Retroperitoneal laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy. Preliminary results

PURPOSE

Living-donor nephrectomy is performed via a standard flank approach during open surgery in contrast to laparoscopy where kidneys are procured transperitoneally. Being more familiar with retroperitoneal laparoscopy for the surgery of the upper urinary tract, we investigated the feasibility of live donor nephrectomy by this approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed laparoscopic retroperitoneal left-sided nephrectomy in 3 living donors. The patients were placed in lumbotomy position. The retroperitoneal space was developed with blunt finger dissection, through a 2-cm mini-lumbotomy under the 12th rib in the posterior axillary line. 5 trocars were inserted. After primary access to the renal artery and vein, these were dissected to their junctions with the aorta and inferior vena cava, respectively, before freeing the kidney of its perinephric attachments. The kidney was delivered manually, through the slightly enlarged initial subcostal incision.

RESULTS

The average duration of surgery was 83 min; warm ischemia time less than 5 min. Average blood loss was 120 cm(3). Donors did not present any postoperative morbidity and were discharged after an average of 2.3 days. Mean analgesic requirement was 5 mg morphine sulphate equivalent (0-15). Average convalescence was 13.3 days (10-18). All 3 kidneys harvested laparoscopically had immediate function with urine production after graft revascularization; serum creatinine levels returned to normal within 1 week. The first patient presented ureteral stenosis 2 months after surgery. He underwent ureteropyeloplasty using his native ureter.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic living-related-donor nephrectomy become a new standard for organ harvesting. Our data suggest that retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy may represent a reasonable option in centers in which more extensive experience has been accumulated with retroperitoneal than with transperitoneal laparoscopy for the surgery of the upper urinary tract.

[Tendinopathy associated with fluoroquinolones: individuals at risk, incriminated physiopathologic mechanisms, therapeutic management]

The use of fluoroquinolones in urology has grown considerably over recent years. Unfortunately, although these molecules are not associated with severe life-threatening complications, they have nevertheless been associated with tendon lesions responsible for functional disability. The frequency of these complications is probably underestimated. There is a variable lag-time (3 to 5 days) between introduction of the antibacterial and onset of pain. The symptom most frequently reported is pain over the tendon affected and the tendons most frequently affected are those submitted to high constraints. Bilateral lesions are present in 66% of cases. Although Pefloxacin is associated with the highest frequency of tendon complications (2.7% versus 0.2-0.3% for other fluoroquinolones), the duration of treatment appears to be important in every case, with a peak frequency after a fortnight of treatment. Although these complications were considered for a long time to be associated with patients presenting certain risk factors (age, steroid therapy, renal failure), they can also occur suddenly, in young adult sportsmen or non-sportsmen, with no known tendon disease. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the development of these cases of tendinopathy: immuno-allergic mechanisms, direct toxicity of the molecule on collagen fibres, cell-mediated oxidative aggression, or tendon necrosis due to vascular mechanisms. The outcome remains favourable in 75% of cases of tendinitis and in 49% of cases for tendon rupture. Contraindications must therefore be identified and the duration of treatment must be adapted, as the functional handicap can be long and particularly severe.

T helper 1/2 lymphocyte urinary cytokine profiles in responding and nonresponding patients after 1 and 2 courses of bacillus Calmette-Guerin for superficial bladder cancer

PURPOSE

Interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-gamma are released during T helper 1 lymphocyte responses and IL-10 is released during T helper 2 lymphocyte responses. We have previously reported that a T helper 1 lymphocyte urinary cytokine profile is associated with a favorable prognosis after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment. We evaluated the T helper 1/2 lymphocyte cytokine profiles during courses 1 and 2 of 6 weekly BCG instillations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Urinary interferon-gamma, IL-2 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after each of 6 weekly instillations of 150 mg. BCG, Pasteur strain, in 19 patients with superficial stages Ta and T1 bladder cancer, and carcinoma in situ. The 11 patients who did not respond to course 1 were re-treated according to the same schedule and reevaluated.

RESULTS

During course 1 interferon-gamma was higher than during course 2 (p <0.001), which was associated with nonrecurrence (p <0.001). In contrast, IL-2 cytokine was higher after course 2 (p <0.01), which was associated with a BCG response (p = 0.01). Interferon-gamma and IL-10 correlated during courses 1 and 2 (p = 0.04 and 0.0004, respectively). We distinguished groups 1-immediate T helper 1 lymphocyte profile consisting of responders to course 1 with high interferon-gamma, IL-2 and IL-10, 2-delayed T helper 1 lymphocyte profile consisting of responders to course 2 with early high IL-2 and 3-consisting of nonresponders to the 2 courses with low interferon-gamma, IL-2 and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONS

A T helper 1 lymphocyte urinary cytokine profile was associated with a clinical response to BCG. A repeat BCG course induces a favorable immune response in a subset of patients, suggesting that maintenance therapy may be beneficial.

[Urinary leukocytes as a new prognostic marker of therapeutic response and of adverse effects associated with the maintenance treatment with endovesical BCG, for the prophylaxis of superficial bladder tumors]

The use of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine as immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer constitutes a major progress, although it remains limited by the development of adverse effects and problems related to safety. No individual tool is currently available in clinical practice to predict the efficacy or adverse effects of BCG therapy. These problems are accentuated in the case of maintenance therapy according to the protocol of D.L. Lamm.

OBJECTIVES

To define whether the urinary leukocyte count observed after intravesical BCG instillation could be associated with adverse effects and efficacy of treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 72 consecutive patients (518 instillations) was studied prospectively. We defined four classes of adverse effects associated with BCG, according to their type, severity and duration. In combination with this classification, we performed systematic optical urinary leukocyte count on the third day after each instillation (KOVA-Slide 10).

RESULTS

A high urinary leukocyte count (cut-off value: 165,000/ml) was correlated with absence of recurrence (p = 0.009). The adverse effect classification also demonstrated that urinary leukocyte count was related to the severity and duration of adverse effects (p < 0.0001). Median values observed for class I, II and III adverse effects were 40,000 leukocytes/ml, 150,000 leukocytes/ml and 350,000 leukocytes/ml, respectively. No class IV adverse effects were observed. The risk of developing class III adverse effects was increased when the urinary leukocyte count was greater than 86,000 leukocytes per ml.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a probable relationship between efficacy and safety of BCG, during maintenance therapy. Randomized prospective studies are necessary to evaluate urinary leukocyte count as a tool for adaptation and optimization of BCG therapy.

Early removal of the catheter after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

We prospectively tested the safety of routine removal of the catheter as early as 2 to 4 days after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 1998 and March 2001, 228 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically organ confined prostate cancer. The last 113 consecutive patients were included in a prospective study according to gravitational cystography performed 2 to 4 days postoperatively. If no leak was seen the catheter was removed. If a leak was apparent the catheter was left indwelling for another 6 days and cystography was repeated.

RESULTS

Cystography 2 to 4 days postoperatively showed an anastomosis without a leak in 96 (84.9%) patients who subsequently had the catheters removed. There were 28 patients who had the catheter removed on postoperative day 2, 28 day 3 and 40 day 4. In 17 (15.1%) patients an anastomotic leak was observed, and the catheter was not removed at that time. Of the 96 patients in whom the catheter was removed early 10 (10.4%) had urinary retention that necessitated re-catheterization. This procedure was performed without the need for cystoscopy. After the catheter was removed all patients were able to void 24 hours later. Median followup was 7 months (range 1 to 15) and showed continence rates greater than 93%. No anastomotic stricture, pelvic abscess or urinoma developed in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo laparoscopic radical prostatectomy can have the catheter safely removed 2 to 4 days postoperatively without a higher risk of incontinence, stricture or leak related problems.

Prospective patient-reported continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To perform a prospective study using confidential patient-completed questionnaires about their urinary habits before and after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Published reports on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy vary depending on the definitions of urinary continence and methods of data collection.

METHODS

From May 1998 to February 2000, 228 men underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. The patients were given questionnaires before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Before surgery, no patient reported incontinence. At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, perfect diurnal urinary control (no pads, no leakage at all) was reported in 9.9%, 28.6%, 57.4%, and 56.8% of patients, respectively. No pads were used in 18.8%, 58.4%, 68.9%, and 78.4% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. No patient reported use of more than 1 pad daily at 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Continence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is comparable to the results after traditional radical retropubic prostatectomy. Ongoing use of the laparoscopic route for treating clinically localized prostate cancer is warranted.

Tumor progression and survival in patients with T1G3 bladder tumors: multicentric retrospective study comparing 94 patients treated during 17 years

OBJECTIVES

To compare tumor recurrence, progression, and patient survival in T1G3 bladder tumors treated with transurethral resection (TUR) alone, early cystectomy, or TUR with an adjuvant 6-week course of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and followed up for a minimum of 5 years.

METHODS

Between 1979 and 1996, 94 patients with T1G3 bladder tumors (lamina propria invasion) were treated at nine different centers. The time to tumor recurrence, tumor stage and grade progression, number of delayed cystectomies, and patient survival were analyzed retrospectively in relation to the initial treatment.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 62 months. Thirty patients were treated by TUR alone (32%), 50 patients by TUR plus BCG (53%), and 14 patients by primary cystectomy (15%). The recurrence, progression, and cystectomy rates were significantly different between patients treated by TUR alone and TUR plus BCG (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0005, P = 0.02, and P = 0.005, respectively). The disease-free survival was also significantly different when comparing TUR plus BCG with TUR alone or primary cystectomy (Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic resection plus BCG treatment of pT1G3 tumors allows an 80% rate of disease-free 5-year survival with bladder preservation. This conservative option has been widely accepted as first-line treatment, offering good cancer control with excellent quality of life. Very accurate surgical and pathologic evaluations before treatment and lifelong follow-up are obviously required.

Evaluation of cellular tumour rejection mechanisms in the peritumoral bladder wall after bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the immunological status of normal and peritumoral bladder walls, and to characterize immunocompetent cells before and during intravesical instillations of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients with superficial urothelial bladder carcinoma (stages pTa to pT1, grades 1-3) were treated with six weekly instillations of 150 mg of BCG (Pasteur strain). Biopsies of cystoscopically normal bladder wall were taken before, 3 weeks and 3 months after BCG instillation. The controls comprised bladder biopsy specimens from 13 brain-dead ventilated kidney donors. Local infiltrating cell types, i.e. lymphocyte infiltrates (CD4, CD8, CD20, CD3, interleukin-2-receptor-positive, natural killer, gammadelta), macrophages and dendritic cells, adhesion and costimulatory molecules (ICAM-1 and B7-BB1) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II antigens were assessed using semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Before BCG the peritumoral bladder wall had fewer macrophages than control bladder wall. BCG treatment restored normal numbers of macrophages and enhanced T helper lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, activated lymphocytes, dendritic cells, normal MHC class I, adhesion (ICAM-1) and costimulatory (B7-BB1) expression. The enhancement of these immunological variables was transient, with a return to baseline 3 months after BCG instillation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the concept that there is a host-immune escape associated with bladder cancer. BCG therapy may temporarily restore impaired tumour rejection mechanisms in the peritumoral bladder wall, suggesting a need for maintenance therapy after the first course of BCG.

[Diagnostic methods for obstruction of the upper urinary tract: which tests are available in 2001]

The presence of upper urinary tract obstruction, its site and its nature can be determined and the most appropriate treatment can be defined in the majority of clinical cases. However, in some circumstances, non-invasive or minimally invasive methods, such as ultrasonography, intravenous urography, urography with diuretic test, conventional and diuretic nephrography and MR urography, are unable to confirm the presence of obstruction, requiring assessment of the upper urinary tract by antegrade pyelomanometry. This investigation measures the pressure in the upper urinary tract perfused at a constant rate by a percutaneous catheter and allows evaluation of the obstruction. The authors discuss the place of the various upper urinary tract investigations to confirm the definitive diagnosis of upper urinary tract obstruction.

[Tolerance and efficiency of intravesical instillation of Calmette-Guérin in the prophylactic treatment of superficial bladder tumors, using a maintenance treatment]

Maintenance treatment with complementary BCG instillations in the prevention of superficial bladder tumour could improve the results of this immunotherapy. This maintenance treatment is limited by accentuation of the adverse effects related to BCG.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of maintenance treatment on tumour recurrence and progression, and to evaluate the influence of adverse effects on maintenance treatment and the recurrence rate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

72 patients were treated with six weekly instillations of 81 mg of BCG (Immucyst) followed by three complementary instillations 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months later. Adverse effects (AE) were classified into four classes, according to their type, severity and duration, and were recorded prospectively for 518 instillations. An adverse effect score was determined for each patient.

RESULTS

84.9% of patients did not present any recurrence, 12.5% developed recurrence and 2.6% progressed. The instillation regimen was completed by 19% of patients, the dose had to be decreased for 57% of patients and treatment had to be discontinued for 39% of patients. An initial adverse effect score (AESi) greater than 1.5 was associated with an increased risk of discontinuation of treatment or reduction of the dosage during maintenance treatment (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance treatment was associated with a very low recurrence and progression rate. We have established and validated an adverse effect severity scale and the consequences of these adverse effects on maintenance treatment. This scale could be used to prospectively define the most appropriate maintenance instillation regimen, by preventively decreasing the doses or deferring instillation.

Experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy in 115 procedures

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become an effective option for removing small adrenal tumors. We evaluated the retroperitoneal approach with regard to operative complications, morbidity and hospital stay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1995 and March 2000 we performed a total of 115 laparoscopic adrenalectomies via the retroperitoneal approach, including 70 on the left and 45 on the right side, in 64 women and 42 men 17 to 74 years old (mean age 49.3) with adrenal neoplasms. Average adrenal tumor size was 31 mm. (range 10 to 65). All procedures required 4 trocars and mean operative time was 118 minutes (range 45 to 240).

RESULTS

There were no patient deaths. The conversion rate to open surgery was 0.8% and estimated blood loss was 77 ml. (range 0 to 550). At a mean followup of 23.4 months, morbidity was 15.5% with intraoperative vascular injury in 3 cases (3.4%) and postoperative complications in 12.1%, including wound infection, deep hematoma, parietal dehiscence and severe pneumopathy. Average hospital stay was 4 days and mean duration of analgesic requirement was 2 days (range 1 to 5).

CONCLUSIONS

The retroperitoneal approach to laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be minimally invasive and safe for adrenal tumors not larger than 5 cm.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The Créteil experience

OBJECTIVES

In an effort to reduce the morbidity associated to radical prostatectomy, we implemented laparoscopic surgery to this advanced ablative and reconstructive procedure. In our study, we describe our operative technique and assess our results in terms of oncologic cure, continence and potency.

METHODS

200 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. 66 of these patients were either referred, or operated during surgical demonstrations. Thus, complete evaluation is based on a homogeneous personal series of 134 patients and was performed by an independent clinical analyst. There were 91 T1 and 43 T2. We did not perform pelvic lymph node excision in 78 patients whose PSA was less than 10 ng/ml and the Gleason score of endorectal biopsies was below 7. The surgical procedure recapitulated the steps of traditional retropubic prostatectomy with one basic difference however: the first step of the technique consisted in a rectoprostatic cleavage, which was done transperitoneally. Except for the first 10 patients, the vesicourethral reconstruction was performed either with two hemi-circumferential or a single circumferential running suture.

RESULTS

All interventions were performed as planned, no conversions were necessary, and only 4 patients required blood transfusion. Operating time decreased with growing experience; after the first 20 patients the usual operating time was 3.5 h without and 4 h with lymphadenectomy. The surgical complication rate was 22.5% in the first 40 patients, and 3.2% in the remaining 94 patients. Except for the first 10 patients, the mean hospital stay was 6.1 days and bladder catheterization 4.8 days. Median catheterization time was 4 days. Histological study of the specimen showed pT2 disease in 101 patients and pT3 in 33 patients, the rate of positive margins was 16.8 and 48.8%, respectively. At 1 year, overall erection rate (with or without sexual intercourse) was 56%, the rate of patients without pad was 86.2% during the day and 100% during the night.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic environment seems to comply with the oncologic goals of radical prostatectomy. Improved intraoperative visualization and magnification may provide benefits for the preservation of continence and potency by allowing a more precise dissection and vesicourethral reconstruction. Despite longer operative times and the steep learning curve this new technique is currently proliferating due to expectations of decreased postoperative morbidity and better quality of life.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with a remote controlled robot

PURPOSE

Robotics in surgery is a recent innovation. This technology offers a number of attractive features in laparoscopy. It overcomes the difficulties with fixed port sites by restoring all 6 degrees of freedom at the instrument tips, provides new possibilities for miniaturization of surgical tasks and allows remote controlled surgery. We investigated the applicability of remote controlled robotic surgery to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our previous experience with laparoscopic prostatectomy served as a basis for adapting robotic surgery to this procedure. A surgeon at a different location who activated the tele-manipulators of the da Vinci* robotic system performed all steps of the intervention. A scrub nurse and second surgeon who stood at patient side had limited roles to port and instrument placement, exposure of the operative field, assistance in hemostasis and removal of the operative specimen. Our patient was a 63-year-old man presenting with a T1c tumor discovered on 1 positive sextant biopsy with a 3+3 Gleason score and 7 ng./ml. preoperative serum prostate specific antigen.

RESULTS

The robot provided an ergonomic surgical environment and remarkable dexterity enhancement. Operating time was 420 minutes, and the hospital stay lasted 4 days. The bladder catheter was removed 3 days postoperatively, and 1 week later the patient was fully continent. Pathological examination showed a pT3a tumor with negative margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is feasible. This new technology enhances surgical dexterity. Further developments in this field may have new applications in laparoscopic tele-surgery.

Experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

PURPOSE

Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the preferred surgical treatment of benign adrenal masses, for pheochromocytoma it is limited by concerns over hypertensive events related to early access to the adrenal vein. We report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1995 to December 1999, 21 retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies (left 12 and right 9) were performed for symptomatic pheochromocytoma in 11 men and 9 women 17 to 68 years old (mean age 46). To our knowledge pheochromocytoma was always diagnosed by increased urinary catecholamine, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and 131iodine iobenguane scintigraphy.

RESULTS

There were no conversions to open surgery. The operating time ranged from 100 to 150 minutes (mean 116). Mean blood loss was 140 ml. (minimum 550), and none of the patients required transfusion. Hemorrhage due to adrenal vein injury occurred in 1 patient and was controlled intraoperatively. Average postoperative hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 1 to 12). The mean diameter of the excised masses was 38 mm. (range 15 to 70). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases, including hematoma in 1, trocar wound infections in 2 and eventration in 1 after 1 year. With a mean followup of 21.6 months (range 6 to 46), all patients had normal urinary catecholamine levels and 18 had normal blood pressure without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be safely performed for small (less than 5 cm. diameter) pheochromocytoma. Retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a direct approach that allows the surgeon to control the adrenal vein first, thereby avoiding hypertensive events.

Immunohistochemical detection of Fas and Fas ligand in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas (SRC) are rare neoplasms associated with a very poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarker expression and clinical significance in this uncommon renal cancer. Cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, CD34, S-100 protein, MIB 1, p53, Fas and Fas ligand immunohistochemical expression was investigated in seven renal cell carcinomas with sarcomatoid changes. No significant difference between sarcomatoid and nonsarcomatoid areas was observed with the different biomarkers, excepted for Fas ligand. Fas expression was diffuse in sarcomatoid and nonsarcomatoid areas. However, Fas ligand had a higher expression in sarcomatoid in comparison to nonsarcomatoid areas. Our results showed that Fas and Fas ligand are both expressed in renal cancer. We suggest that the aggressive behavior of sarcomatoid carcinoma may be related to a higher expression of Fas ligand by tumor sarcomatoid cells. These findings may indicate that Fas ligand is a possible therapeutic molecular target for treatment of SRC.

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a safe and reproducible technique]

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become one of the reference techniques for resection of small tumours of the adrenal gland. The objective of this study was to evaluate the retroperitoneal approach in terms of its intraoperative complication rate, morbidity and length of hospital stay, comparing two centres using the same surgical technique.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Between January 1995 and March 2000, two different centres respectively performed 55 and 60 laparoscopic adrenalectomies (70 left, 45 right) using a retroperitoneal incision in 106 patients (64 women and 42 men) with a mean age of 49.3 years (range: 17 to 74 years). The mean size of the adrenal tumour was 31 mm (range: 10 to 61 mm). Five trocars were used in every case.

RESULTS

No difference was observed between the two centres in terms of operating time (100 min vs 135 min), conversion rate (0% vs 1.7%), and blood loss (74 ml vs 80 ml). With a mean follow-up of 23.4 months, no difference was observed for morbidity rate (12.7% vs 16.7%), including intraoperative complications (1.8% vs 5%) with 3 vascular injuries, and postoperative complications (10.9% vs 11.7%) comprising wound abscesses, deep haematomas, a hernia at the trocar orifice and one case of severe pneumonia. The mean hospital stay was 3 days vs 5 days with a mean duration of analgesic consumption of 2 days (range: 1 to 5 days).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy appears to be a reliable and reproducible approach for resection of adrenal gland tumours less than 6 cm in diameter.

Results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

PURPOSE

To analyze the retroperitoneal approach to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in terms of feasibility, safety, morbidity, and cancer control.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 50 consecutive patients with renal cancer underwent radical nephrectomy via the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach from 1995 through 1999.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 139 minutes (range 60-330 minutes) with a mean of 149.78-mL operative blood loss (0-1500 mL). The mean renal size was 100 mm (70-150 mm) with a mean tumor size of 38.6 mm (20-90 mm). The postoperative hospital was 6 days (2-13 days). Three open conversions were necessary: one for laparoscopically uncontrolled bleeding and two because obesity interfered with surgery. We noted two major complication and two minor complications. Two disease progression have been noted to date. One patient with a pT3 grade 2 renal-cell carcinoma had a local recurrence with liver metastasis 9 months after the procedure and died 19.7 months after radical nephrectomy. Another patient with a pT3aN+M+ cancer died 23.1 months after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for kidney cancer requires further assessment. It seems to have several advantages over open radical nephrectomy and to be effective and safe for small (<50-mm) renal tumors.

Tolerability of bacille Calmette-Guérin maintenance therapy for superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

To study the influence of adverse reactions on adherence to an immunotherapy maintenance schedule and the recurrence rate of bladder cancer. Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy has documented efficacy in the management of high-risk superficial bladder cancer. However, the optimal duration of intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin therapy and the risk/benefit ratio of maintenance therapy are controversial.

METHODS

From April 1996 to April 2000, 72 patients with superficial bladder cancer were treated with Immucyst (six consecutive weekly instillations of 81 mg) and then received maintenance therapy consisting of three consecutive weekly instillations 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months later. Adverse reactions, studied during 518 instillations, were classified in four categories using a scale based on the World Health Organization recommendations, and their impact on the adherence to therapy was analyzed.

RESULTS

After an average follow-up of 24 months, a durable disease-free response was observed in 84.9% of the patients; 12.5% of patients had a relapse and 2.6% had disease progression. The response rate was similar in patients with and without adverse reactions. Only 14 patients (19%) received all the scheduled maintenance instillations. The dose was reduced in 41 patients (57%), and treatment was stopped in 28 patients (39%). In multivariate analysis, an adverse event score of 1.5 or greater during induction therapy was significantly associated with cessation or modification of maintenance therapy (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The scale developed in this study to monitor the adverse reactions to bacille Calmette-Guérin and their impact on the adherence to maintenance therapy may be helpful for tailoring maintenance regimens or implementing protective measures (dose reduction or treatment postponement).

Leukocyturia as a predictor of tolerance and efficacy of intravesical BCG maintenance therapy for superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

To examine leukocyturia as a predictor of tumor recurrence and occurrence of adverse events after bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy. The use of BCG immunotherapy, a very major advance in the management of superficial bladder cancer, is limited by the frequency of adverse events. As yet, we have no way of predicting the efficacy and tolerability of BCG instillation in clinical practice. This problem is even more acute during BCG maintenance therapy.

METHODS

Adverse events in 72 patients who received 518 instillations were prospectively assessed using a four-class scale based on severity and duration. Urinary leukocytes were counted 3 days after each instillation, using the KOVA-Slide 10 method.

RESULTS

High leukocyturia during BCG treatment (cutoff value 1.65 x 10(5)/mL urine) correlated with recurrence-free status (P = 0.009). The degree of leukocyturia correlated with the severity/duration of adverse events (P <0.0001); the median leukocyturia values associated with class I, II, and III adverse events were 4 x 10(4)/mL, 1.5 x 10(5)/mL, and 3.5 x 10(5)/mL, respectively. No class IV events occurred. The cutoff point indicating treatment cessation for adverse events was leukocyturia of 8.6 x 10(4)/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a link between adverse events and efficacy during BCG maintenance therapy. Leukocyturia appears to correlate with both efficacy and tolerability in this setting. Prospective randomized studies are required to evaluate leukocyturia as a basis on which to adapt the BCG instillation schedule to individual patient susceptibility.

[Cancer of the prostate: influence of nutritional factors. Vitamins, antioxidants and trace elements]

CANCER OF THE PROSTATE AND VITAMINS: Four vitamins have been studied, vitamins A, E, D and C. the results of these studies have been contradictory. Vitamin A and vitamin E would have a protective effect. ANTIOXIDANTS: Carotenes have an activity similar to that of vitamin A. Beta-carotene was positively associated with risk of cancer of the prostate in one study while two others were unable to demonstrate any relationship. Lycopene, the red color in fruits and vegetables, particularly tomatoes, would contribute to a lower risk of prostate cancer.

TRACE ELEMENTS

Cadmium would increase the risk of cancer while selenium would have a protective effect. However studies concerning selenium carry certain methodological biases.

[Cancer of the prostate: influence of nutritional factors. A new nutritional approach]

FIBERS: A group of vegetarian subjects have been shown to have a lower risk of cancer of the prostate than a control group. But the exact role of food fiber remains to be determined because plant foods also have an antioxidant effect on their own. PLANT PRODUCTS AND EXTRACTS: A compound called PD SPEC has been showed to have antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Evaluated in patients with a cancer escaping hormone control, the clinical response was a lower level of prostate specific antigen (PSA). SOYBEANS: Several studies have demonstrated the interesting properties of soybeans. No study has however been able to demonstrate the optimal dose per day. A prospective study is currently under way using a 40 g/day dose. OVERALL NUTRITIONAL APPROACH: Several studies are being conducted using a proposed diet where 15% of the total energy intake comes from fat (associated with a low saturated/unsaturated ratio), high fiber content (18 g/100 kcal) and 40 g daily soybean protein. Although large-scale studies with rigorous methodology are lacking, an overall nutritional approach could be an interesting strategy for the management of cancer of the prostate.

[Cancer of the prostate: influence of nutritional factors. General nutritional factors]

OBESITY

Studies attempting to establish an epidemiological link between body mass index and the risk of cancer of the prostate have been contradictory. ENERGY INTAKE: No straightforward relationship between energy intake and cancer of the prostate has been identified. FAR INTAKE: According to epidemiology studies, there is a correlation between high-fat diet and the incidence of cancer of the prostate. It has thus been demonstrated that men whose diet contains more than 30 to 40% fat have a higher risk of developing cancer of the prostate than those whose diet contains less than 30% fat. In addition, high-fat diets favor progression of tumors in elderly subjects. ROLE OF SATURATED FAT: Saturated fat has been implicated most often in the development of cancer of the prostate, high intake being correlated with shorter survival after diagnosis of cancer.

[Treatment of pheochromocytomas with retroperitoneal laparoscopy]

OBJECTIVES

Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become one of the techniques of choice for the treatment of adrenal tumours, this technique has not been widely used to treat phaeochromocytoma due to the risks of hypertension before control of the adrenal vein. The authors report their experience of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 1995 to December 1999, 10 (5 right, 5 left) retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed for symptomatic phaeochromocytoma, in 4 men and 6 women, aged 40 to 67 years (mean: 51 years). In every case, the phaeochromocytoma had been diagnosed by elevated urinary catecholamines, abdominopelvic CT scan and positive MIBG scintigraphy.

RESULTS

There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean operating time was 116 minutes (range: 100 to 140 minutes). Mean blood loss was 180 ml (range: 0 to 550 ml) and none of the patients were transfused. In one case, an injury to the adrenal vein was repaired intraoperatively. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days (range: 1 to 12 days). The mean diameter of the lesion was 38 mm (range: 15 to 110 mm). Postoperative complications occurred in two cases (one haematoma and one incisional hernia repaired one year later). With a mean follow-up of 21.6 months (range: 6 to 46 months), all patients had normal urinary catecholamine levels and 9 had a normal blood pressure with no antihypertensive therapy.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed for small phaeochromocytomas (less than 5 cm). Retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a direct approach which allows the surgeon to control the adrenal vein first in order to avoid hypertensive crises.