Dual stent placement for the treatment of a persistent urine leak after partial nephrectomy

Persistent urine leak is a known complication after partial nephrectomy. In the present case, a partial nephrectomy was performed to remove a large, centrally located, renal mass in an elderly man with a solitary functioning kidney. A persistent urine leak refractory to single stent drainage was successfully treated after two stents were placed in the ipsilateral renal unit such that the upper and lower calices were drained by separate stents.

Comparison of artificial urinary sphincter and collagen for the treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence

OBJECTIVES

To compare how urinary symptoms affect the quality of life in groups of men with postprostatectomy incontinence treated with collagen versus artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

METHODS

Two cohorts of men, one which received urethral collagen injection and one artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation, were surveyed with a validated quality-of-life questionnaire to assess how their urinary dysfunction impacted their daily activities. The mean impact score and bother score for the two groups were compared. In addition, the overall degree of continence between the groups was assessed.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 19 months, 8 (20%) of 41 patients treated with collagen injections were at least socially continent, requiring one pad daily or less. In comparison, 27 (75%) of 36 men treated with an AUS were at least socially continent (P <0.001). Both the impact score and the bother score from the quality-of-life questionnaire were significantly lower in the group treated with the AUS than in the group treated with collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving an AUS achieved significantly higher continence rates. Also, the quality of life of men treated with an AUS was improved compared with that of the men treated with collagen injection.

The current status of bladder preservation in the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer

PURPOSE

Bladder preserving strategies for muscle invasive bladder cancer have evolved from single modality to multimodality treatment approaches with improved results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We review the rationale for a multimodality approach to treat invasive bladder cancer and the results of some recent multimodality bladder sparing treatments. In addition, we compare this approach to radical cystectomy.

RESULTS

Multimodality bladder sparing treatment involves combined transurethral bladder resection, external beam radiation with concurrent radiosensitizers and cisplatin based chemotherapy. With this approach overall 5-year survival is 48% to 63% and overall 5-year survival with the bladder intact is 36% to 43%. Survival with this approach is comparable to that in series of patients treated with primary radical cystectomy. The primary impetus for a multimodality bladder sparing approach is the improved quality of life associated with retaining the native bladder. However, the multimodality bladder sparing approach involves a complex treatment schedule associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cystectomy is eventually required after attempted bladder preservation in 34% to 45% of cases and the rate of superficial recurrence is approximately 28%.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality bladder sparing treatment is a viable option at centers with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. However, primary radical surgery remains the standard of care for invasive bladder cancer.

Salvage radical prostatectomy for radio-recurrent prostate cancer: is this a viable option?

The role of salvage prostatectomy for radio-recurrent prostate cancer remains unclear. Recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy is in many cases biologically aggressive. It is unclear whether the biologic aggressiveness of radio-recurrent prostate cancer is due to time-dependent cancer clonal evolution (potentially induced by radiation damage), or is due to an innately aggressive tumor secondary to overexpression or mutation of apoptotic inhibitors that render these tumors resistant to radiation. Recent studies examined the role of DNA ploidy, p53 and bcl-2 expression, proliferative indices and glutathione S-transferase-pi in predicting response to radiation therapy or salvage prostatectomy. Because of the potential for significant morbidity after salvage prostatectomy, preoperative parameters that aid in the identification of the patients who are most likely to benefit from surgery are needed.

New insights and candidate genes and their implications for care of patients with hereditary prostate cancer

A positive family history is a risk factor for prostate cancer. Most studies based on segregation analysis suggest autosomal dominant transmission of susceptibility genes. Multiple loci on chromosome 1 and chromosome X have been associated with prostate cancer by linkage analysis. The candidate gene approach has also revealed multiple genetic markers that are associated with increased risk for the disease. The genetic studies in prostate cancer suggest there are multiple genes involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Technique of Hautmann ileal neobladder with chimney modification: interim results in 50 patients

PURPOSE

We report our 4-year experience with the chimney modification of the Hautmann ileal neobladder. This modification involves use of an 8 to 12 cm. tubularized isoperistaltic ileal chimney for the ureterointestinal anastomosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 1995 and March 1998, 50 men and women with invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and creation of a Hautmann neobladder with chimney modification. Complications were assessed, divided as early and late, and subdivided as those related or unrelated to the neobladder. Continence was evaluated using a detailed patient questionnaire.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative deaths. Early complications in 11 of the 50 patients were neobladder related in 5 (10%) and unrelated to the neobladder in 6 (12%). The early reoperation rate was 6%. Late postoperative complications in 10 patients (20%) were neobladder related in 8 (16%) and unrelated to the neobladder in 2 (4%). After 1 year 93% and 86% of patients achieved good day and nighttime continence, respectively. In 2 patients (4%) clean intermittent catheterization is performed and 1 required placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. Ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures were detected in 6 of 100 ureteral units (6%), including 2 with failed initial endoscopic management. Open surgical revision of the ureterointestinal anastomotic site was easier due to the anterior position of the ureters, and identification and mobilization of the isoperistaltic limb.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience with the chimney modification of the Hautmann neobladder compares favorably to other forms of orthotopic urinary diversion in regard to ureteral stenosis, early and late postoperative complications, urinary continence and simplification of the ureterointestinal anastomosis.

Multicenter, randomized, phase III trial of CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in combination with recombinant interleukin-2 in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate in a multicenter randomized trial the antitumor activity of CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in combination with low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2), compared with rIL-2 alone, after radical nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 1994 and March 1997, 178 patients with resectable primary tumors were enrolled at 29 centers in the United States and Europe. Patients underwent total nephrectomy, recovered, and were randomized to receive either CD8(+) TILs (5 x 10(7) to 3 x 10(10) cells intravenously, day 1) plus rIL-2 (one to four cycles: 5 x 10(6) IU/m(2) by continuous infusion daily for 4 days per week for 4 weeks) (TIL/rIL-2 group) or placebo cell infusion plus rIL-2 (identical regimen) (rIL-2 control group). Primary tumor specimens were cultured at a central cell-processing center in serum-free medium containing rIL-2 to generate TILs.

RESULTS

Of 178 enrolled patients, 160 were randomized (TIL/rIL-2 group, n = 81; rIL-2 control group, n = 79). Twenty randomized patients received no treatment after nephrectomy because of surgical complications (four patients), operative mortality (two patients), or ineligibility for rIL-2 therapy (14 patients). Among 72 patients eligible for TIL/rIL-2 therapy, 33 (41%) received no TIL therapy because of an insufficient number of viable cells. Intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated objective response rates of 9.9% v 11.4% and 1-year survival rates of 55% v 47% in the TIL/rIL-2 and rIL-2 control groups, respectively. The study was terminated early for lack of efficacy as determined by the Data Safety Monitoring Board.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with CD8(+) TILs did not improve response rate or survival in patients treated with low-dose rIL-2 after nephrectomy.

Endourologic treatment of renal pelvic and ureteral transitional cell carcinoma

Endoscopic treatment of patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is recommended in those with tumor in a solitary kidney, bilateral disease, renal dysfunction, and significant intercurrent illness that precludes a major abdominal surgical procedure. Endoscopic management also may be appropriate in selected patients with small, low-grade lesions in the presence of a normal contralateral kidney. Almost all ureteral tumors and some renal collecting system lesions can be managed using rigid and/or flexible ureteroscopy, which is associated with less bleeding and more rapid recovery than a percutaneous approach. However, larger renal malignancies can be managed effectively using percutaneous resection. Six patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma underwent endoscopic resection. The antegrade and retrograde surgical techniques are described. With follow-up up to 23 months, local recurrence in two patients was managed successfully by repeat endoscopic resection. No patient has experienced disease progression or developed metastases.

Holmium: YAG laser endoureterotomy in the treatment of ureteroenteric strictures following orthotopic urinary diversion

The management of ureteroenteric strictures in patients who have undergone urinary diversion can be challenging. In those patients with an orthotopic neobladder, anastomotic ureteral strictures can be treated endoscopically using a retrograde or antegrade approach. The availability of small (7.5F) flexible ureteroscopes, as well as the use of the Holmium laser has facilitated the ability to precisely incise the stricture under direct endoscopic visualization (endoureterotomy). We describe our technique for laser endoureterotomy in patients with ureteroenteric strictures following orthotopic urinary diversion.

Benign adenomatous multicystic kidney tumor (Perlmann's tumor) and renal cortical carcinoma with adenomatous multicystic features: 12 cases

OBJECTIVES

To re-examine clear cell cystic lesions of the kidney and to assess their potential clinicopathologic significance, as the long-forgotten diagnosis of benign adenomatous multicystic kidney tumor (Perlmann's tumor) has not been cited in the literature in more than 35 years.

METHODS

We identified 12 patients between 1959 and 1996 who underwent a radical nephrectomy at our institution and were diagnosed with either adenomatous multicystic clear cell kidney tumor (n = 4) or with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with features of adenomatous clear cell multicystic kidney tumors (n = 8). All diagnoses were reviewed histologically by a single pathologist.

RESULTS

Nine of 1 2 patients had Stage T2NOMO disease, and 3 patients had Stage T1 NOMO disease. There were 8 men and 4 women. The average age at the time of surgery was 60.5 years (range 25 to 74). Six patients are still alive with a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (range 1.5 to 16.3) and have no evidence of recurrent disease. Of the 6 patients who died, mean survival time was 8.8 years (range 0 to 15.7). One patient died in the perioperative period, and the other 5 patients died of other causes, unrelated to their kidney tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenomatous clear cell multicystic kidney disease may represent a histologically distinct benign neoplasm, and its presence in association with RCC may confer a more favorable prognosis. Its distinction from usual solid hemorrhagic or focally necrotic RCC is important.

An analysis of watchful waiting for clinically localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

We reviewed recent series of watchful waiting for prostate cancer to place this management strategy in appropriate perspective

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the literature and analyzed the 9 articles on watchful waiting published in leading medical journals in the last decade.

RESULTS

Watchful waiting is probably the best treatment option for men with well and perhaps moderately differentiated, low volume prostate cancer who have a life expectancy of less than 10 years. However, the conclusions derived from watchful waiting studies of older men cannot and should not be applied to younger, healthier men or to those with more advanced or aggressive disease. If treated ineffectively, many of these men will die of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Most men with prostate cancer who have a life expectancy greater than 10 to 15 years should be treated with curative intent.

Doxazosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: urodynamic evaluation at 15 months

OBJECTIVES

To assess the results of doxazosin treatment in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) treated for 15 months and to correlate symptomatic changes with alterations in urodynamic measures.

METHODS

After an initial 3-month treatment period with doxazosin 4 mg/day, 50 men with LUTS were given the choice of continued treatment with this agent or other therapeutic options. All patients were evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires and urodynamic evaluation initially and after 3 months of treatment. Patients were followed for an additional 12 months and those who continued doxazosin treatment underwent repeat urodynamic testing.

RESULTS

Among the original 50 patients, 24 men (48%) continued doxazosin treatment for 15 months, 18 men (36%) discontinued therapy, and 8 men (16%) were either dead or lost to follow-up or had been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. Comparison of values at 3 and 15 months of follow-up (9.4 versus 13.4, P = 0.03) showed significant worsening of voiding symptoms, as assessed by the IPSS, in the 24 men still receiving doxazosin. This deterioration of subjective results with doxazosin occurred despite continued improvements in peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), detrusor pressure at peak flow (PdetQmax), and objective measures of obstruction (Abrams-Griffiths number) from 3 to 15 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Relief of voiding symptoms in men with LUTS treated with doxazosin over prolonged intervals of 15 months does not correlate well with changes in urodynamic measures.

Initial report on intravesical administration of N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-valerate (AD 32) to patients with refractory superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, and antitumor activity of intravesically administered AD 32, a novel anthracycline, in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

METHODS

Six weekly doses of AD 32 (200 to 900 mg) were administered to 32 patients with superficial TCC who were candidates for intravesical treatment. Serum drug levels were measured during the 6-hour period after administration of the first, third, and sixth doses. Patients underwent bladder evaluations at 3-month intervals to determine responses to treatment.

RESULTS

Very low levels of unmetabolized AD 32 and its two primary metabolites were measured in serum. The lack of systemic exposure was confirmed by the finding of only a few minor systemic adverse events. Local bladder irritation, the main toxicity associated with intravesical administration of AD 32, persisted for several days after each instillation. The maximum tolerated dose was 800 mg. Thirteen patients had complete responses to treatment, including 8 who remained disease free for 12.1 to 38.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

AD 32 is an active drug for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Further studies of intravesical administration of AD 32 are warranted.

Surgical therapy for locally advanced bladder cancer

Radical cystectomy followed by a urinary diversion or an orthotopic neobladder remains standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The advances in surgical technique and reconstructive options allow many patients to enjoy a high quality of life after surgical extirpation. For those unable or unwilling to undergo a radical cystectomy, several treatment alternatives exist, using aggressive TUR and combinations of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Continued investigations into the biological behavior of this malignancy, as well as the identification of more effective chemotherapeutic agents, will allow more definitive treatment approaches with improved outcomes.

An observational urodynamic evaluation of men with lower urinary tract symptoms treated with doxazosin

OBJECTIVES

To assess the urodynamic changes in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction treated with doxazosin and to correlate these changes with voiding symptoms.

METHODS

Fifty patients with LUTS were treated with doxazosin at a dose of 4 mg/day for 3 months. All men were initially evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) questionnaires, measurements of urinary flow rate, and complex urodynamic study. Those patients completing the 3-month study underwent repeat testing.

RESULTS

Forty-four (88%) men underwent initial and follow-up urodynamic evaluation. The mean I-PSS improved from 20.6 to 10.5 (P < 0.001), mean peak urinary flow rate increased for 11.7 to 13.2 cc/s (P = 0.20), mean detrusor pressure at peak flow decreased from 9 3.6 to 83.0 cm H20 (P = 0.15), and mean cystometric bladder capacity increased from 266 to 304 cc (P = 0.07). Using the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram and number, more than 58% of patients remained obstructed after treatment with doxazosin for 3 months. Men with and without objective evidence of bladder outlet obstruction at the outset of the study had similar improvement in voiding symptoms. Most patients elected to continue treatment with doxazosin at the completion of the study (41/44, 93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients had objective evidence of persistent bladder outlet obstruction after treatment with doxazosin for 3 months despite significant benefit. The results of complex urodynamic evaluation did not predict treatment response in men with LUTS suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction. Urodynamic study does not appear to be helpful in the evaluation of patients with uncomplicated LUTS prior to treatment with doxazosin.

Radical surgery for renal-cell carcinoma: caval neoplastic excision, adrenalectomy, lymphadenectomy, adjacent organ resection

A radical nephrectomy typically includes early ligation of the renal vessels, excision of the kidney and perinephric tissue, a regional lymphatenectomy, and an adrenalectomy. More controversial may be excision of supradiaphragmatic caval neoplastic extension and adjacent organ resection. Although survival is low in these unfavorable groups of patients, some patients may benefit from the extensive local resection of tumor, including adrenalectomy, lymphatenectomy, caval resection, and resection of adjacent organs.

Prognostic factors in men with stage D1 prostate cancer: identification of patients less likely to have prolonged survival after radical prostatectomy

The role of radical prostatectomy in the management of stage D1 disease is controversial. Although cure is unlikely, some men survive for long intervals apparently free of metastatic disease. For this reason, effective palliation of the local lesion is desirable in men who will live long enough to benefit. In an effort to identify factors that correlated with interval to progression to distant metastases, we studied 113 men with stage D1 disease who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1974 and 1991. Progression of disease to distant metastases did not independently correlate with the size of the nodal metastases, number of positive lymph nodes or bilaterality of lymph node metastases. Only high Gleason score (8 to 10) on the preoperative biopsy correlated with rapid progression to distant metastases (p < or = 0.00001) in a multivariate analysis. If the Gleason score was less than 8, the likelihood of distant metastases was only 18% and 41% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, whereas 85% of men with a Gleason score of 8 to 10 had distant metastases by 5 years. For urologists who believe that radical prostatectomy is useful in providing local control in men with positive lymph nodes, frozen section analysis of lymph nodes is probably not necessary in men who are candidates for radical prostatectomy and have preoperative Gleason scores of less than 8. Conversely, in patients with a Gleason score of 8 to 10 on needle biopsy, careful analysis of lymph nodes is necessary to avoid radical prostatectomy in those who will derive little benefit.

Metastatic bladder cancer. Natural history, clinical course, and consideration for treatment

Patients with metastatic transitional-cell carcinoma of the bladder have a poor prognosis with brief survival. Controversy exists as to the clonality of bladder cancer, as well as the natural history of muscle-invasive disease that subsequently becomes metastatic. Newer molecular biologic techniques may help us identify and understand the molecular changes involved in transforming normal urothelium into the malignant phenotype. In addition, newer chromosomal markers may enable us to determine the prognosis and the potential for progression to invasion and metastases. Additional work to find the optimum doses and dosing schedules and combinations of chemotherapeutic agents for metastatic transitional-cell carcinoma will be necessary before we can improve survival for all patients with this disease.