indications are expected to be documented and the efficacy of the procedure to improve. So far, the quality of evidence of all available studies remains low, mostly being small case series or case-control studies from selected centers. Thus, the only objective benefit of LESS remains the improved cosmetic outcome. Prospective, randomized studies are largely awaited to determine which LESS procedures will be established and which are unlikely to stand the test of time. Technology advances hold promise to minimize the challenging technical nature of scarless surgery. In this respect, robotics is likely to drive a major paradigm shift in the development of LESS and NOTES.

Conclusions

NOTES is still an investigational approach in urology. LESS has proven to be immediately applicable in the clinical field, being safe and feasible in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Development of instrumentation and application of robotic technology are expected to define the actual role of these techniques in minimally invasive urologic surgery.     

Laparoendoscopic single‐site cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background: Laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery is a revolution in minimally invasive surgery in recent years, and cholecystectomy is the most common intervention. However, laparoendoscopic single‐site cholecystectomy (LESSC) is a controversial procedure. Its safety, cosmetic results, complications, post‐operative pain and post‐operative stay are not confirmed by multi‐centre randomized controlled studies. Objectives: This review examined the impact of LESSC versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). The primary outcomes were conversional rate and intraoperative and post‐operative complications, and other outcomes were cosmetic results, operative time, post‐operative pain and post‐operative stay. Data sources: Pubmed, EMbase, Web of Science, Ovid, clinical trials of the US National Institutes of Health and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify all possible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Two reviewers completed article search, and eligible data were entered into a computerized spreadsheet for analysis. Results: Nine studies were obtained using the search strategy. Patients accepting LESSC had a higher conversion rate than those having CLC (7.17 (3.00, 17.11) (P < 0.01)). There was no significant difference for total complications between the two groups (1.17 (0.76, 1.80) (P= 0.46)), but incidence of incisional hernia and haemorrhage (seroma) in the LESSC group was obviously higher than that in the CLC group. Operative time was much longer in the LESSC group (mean difference: 10.69 (3.14, 18.24) (P= 0.006)). Cosmetic results favoured LESSC; however, post‐operative abdominal pain and post‐operative stay were not significantly different between the two groups in most of the nine studies. Conclusions: LESSC can be safely performed with better cosmetic results; however, it carries a higher conversion rate and a longer operative time, and offers no benefit in terms of post‐operative abdominal pain and post‐operative stay. Further RCTs, according to the CONSORT statement, are advocated to validate its objective benefits.     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open radical nephrectomy for large renal tumors: a retrospective analysis of multi-center results

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? While laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) has been confirmed in various studies to be at least as efficacious as open radical nephrectomy (ORN) in terms of oncological control and more advantageous from the perspective of minimal invasiveness, very few studies have examined its feasibility and efficacy when applied to renal masses exceeding 7 cm in size, and even fewer involved results obtained from multicentre investigations. The present study retrospectively reviewed the outcome of LRN for masses exceeding 7 cm in size carried out in 26 institutions between 2000 and 2007 and concluded that LRN offers results comparable to ORN in terms of both tumour control and procedure‐associated morbidities. Furthermore, details from the study suggest that while the size of renal mass that can be treated using LRN may not be a necessarily limiting factor, the experience of the laparoscopic surgeon is a primary determinant in the overall outcome.

OBJECTIVE

• ? To assess the feasibility and oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) compared with open radical nephrectomy (ORN) in patients with large renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) >7 cm in size.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? We analysed the data from 255 patients who underwent radical nephrectomies at 26 institutions in Korea between January 2000 and December 2007 for RCCs > 7 cm in size.
• ? Eighty‐eight patients who underwent LRNs were compared with 167 patients who underwent ORNs. The patients with tumor thrombi in the renal vein or IVC, and lymph node or distant metastases were excluded.
• ? We compared the operative time, estimated blood loss, complication rates, and 2‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates between the LRN and ORN groups.

RESULTS

• ? The median duration of postoperative follow‐up was 19 months for the LRN group and 25.8 months for the ORN group.
• ? The operative time was significantly longer in the LRN group than in the ORN group (241.5 ± 74.8 min vs 202.7 ± 69.6 min, P < 0.001) and blood loss was significantly lower in the LRN group than in the ORN group (439.8 ± 326.8 mL vs 604.4 ± 531.4 mL, P = 0.006).
• ? No statistically significant difference was found in complication rates, the 2‐year overall (92.7% vs 94%, P = 0.586) and disease‐specific (90.1% vs 93.7%, P = 0.314) survival rates between the LRN and ORN groups.

CONCLUSIONS

• ? Despite the longer operative time, LRN was an effective and less invasive treatment option for clinical T2 renal tumors. It achieved a degree of cancer control similar to that obtained with ORN.

     

肾区手术史的腹腔镜肾癌根治术后气胸的诊治

目的总结有肾区手术史的腹腔镜肾癌根治术后气胸的诊治体会。方法2000年1月至2013年8月,中山大学附属第三医院有肾区手术史的腹腔镜肾癌根治术后共发现8例气胸患者,均经胸部x片证实,其中右侧5例,左侧3例。4例患者予以观察保守治疗,4例患者予以胸腔穿刺置管抽气治疗。结果4VO保守观察治疗气胸患者吸收好转后出院,4例行胸腔穿刺置管抽气治疗患者平均带管时间36h,均好转出院,平均住院时间8d,无一例患者出现脓胸。结论有肾区手术史的腹腔镜肾癌根治术后并发气胸应及时发现,立刻处理。     

腹腔镜与开腹结直肠癌根治术后全身炎症反应综合征比较

目的 观察腹腔镜和开腹结直肠癌根治术患者术后全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)的发生,比较两种不同手术方式对患者的创伤程度.方法 将85例结直肠癌患者分成开腹手术组(OP组,n=33)和腹腔镜手术组(LP组,n=52),检测术后患者SIRS发生率和持续时间,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)连续检测血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-а、白细胞介素(IL)-6及IL-10水平.结果 与OP组比较,LP组患者血清TNF-а和IL-6水平明显降低,IL-10水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).LP组SIRS发生率为36.5%,低于OP组的63.6%(P<0.01),SIRS持续时间短于OP组(P<0.05).结论 腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术术后患者SIRS发生率和程度较低,对机体创伤较小.     

Propensity-matched pair analysis of safety and efficacy between laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy for the treatment of large renal masses (>10 cm): a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundOpen radical nephrectomy (ORN) is a practical procedure for treating patients with large renal carcinomas >10 cm in size, and few studies have focused on feasibility and safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). The current study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of LRN and ORN in large renal carcinoma patients by propensity matched pair analysis.MethodsIn this cohort study, a retrospective review of radical nephrectomy data from October 2010 to October 2018 at Changhai Hospital was conducted. Patients with renal carcinomas >10 cm in size by pre-operative images were included. Patients’ demographics including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, operation time, hospitalization days, etc. were collected. Renal tumor patients undergoing LRN or ORN were match-paired by gender, BMI, age, and tumor size. Peri-operative outcomes including estimated blood loss and complications were compared. The follow-up contents included survival time, disease progression, and cause of death, and cancer-specific and progression-free survival were estimated via Kaplan-Meier curve analysis.ResultsAmong 92 patients with clinical T2b renal masses, 37 pairs were matched. The average tumor sizes of the LRN and ORN groups were 11.37±0.30 and 11.67±0.33 cm (P=0.375), respectively. The average operating time for LRN was slightly longer (204.32±11.17 vs. 192.78±8.50 min, P=0.414). Estimated blood loss (EBL) (336.49±63.58 mL for LRN vs. 545.95±74.52 mL for ORN, P=0.036), the length of postoperative stay [6.0 (5.0–9.0) for LRN vs. 9.0 (6.0–11.5) days for ORN, P=0.015], and removal time of the drainage tube [4.0 (3.0–5.0) days for LRN vs. 5.0 (4.0–6.0) for ORN, P<0.001] were less than in the LRN group. The pathological subtype and Fuhrman grade were comparable. Both groups were followed up for a similar period, and no difference was observed in 5-year survival rates.ConclusionsConsidering the conversion rates and overall complication rates, it seems that LRN for large renal carcinomas demonstrated equivalent peri-operative safety and effectiveness compared with ORN, with no adverse effects on midterm oncological outcomes.     

精准解剖式肾前筋膜间平面腹腔镜肾癌根治手术的要点分析

目的介绍肾前筋膜间平面行腹腔镜根治性肾切除术（IpLRN）的解剖要点及手术技巧。 方法回顾性分析2010年10月至2017年5月在贵阳市第二人民医院及贵州医科大学附属医院泌尿外科收治的57例肾癌患者临床资料,术中采用基于层面外科肿瘤根治性切除的概念,评价IpLRN手术过程,总结该手术应遵循的解剖平面理论。 结果在IpLRN手术过程中存在七个重要的外科平面,在这些无血管平面中游离,57例手术均获成功,术中未出现严重并发症,手术时间55~180 min,平均68 min,出血量0~120 ml,平均19 ml,术后3~7 d出院,平均4 d。57例患者术后随访6~30个月,平均11个月,均无瘤生存。 结论肾前筋膜间平面是IpLRN手术的重要解剖层面,在肾癌根治术中解剖层次清晰,沿肾前筋膜间平面游离可避免解剖迷失,符合肿瘤学手术原则。     

Elective partial nephrectomy is equivalent to radical nephrectomy in patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma: results of a retrospective, comparative, multi-institutional study

Study Type – Therapy (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Few studies supported the expanded indications for nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) in selected patients with 4.1 cm renal tumours in the size range (T1b). However, all these comparative studies included both imperative and elective partial nephrectomy and patient selection for analysis was based on pathological stage (pT1) and not on clinical stage (cT1). Patients with clinically organ‐confined RCC (cT1) who are candidates for elective PN have a limited risk of clinical understaging. NSS is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality both in cT1a and cT1b tumours

OBJECTIVE

• ? To compare the oncological outcomes of patients who underwent elective partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinically organ‐confined renal masses ≤7 cm in size (cT1).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? The records of 3480 patients with cT1N0M0 disease were extracted from a multi‐institutional database and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

• ? In patients who underwent PN, the risk of clinical understaging was 3.2% in cT1a cases and 10.6% in cT1b cases.
• ? With regard to the cT1a patients, the 5‐ and 10‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) estimates were 94.7% and 90.4%, respectively, after RN and 96.1% and 94.9%, respectively, after PN (log‐rank test: P = 0.01).
• ? With regard to cT1b patients, the 5‐year CSS probabilities were 92.6% after RN and 90% after PN, respectively (log‐rank test: P = 0.89).
• ? Surgical treatment failed to be an independent predictor of CSS on multivariable analysis, both for cT1a and cT1b patients.
• ? Interestingly, PN was oncologically equivalent to RN also in patients with pT3a tumours (log‐rank test: P = 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

• ? Elective PN is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality in both cT1a and cT1b tumours.
• ? Data from the present study strongly support the use of partial nephrectomy in patients with clinically T1 tumours, according to the current recommendations of the international guidelines.

     

The association of body composition with postoperative complications and length of hospital stay after radical or partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell cancer: a multicenter population-based cohort study

BackgroundBody mass index (BMI) and body composition have been associated with postoperative outcomes in oncological surgery. Evidence in renal cell cancer (RCC) is limited and inconsistent. Therefore, we examined BMI and body composition in relation to postoperative outcomes in patients with RCC.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter population-based historical cohort study including 801 patients with RCC treated with radical (79%) or partial (21%) nephrectomy between 2008–2012. Computed Tomography images at third lumbar vertebrae were assessed for skeletal muscle (SM) index, SM density, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) index and subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI). Multivariable multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between BMI, body composition and (major) postoperative complications and extended length of hospital stay (LOHS) (≥7 days). Discrimination of models for major complications was compared using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.ResultsIn total, 19.6% of the patients had postoperative complications (6.2% Clavien grade ≥III) and 24.1% had extended LOHS. A 10-unit increase in SM density was inversely associated with extended LOHS [odds ratio (OR) 0.58; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.44–0.78]. Associations of high BMI and lower SM density with risk of major complications and of higher VAT index with extended LOHS were also observed but statistical significance differed according to surgical procedure. Models predicting major complications with or without body composition parameters were not different.ConclusionsLower SM density was associated with extended LOHS and non-significantly associated with higher risk of major postoperative complications. High BMI was associated with higher risk of major postoperative complications. Higher VAT was non-significantly associated with higher risk of extended LOHS. Results by surgical procedure were in the same direction but were only statistically significant for some subgroups. Validation of these results and investigation of the added value of body composition parameters to anatomic classification systems is needed.     

The role of c-Met in prognosis and clinicopathology of renal cell carcinoma: Results from a single-centre study and systematic review

Background and objectives

The c-Met proto-oncogene pathway plays an important role in the progression of various cancers. However, the effect of the c-Met pathway on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains controversial. We decided to clarify the role of c-Met in prognosis and clinicopathology of RCC.