Radical nephrectomy for pT1a renal masses may be associated with decreased overall survival compared with partial nephrectomy

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in 95 consecutive patients: Oncological and functional outcomes at 3 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

We present the oncological and functional results from a series of 43 patients with renal tumours, treated consecutively with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Between 2010 and 2014, we performed 95 RPNs. To assess the results, we included only those patients (n=43) who had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A descriptive analysis was conducted of the demographic characteristics and perioperative variables. We employed Kaplan-Meier curves to assess overall survival, cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 53.1±13.5 years. The mean preoperative tumour size was 3.7±2.3cm. The mean surgical time was 102.2±37.1min. The mean ischemia time was 21.27±7.74minutes, with a median intraoperative bleeding volume of 150mL (IQR, 87.5-425). There was a 7% rate of postoperative complications (Clavien≥III). There was no mortality. The average Fürhman grade was 2.5±0.56. There were no positive surgical margins or local recurrences. The median follow-up was 38±8 months, with an overal survival, recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival of 100% at 3 years of follow-up. The recurrence-free survival was 92,3% at 48 months of follow-up. The mean preoperative glomerular filtration rate was 91.04±28.17mL/min/1.73m(2), and the postoperative rate was 89.9±27.69mL/min/1.73m(2), with a nonsignificant reduction (P=.74).

CONCLUSIONS

The functional and oncological results of our series confirm the safety and efficacy of RPN. RPN offers optimal preservation of renal function and oncological control in the medium term.

Changing patterns in the surgical management of renal masses

OBJECTIVE

To describe the temporal trends in surgical techniques for the management of renal masses at a single Spanish academic institution and identify factors associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) decision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 646 patients were treated by surgery for clinically localised renal masses from January 2004 to December 2012 at a tertiary referral center. Surgical techniques included open radical nephrectomy (RN), open PN, laparoscopic RN, and laparoscopic PN. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline characteristics and proportions of patients treated by different surgical techniques. Annual trends in the proportion of procedures performed were determined. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate clinical variables predictive of PN.

RESULTS

During the 9-year study period, the proportion of PN relative to RN increased from 21% to 55%. With regard to surgical approach, open procedures for both RN and PN decreased gradually in favor of minimally invasive approaches (83% in 2004 to 4% in 2011-2012). While median tumor size did not significantly change over the study period, laparoscopic PN became the most commonly performed kidney procedure in 2011-2012 (49% of all procedures). Clinical variables independently predictive of partial nephrectomy were ASA score, baseline renal function and tumor size (all P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

At our academic institution, temporal trends in the management of renal masses have established PN as the most common surgical option. Although PN was increasingly used over the study period, a parallel increase in minimally invasive approaches for RN and PN was seen.

Intraoperative ultrasound control of surgical margins during partial nephrectomy

Aims:

To evaluate a simple and fast technique to ensure negative surgical margins on partial nephrectomies, while correlating margin statuses with the final pathology report.

Subjects and Methods:

This study was conducted for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) with T1–T2 renal tumors from January 2010 to the end of December 2015. Before tumor removal, intraoperative ultrasound (US) localization was performed. After tumor removal and before performing hemostasis of the kidney, the specimens were placed in a saline solution and a US was performed to evaluate if the tumor's capsule were intact, and then compared to the final pathology results.

Results:

In 177 PN(s) (147 open procedures and 30 laparoscopic procedures) were performed on 147 patients. Arterial clamping was done for 32 patients and the mean warm ischemia time was 19 ± 6 min. The mean US examination time was 41 ± 7 s. The US analysis of surgical margins was negative in 172 cases, positive in four, and in only one case it was not possible to conclude. The final pathology results revealed one false positive surgical margin and one false negative surgical margin, while all other margins were in concert with US results. The mean tumor size was 3.53 ± 1.43 cm, and the mean surgical margin was 2.8 ± 1.5 mm.

Conclusions:

The intraoperative US control of resection margins in PN is a simple, efficient, and effective method for ensuring negative surgical margins with a small increase in warm ischemia time and can be conducted by the operating urologist.

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Renal Angiomyolipoma

PURPOSE

Advances in minimally invasive therapies and novel targeted chemotherapeutics have provided a breadth of options for the management of renal masses. Management of renal angiomyolipoma has not been reviewed in a comprehensive fashion in more than a decade. We provide an updated review of the current diagnosis and management strategies for renal angiomyolipoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a PubMed(®) search of all available literature for renal or kidney angiomyolipoma. Further sources were identified in the reference lists of identified articles. We specifically reviewed case series of partial nephrectomy, selective arterial embolization and ablative therapies as well as trials of mTOR inhibitors for angiomyolipoma from 1999 to 2014.

RESULTS

Renal angiomyolipoma is an uncommon benign renal tumor. Although associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, these tumors occur sporadically. Risk of life threatening hemorrhage is the main clinical concern. Due to the fat content, angiomyolipomas are generally readily identifiable on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, fat poor angiomyolipoma can present a diagnostic challenge. Novel research suggests that various strategies using magnetic resonance imaging, including chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging, have the potential to differentiate fat poor angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma. Active surveillance is the accepted management for small asymptomatic masses. Generally, symptomatic masses and masses greater than 4 cm should be treated. However, other relative indications may apply. Options for treatment have traditionally included radical and partial nephrectomy, selective arterial embolization and ablative therapies, including cryoablation and radio frequency ablation, all of which we review and update. We also review recent advances in the medical treatment of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex associated angiomyolipomas with mTOR inhibitors. Specifically trials of everolimus for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex suggest that this agent may be safe and effective in treating angiomyolipoma tumor burden. A schema for the suggested management of renal angiomyolipoma is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriately selected cases of renal angiomyolipoma can be managed by active surveillance. For those patients requiring treatment nephron sparing approaches, including partial nephrectomy and selective arterial embolization, are preferred options. For those with tuberous sclerosis complex mTOR inhibitors may represent a viable approach to control tumor burden while conserving renal parenchyma.

Renal Functional and Perioperative Outcomes of Selective Versus Complete Renal Arterial Clamping During Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Early Single-Center Experience With 39 Cases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes in patients undergoing selective versus conventional complete renal arterial clamping during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

This study included 19 patients with renal tumors who received RAPN incorporating selective arterial clamping (group 1). The renal functional as well as perioperative outcomes in group 1 were compared with those in 20 patients with renal tumors undergoing RAPN with total clamping of the renal artery (group 2) during the same period.

RESULTS

In group 1, tumor resection under selective arterial clamping could be completed in all patients without intraoperative conversion to conventional RAPN with total clamping. There were no significant differences in the tumor size, RENAL nephrometry score, or preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between groups 1 and 2. Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in the estimated blood loss, operative time, or warm ischemia time between the 2 groups. Although there was no significant difference in the rate of decrease in eGFR 4 weeks after RAPN between the 2 groups, the rate of decrease in eGFR 1 week after RAPN in group 1 was significantly lower than that in group 2. The choice of selective or total clamping was also identified as an independent predictor of a postoperative decrease in eGFR by > 10% at 1 week, but not 4 weeks, after RAPN.

CONCLUSIONS

A precise segmental clamping technique is feasible and safe for performing RAPN, resulting in an improved postoperative renal function, particularly early after surgery.

Intraoperative and surgical specimen (ex vivo) ultrasound in the assessment of margins at partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE

To correlate the accuracy of intraoperative and surgical specimen (ex vivo) ultrasound (US) with pathological margin status at partial nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumours in the period May 2010-January 2014 at a single institution who had intraoperative specimen US were included. PN was performed by standardised technique with intraoperative tumour localisation. Following excision, surgical specimen (ex vivo) US was performed and the margin status was compared to the final histopathological analysis. The specificity of US to identify margin status was calculated as was the correlation between the ultrasonographic and final pathological margin.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were included (median age 61 years). Mean tumour size was 28.1 ± 10 mm, and 89 % were renal cell carcinomas with the remainder being oncocytomas. Forty-four cases had negative surgical margins on pathological analysis, and US had a specificity of 100 %. There was a strong correlation between the margin as measured on US and final analysis (Pearson's r = 0.86, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results show that intraoperative, surgical specimen (ex vivo) US control of resection margins in patients undergoing PN is feasible and efficient. It represents a promising tool to ensure margin negativity during PN.

Risk of metastasis for T1a renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

While active surveillance for small renal mass is gaining acceptance, controversy still continues on true metastatic potential of small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Thus, we investigated the risks of synchronous/metachronous metastases and their potential predictors among T1a RCC patients who underwent surgical treatment.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 2114 patients who received radical or partial nephrectomy for small renal tumor (≤ 4 cm) from 1990 to 2013. For our study, patients were stratified into four different groups according to tumor size (group 1: 0-1.0 cm, group 2: 1.1-2.0 cm, group 3: 2.1-3.0 cm, group 4: 3.1-4.0 cm). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze metastatic potentials according to tumor size and identify useful predictors of metastases.

RESULTS

Among 1913 T1a RCC patients, there were low but nonnegligible rates of metastases (group 2: 1.1 %, group 3: 3.3 %, group 4: 6.0 %, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in metastasis-free survivals between groups (p < 0.001). A linear positive association was observed between tumor size and metastatic rate (p < 0.001). Diabetic T1a RCC patients showed significantly inferior metastasis-free survival than nondiabetic counterparts (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size and history of diabetes mellitus were independently associated with metastasis in T1a RCC.

CONCLUSIONS

As T1a RCCs present low but nonnegligible risk of metastasis, patients with small renal mass should be counseled on such risk when offered active surveillance. Larger tumor size and history of diabetes mellitus may be associated with higher risk of metastasis in T1a RCC.

Nephron-sparing surgery for Wilms tumor: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Radical nephrectomy (RN, or total nephrectomy) is the current gold-standard surgical treatment for children with Wilms tumors (WT). However, nephron-sparing surgery (NSS, or partial nephrectomy) has recently been gaining increasing attention. The objective of this systematic review is to compare the effectiveness of NSS as compared with RN for the treatment of children with WT.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and recently presented meeting abstracts for reports in English. The bibliographies of included studies were then hand-searched for any missed articles. The protocol was prospectively registered. Manuscripts were assessed and data abstracted in duplicate with differences resolved by the senior author. Owing to high heterogeneity among the final included studies, only a qualitative systematic review was performed; no formal meta-analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

We identified 694 articles, 118 of which were selected for full-text review and 66 of which were included in the final analysis. Most studies were single- or multi-institution retrospective case series (60, 91%), with a small number of prospective cohort studies (6, 9%) and 1 administrative database analysis. Most studies were from Europe (27, 41%) or North America (21, 32%). Nearly half (32, 48%) of studies those were included were dated from 2010 or later. In total, data on 4,002 patients were included, of whom 1,040 (26%) underwent NSS and 2,962 (74%) underwent NSS. Reported rupture rates were similar between RN and NSS (13% vs. 7%), as were recurrence rates (12% vs. 11%) and survival rates (85% vs. 88%). However, these comparisons are limited by inherent biases in the design and reporting of most included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Most contemporary studies reporting the use of NSS in children with WT report similar long-term outcomes to RN. However, most existing studies are limited by their small numbers, inconsistent reporting, and methodological biases. There are significant opportunities for future research on the use of NSS in children with WT, including issues related to surgical quality, optimal technique, timing and duration of chemotherapy, and variation in the use of NSS among centers.

Outlining the limits of partial nephrectomy

Amongst nephron-sparing modalities, partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard of care in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite the increasing utilization of PN, particularly propagated by robot-assisted, minimally invasive approaches for small renal masses (SRMs), the limits of PN appear to be also evolving. In this review, we sought to address the tumour stage beyond which PN may be oncologically perilous. While the evidence supports PN in the treatment of tumours < pT2a, PN may have a role in advanced or metastatic RCC. Other scenarios wherein PN has limited utility are also explored, including anatomical or surgical factors that dictate the difficulty of the case, such as prior renal surgery. Lastly, we discuss the emerging role of molecular biomarkers, specifically epigenetics, to aid in the risk stratification of SRMs and to select tumours optimally suited for PN.

Survival analysis of surgically treated renal cell carcinoma: a single Chinese medical center experience from 2002 to 2012

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the survival and the associated factors affecting the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in China with a sufficiently large sample size.

METHODS

Clinical data with complete follow-up of 1326 RCC patients were successfully obtained. Progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated, survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were served to estimate the prognostic significance of each variables.

RESULTS

The median length of follow-up was 43.55 months (25-75 %, 25.47-68.75 months). During follow-up, 147 patients developed RCC-related progression, with a median PFS of 18.2 months (25-75 %, 7.50-47.27); 64 patients died from RCC-related progression, with a median CSS of 27.67 months (25-75 %, 14.10-58.53). For RCC patients in T1 stage, 3-, 5-, 8-, and 10-year CSS rates of patients receiving nephron-sparing nephrectomy were 99.33, 98.21, 97.40, and 97.40 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than radical nephrectomy patients (97.88, 96.28, 95.09, and 88.58 %, respectively). Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that tumor N stage, signs of lung metastasis (such as cough and hemoptysis), signs of bone metastasis (such as bone pain and fracture), pathological subtype of RCC, microscopic sarcomatoid change, and progression were prognosis factors for Chinese RCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor stage, nephrectomy type, lung metastasis, bone metastasis, pathological subtype, sarcomatoid change, and type of progression were important risk factors for RCC. For T1 stage RCC patients, nephron-sparing nephrectomy showed better CSS than radical nephrectomy, which may guide the doctors and patients in their choices of surgical procedures.

Comparison of survival rates in stage 1 renal cell carcinoma between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy patients according to age distribution: a propensity score matching study

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in overall survival (OS) between patients receiving partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for stage 1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) according to age distribution, as the survival advantage of PN vs RN has been unclear owing to conflicting data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 952 patients with stage 1 RCC who underwent either PN or RN. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: Group 1 (≤54 years), Group 2 (55-64 years), and Group 3 (≥65 years). Patient variables including age, body mass index, sex, presence of hypertension (HT) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM), performance status, tumour size, pathological diagnosis, nuclear grade, and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were adjusted using 1:1 propensity score matching between PN and RN.

RESULTS

Group 1 included 66 matched patients; Group 2, 72; and Group 3, 70. Group 1 tended to have higher preoperative eGFR values and lower rates of HT and DM compared with Groups 2 and 3. Postoperative eGFR dropped by 11-13% in PN patients and by 34-36% in RN patients. In Group 3, PN patients had longer OS than RN patients (5-year OS: PN 96%, RN 81%, P = 0.043); however, there was no significant difference in Group 1 (5-year OS: PN 100%, RN 93%, P = 0.302) or Group 2 (5-year OS: PN 94%, RN 87%, P = 0.358).

CONCLUSIONS

Only the oldest group of patients showed significantly better OS for PN compared with RN; however, we still recommend PN in young patients.

Renal cell carcinoma: risks and benefits of nephron-sparing surgery for T1 tumors

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the kidneys that is primarily treated with surgery, including removal of part or all the involved kidney depending on size and tumor, complexity, and patient characteristics. Partial nephrectomy historically was restricted to cases of solitary kidney or bilateral tumors. It was then started for masses smaller than 4 cm and currently is even studied and justified in tumors smaller than 7 cm if surgically feasible. Although partial nephrectomy preserves kidney tissue and, therefore, delays or prevents the new onset of CKD and ESRD, radical nephrectomy is still overused even for the small tumors. Studies have shown that although this practice is driven by an easier complete removal of the kidney especially in the era of minimally invasive surgery, partial nephrectomy is successful in curing cancer and achieving excellent cancer-specific survival in addition to its benefits on cardiovascular health. Nowadays interest in preserving healthy kidney tissue is increasing to the level of studying the impact of larger volume removed around the kidney and the histopathology of that non-neoplastic tissue to predict kidney function behavior postoperatively.

Safety and Efficacy of Thermal Ablation for Small Renal Masses in Solitary Kidney: Evidence from Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Objective

To evaluate comparative renal functional preservation, perioperative and oncologic outcomes, and complications of thermal ablation (TA) versus partial nephrectomy (PN) in management of Small renal masses (SRMs) in solitary kidney.

Methods and Findings

Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. A meta-analysis for comparative studies comparing TA with PN was performed. According to predefined inclusion criteria, seven datasets were identified from 8 observational studies including a total of 628 patients. Cumulated data showed the changes of creatinine (p=0.02) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p<0.0001) in TA arm were significantly less than these in PN arm. Significantly less new-set chronic kidney disease (CKD) was observed in TA group (p=0.04). In terms of postoperative dialysis rate, the difference favoring TA was also noted, though there is no statistical significance (p=0.09). With regard to perioperative outcomes, our data demonstrated that patients who underwent TA had significantly shorter operation time (p=0.002), less blood loss (p<0.0001), shorter length of stay (p<0.00001), and less transfusion rate (p=0.01) than those underwent PN. In addition, patients underwent TA suffered less intra- and postoperative complications (p=0.007, p<0.00001; respectively). With regard to oncologic outcomes, disease-free survival (DFS) (p<0.00001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p=0.01) in the PN arm were significantly better than these of the TA arm. But, TA yielded a comparable overall survival to PN (p=0.40). Sensitivity analyses led to very similar results with overall results, and confirmed its stability.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates that PN have advantage in controlling cancer recurrence. However, TA is associated with significantly better renal functional preservation and perioperative outcomes, and less complications without increasing overall death. Our data suggest that indication for TA may be extended to select younger, healthier patients who desire a much less invasive therapeutic option.

Surgical management of stage T1 renal tumours at Canadian academic centres

INTRODUCTION

The proportion of patients with stage 1 renal tumours receiving partial nephrectomy is considered a quality of care indicator. The objective of this study was to characterize surgical practice patterns at Canadian academic institutions for the treatment of these tumours.

METHODS

The Canadian Kidney Cancer Information System (CKCis) is a multicentre collaboration of 13 academic institutions in Canada. All patients with pathologic stage T1 renal tumours in CKCis were identified. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize practice patterns over time. Associations between patient, tumour, and treatment factors with the use of partial nephrectomy were determined.

RESULTS

From 1988 to April 2014, 1453 patients with pathologic stage 1 renal tumours were entered in the CKCis database. Of these, 977 (67%) patients had pT1a tumours; of these, 765 (78%) received partial nephrectomy. Of the total number of patients (1453), 476 (33%) had pT1b tumours; of these, 204 (43%) received partial nephrectomy. The use of partial nephrectomy increased over time from 60% to 90% for pT1a tumours and 20% to 60% for pT1b tumours. Stage pT1b (relative risk [RR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.63) and minimally invasive surgical approach (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.84 for pT1a and RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.17-0.30 for pT1b) were associated with decreased use of partial nephrectomy. Most patient factors including age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, and renal function were not significantly associated with use of partial nephrectomy (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Almost all pT1a and most pT1b renal tumours managed surgically at academic centres in Canada receive partial nephrectomy. The use of partial versus radical nephrectomy appears to occur independently of patient age and comorbid status, which may indicate that urologists are performing partial nephrectomy whenever technically feasible based on tumour factors. Although the ideal proportion patients receiving partial nephrectomy cannot be determined, treatment distribution observed in this cohort may indicate an achievable case distribution among experienced surgeons.

Review of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in modern practice

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is currently the standard treatment for T1 renal tumors. Minimally invasive PN offers decreased blood loss, shorter length of stay, rapid convalescence, and improved cosmesis. Due to the challenges inherent in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, its dissemination has been stifled. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) offers an intuitive platform to perform minimally invasive PN. It is one of the fastest growing robotic procedures among all surgical subspecialties. RAPN continues to improve upon the oncological and functional outcomes of renal tumor extirpative therapy. Herein, we describe the surgical technique, outcomes, and complications of RAPN.

Cancer control of partial nephrectomy for high-risk localized renal cell carcinoma: population-based and single-institutional analysis

PURPOSE

Cancer control of partial nephrectomy for high-risk localized renal cell carcinoma is unclear. To assess whether PN provides adequate cancer control in high-risk disease (HRD), survival outcomes were compared in both a population-based cohort and an institutional cohort.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and a prospectively maintained institutional database were queried for patients with RCC who underwent PN or RN for a localized tumor ≤7 cm and were found to have high-grade and/or high-stage disease (HRD). Cancer-specific (CSS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were primary outcomes measured and were compared between those who underwent PN and RN using multivariable Cox proportional hazards and propensity analysis.

RESULTS

The population cohort consisted of 12,757 (24.9 %) patients with HRD, 85.2 and 14.8 % of which underwent RN and PN, respectively. RN was not associated with CSS (HR 1.23, p = 0.08) but was independently associated with poor OS (HR 1.16, p = 0.031). Propensity analysis showed that RN resulted in a 20 % increased risk of death from all causes (p = 0.008). In the institutional cohort, of 317 patients, 35.9 % had HRD, 56 and 52 of which underwent RN and PN, respectively. Adjusting for age-adjusted Charlson index, RN was a predictor of poor OS (OR 6.20, p = 0.041). Propensity analysis showed that RFS and OS were not related to nephrectomy type (RN HR 0.65, p = 0.627 and RN HR 1.70, p = 0.484).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with pathologic high-risk RCC, partial excision is associated with similar cancer control as compared to radical excision.

Evaluation and Management of the Geriatric Urologic Oncology Patient

The geriatric population presents a unique set of challenges in urologic oncology. In addition to the known natural history of disease, providers must also consider patient factors such as functional and nutritional status, comorbidities and social support when determining the treatment plan. The development of frailty measures and biomarkers to estimate surgical risk shows promise, with several assessment tools predictive of surgical complications. Decreased dependence on chronologic age is important when assessing surgical fitness, as age cutoffs prevent appropriate treatment of many elderly patients who would benefit from surgery. Within bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, continued refinement of surgical techniques offers a broader array of options for the geriatric patient than previously available.

Partial nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether radical nephrectomy (RN) compared with partial nephrectomy (PN) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with greater risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study using linked administrative databases in the province of Ontario, Canada. We included individuals with pathologically confirmed RCC diagnosed between 1995 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards, propensity score, and competing risks models were used to assess the impact of treatment choice. The primary outcome was ESRD. Secondary outcomes included overall mortality, myocardial infarction, and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD). A modern cohort of patients (2003-2010) was analysed separately.

RESULTS

We included 11,937 patients, of whom 2107 (18%) underwent PN. The median follow-up was 57 months. In the full cohort, type of surgery was not associated with the rate of ESRD, whereas PN was associated with a decreased likelihood of ESRD compared with RN in the modern cohort using a multivariable proportional hazards model [hazard ratio (HR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-0.75) or propensity score modelling (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.82). PN was also associated with a lower risk of new-onset CKD (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41-0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is well-known that RN is associated with more CKD than PN, we provide the first direct evidence that PN is associated with less ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy than RN in a modern cohort of patients with RCC.

The association between renal tumour scoring system components and complications of partial nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION

We evaluate the associations between 3 renal tumour scoring systems and their components with perioperative complications of partial nephrectomy.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of partial nephrectomy patients was analyzed. Patient characteristics were abstracted from medical records. PADUA scores (preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic classification), RENAL (radius exophyic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location scoring) nephrometry scores, and Centrality index (C-index) were determined from preoperative axial images by 2 independent reviewers. Cases were evaluated for postoperative complications up to 30 days after surgery. Pre-specified complication definitions were used for 33 potential medical and surgical complications. Unadjusted and adjusted associations between overall scores, individual components, and complications were determined using log binomial regression.

RESULTS

In total, 118 patients were included in the study. Of these, 36 (30.5%) surgical complications occurred in 27 (22.9%) patients. Fourteen (11.9%) were Clavien grade ≥3. Overall PADUA score was significantly associated with surgical and overall complications after adjusting for potential confounders. Among all components of the 3 scoring systems, only tumour diameter and exophytic/endophytic nature of the tumour were significantly associated with complications after adjusting for the other components of the respective scoring system (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal tumour scoring systems may help predict the risk of complications after partial nephrectomy. Further refinement of current systems is required. A first step would be to include only components that are significantly associated with complications.

Robotic surgery in urological oncology: patient care or market share?

Surgical robotic use has grown exponentially in spite of limited or uncertain benefits and large costs. In certain situations, adoption of robotic technology provides value to patients and society. In other cases, however, the robot provides little or no increase in surgical quality, with increased expense, and, therefore, does not add value to health care. The surgical robot is expensive to purchase, maintain and operate, and can contribute to increased consumerism in relation to surgical procedures, and increased reliance on the technology, thus driving future increases in health-care expenditure. Given the current need for budget constraints, the cost-effectiveness of specific procedures must be evaluated. The surgical robot should be used when cost-effective, but traditional open and laparoscopic techniques also need to be continually fostered.

Application of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture in retroperito- neoscopic partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and feasibility of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture application in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From Sep 2011 and Aug 2012, 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were performed at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: self-retaining barbed suture (SRBS) group (n = 36) and non-SRBS group (n = 40). There was no significant difference in age, sex, tumor size and location between the two groups. Clinical data and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were successfully performed, without conversion to open surgery or serious intraoperative complications. In the SRBS group, the suture time, warm ischemia time and operation blood loss were significantly shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.01), and operation time and hospital stay were shorter than that of non-SRBS group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy could shorten suture time and warm ischemia time, with good safety and feasibility, worthy of being used in clinic.

Prediction of complications after partial nephrectomy by RENAL nephrometry score

INTRODUCTION

Discussing and planning the appropriate management for suspicious renal masses can be challenging. With the development of nephrometry scoring methods, we aimed to evaluate the ability of the RENAL nephrometry score to predict both the incidence of postoperative complications and the change in renal function after a partial nephrectomy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study including 128 consecutive patients who underwent a partial nephrectomy (open and laparoscopic) for renal lesions in a tertiary UK referral centre. Univariate and multivariate ordinal regression models were used to identify associations between Clavien-Dindo classification and explanatory variables. The Kendall rank correlation coefficient was used to examine an association between RENAL nephrometry score and a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) following surgery.

RESULTS

An increase in the RENAL nephrometry score of one point resulted in greater odds of being in a higher Clavien-Dindo classification after controlling for RENAL suffix and type of surgical procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.64, p=0.043). Furthermore, a patient with the RENAL suffix 'p' (ie posterior location of tumour) had increased odds of developing more serious complications (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.07-6.30, p=0.042). A correlation was shown between RENAL nephrometry score and postoperative drop in eGFR (Kendall's tau coefficient -0.24, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study that has shown the predictive ability of the RENAL nephrometry scoring system in a UK cohort both in terms of postoperative complications and change in renal function.

Impact of partial nephrectomy on kidney function in patients with renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the changes in kidney function and the association of tumor size and renal outcomes between patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) and those who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted for 557 patients with an RCC of ≤7 cm in diameter and normal contralateral kidney function who underwent PN or RN. PN was performed for 218 (39%) patients. Renal outcomes included the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a ≥25% decline in eGFR 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Serial changes in eGFR were compared during the 3 years of follow-up. Postoperative eGFR was significantly lower in patients undergoing RN than in those undergoing PN. The incidence of AKI and new-onset CKD was significantly higher in patients after RN (70.1% vs. 24.3%, respectively; P<0.001) than after PN (55.7% vs. 6.2%, respectively; P<0.001). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, RN was an independent risk factor for a ≥25% decline in kidney function after 1 year regardless of the tumor size, even after adjusting for various covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to PN, RN for even a moderate sized RCC leads to an increased incidence of AKI and new-onset CKD, and is a significant risk factor for kidney function decline. Therefore, PN should be considered as the choice of surgical treatment for RCCs that are ≤7 cm in diameter in order to preserve renal function postoperatively.

Risk of chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

The incidence of low-stage renal cell carcinoma is rising and is observed to demonstrate excellent prognosis following surgical treatment irrespective of method. However, several epidemiologic observational and population-based studies suggest that radical nephrectomy is associated with increased adverse renal outcomes such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with partial nephrectomy. This is suggested in turn to lead to increased mortality via an increase in cardiovascular complications and mortality. Prospective data are scarce, and there are conflicting data as well on whether surgically induced CKD is as debilitating as medically induced CKD. Further research is needed to assess the presence and the extent of the relationship between nephrectomy, CKD, and noncancer mortality.

SEOM clinical guidelines for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma

The purpose of this article was to provide updated recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Pathological confirmation is mandatory before treatment with ablative or focal therapies before any type of systemic therapy. Renal cell cancer should be staged according to the TNM classification system. A laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery should be the approach for tumors <4 cm if technically feasible. Otherwise, radical (or partial in selected cases) nephrectomy is the treatment of choice, with lymph node dissection only performed in patients with clinically detected lymph node involvement. Some retrospective evidence for a cytoreductive nephrectomy in the postimmunotherapy era suggests a benefit in patients with good or intermediate risk or for patients with a symptomatic primary lesion. Adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy or with targeted agents is not recommended and studies are ongoing today. Patients with metastatic disease should be staged by computed tomography scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. The efficacy of sunitinib, bevacizumab plus interferon-α, and pazopanib is well established in patients with good and intermediate risk as well for temsirolimus in poor-risk patients. These four agents are considered standard of care in first-line treatment. Sorafenib, axitinib and everolimus are standard of care in second line in different settings based on their benefit in PFS. Besides some benefit described for IL-2 in highly selected patients in first line, there is a promising and emerging role for the new immunotherapeutic approaches in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Significant impact of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score on changes in postoperative renal function early after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate the significance of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS)--developed to quantitatively evaluate the complexity of renal tumors in a reproducible manner--in perioperative and renal functional outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

This study assessed 48 consecutive patients with renal tumors who underwent RAPN. Preoperative RNS for each patient was calculated, and its impact on several parameters associated with perioperative outcomes, including postoperative renal function, was investigated with Spearman's rank correlation test.

RESULTS

Mean RNS in the 48 patients was 6.8; of these 48 patients, 21 (43.7%), 24 (50.0%), and three (6.3%) were classified into low-, moderate-, and high-complexity groups, respectively. The RNS was significantly correlated with resected tumor weight and postoperative changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at both 1 and 4 weeks--but not age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative eGFR, operative time, warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, or eGFR-- after RAPN. No component of the RNS (R: radius; E: exophytic/endophytic properties; N: nearness of tumor to the collecting system or sinus; A: anterior/posterior; L: location relative to polar lines) alone had a significant impact on postoperative changes in eGFR at 1 and 4 weeks, whereas resected tumor weight was significantly associated with the R and E subcategories.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of total RNS is useful for predicting renal functional outcomes early after RAPN.

Open mini-flank partial nephrectomy: an essential contemporary operation

Secondary to the widespread use of the modern imaging techniques of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound, 70% of renal tumors today are detected incidentally with a median tumor size of less than 4 cm. Twenty years ago, all renal tumors, regardless of size were treated with radical nephrectomy (RN). Elective partial nephrectomy (PN) has emerged as the treatment of choice for small renal tumors. The basis of this paradigm shift is three major factors: (1) cancer specific survival is equivalent for T1 tumors (7 cm or less) whether treated by PN or RN; (2) approximately 45% of renal tumors have indolent or benign pathology; and (3) PN prevents or delays the onset of chronic kidney disease, a condition associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although PN can be technically demanding and associated with potential complications of bleeding, infection, and urinary fistula, the patient derived benefits of this operation far outweigh the risks. We have developed a "mini-flank" open surgical approach that is highly effective and, coupled with rapid recovery postoperative care pathways associated with a 2-day length of hospital stay.

Is radical nephrectomy a legitimate therapeutic option in patients with renal masses amenable to nephron-sparing surgery?

The decision to perform a radical nephrectomy (RN) or a partial nephrectomy (PN), not unlike most decisions in clinical practice, ultimately hinges on the balance of risk. Do the higher risks of a more complex surgery (PN) justify the theoretical benefits of kidney tissue preservation? Data suggest that for patients with an anatomically complex renal mass and a normal contralateral kidney, for whom additional surgical intensity may be risky, such as the elderly and comorbid, RN presents a robust treatment option. Nevertheless, PN, especially for small and anatomically simple renal masses in young patients without comorbidities should remain the surgical reference standard, as preservation of renal tissue can serve as an 'insurance policy' not only against future renal functional decline, but also against the possibility of tumour development in the contralateral kidney. In the present review, we outline the ongoing debate between the role of RN and PN in treatment of the enhancing renal mass.

Positive surgical margins in nephron-sparing surgery: risk factors and therapeutic consequences

The increased use of nephron-sparing surgery to treat localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) lends weight to the question of the value of microscopically positive surgical margins (PSM) in cases with a tumor bed macroscopically free of residual tumor. The aim of this article is to highlight the data available on risk factors for PSM, their clinical relevance, and possible therapeutic consequences. For this purpose, publications on the incidence and relevance of PSM after partial nephrectomy from the last 15 years were examined and evaluated. We summarize that PSM are generally rare, regardless of the surgical procedure, and are seen more often in connection with an imperative indication for nephron-sparing surgery as well as a central tumor location. Most studies describe that PSM lead to a moderate increase in the rate of local relapses, but no study has thus far been able to demonstrate an association with shorter tumor-specific overall survival. Intraoperative frozen section analysis had no positive influence on the risk of definite PSM in most trials. Therefore, we conclude that PSM should definitely be avoided. However, in cases with a macroscopically tumor-free intraoperative resection bed, they should lead to close surveillance of the affected kidney and not to immediate (re)intervention.

Comparison of partial nephrectomy and percutaneous ablation for cT1 renal masses

BACKGROUND

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is a preferred treatment for cT1 renal masses, whereas thermal ablation represents an alternative nephron-sparing option, albeit with higher reported rates of recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience with PN, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and percutaneous cryoablation for cT1 renal masses.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1803 patients with primary cT1N0M0 renal masses treated between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic Renal Tumor Registry.

INTERVENTION

PN compared with percutaneous ablation.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Local recurrence-free, metastases-free, and overall survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank tests.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of the 1424 cT1a patients, 1057 underwent PN, 180 underwent RFA, and 187 underwent cryoablation. In this cohort, local recurrence-free survival was similar among the three treatments (p=0.49), whereas metastases-free survival was significantly better after PN (p=0.005) and cryoablation (p=0.021) when compared with RFA. Of the 379 cT1b patients, 326 patients underwent PN, and 53 patients were managed with cryoablation (8 RFA patients were excluded). In this cohort, local recurrence-free survival (p=0.81) and metastases-free survival (p=0.45) were similar between PN and cryoablation. In both the cT1a and cT1b groups, PN patients were significantly younger, with lower Charlson scores and had superior overall survival (p<0.001 for all). Limitations include retrospective review and selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of sporadic cT1 renal masses, we observed that recurrence-free survival was similar for PN and percutaneous ablation patients. Metastases-free survival was superior for PN and cryoablation patients when compared with RFA for cT1a patients. Overall survival was superior after PN, likely because of selection bias. If these results were validated, an update to clinical guidelines would be warranted.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Partial nephrectomy and percutaneous ablation for small (<7-cm) and localized renal masses are associated with similar rates of local recurrence.

Current status of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy

Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is increasingly carried out in an attempt to improve the cosmetic outcome of minimally-invasive procedures. However, the actual role of this novel technique remains to be determined. The present article reviews evidence and examines updates of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy outcomes reported in more contemporary studies. A comprehensive online systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria recommendations was carried out in January 2014, identifying data from 2008 to 2014 regarding robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy. The majority of medical evidence to date is based on case reports or retrospective studies. Current studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is a feasible procedure carried out in an acceptable length of operative time, and resulting in a desirable cosmetic outcome and less postoperative pain. However, comparable studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is inferior to the conventional approach, especially with regard to warm ischemia time. Furthermore, the numerous limitations that exist with the utilization of the current commercial single-site devices make robotic laparoendoscopic single-site PN more challenging and more complicated for surgeons compared with conventional procedures. Further significant improvements, along with more studies, are required in order to develop the ideal robotic laparoendoscopic single-site robotic platform and overcome the current limitations. For the time being, robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy procedures could be applicable in patients with low tumor size and complexity, and should not be routinely applied in all cases.