Modified nephroureterectomy: a risk of tumour implantation

The standard surgical management of patients presenting with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is nephroureterectomy with excision of a cuff of bladder around the ureteric orifice. Recently a modified technique of resecting the lower ureter endoscopically and completing the nephroureterectomy through a single loin incision has been advocated as a safe and simple procedure. We consider that this technique may have a risk of tumour implantation at the site of the resected lower ureter. We report our experience of this operation in five patients, two of whom developed invasive tumour at the site of the ureteric orifice after only a short follow-up.     

Pure laparoscopic complete excision of distal ureter with a bladder cuff for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE: In laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma techniques for removing the lower ureter with a bladder cuff have been a matter of debate. We have developed a pure laparoscopic technique for the complete resection of the lower ureter with a bladder cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed in ten patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma using this technique. After a working space was made retroperitoneally, the ureter was ligated at the distal site of the tumor. Retracting the ureter cranially, a stay suture was placed at an anterior point on the bladder and the bladder opened. With the patient placed in a lateral position, there was no urine leakage from the opened bladder. The ureteral orifice was confirmed laparoscopically. Incising around the ureteral orifice, the distal ureter was detached with the bladder cuff. The opened bladder wall was closed with running stitches. RESULTS: This method was technically successful in these ten cases with minimal bleeding and average operative time of 87 min. The margins of the bladder cuff were all negative and the average follow-up period of 19 months revealed only one (10%) bladder tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The ligation of the distal part of the ureter and the complete excision of the ipsilateral orifice and a bladder cuff under laparoscopic vision could reduce bladder tumor recurrence. Although this is a limited study with a small sample, the observation of low rates of bladder tumor recurrence after 19 months warrants further study.     

Does the surgical technique for management of the distal ureter influence the outcome after nephroureterectomy?

Study Type – Therapy (case series)
Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The resection of the distal ureter and its orifice is an oncological principle during radical nephroureterectomy which is based on the fact that it represents a part of the urinary tract exposed to a considerable risk of recurrence. After removal of the proximal part it is hardly possible to image or approach it by endoscopy during follow‐up. Recent publications on survival after nephroureterectomy do not allow the conclusion that removal of distal ureter and bladder cuff are useless. Several techniques of distal ureter removal have been described but they are not equivalent in term of oncological safety. ? The standard treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT‐UCs) must obey oncological principles, which consist of a complete en bloc resection of the kidney and the ureter, as well as excision of a bladder cuff to avoid tumour seeding. ? The open technique is the ‘gold standard’ of treatment to which all other techniques developed are necessarily compared, and various surgical procedures have been described. ? The laparoscopic stapling technique maintains a closed system but risks leaving behind the ureteric and bladder cuff segments. ? Transvesical laparoscopic detachment and ligation is a valid approach from an oncological stance but is technically difficult. The major inconvenience of the transurethral resection of the ureteric orifice and intussusception techniques is the potential for tumour seeding. ? Management of the distal ureter via the robot‐assisted laparoscopic method is technically feasible, but outcomes from these procedures are still preliminary. ? Therefore, prospective comparative studies with more thorough explorations of these techniques are needed to solve the dilemma of the management of the distal ureter during nephroureterectomy. However, bladder cuff excision should remain the standard of care irrespective of the stage of the disease.     

Intermediate followup of hand assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma: factors associated with outcomes

PURPOSE: We report our experience with hand assisted laparoscopic (HALS) nephroureterectomy and describe the associations of preoperative, operative and pathological factors with outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HALS nephroureterectomy was performed in 54 consecutive patients using modified transurethral resection of the ureteral orifice (TURUO) or a 1 port transvesical endoscopic cuff technique for the distal ureter in all except 8. Data were collected prospectively and retrospectively, and followup was distinguished for bladder, contralateral upper tract and nonurothelial (local recurrence and distant metastases) sites. RESULTS: The endoscopic cuff was associated with significantly shorter mean operative time than the transurethral resection of the ureteral orifice method (234 vs 295 minutes, p = 0.002) but the comparison was confounded by the effect of experience. With 28% of patients having stage II or greater tumors and 49% having high grade bladder disease, contralateral upper tract and nonurothelial recurrences developed in 55%, 11% and 25% of evaluable patients at a median followup of 25.1, 24.4 and 24.9 months, respectively, in those without recurrence. At a median followup of 25.0 months cancer specific survival was 94%, 86% and 80% at 1 to 3 years, respectively. Three-year cancer specific survival was 100% in patents with grade 1 or 2, or stage 0 or I tumors but only 57% and 36% in patients with grade 3 and stage II or IV tumors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HALS nephroureterectomy is associated with 3-year outcomes that are strongly associated with stage and grade. We prefer the endoscopic cuff method for the distal ureter because it is performed after nephrectomy, does not require patient repositioning and is expedient.     

Recurrence and survival following laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with various forms of bladder cuff control

PURPOSE: We document recurrence and survival following laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNUX) for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) using primarily 2 methods of managing the bladder cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 60 patients undergoing LNUX at our institution for upper tract TCC were reviewed retrospectively. En bloc excision of the bladder cuff was primarily performed transvesically by our described cystoscopic secured detachment and ligation method (CDL) or extravesically using a laparoscopic stapling device (LS). RESULTS: Median followup was 23 months (range 1 to 45). Recurrence developed in 27%, 7% and 12% of cases in the bladder at a median of 5 months, retroperitoneum at 8 months and distant sites at 8 months, respectively. Compared to the novel CDL technique LS resulted in a higher positive margin rate (p = 0.046). Overall survival correlated with bladder recurrence (p = 0.003), upper tract TCC stage (p = 0.01) and method of bladder cuff control when comparing CDL vs LS (p = 0.04). Freedom from recurrent upper tract disease was related to pathological stage (p = 0.015) and bladder cuff excision method (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These data underscore the aggressive nature of high stage, high grade upper tract TCC and validate the importance of complete excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff during LNUX. In patients without coexisting bladder tumor the CDL method, which allows formal bladder cuff excision in a secured manner akin to that of established open surgical principles, appears oncologically valid.     

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and management options for the distal ureter

Radical nephroureterectomy, including en bloc excision of the ureter with a bladder cuff, is the standard treatment for upper tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC). This procedure requires either a flank and lower abdominal incision or an extended flank incision. Laparoscopic surgery for TCC has been used at several medical centers; the most challenging and controversial aspect is the oncologically correct management of the distal ureter. We believe that the Cleveland Clinic technique of securing the distal bladder cuff intravesically while simultaneously occluding the distal ureter prevents tumor spillage and allows accurate and complete resection of the targeted ureter in a manner mirroring the open procedure.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper-tract urothelial tumors is a minimally invasive approach that parallels the open technique in oncologic efficacy. Multiple approaches to manage the distal ureter have been described. We developed a new technique using the daVinci robot system to perform a transvesical excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with upper-tract urothelial cancer underwent a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. The daVinci robot was docked through the umbilical, ipsilateral lateral rectus, and an additional contralateral lateral rectus port. The bladder was clam-shelled in a coronal orientation at the dome and the distal ureterectomy performed. RESULTS: Our technique was successful in all ten patients. The mean operative time for the entire case was 4.4 hours. The average hospital stay was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is a safe, minimally invasive approach to upper- tract urothelial cancer that reduces the technical challenge of excision of the distal ureter.     

“The Lister Technique”: a new technique for the management of the distal ureter during radical robotic nephroureterectomy

We describe “The Lister Technique”—a new 3 step procedure developed in our department for robotic assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RANU). Our new technique facilitates the complete excision of the whole ureter including ureteric orifice and reduces this risk of tumour spillage from the distal ureter without the need for bivalving the bladder. Our initial data indicates that the technique is associated with reduction in bladder recurrence post-operatively in comparison to current published series. Longer follow up and larger patient numbers are required to validate these results further.     

腹腔镜肾输尿管全长切除术及膀胱袖状切除术治疗上尿路移行细胞癌

目的:评价腹腔镜经腹腔径路行肾输尿管全长切除术及膀胱袖状切除术治疗上尿路移行细胞癌的有效性及安全性。方法:对6例上尿路移行细胞癌患者行腹腔镜经腹腔径路肾切除术,经同侧下腹斜切口、袖状切除输尿管并完整取出标本。结果:6例手术均获成功,无中转开放手术,手术时间200～320min,平均250min,术中出血100～300ml,均未输血,住院8～12d,平均9d,术后常规膀胱灌注丝裂霉素,随访2～14个月,均无复发或转移。结论:腹腔镜肾输尿管全长切除术是治疗上尿路移行细胞癌安全有效的微创手术,具有痛苦小、康复快等优点。     

Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy: dilemma of the distal ureter

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy has recently emerged as a safe, minimally invasive approach to upper tract urothelial cancers. The most controversial and challenging feature of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is the management of the distal ureter. We review the most common methods of managing the distal ureter, with emphasis on contemporary oncologic outcomes, indications, advantages, and disadvantages. RECENT FINDINGS: There are currently in excess of five different approaches to the lower ureter. These techniques often combine features of endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open management. They include open excision, a transvesical laparoscopic detachment and ligation technique, laparoscopic stapling of the distal ureter and bladder cuff, the "pluck" technique, and ureteral intussusception. Each technique has distinct advantages and disadvantages, differing not only in technical approach, but oncological principles as well. While the existing published data do not overwhelmingly support one approach over the others, the open approach remains one of the most reliable and oncologically sound procedures. SUMMARY: The principles of surgical oncology dictate that a complete, en-bloc resection, with avoidance of tumor seeding, remains the preferred treatment of all urothelial cancers. The classical open technique of securing the distal ureter and bladder cuff achieves this principle and has withstood the test of time. Transvesical laparoscopic detachment and ligation is an oncologically valid approach in patients without bladder tumors, but is limited by technical considerations. The laparoscopic stapling technique maintains a closed system but risks leaving behind ureteral and bladder cuff segments. Both transurethral resection of the ureteral orifice (pluck) and intussusception techniques should be approached with caution, as the potential for tumor seeding exists. Additional long-term comparative outcomes are needed to solve the dilemma of the distal ureter.     

Initial experience of robotic nephroureterectomy: a hybrid‐port technique

OBJECTIVE

To report a new technique of robot‐assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RANU) using a hybrid port, as RANU has recently become a minimally invasive treatment option for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven consecutive patients underwent RANU by one surgeon. The first six patients were repositioned after the nephrectomy, from flank to lithotomy position, and the robot was re‐docked for excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. The last five patients were treated by a new RANU technique that did not require a change of position or movement of the patient cart. We analysed data obtained before, during and after RANU.

RESULTS

The total operative duration was reduced by ≈50 min in last five patients. There was no improvement in hospital stay or estimated blood loss. There were no transfusions and positive surgical margins in any patient. Maintaining the patient in a flank position allows gravity to displace the bowel away from the distal ureter, not only shortening the surgery but also improving exposure of the distal ureterectomy and closure of the bladder cuff.

CONCLUSIONS

The new RANU technique is a safe and feasible treatment option for upper tract TCC.     

Initial experience with robot-assisted minimally-invasive nephroureterectomy

PURPOSE: Various techniques have been described for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. We reviewed our initial experience of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with robot-assisted extravesical excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients aged 43 to 83 years underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) between August 2005 and March 2007. The first five patients were repositioned after laparoscopic nephrectomy from flank to lithotomy position to dock the robot for excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff by a single surgeon. In contrast, the last four patients remained in flank position throughout the entire procedure, with the robot docked in flank position following laparoscopic nephrectomy. A two-layer closure re-approximated the cystotomy and a urethral catheter was left in place for a mean of 5 days. RESULTS: Eight men and one woman with a mean age of 64.2 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.4 kg/m(2) underwent flexible cystoscopy and laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for five right-sided and four left-sided tumors. Mean operative time was 303 minutes (range 210-430 minutes), estimated blood loss was 211 mL (range 50-700 mL), and mean length of hospital stay was 2.3 days. Pathologic staging revealed T(3) for five (55.6%), T(a) for two (22.2%), carcinoma in situ (CIS) for two (22.2%) patients, and high-grade disease for seven (77.8%) patients. With a mean follow-up of 16.2 months (range 4.3-24.3 months), three patients with a history of bladder cancer have experienced recurrence in the bladder, and one of the three has also developed metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with robot-assisted extravesical excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff appears to be a feasible alternative for patients with TCC of the upper urinary tract.     

后腹腔镜联合应用膀胱电切镜行肾输尿管全切及膀胱袖套状切除术

目的:评价后腹腔镜联合膀胱电切镜行肾输尿管全切及膀胱袖套状切除术治疗上尿路移行细胞癌的有效性及安全性。方法:对10例上尿路移行细胞癌患者行后腹腔镜联合膀胱电切镜行肾输尿管全切术,完整取出切除的肾输尿管标本。术后常规化疗药物膀胱灌注。结果:手术时间180~230m in;术中出血量80~200m l;术后8d出院,无严重并发症发生。随访2~24个月,无复发。结论:后腹腔镜联合膀胱电切镜行肾输尿管全切术治疗上尿路移行细胞癌,是一种安全有效的术式,具有痛苦小、并发症少及患者恢复快等优点。     

低分期上尿路上皮癌根治手术不加膀胱袖状切除的可行性分析

目的 分析低分期肾盂及中上段输尿管尿路上皮癌行根治性肾切除术与经典肾盂癌根治性手术后肿瘤复发率的差异,探讨低分期上尿路上皮癌患者不行膀胱袖状切除的可行性.方法 回顾性分析2000-2007年收治73例上尿路上皮癌患者的资料.男36例,女37例.平均年龄66(45～87)岁.其中肾盂癌46例,中上段输尿管癌27例.根据术式分为经典肾盂癌根治性手术组(35例)和根治性肾切除组(38例).分析2组患者病理及随访结果,比较2组患者术后复发率的差异.结果 经典肾盂癌根治性手术组肿瘤复发8例(22.9%),其中T1患者复发率20.0%(3/15);根治性肾切除组肿瘤复发8例(21.1%),其中T1患者复发率19.0%(4/21),2组总复发率和T1肿瘤复发率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).经典肾盂癌根治性手术组19例肾盂癌中,肿瘤复发4例(21.1%);16例中上段输尿管癌中,肿瘤复发4例(25.0%),2组肿瘤复发率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).根治性肾切除组27例肾盂癌中,肿瘤复发3例(11.1%);11例中上段输尿管癌中,肿瘤复发5例(45.5%),2组肿瘤复发率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 低分期上尿路上皮癌患者可不行膀胱袖状切除术,但肿瘤位于输尿管者应行膀胱袖状切除术.     

后腹腔镜辅助小切口肾输尿管及膀胱袖套状切除术(附7例报告)

目的:探讨后腹腔镜辅助小切口肾输尿管及膀胱袖套状切除术的手术技巧。方法:用后腹腔镜辅助小切口为7例肾盂及输尿管肿瘤患者行肾输尿管及膀胱袖套状切除术,其中肾盂癌4例,输尿管癌3例。结果:7例手术均获成功,手术时间90~120min,平均108min,术中出血50~150ml,平均80ml。术后平均住院10d,无严重并发症发生。随访4~33个月,无肿瘤复发。结论:采用后腹腔镜辅助小切口肾输尿管及膀胱袖套状切除术治疗肾盂及输尿管肿瘤具有患者创伤小、出血少、手术时间短、并发症少、切除更完全等优点。     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with cystoscopic en bloc excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff

Various hand-assisted and purely laparoscopic nephroureterectomy techniques have been described in the urologic literature. We describe a technique of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with cystoscopic en bloc excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff that duplicates open surgical excision of these structures and obviates bladder trocar placement and midprocedural patient repositioning. The patient is placed in a modified dorsal lithotomy position with the tumor side elevated 30 degrees. Allen stirrups are utilized to allow simultaneous access to the urethra. A transperitoneal hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy is performed. The technique is modified in that the ureter is clipped prior to the kidney dissection to avoid distal migration of tumor cells during kidney manipulation. After the kidney is isolated, the intact ureter is liberated distal to the intramural hiatus. The remaining dissection is completed intravesically under cystoscopic guidance. While the surgeon's intra-abdominal hand places the ureter on tension, the cystoscopist transurethrally excises the bladder cuff and intramural ureter with a Collings knife. The complete surgical specimen is removed en bloc through the hand port. The bladder is not closed. A urethral catheter connected to straight drainage remains until the seventh postoperative day, when a cystogram is performed; if it is normal, the catheter is removed.     

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: long-term outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is becoming increasingly common since it was first described in 1991 for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma, with long-term data now emerging. The purpose of this study was to compare oncological outcomes between laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and open nephroureterectomy, investigate recurrence risks specific to laparoscopic nephroureterectomy techniques and review long-term outcomes after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published long-term outcomes support the oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, confirming results from previous studies with short and intermediate follow-up. Rates of bladder, local and distant recurrence are comparable irrespective of the various methods of managing the distal ureter and bladder cuff currently employed. SUMMARY: As the oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy continue to mature, a laparoscopic approach for the renal portion of nephroureterectomy is widely accepted as the gold standard in the treatment of organ-confined upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma. The roles of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma continue to evolve and remain to be defined.     

Elective management of transitional cell carcinoma of the distal ureter: can kidney-sparing surgery be advised?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term oncological outcome of patients with primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the distal ureter electively treated with either kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) or radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in a retrospective, non-randomized, single-centre study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 43 consecutive patients with a primary solitary distal ureter TCC, 19 had KSS, consisting of distal ureter resection with bladder cuff excision and ureter reimplantation, and 24 had RNU with bladder cuff excision. RESULTS: The median (range) age at surgery was 69 (31-86) years for the KSS group and 73 (59-87) years for the RNU group, patients in the latter having worse hydronephrotic kidneys. The median (range) follow-up was 58 (3-260) months. A recurrent bladder tumour was diagnosed after a median of 15 months in five of the 19 patients treated by KSS and after a median of 5.5 months in eight of the 24 treated by RNU. Five of the 19 patients treated by KSS and six of the 24 treated by RNU died from metastatic disease despite chemotherapy. Recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival were comparable in the two groups. In two patients (11%) treated by KSS an ipsilateral upper urinary tract TCC recurred after 42 and 105 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Treatment by distal ureteric resection is feasible in patients with primary TCC of the distal ureter. The long-term oncological outcome seems to be comparable with that of patients treated by RNU. Furthermore, kidney preservation is advantageous if adjuvant or salvage chemotherapy is required.     

Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with en-bloc distal ureteral and bladder cuff excision using a single position pneumovesicum method

We describe a completely laparoscopic approach for en-bloc dissection of the distal ureter and bladder cuff during nephroureterectomy using a pneumovesicum approach and with the need for intraoperative patient repositioning. This technique is efficient, technically feasible and adheres to the oncologic principles of radical nephroureterectomy.     

A novel technique for distal ureterectomy and bladder cuff excision

IntroductionWe describe a novel endoscopic approach and provide a literature review for the “en bloc” dissection of the distal ureter and bladder cuff during laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy using a transvesical single port approach under pneumovesicum.Materials and methodsThe procedure was performed in an 80-year old male with a history of gross hematuria due to left renal pelvic TCC and no history of prior bladder TCC. Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy was performed and the ureter was dissected down to the bladder and clipped. A single-port device was inserted transvesically and pneumovesicum established. A full thickness incision of the bladder around the ureter was performed with progressive intravesical mobilization of the distal ureter. Subsequently, a water-tight closure of the bladder defect was achieved. The distal ureter, together with the bladder cuff, was then delivered en bloc laparoscopically with the specimen.ResultsThe operating time (LESS radical nephroureterectomy, RPLND, and bladder cuff excision) was 6 hours and 15 minutes. The bladder cuff time was 45 minutes. There were no intra or postoperative complications and the catheter was removed after 6 days. Histopathological analysis showed kidney-invasive papillary urothelial cancer, pT3 pN0 (0/7) G3.ConclusionThe distal ureter and bladder cuff techniques have not yet been standardized. Management of the bladder cuff with a single port is feasible. Additional studies are needed to identify the best approach for management of the distal ureter at the time of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.