Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: 3-year followup

PURPOSE: LPN is a viable alternative to open partial nephrectomy for select small renal tumors. However, published intermediate term oncological data are sparse. We present our experience with LPN for tumor in 100 patients with a minimum followup of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 480 LPNs performed at our institution a minimum followup of 3 years is available in 100 patients since 1999. Overall and cancer specific survival data were obtained from patient charts, radiographic reports and direct telephone calls to patient families. RESULTS: All 100 cases were completed laparoscopically without open conversion. Mean tumor size was 3.1 cm and mean warm ischemia was 27 minutes. Final histopathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in 68 patients, including 1 with positive surgical margins. A second patient with oncocytoma had a positive surgical margin. At a median followup of 42 months (mean 42.6, range 24.3 to 62.5) no patient had evidence of local or port site recurrence. Two patients with renal cell carcinoma had a contralateral renal mass. Overall survival was 86% and cancer specific survival was 100%. Mean preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine was 1.1 and 1.3 mg/dl, respectively. Two patients with preoperative chronic renal insufficiency were undergoing hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: At 3-year followup LPN provides oncological outcomes comparable to those in contemporary open partial nephrectomy series.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for cystic masses

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has emerged as an effective treatment option in select patients with a solid renal tumor, scant data are available on cystic renal tumors. We report our experience with LPN in 50 patients with a cystic renal lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 284 patients undergoing LPN at our institution since August 1999 preoperative computerized tomography identified a suspicious cystic lesion in 50 (17.6%) (group 1). Data were retrospectively compared with those on 50 matched, consecutive patients undergoing LPN for a solid renal mass (group 2). All patients with Bosniak II/IIF cysts were advised to undergo watchful waiting. Surgery was offered if the cyst changed in character or if that was the patient preference. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3 cm in group 1 and 2.6 cm in group 2 (p = 0.07). Groups 1 and 2 were comparable in regard to perioperative parameters. In patients with Bosniak II (9), IIF (4), III (12) and IV (21) cysts final histopathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in 22%, 25%, 50% and 90%, respectively. All 100 patients had a negative surgical margin. No patient in group 1 had intraoperative puncture/spillage of the cystic tumor. In group 1 during a mean followup of 14 months (range 1 month to 3 years) 1 patient had retroperitoneal recurrence at 1 year despite negative surgical margins during initial LPN. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcomes of LPN for suspicious cystic masses are similar to those of LPN for solid tumors. However, extreme caution and refined laparoscopic technique must be exercised to avoid cyst rupture and local spillage.     

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the Heilbronn technique: oncological results in the first 500 patients

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has become an accepted alternative to open surgery. However, there is still a lack of data concerning the oncological outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1999 to July 2004, 1,078 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at our institution. Oncological results in the first 500 patients with a minimal followup of 23 months were analyzed, focusing on positive margins, prostate specific antigen (PSA) failure, clinical progression and survival. RESULTS: Median followup was 40 months (range 23 to 65). Of the patients 417 underwent pelvic lymph node dissection, which revealed positive nodes in 6 (1.2%). Positive margins were documented in 22 of 296 pT2 tumors (7.4%), 27 of 107 pT3a tumors (25.2%) and 29 of 69 pT3b tumors (42.0%). PSA recurrence was diagnosed in 55 patients (11.0%) at a mean of 20.8 months (range 6 to 36) that is stages pT2a, pT2b, pT3a and pT3b/4 in 3.2%, 6.5%, 15.9% and 23.9%, respectively. PSA progression-free rates were 83.0% at 3 years and 73.1% at 5 years. Two patients died of disease and 6 died of other causes (99.2% overall survival). The clinical progression rate was to 4.1% at 3 years and 9.8% at 5 years. No port site metastasis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: At centers of expertise laparoscopic radical prostatectomy may provide an oncological outcome similar to that of the open procedure. However, it offers the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.     

Does the size of the surgical margin in partial nephrectomy for renal cell cancer really matter?

PURPOSE: Although many groups recommend a surgical margin of 1 to 2 cm., to our knowledge the amount of normal renal parenchyma that must be excised during partial nephrectomy for stages T1-2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma to ensure a safe margin has never been critically evaluated. We investigated whether the size of the surgical margin has any effect on recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All partial nephrectomies performed for localized renal cell carcinoma at our institution from 1988 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed via a review of hospital records, pathology reports and histological slides. Parenchymal margin status was assessed and quantified by microscopy. Followup data were obtained via patient chart review and telephone interview. Average negative margin size and postoperative followup were determined, and renal cell carcinoma recurrence was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 44 partial nephrectomies were performed with a mean followup of 49 months (range 8 to 153). Mean tumor size was 3.22 cm. (range 1.3 to 10). Surgical margins were negative for malignancy in 41 cases and positive in 3. All patients with negative margins were without local recurrence at followup except 1 with a recurrent mass adjacent to the kidney at a site distant from the original lesion. Mean and median size of the negative margins was 0.25 and 0.2 cm., respectively (range 0.05 to 0.7). In the 3 cases with positive margins there was no evidence of disease at 39 and 62 months of followup in 2, while multiple local and metastatic recurrences developed in 1. CONCLUSIONS: No patient with negative parenchymal margins after nephron sparing surgery for stages T1-2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma had local recurrence at the resection site at a mean followup of 49 months. Margin size was irrelevant. Only a minimal margin of normal renal parenchyma of less than 5 mm. must be removed during partial nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney

PURPOSE: We report our experience with LPN for tumor in a solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 430 patients undergoing LPN since February 1999 at our institution 22 (5%) underwent LPN for tumor in a solitary kidney, as performed by a single surgeon. The laparoscopic technique that we used duplicated open principles, including hilar clamping, cold cut tumor excision and sutured renal reconstruction. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 3.6 cm (range 1.4 to 8.3, median 3 cm), median blood loss was 200 cc (range 50 to 500), warm ischemia time was 29 minutes (range 14 to 55), total operative time was 3.3 hours (range 2.2 to 4.5) and hospital stay was 2.8 days (range 1.3 to 12). Two cases (9%) were electively converted to open surgery. Pathological findings confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 16 patients (73%) with negative surgical margins in all those with LPN. Major complications occurred in 3 patients (15%) and minor complications developed in 7 (32%). Median preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine (1.2 and 1.5 mg/dl) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (67.5 and 50 ml per minute per 1.73 m2) reflected a change of 33% and 27%, respectively, which appeared proportionate to the median amount of kidney parenchyma excised (23%). One patient (4.5%) required temporary hemodialysis. At a median followup of 2.5 years (range 0.5 to 4.5) cancer specific and overall survival was 100% and 91%, respectively. No patient with LPN had local or port site recurrence, or metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: LPN can be performed efficaciously and safely in select patients with tumor in a solitary kidney. To our knowledge we present the largest series in the literature. Advanced laparoscopic experience and expertise are necessary in this high risk population.     

Nefroureterectomía laparoscópica mediante laparoscopia asistida por la mano para el tratamiento del carcinoma transicional del tracto urinario superior

ObjectiveTo report our series of patients undergoing hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (HALNU) using the pluck-off procedure.Materials and methodsTwenty patient undergoing HALMU for upper urinary tract urothelial tumors from November 2002 to December 2007 were assessed. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and oncological data were assessed.ResultsMean patient age was 69 years. Mean operating time and mean intraoperative bleeding were 176 min and 381 mL respectively. Twenty percent of patients required transfusion of blood products. Conversion to open surgery was not required in any patient.Major and minor complications occurred in 25% and 30% of patients respectively.Mean time to oral intake was 48 hours, and mean hospital stay was 5 days.Pathological study revealed transitional cell carcinoma in all cases: grade I in 5%, grade II in 60%, and grade III in 35% of patients. Clinical stage was pTa in 5%, pT1 in 20%, pT2 in 25%, pT3 in 40%, and pT4 in 10% of patients.A bladder recurrence rate of 30% and a 49% overall survival were seen after a mean followup of 33 months (5-73). Six-year cancer-specific survival was 67%. No patient developed either peritoneal or surgical bed recurrence.ConclusionsHALMU using the pluck-off procedure is a feasible, safe, and effective surgery. Both surgical and oncological results are similar to those of open surgery and pure laparoscopy.     

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncological evaluation after 1,000 cases a Montsouris Institute

PURPOSE: We performed a prospective oncological evaluation of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in regard to local tumor control and biochemical recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1998 and March 2002, 1,000 consecutive patients with a mean age +/- SD of 63 +/- 6.2 years and clinically localized prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at 1 institution. Preoperative 1997 TNM clinical stage was T1a in 6 patients (0.6%), T1b in 3 (0.3%), T1c in 660 (66.5%), T2a in 304 (30.4%) and T2b in 27 (2.7%). Mean preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) +/- SD was 10 +/- 6.1 ng./ml. (range 1.5 to 55). Postoperatively, surgical specimens were assessed and positive surgical margins recorded. Factors that could influence the surgical margins status were evaluated. Irrespective of pathological stage or surgical margin status, no adjuvant treatment was proposed before an increasing PSA. PSA recurrence was defined as PSA greater than 0.1 ng./ml. and was confirmed by a second increase. Recurrence time was defined as the time of the first increase in PSA. RESULTS: Postoperative pathological stage was pT2aN0/Nx in 203 patients (20.3%), pT2bN0/Nx in 572 (57.2%), pT3aN0/Nx in 142 (14.2%), pT3bN0/Nx in 77 (7.7%) and pT1-3 N1 in 6 (0.6%). Positive surgical margin rate was 6.9%, 18.6%, 30% and 34% for pathological stages pT2a, pT2b, pT3a and pT3b, respectively (p <0.001). The main predictors of a positive surgical margin were preoperative PSA (p <0.001), clinical stage (p = 0.001), pathological stage (p <0.001) and Gleason score (p = 0.003). The overall actuarial biochemical progression-free survival rate was 90.5% at 3 years. According to the pathological stage, the progression-free survival rate was 91.8% for pT2aN0/Nx, 88% for pT2bN0/Nx, 77% for pT3aN0/Nx, 44% for pT3bN0/Nx and 50% for pT1-3N1 (p <0.001). Of the patients 94% with negative surgical margins and 80% with positive margins had progression-free survival (p <0.001). Preservation of the neurovascular bundles in patients with localized tumors had no significant effect on the subsequent risk of positive surgical margins or progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on followup, our evaluation confirms that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy provides satisfactory results in regard to local tumor control and biochemical recurrence.     

IS FROZEN SECTION ANALYSIS IN NEPHRON SPARING SURGERY NECESSARY? A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 301 CASES

PURPOSE: One of the basic principles of nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma is resection of the tumor with normal tissue margins verified by frozen section analysis. In cases of positive tumor margins the surgeon is committed to complete the local resection or to perform radical nephrectomy. In this study we retrospectively evaluated the yield of frozen section analysis performed during nephron sparing surgeries, especially concerning compatibility with the final histological report and the long-term oncological outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1988 and 2003, 172 men and 129 women with a mean age of 59 years (range 16 to 83) underwent nephron sparing surgery due to suspected renal tumors. Mean tumor size was 3.56 cm (range 1 to 12.5). Frozen section analysis was routinely performed during surgery. RESULTS: Positive tumor margins in frozen section analysis were found in 2 cases (0.7%). In both cases the tumor was centrally located. Those 2 patients underwent immediate radical nephrectomy but no residual tumor was subsequently found in the radical nephrectomy specimens. Paraffin sections disclosed positive tumor margins in 4 other cases (1.3%) in whom the frozen section analysis had shown tumor negative margins. Of the 4 patients 1 underwent radical nephrectomy for tumor recurrence after 9 months. The other 3 patients showed no evidence of disease recurrence after 26, 59 and 120 months of followup. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that frozen section analysis during nephron sparing surgery has minimal clinical significance and hence routine incorporation in urological practice should be reconsidered.     

Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy for the treatment of pathological T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: a 5-year survival rate

PURPOSE: We retrospectively compared the oncological adequacy of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to that of open partial nephrectomy in the treatment of patients with pathological stage T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients with stage T1N0M0 renal tumors confirmed by pathological examination of the surgical specimen underwent partial nephrectomy between January 1996 and June 2004 with a followup of at least 1.5 years. Of these patients 85 were treated laparoscopically and the remaining 58 underwent open surgery. Medical and operative records were retrospectively reviewed with emphasis on tumor recurrence and survival. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The mean followup for the laparoscopy group was 40.4 +/- 18.0 months. A total of 83 patients survived. Of these patients 2 patients experienced disease recurrence within 18 to 46.2 months, 1 patient died of cancer metastasis to brain within 29.7 months and 1 died of an unrelated cause. Seeding of the port sites did not develop in any of the patients. The 5-year disease-free and actuarial survival rates for this group were 91.4%, and 93.8%, respectively. The 58 patients who underwent open surgery had a mean followup of 49.68 +/- 28.84 months. A total of 53 patients survived without any disease recurrence, 1 survived with recurrence within 8 months, 1 survived with metastasis within 49 months and 3 died of unrelated causes. The 5-year disease-free and patient survival rates for this group were 97.6% and 95.8%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival and patient survival analysis revealed no significant differences between the laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an alternative technique with mid-range oncological results comparable to open partial nephrectomy in patients with localized pathological stage T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma.     

Nephron sparing surgery for central renal tumors: experience with 33 cases

PURPOSE: Nephron sparing surgery is standard treatment for small, peripherally located renal cell carcinoma. In patients with a solitary kidney, bilateral tumors or impaired renal function nephron sparing surgery provides the only option to nephrectomy and subsequent hemodialysis or transplantation. We retrospectively investigated the value of nephron sparing surgery for centrally located renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1969 and 1997, 311 renal tumor enucleations were performed at our institution. The tumor was centrally located in 33 cases. The indication for enucleation was elective in 7 cases and imperative in 26, including bilateral tumor in 16 (metachronous in 9 and synchronous in 7), chronic renal failure in 4 and solitary kidney in 6. Four patients had metastasis at enucleation. RESULTS: Convalescence was unremarkable in 28 cases. Hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient, a urinary fistula in 2 and a local abscess secondary to a urinary fistula in 1. One patient died postoperatively of heart failure. Average serum creatinine was 1.25, 1.63 and 1.33 mg./dl. preoperatively, at hospital discharge and at a mean followup of 33 months, respectively. Hemodialysis was necessary transiently during convalescence in 1 patient and permanently starting 6 years after enucleation in another. Definitive histology revealed oncocytoma in 4 cases and renal cell carcinoma in 29. Disease was stages pT1 to pT3 in 9, 18 and 2 cases, and grades 1 to 3 in 6, 18 and 5, respectively. Local recurrence developed in 2 patients. Mean followup was 5.2 years (range 0.3 to 16.7). At a mean followup of 6.2 years (range 0.7 to 16.7) 20 patients were free of disease. In addition to the patient who died postoperatively, 9 died of renal cell carcinoma at a mean of 1.6 years (range 0.3 to 5.3) and 3 died of other causes at 5, 11 and 12 years postoperatively, respectively. No patient who underwent elective enucleation died. CONCLUSIONS: Nephron sparing surgery for centrally located kidney tumors is technically feasible and associated with an acceptable complication rate. Local tumor control is excellent, and the overall prognosis depends on contralateral disease and metastasis. Benign tumors may be diagnosed and removed without loss of the kidney. By avoiding hemodialysis quality of life is improved.     

Long term results of excision of small renal cancer surrounded by a minimal layer of grossly normal parenchyma: review of 94 cases

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and effectiveness of excision of small renal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 94 patients, who underwent, from 1992 to 2001, excision of renal tumor leaving around it a thin layer of grossly normal parenchyma and adjacent perinephric fat. This technique has been called enucleoresection, as it is not a simple enucleation but neither a conventional partial nephrectomy. Patients were followed up mean routine blood examination, ultrasound and computed tomography scan every 6 months for 2 years and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Median age was 63 years (35-76). Median tumour size was 2.1cm (1.1-4.5). Clamping of renal pedicle was performed in 54 cases. Major complications included 4 cases of haemorrhage; only 1 patient required surgical exploration. Pathological stage was pT1a in 87, pT1b in 4 and pT3a in 3 patients. Surgical margins were always negative. Median follow-up was 59 months (range 10-128). Eight patients died without evidence of tumour recurrence. One pT3a patient developed distant metastases and died 2 years after surgery. Five years survival rate was 95.7% (90/94 patients), cancer specific survival rate 98.9% (93/94) and disease free survival rate 98.9% (93/94). CONCLUSIONS: Enucleoresection of small renal tumors surrounded by a minimal layer of grossly normal renal parenchyma reproduces the results of partial and radical nephrectomy with minimal morbidity.     

LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY: CANCER CONTROL FOR RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic versus open radical nephrectomy in patients with clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 1999, 67 laparoscopic radical nephrectomies were performed for clinically localized, stages cT1/2 NXMX, pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma. During this period 54 patients who underwent open radical nephrectomy with pathologically confirmed stages pT1/2 NXMX disease were also identified. Medical and operative records were retrospectively reviewed and telephone followup was done to assess patient status. RESULTS: In the laparoscopic and open groups average tumor size was 5.1 (range 1 to 13) and 5.4 cm. (range 0.2 to 18), respectively, which was not statistically significant. No patient had laparoscopic port site, wound or renal fossa tumor recurrence in either group. All patients were followed at least 12 months. In the laparoscopic group 2 cancer specific deaths occurred at a mean followup of 35.6 months. In the open group there were 2 cancer specific deaths and 3 cases of disease progression at a mean followup of 44 months. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival and actuarial survival analysis revealed no significant differences in the laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy groups. Also, no differences were noted in the complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an effective alternative for localized renal cell carcinoma when the principles of surgical oncology are maintained. Initial data show shorter patient hospitalization and effective cancer control with no significant difference in survival compared with open radical nephrectomy.     

Exploring the learning curve, pathological outcomes and perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed for renal mass

PURPOSE: We investigated the learning curve, pathological results and perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all LPN cases at our institution between January 1999 and March 2004 were reviewed. Of 223 cases 217 (97.3%) were performed for an enhancing renal mass. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 2.6 cm (range 1 to 10) and 95.4% of patients had a normal contralateral kidney. Transient vascular control was performed in 75.1% of cases. Mean operative time (186 minutes) decreased with surgeon experience (p = 0.003) but was independent of tumor size (p = 0.964). Mean warm ischemia time (27.6 minutes) depended on tumor size (p = 0.005) but not on experience (0.964). Mean blood loss was 385 cc and the perioperative transfusion rate was 6.9%. Postoperative complications occurred in 23 cases (10.6%) with the most common being ileus (1.8%), bleeding (1.8%) and urinary leakage (1.4%). Although the mean serum creatinine change after LPN was a function of tumor size (p <0.001), it was clinically insignificant (0.13 mg/dl). No significant relationship was observed between warm ischemia time and creatinine change (p = 0.262). The final pathological evaluation revealed renal cell carcinoma in 144 patients (66.4%) and the overall positive margin rate was 3.5%. Only 2 renal cell carcinoma recurrences in the operated kidney (1.4%) were identified (mean followup +/- SD 24 +/- 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: LPN is an effective approach for treating small renal masses with low perioperative morbidity. Contrary to previous reports, more than 30% of the enhancing renal lesions excised in this series were found to be benign on final pathological evaluation.     

Nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma with normal contralateral kidney: 25 years of experience

PURPOSE: We report the long-term results of our consecutive series of 504 patients who underwent NSS for cancer suspicious, solid renal tumors in the presence of a normal opposite kidney at our institution since 1979. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 715 patients underwent NSS since 1969, including 504 for an elective indication, that is with a normal opposite kidney. Of these patients 381 (75.6%) had RCC, 123 (24.4%) had cancer suspicious benign lesions, including 53 (10.5%) with oncocytoma, 33 (6.5%) with angiomyo(lipo)ma, 23 (4.6%) with a complicated cyst and 13 (2.8%) with other benign lesions. Of the 381 patients with RCC 283 (74.3%) had clear cell, 68 (17.8%) had papillary and 30 (7.9%) had chromophobic RCC. Mean tumor diameter was 3.0 cm (range 0.5 to 11.0). Mean followup was 6.77 years (range 0.2 to 24.1). The oncological outcome was studied, including pathological features associated with tumor progression. RESULTS: Estimated cancer specific survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 98.5% and 96.7%, respectively. Estimated survival rates free of distant metastasis at 5 and 10 years were 97.5% and 95.1%, respectively. Nine patients with localized RCC experienced local recurrence after NSS. Estimated survival rates free of local recurrence at 5 and 10 years were 98.3% and 95.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results of our series support the concept of organ sparing surgery for RCC in the presence of a normal opposite kidney with excellent long-term survival and a low tumor recurrence rate.     

Oncological outcome of 100 laparoscopic radical nephrectomies for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic renal surgery is now accepted within the urological community and its indication is extended to oncological operation. The oncological outcome and survival of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma were evaluated. METHODS: From October 1998 to July 2003, 100 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. All operations were performed by transperitoneal approach with early vascular control. Perioperative events and pathological data were recorded prospectively. Patients were followed up by clinical examination, chest radiograph, ultrasonography and/or computed tomography where appropriate. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 61 years. Median operating time was 120 min and blood loss was 100 mL. There were five open conversions. There was no perioperative mortality but 11 patients had complications. Resection margins were clear in all but one patient. The median tumour size was 4.6 cm. The median follow-up time was 30 months. All patients survived up to the date of review. No patient developed port-site recurrence but two patients had recurrence at the renal bed 1 year after the operation. Five patients developed distant metastases involving liver, lung and bone. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a safe and efficacious treatment option for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. The intermediate-term oncological outcome appears favourable.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: experience in 60 cases

PURPOSE: To identify the factors associated with better outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 36 men and 24 women aged 31 to 80 years (mean 60 years) in whom LPN was attempted at our institution over a 3.5-year period. Baseline patient characteristics and operative, pathologic, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The median duration of follow-up was 14.2 months (range 1-38 months). RESULTS: The median pathologic tumor size was 2.1 cm (range 0.7-6.0 cm). Final pathologic review revealed renal-cell carcinoma in 73% of patients. Six patients (10%) required conversion to either an open partial nephrectomy or a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Dense perinephric adipose tissue in the setting of a small renal tumor and unanticipated multifocal disease were factors associated with surgical conversion. The median overall estimated blood loss was 112 mL, and the median warm-ischemia time was 30 minutes. Blood loss was greater in patients who did not undergo hilar clamping (467 v 65 mL; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Factors influencing successful LPN outcomes include selecting a tumor commensurate with the surgeon's laparoscopic experience, performing routine hilar clamping, adjunctive use of hemostatic agents, and renal-parenchymal suture ligation. The presence of thick, fibrotic perinephric fat overlying a small tumor increases the technical difficulty.     

Impact of tumor size on the predictive ability of the pT3a primary tumor classification for renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: The accuracy of the pT3a primary tumor classification for renal cell carcinoma has been questioned recently. We investigated the association of perinephric and renal sinus fat invasion with death from renal cell carcinoma independent of tumor size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 2,165 patients treated with open radical nephrectomy or nephron sparing surgery for clinically localized, sporadic pT1a, pT1b, pT2 or pT3a renal cell carcinoma between 1970 and 2002. Patients with pT3a disease were then subdivided into 3 groups according to tumor size to match the size definitions for the pT1a, pT1b and pT2 tumor classifications. RESULTS: There were 834 patients with pT1a RCC, 674 with pT1b, 494 with pT2 and 163 with pT3a RCC. At last followup 317 patients died of RCC at a median of 3.8 years following surgery. The median followup among the 1,087 patients still alive at last followup was 7.8 years (range 0 to 34). The risk ratios (95% CI) for the association between fat invasion and death from RCC among patients with tumors 4 cm or smaller, 4 to 7 cm and more than 7 cm were 6.15 (1.84-20.50, p = 0.003), 4.12 (2.50-6.78, p <0.001) and 2.13 (1.53-2.97, p <0.001), respectively. These associations remained statistically significant in a multivariate analysis that included nuclear grade and histological coagulative tumor necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral perinephric and renal sinus fat invasion was associated with death from RCC independent of tumor size. Our data contradict reports suggesting that pT3a tumors should be reclassified according to tumor size only.     

Outcome of isolated renal cell carcinoma fossa recurrence after nephrectomy

PURPOSE: Local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma in the renal fossa after complete radical nephrectomy is uncommon. We characterize and determine outcome in a small subset of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1970 to 1998 the incidence of isolated renal bed recurrence among 1,737 T1-3N0M0 unilateral nephrectomy cases was 1. 8% (standard error [SE] 0.4) at 5 years. There were 30 patients in whom isolated local fossa carcinoma recurred after complete radical nephrectomy without evidence of metastatic disease. Patients with any nodal involvement at radical nephrectomy were excluded from study as were those who had undergone any form of partial nephrectomy. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical presentation, stage, treatment, development of metastatic disease and survival. Pathological stage was assigned according to the 1997 TNM staging system. Recurrence was identified in 12 (40%) patients during routine followup and the remaining 18 (60%) presented with symptoms related to the recurrent tumor. Patients were divided into 3 treatment groups of observation (9), therapy excluding surgical extirpation (11) and complete surgical resection alone or in conjunction with additional therapy (10). Mean time from local recurrence to development of metastatic disease was calculated. Survival from local recurrence to overall death and disease specific death was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival curves for the different treatment groups were then compared. RESULTS: There were 30 patients identified with an ipsilateral renal fossa recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after complete nephrectomy in the absence of disseminated disease. Mean followup was 3.3 years (range 0.006 to 14.8) and no patient was lost to followup. The T stage of the primary tumor was T1/T2 in 13 cases, T3a in 4, T3b in 12, and T3c in 1, and all were node negative. Mean time to metastasis was 1. 6 years (range 0.006 to 7.3) in the 19 patients who had documented interval metastatic disease after local recurrence. There were 26 deaths, of which 25 were disease specific. Estimated overall crude and cause specific survival at 1 and 5 years was 66% and 28%, respectively. Calculating survival among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients revealed no discernible difference in outcome (p = 0.94). The 5-year survival rate with surgical resection was 51% (SE 18) compared to 18% (12) treated with adjuvant medical therapy and only 13% (12) with observation alone. The differences in cause specific survival were significant (p 相似文献   

Efficacy and safety of nephron‐sparing surgery

To analyse the current evidence of efficacy and safety of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) that encompasses open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy in the management of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Oncological data, complications and postoperative renal function were reviewed for the most important series of partial nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy (PN) provides similar oncological control as radical nephrectomy (RN) and is superior to RN with respect to preserving renal function and preventing chronic kidney disease. OPN remains the first treatment option for T1 renal tumors in centers without advanced laparoscopic expertise. Indications for LPN have expanded as such that LPN is suited for most renal tumors provided that the procedure is carried out in selected patients by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Warm ischemia time should be kept within 20 min, which is currently recommended regardless of surgical approach. In experienced hands, LPN yields intermediate oncological efficacy and renal function outcome comparable to open surgery in the treatment of pT1 renal tumors. Positive surgical margin rates are comparable after LPN and OPN. In contemporary series, the morbidity of LPN is decreasing to become similar to that of OPN. Preliminary results with robotic PN are comparable to results obtained with LPN. Additional studies are required to validate these results and compare with other current methods, such as thermal ablation. NSS is effective and safe for the management of localized RCC and is the gold standard to which new ablative techniques need to be compared.     

Cystectomy with prostate sparing for bladder cancer in 100 patients: 10-year experience

PURPOSE: To minimize the risk of incontinence and impotence without compromising oncological outcome, we performed prostate sparing surgery during radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1992, 100 patients with a mean age of 64 years (range 48 to 82) underwent cystectomy for bladder transitional cell carcinoma with prostate sparing based on normal digital rectal examination of the prostate, normal prostate specific antigen (PSA), percent free PSA greater than 15 and normal transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. Prostate biopsies to exclude prostate cancer were performed on patients with an abnormal digital rectal examination, high PSA, percent free PSA less than 15 or hypoechoic lesions on ultrasound. Surgery consisted of transurethral resection of the prostate with analysis of frozen section of the prostatic urethra and transitional prostate and cystectomy with reconstruction by a Z ileal bladder anastomosed to the prostatic capsule after confirmation of the absence of prostate or bladder cancer on frozen sections of the surgical capsule specimens. Patients were followed closely with imaging and laboratory studies every 6 months and annually for 3 years thereafter. RESULTS: Perioperative death occurred in 1 patient due to septicemia, 20 patients (20%) died of cancer and 6 (6%) died of nonrelated cancer causes. Mean followup 38 months (range 2 to 111). Postoperative pathological stage was PT0 in 2 cases, PtaT1 in 22, PT2 in 48, PT 3 in 28 and N+ in 13. The 5-year actuarial global survival according to pathological stage was pTaT1N0 in 96% of cases, pT2N0 in 83%, pT3N0 in 71% and N+ in 54% (p = 0.0001). The 5-year actuarial cancer specific survival was PT0, Ta T1 in 90% of cases, PT2 in 73%, PT3 in 63% and N- in 8%. The cancer specific survival according to pathological grade was 100% for well differentiated tumors (grade I), 76% for moderately differentiated tumors (grade II) and 47% for poorly differentiated tumors (grade III) (p = 0.003). Local recurrence was pTaT1N0 in 1 of 22 cases (4.5%), pT2N0 in 2 of 40 (5%), pT3N0 in 2 of 23 (8.5%) and N+ in 0 of 13 (0%). Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 3 patients (2 errors in the diagnosis and 1 cancer de novo within 5 years of followup). At 1-year followup 86 of 88 patients (97%) are fully continent (no pad) during the day, and 84 (95%) void 1 to 2 times a night to stay dry. Of 61 patients with previously adequate sexual function 50 (82%) maintained potency with retrograde ejaculation secondary to transurethral resection, 6 (10%) have partial potency and 5 (8.1%) are impotent. CONCLUSIONS: Cystectomy with prostate sparing for bladder cancer is feasible and offers promising functional results with no additional oncological risk. Careful selection of patients is mandatory.