Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: is it better than open surgery?

Endoscopic Cryoablation Versus Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cryoablation is a traditional antitumor therapy with good prospects for development. The efficacy of endoscopic management as a kidney-sparing surgery for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic cryoablation (ECA) versus radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on survival outcomes, renal function, and complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data for 116 patients with newly diagnosed high-risk UTUC who underwent either ECA (n = 13) or RNU (n = 103) from March 25, 2019 to December 8, 2021. Propensity score matching (1:4) using the nearest neighbor method was performed before analysis. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS), the change in renal function, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

At median follow-up of 28.2 mo for the ECA group and 27.6 mo for the RNU group, 2-yr OS (82% vs 84%), PFS (73% vs 71%), and intravesical RFS (81% vs 83%) rates after matching did not significantly differ. A decline in renal function was observed after RNU, but not after ECA. Five (41.7%) patients in the ECA group reported six TEAEs, and 17 patients (35.4%) in the RNU group reported 20 TEAEs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In comparison to RNU, ECA for UTUC resulted in noninferior oncological outcomes and superior preservation of renal function.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study suggests that a treatment called endoscopic cryoablation for high-risk cancer in the upper urinary tract can help in preserving kidney function, with similar survival outcomes to those after more extensive surgery. This option can be considered for selected patients with a strong preference for kidney preservation.

A multi-institutional retrospective study of open versus laparoscopic nephroureterectomy focused on the intravesical recurrence

AIM

Intravesical recurrence (IVR) after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively frequent, occurring in about 30-50% of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of the prognosis and IVR between open and laparoscopic surgery and to elucidate the risk factor of IVR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 403 patients with UTUC treated with laparoscopic or open nephroureterectomy at six affiliated hospitals between 1990 and 2015. The clinicopathological factors of each group were examined using Kaplan-Meier plots, and univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

There was no difference in recurrence and cancer-specific mortality between open and laparoscopic surgery in univariate and multivariate analyses. There was no significant difference in IVR rate between the laparoscopic and open groups (p = .22). Among the patients with IVR, 84% of patients relapsed within 2 years. Univariate analysis of IVR showed a significant increase in patients with low-grade (p = .03, HR = 1.64) or low-stage urothelial carcinoma (pT1 or lower, p = .006, HR = 1.77) with no lymph node involvement (p = .002, HR = 10.3) or lymphovascular invasion (p = .009, HR = 1.79). Surgical modality was not an independent factor. In multivariate analysis, there was no independent predictive factor for IVR.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, and IVR between open and laparoscopic surgery. On the other hand, our results suggested that the low malignant potential tumor may be a risk factor for IVR. This finding provides insight into IVR, which may help with the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

Clinical outcomes following laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in octogenarians

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the incidence of postoperative complications occurring within 30 days of surgery between octogenarians and younger patients and identify preoperative risk factors for the incidence of postoperative complications. Moreover, we also compared the oncological outcomes between octogenarians and younger patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 283 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma from 2002 to 2020. The patients were divided into octogenarians and younger patients (age: < 80 years), and their clinical characteristics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative complications were evaluated. The predictors of postoperative complications were evaluated using logistic regression models. Recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were measured using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twelve (17.1%) octogenarians and 40 (18.7%) younger patients had postoperative complications. No significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications was observed between octogenarians and younger patients (p = 0.14). A high body mass index was a significant risk factor for complications (p = 0.03). The 5-year recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival rates for octogenarians and younger patients were 72% and 64% (p = 0.31), 76% and 63% (p = 0.63), and 43% and 63% (p = 0.06), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy can be performed in octogenarians with complication rates similar to those in younger patients. Similarly, the outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for oncological control do not differ significantly between octogenarians and younger patients. This procedure is safe and effective for selected octogenarians.

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma-feasibility and complications: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) is the primary treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) at our hospital for patients with clinical stage less than T2, and for patients with invasive tumours, but unfit for major surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To assess peri-operative conditions and outcomes of RANU at our unit, and to evaluate the safety of the procedure.

METHODS

The medical records of all 166 patients undergoing RANU for suspected UTUC and followed for more than three months in a large university hospital in Sweden were reviewed retrospectively. After the exclusion of twenty patients because of previous cystectomy, simultaneous surgical procedure, or other tumour types than UTUC in the pathological report, 146 patients remained for the analyses. The primary endpoint was complication rate according to Clavien-Dindo at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were perioperative bleeding, violation of oncological surgical principles, hospital stay, and re-admission within 90 days.

RESULTS

The median age was 75 [(Inter Quartile Range) IQR 70-80] years and 57% of the patients had an ASA score above 2. According to Clavien-Dindo, one patient had a grade 3 complication, and no patient had a grade 4-5 complication. The median blood loss was 50 (IQR 20-100) ml and the median hospital stay was 6 (IQR 5-7) days. Twelve patients were re-admitted to the hospital within 90 days (eight with urinary tract infection/haematuria, one with hematoma, and three with other diseases).

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy is a safe procedure for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma, with a low risk of major surgical complications.

Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy with only three trocars: Results of a prospective single centre study

INTRODUCTION

Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with full bladder cuff excision is the gold standard for treatment of non-metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC). We describe our technique of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) with bladder cuff excision technique with modified port placement, reporting our long-term follow-up outcomes.

METHODS

Patients affected by UTUC were prospectively enrolled and undergone to LNU. Perioperative outcomes, oncological data at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery, and all the surgical complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification were evaluated in all subjects.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients with UTUC underwent LNU, using this new technique without patient and port repositioning. The mean operative time was 168 minutes, estimated blood loss was 75 mL, mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. There were no intraoperative complications while four late complications occurred (two grade IIIb and two grade II according to Clavien-Dindo classification, incisional hernias and fever, respectively). Postoperative pathology was T1 in 12 patients, T2 in 17 patients, and T3 in 21 patients. Tumor grade was low in 12 patients and high in 38 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study the described LNU technique was related to a significant reduction in terms of operative time and length of hospital stay, with a faster patients' recovery and no peri and postoperative complications. The long-term oncological outcomes were similar to data reported in literature.

A retrospective multicenter comparison of conditional cancer-specific survival between laparoscopic and open radical nephroureterectomy in locally advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Background

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas are relatively rare and have a cancer-specific survival rate of 20%–30%. The current gold standard treatment for nonmetastatic high-grade urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection.

Objective

This study aimed to compare conditional cancer-specific survival between open radical nephroureterectomy and laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in patients with nonmetastatic stage pT3-4 or TxN(+) locally advanced urinary tract urothelial carcinoma from five tertiary centers.

Methods

The medical records of 723 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients had locally advanced and nodal staged tumors and had undergone open radical nephroureterectomy (n = 388) or laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (n = 260) at five tertiary Korean institutions from January 2000 and December 2012. To control for heterogenic baseline differences between the two modalities, propensity score matching and subgroup analysis were conducted. Conditional survival analysis was also conducted to determine survival outcome and to overcome differences in follow-up duration between the groups.

Results

During the median 50.8-month follow up, 255 deaths occurred. In univariate analysis, significant factors affecting cancer-specific survival (e.g., age, history of bladder cancer, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, pathological N stage, and presence of lymphovascular invasion and carcinoma in situ) differed in each subsequent year. The cancer-specific survival between patients treated with open radical nephroureterectomy and laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy was not different between patients with and without a history of bladder cancer. After adjusting baseline differences between the two groups by using propensity score matching, both groups still had no significant differences in cancer-specific survival.

Conclusion

The two surgical modalities showed no significant differences in the 5-year cancer-specific survival in patients with locally advanced urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

Operative management in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Iceland: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment of organ-confined upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The objective of this study was to investigate survival and bladder recurrence rate in Icelandic patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterctomy (RNU) or other procedures with curative intent.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients who were diagnosed with UTUC in Iceland from 2003 to 2016 and treated with curative intent were included in the study. Information on patients was obtained retrospectively from patients' medical records and from the Icelandic Cause of Death Registry.

RESULTS

Overall 63 patients underwent a procedure for UTUC with curative intent in Iceland during the study period. The median age was 71 years and the majority were male (65%). In 50 patients (79%), the tumor was a primary UTUC. The most common procedure was RNU (78%) and eight patients (13%) underwent a kidney-sparing procedure. No patient died within 90 d of surgery. Twenty-eight patients (44%) had pathological stage T2 or higher, whereas 35 patients (56%) had pathological stage T1 or lower. The median follow-up time was 98.8 months . During the follow-up time 25 patients (40%) were diagnosed with recurrence in the bladder. Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 67%.

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based study shows that the oncologic outcome in Icelandic patients with UTUC is similar to what has been reported in other countries. Bladder recurrence rate is high and can hopefully be reduced by improvements in surgical and intravesical instillation treatment. Possibly more kidney-sparing surgeries could have been done during the study period; however, careful selection for those procedures is mandatory.

Management of the Distal Ureter in Radical Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Introduction: Management of the distal ureter during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is controversial. The aim of this review was to determine whether this affects oncological outcomes. Methods: A literature review was conducted searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in June 2019. Studies reporting outcomes of LNU in UTUC using either open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic approaches to excise the distal ureter were identified. All eligible studies underwent critical appraisal and were excluded if not of sufficient quality. Cumulative analysis of the results was performed. Results: Nine studies with a total of 383 patients (168 open, 159 laparoscopic, and 56 endoscopic excision of distal ureter) were eligible for inclusion. Study design and outcome reporting were variable between studies. Mean age of patients was comparable (67.7 years versus 65.0 years versus 66.6 years). Mean follow-up duration was comparable between open and laparoscopic groups (46.2 months versus 45.5 months) but reduced in the endoscopic group (33.4 months). The open group had a higher proportion of high grade/G3 tumors and pT2-4 tumors when compared to the laparoscopic and endoscopic groups (P < .001 and P = .002). The open group had a higher rate of intravesical recurrence and the laparoscopic group had a higher rate of distant metastases (P < .001). Conclusion: This review has identified differences in oncological outcomes between different techniques of managing the distal ureter in LNU for UTUC. However, the poor reporting of potentially confounding factors does not enable any one technique to be recommended as superior and requires further research.

Comparison of modified transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: initial experience

Introduction

Owing to the development of the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) procedure, transumbilical LESS nephroureterectomy (LESS-NU) has become a new approach for treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Aim

The aim of this study is to introduce a modified LESS-NU procedure with bladder cuff excision for treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We compared its clinical efficacy and postoperative outcomes in terms of follow-up time with traditional retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RL-NU).

Material and methods

From May 2014 to May 2019, we performed nephroureterectomy on 42 patients using the retroperitoneal approach and a modified LESS approach. A retrospective analysis was conducted for the evaluation of the clinical and postoperative outcomes between the two groups.

Results

The study included 25 LESS-NU and 17 RL-NU patients. All the procedures were completed successfully. The LESS-NU group had a significantly shorter mean operative time than the RL-NU group (204.4 min, 236.18 min, p = 0.005). The differences in skin incision length (2.88 cm, 8.94 cm, p < 0.001) and oral analgesic dose (n = 1.12, n = 2.75, p < 0.001) between LESS-NU and RL-NU were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Modified LESS-NU is a feasible and safe procedure. Compared with the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach, the single-site approach did not alter the patients' position. LESS-NU is a better procedure for treating UTUC than RL-NU in terms of cosmetic result and postoperative pain.

Intravesical irrigation might prevent bladder recurrence in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness of intravesical irrigation with physiological saline solution or distilled water for the prevention of bladder recurrence in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 109 upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients who underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and were evaluated at Chiba University Hospital and Yokohama Rosai Hospital between 2001 and 2018. We investigated the outcomes and analyzed various clinical factors including with or without intravesical irrigation related to bladder carcinoma recurrence after surgery. Physiological saline solution or distilled water was used for irrigation, which was carried out only during surgery.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period after surgery was 26.1 months. Bladder recurrence was confirmed within 2 years for 45 of the 109 patients in the present study. Irrigation was carried out for 48 cases (distilled water, 26 patients; physiological saline solution, 22 patients). Tumor grade (G1-2 vs G3; P = 0.05) and intravesical irrigation (yes vs no; P = 0.0058) were related to bladder recurrence on univariate analyses. On multivariate analyses, intravesical irrigation was the independent factor involved in the prevention of bladder recurrence (P = 0.0051). Comparison between the irrigation and non-irrigation groups showed that bladder recurrence rates were significantly lower in the irrigation group (irrigation group vs non-irrigation group: 25.0% vs 52.5%, P = 0.0066). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two solutions used for irrigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical irrigation during surgery of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma might decrease postoperative bladder recurrence rates.

Comparison of oncological and perioperative outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and robotic nephroureterectomy approaches in patients with non-metastatic upper-tract urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

To compare the oncological and perioperative outcomes of different nephroureterectomy approaches in patients with non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 422 patients who underwent open, laparoscopic, or robotic nephroureterectomy for non-metastatic UTUC. Perioperative and postoperative survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox-proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 161, 137, and 124 were treated with an open, laparoscopic, and robotic approach, respectively. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches involved significantly less blood loss (p = 0.001), shorter hospital stay (p < 0.001), and longer operation time (p < 0.001) compared with the open approach. There were no significant differences in intraoperative complications (open, 8.1%; laparoscopic, 5.1%; robotic, 7.3%; p = 0.363) or early postoperative complications (open, 14.9%; laparoscopic, 14.6%; robotic, 13.7%; p = 0.880). The laparoscopic and robotic groups showed significantly less postoperative analgesic use (p = 0.015). The robotic group showed significantly longer progression-free, cancer-specific, and overall survivals than the open approach group on univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis, but surgery type was not significantly associated with survival outcomes per multivariate Cox proportional tests (all p-values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic and robotic approaches yielded better perioperative outcomes, such as less intraoperative bleeding, shorter hospital stays, less analgesic usage, and non-inferior oncological outcomes, compared with the open approach. Further prospective studies are needed to compare these surgical techniques.

Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma. A 10-year Experience

Objective

To present our 10-year experience with patients surgically treated for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Patients and methods

We reviewed the medical records of 264 patients (218 males and 46 females), aged 37–93 years (mean, 69.5), treated surgically for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma during the period January 1996 to December 2005.

Results

During the mean follow-up of 58 months (range, 12–120), local relapse was diagnosed in 14% of the patients. The mean time to recurrence was 13 months (range, 1–102). The overall mortality was 14%, and the mean survival was 109 months. Survival was significantly influenced by the following parameters: male gender (P = 0.0151), age over 80 years (P = 0.0012), location in both the pelviocaliceal system and the ureter (P = 0.051), a two incision operation (P = 0.0075), grade III (P = 0.0314), stage T3 and T4 (P <0.0001).

Conclusions

Tumor stage was identified as the most important determinant in predicting recurrence and survival. Other predictors of survival included male gender, age over 80 years, location in the pelviocaliceal system and the ureter, a two incision operation, and high grade.

A review of the contemporary management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively rare and accounts for approximately 5% of all urothelial carcinomas. The estimated annual incidence of UTUC in Western countries is about two new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The management of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinomas has changed significantly over the last decade with improved diagnostic techniques and treatment options. The gold-standard treatment used to be open radical nephroureterectomy with removal of the ipsilateral bladder cuff. The use of minimally invasive techniques for the diagnosis and management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is however expanding and has led to a paradigm shift in treatment strategies of upper tract urothelial carcinomas. In this article, we review the current diagnostic modalities and various endoscopic techniques being currently used in the management of this relatively rare tumour.

Laparoscopic vs robotic nephroureterectomy: Is it time to re-establish the standard? Evidence from a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of comparative studies of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU), the standard management for upper urothelial tumours, and robot-assisted NU (RANU) that has emerged as a viable alternative.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify all studies reporting on both LNU and RANU for upper urothelial tract tumours.

RESULTS

In all, 1630 patients were included, of which 838 underwent LNU and 792 RANU. Three studies reported on mean operative time and found it to be less in LNU, with two reporting this to be significant (RANU 298 vs LNU 251 min, P = 0.03; 306 vs 234 min, respectively, P < 0.001). Both studies reporting on median node count found this to be higher in the robotic groups: RANU 5.5 vs LNU 1.0 and RANU 21 vs LNU 11. Positive surgical margins (RANU 1.69% vs LNU 7.06%, P = 0.18), bladder recurrence (24.6% vs 36.89%, P = 0.09), and distant metastases (27.50% vs 17.50%, P = 0.29) were not significantly different between the two techniques. Disease-specific mortality did not differ between the two techniques (RANU 7.5% vs LNU 12.5%, P = 0.46), but postoperative mortality was reduced in RANU (0.14% vs 1.32%, P = 0.03). Overall complication rates were statistically lower in RANU, at 12.5% vs 18.8% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests these techniques are equivalent in terms of perioperative and oncological performance. Furthermore, there may be a lower overall complication rate, as well as postoperative mortality in the robotic group. Further research in the form of a randomised controlled trial is warranted.

Laparoscopic versus open nephroureterectomy to treat localized and/or locally advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma: oncological outcomes from a multicenter study

Background

Many studies have reported the oncological outcomes between open radical nephroureterectomy (ONU) and laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, few data have focused on the oncological outcomes of LNU in the subgroup of localized and/or locally advanced UTUC (T_1–4/N_0-X). The purpose of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes of LNU vs. ONU for the treatment in patients with T_1–4/N_0-X UTUC.

Methods

We collected and analyzed the data and clinical outcomes retrospectively for 265 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for T_1–4/N_0-X UTUC between April 2000 and April 2013 at two Chinese tertiary hospitals. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox’s proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean patient age was 62.0 years and the median follow-up was 60.0 months. Of the 265 patients, 213 (80.4%) underwent conventional ONU, and 52 (19.6%) patients underwent LNU. The groups differed significantly in their presence of previous hydronephrosis, presence of previous bladder urothelial carcinoma, and management of distal ureter (P < 0.05). The predicted 5-year intravesical recurrence- free survival (RFS) (79% vs. 88%, P = 0.204), overall RFS (47% vs. 59%, P = 0.076), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (63% vs. 70%, P = 0.186), and overall survival (OS) (61% vs. 55%, P = 0.908) rates did not differ between the ONU and LNU groups. Multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis showed that surgical approach was not significantly associated with intravesical RFS (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46–3.65, P = 0.622), Overall RFS (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.54–1.83, P = 0.974), CSS (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.616–3.13, P = 0.444), or OS (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.81–3.17, P = 0.17).

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective study showed no statistically significant differences in intravesical RFS, overall RFS, CSS, or OS between the laparoscopy and the open groups. Thus, LNU can be an alternative to the open procedure for T_1–4/N_0-X UTUC. Further studies, including a multi-institutional, prospective study are required to confirm these findings.

Complications Following Radical Nephroureterectomy

Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the gold standard treatment strategy for bulky, high-grade, or muscle-invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Many patients with UTUC who require RNU are elderly, comorbid, and at risk for perioperative complications. Recognition of likelihood and extent of such complications guides preoperative counseling, decision-making process for major surgery, and perioperative care. A critical review of such data is essential, given the inevitable impact of complications on hospital duration, need for readmission, resource utilization, and costs associated with management.

Preoperative nomogram to predict the likelihood of complications after radical nephroureterectomy

OBJECTIVES

To construct a nomogram based on preoperative variables to better predict the likelihood of complications occurring within 30 days of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts of 731 patients undergoing RNU at eight academic medical centres between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Preoperative clinical, demographic and comorbidity indices were collected. Complications occurring within 30 days of surgery were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo scale. Multivariate logistic regression determined the association between preoperative variables and post-RNU complications. A nomogram was created from the reduced multivariate model with internal validation using the bootstrapping technique with 200 repetitions.

RESULTS

A total of 408 men and 323 women with a median age of 70 years and a body mass index of 27 kg/m² were included. A total of 75% of the cohort was white, 18% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥2, 20% had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score >5 and 50% had baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) ≥ stage III. Overall, 279 patients (38%) experienced a complication, including 61 events (22%) with Clavien grade ≥ III. A multivariate model identified five variables associated with complications, including patient age, race, ECOG performance status, CKD stage and CCI score. A preoperative nomogram incorporating these risk factors was constructed with an area under curve of 72.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using standard preoperative variables from this multi-institutional RNU experience, we constructed and validated a nomogram for predicting peri-operative complications after RNU. Such information may permit more accurate risk stratification on an individual cases basis before major surgery.

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma - Update

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) are uncommon and account for only 5%-10% of urothelial carcinomas. Pyelocaliceal tumors are about twice as common as ureteral tumors. Sixty percent of UTUCs are invasive at diagnosis. Radical nephroureterectomy, including the excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff is standard of care for treatment of localized UTUCs, because of the high potential for recurrence, multifocality, and progression. Since first laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) was introduced by Clayman et al. in 1991 and improvement of laparoscopic technique and equipment, LNU has been reported to be equivalent to conventional open method. We reviewed the current literature of patients with UTUCs treated by LNU focusing on technical aspects, peri-operative and oncological outcomes. Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy offers the advantages of minimally invasive surgery without deteriorating the oncological outcome for treatment of UTUCs. Indications tend to increase as operator skills increase. Indications for laparoscopic or open nephroureterectomy are in principle the same. The basic requirement for laparoscopic surgery in UTUCs is to achieve benefits of minimal invasive surgery and maintain oncologic principles.

Comparison between completely and traditionally retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial cancer

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the completely retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (CRNU), a retrospectively comparative study between completely and traditionally retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (TRNU) was done in a single center.

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2014, 107 patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) underwent CRNU. The kidney was retroperitoneoscopically dissected and the bladder cuff was cut by endoscopic gastrointestinal automatic stapler, and the specimen was removed from a 6-cm incision by posterior axillary line. Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data were collected and compared retrospectively with 110 patients undergoing TRNU.

Results

The patients’ characteristics between the two groups were not statistically different (p > 0.05), and all patients successfully received the procedure. The mean operative time (106 ± 37.9 versus 199 ± 69.1 min, p < 0.0001), the mean estimated blood loss (47.2 ± 82.4 versus 166.9 ± 250.9 ml, p = 0.002), and the mean hospital stay (6.1 ± 3.5 versus 8.1 ± 3.3 days, p = 0.03) of the CRNU group decreased significantly compared to the traditional group. The operative time was not affected by gender. No open conversion and major complications occurred. The surgical margin of the ureter was all negative. The mean follow-up time was 13.4 months for the CRNU group and 37.5 months for the TRNU group. All follow-up patients in the CRNU group were alive without local recurrence. No cases of port site metastasis and local recurrence were observed in both groups. Bladder tumor recurrence occurred in 4 patients of the CRNU group and 21 patients of the TRNU group.

Conclusions

The CRNU using an endoscopic gastrointestinal automatic stapler to manage the bladder cuff is feasible and advantageous in decreasing the operative time, the blood loss, and the hospital stay. However, a larger sample and longer follow-up time will be still required.

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a matched-pair comparison based on perioperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Radical nephroureterectomy is considered as the gold standard for the surgical treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) can be performed via the transperitoneal (TLNU) or retroperitoneal (RLNU) approach, and each one has its own advantages and limitations. Our study was conducted to describe the difference between TLNU and RLNU by comparing the perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

From January 2009 to October 2014, 68 patients underwent TLNU or RLNU at our center were retrospectively collected and 1:1 matched for age, body mass index and tumor side. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were evaluated and compared, respectively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the TLNU and RLNU group in terms of baseline characteristics, operating time, estimated blood loss, visual analogue pain scale, cosmetic results, intraoperative and postoperative complication rate. Compared to TLNU approach, RLNU was associated with a quicker time to first oral intake (2.9 vs 2.0 days, p = 0.02) and hospital discharge (6.7 vs 5.6 days, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic approaches are safe and effective methods for treatment of UTUC. Retroperitoneal approach has the advantage in terms of quicker bowel recovery and shorter hospital discharge.

Comparison of Single-docking Robotic-assisted and Traditional Laparoscopy for Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection During Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuff Excision for Upper-tract Urothelial Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of traditional laparoscopy and a simple, single-docking robotic approach for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), nephroureterectomy, and bladder cuff excision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 63 and 37 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic and robotic nephrouretectomy with RPLND, respectively, for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

RESULTS

Our robotic approach was associated with improved lymph node procurement (21.0 nodes [interquartile range 16.0-30.0]) when compared with laparoscopy (11.0 nodes [interquartile range 5.5-21.0]) (P < .0001). Major blood loss as defined by requiring a blood transfusion was less for the robotic group than for the laparoscopic cohort (8% vs 30%) (P = .012). In contrast, the robotic group had longer operative times (5.1 vs 3.9 hours) (P = .0001) and longer hospital stays (5.0 vs 4.0 days) (P = .0002).

CONCLUSION

Our single-docking robotic technique for concomitant RPLND during nephrouretectomy is associated with improved lymph node yield.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy versus Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Matched Comparison Study

Objectives. To investigate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (HANU) and robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU). Methods. Patients who underwent RANU were matched by sex, age (±5 years), and tumor location to those who underwent HANU; 18 matched pairs were included. Results. Each group consisted of five men and 13 women. The mean age was 70.4 years in RANU group and 69.6 years in HANU group (p = 0.646). Each group contained 10 patients with tumor location in the renal pelvis, five in the ureter, and three in both sites. The median follow-up time was 6.1 months for the RANU group and 47.8 months for the HANU group. The demographic and pathological data did not differ significantly. The RANU group had significantly less blood loss (p < 0.001), resumed oral intake earlier (p = 0.043), and had shorter hospital stays (p = 0.014) but higher pain scores associated with their wounds (p = 0.043). The oncological outcomes were comparable with those of the HANU group. Conclusions. Our results show that the RANU and HANU groups have comparable operative, early postoperative, and functional outcomes. A longer follow-up period would be needed for final comparison of oncological outcome.

The complications of laparoscopic renal surgery: A review of 10 years of audit data in the UK

Objective:

To report the complications of laparoscopic renal surgery from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) database over ten years.

Patients and methods:

All entries for laparoscopic renal surgery between 2002 and 2012 were included for analysis. Data was refined, collated and presented in graphical or tabular form. The primary outcome measures were intra-operative, post-operative and overall complications rates. Secondary outcome measures were length of stay, conversion to open surgery and operative time.

Results:

A total of 16,869 cases were included for analysis. The overall complication rate was 14.7%, with intra-operative complications reported for 3.5% of procedures and post-operative complications reported for 12.1% of procedures. The overall complication rate decreased throughout the audit period, from 16.6% in 2002 to 15.1% in 2012. The capture rate is estimated at 30% and the group of surgeons motivated to self-report may not be representative of the whole group. Comparison with other series is difficult due to a lack of a standardized reporting format.

Conclusion:

This is the largest surgeon-reported series of laparoscopic renal surgery to date. There is an inherent bias in self-reported data which limits the conclusions that can be drawn, although the safe introduction of this technique and the continuing improvement in complication rates are suggested.

Radiofrequency-treated recurrence of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after nephroureterectomy

Local recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) owing to urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is rare. The usual treatment is systemic chemotherapy followed by optional resection of the mass. We introduce the case of a 73-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities in whom retroperitoneal carcinoma recurrence of 31 mm was diagnosed via positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose about 5 years after he had undergone RNU owing to urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. The patient was treated with computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Later scans with contrast controls showed lack of contrast uptake and a decrease of the lesion's size. Twenty-four months after the procedure, the patient is free of the disease. To date, this is the first case of recurrence of urothelial carcinoma that was treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, thus establishing an alternative to chemotherapy in patients with substantial comorbidities.

Evidenced-based clinical practice guideline for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (summary--Japanese Urological Association, 2014 edition)

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is more rare than bladder cancer, although they are both categorized as urothelial carcinoma. Because of the low incidence, little clinical evidence is available regarding the treatment of the former. However, recently such evidence has slowly begun to accumulate. The guideline presented herein was compiled for the purpose of ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment by physicians involved in the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. We carefully selected 16 clinical questions essential for daily clinical practice and grouped them into four major categories: epidemiology, diagnosis, surgery and systemic chemotherapy/other matters. Related literature was searched using PubMed and Japan Medical Abstracts Society databases for articles published between 1987 and 2013. If the judgment was made on the basis of insufficient or inadequate evidence, the grade of recommendation was determined on the basis of committee discussions and resultant consensus statements. Here, we present a short English version of the original guideline, and overview its key clinical issues.

Matched-Pair Analysis of Open versus Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

Objective: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) offers a superior morbidity profile compared with open nephroureterectomy (ONU) in treating upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma. Evidence of oncological equivalence between LNU and ONU is limited. We compare operative and oncological outcomes for LNU and ONU using matched-pair analysis. Methods: Of 159 patients who underwent a nephroureterectomy at a single institution between April 1992 and April 2010, 13 pairs of ONU and LNU patients were matched for gender, age, tumour location, tumour grade and stage. Operative details, post-operative characteristics and recurrences were collated and survival rates analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: There was no significant difference in mean operation time between LNU (191 min) and ONU (194 min, p = 0.92). There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rate between LNU and ONU (overall survival 59.1% vs. 73.5%, p = 0.18; progression-free survival 24.0% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.14; cancer-specific survival 60.9% vs. 73.5%, p = 0.56; bladder cancer recurrence-free survival 8.7% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.09). Conclusion: Amidst limited RCT and comparative studies, this study presents further evidence of oncological equivalence between LNU and ONU. There was a trend towards poorer outcomes following LNU though, which merits further study.

Transvesical Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Management of Distal Ureter During Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy

Objective: To describe the management of the distal ureter during radical nephroureterectomy with the transvesical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (T-LESS) approach. Methods: Between January 2010 and October 2013, five patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC) with the T-LESS approach. Patients were placed in the supine position. A 2.5-cm skin incision was made in the line between the pubis and the umbilicus. The bladder was identified and a multiport was inserted into the bladder. The patients were repositioned to a lateral decubitus position; pneumovesicum was established and the ureteral openings were identified. We marked the bladder cuff with electrocautery all the way through to the extravesical fat. The bladder defect was sealed with sutures. After checking for any leak or bleeding, the multiport was removed and the bladder was closed. At this point, we continued with nephrectomy by standard laparoscopy or LESS. A 18F Foley catheter was placed into the bladder. Results: The mean age was 70 years (range 58-81 years), the mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 115-390 minutes), the mean time for the management of the distal ureter was 35 minutes (range 27-45 minutes), the mean estimated blood loss was 234 mL (range 60-850 mL), and the mean hospital stay was 3.8 days (range 2-8 days). In all patients the bladder cuff was free of disease. Conclusion: The transvesical laparoendoscopic single-site approach to the distal ureter for UTUC appears safe and reproducible, with faster closure of the bladder defect and improved cosmesis.

Laparoscopic treatment of renal cancer in children: a multicentric study and review of oncologic and surgical complications

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to report a multicentric study with a longer follow-up to evaluate the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in children with renal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective multicentric study, from October 2005 to January 2012, of children who underwent a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for small renal malignant tumors.

RESULTS

Seventeen children were included in this study. Sixteen underwent chemotherapy before surgery according the SIOP (Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique) protocol and one was treated by surgery only for a carcinoma. All except one could be treated by laparoscopy; the biggest tumoral size was 8 cm. The median hospital stay was 3 days (2-10). The pathologic examination showed 15 Wilms' tumors, one clear cell sarcoma and one TFE3 renal cell carcinoma. With a median follow-up of 42 months (range 12 and 77 months) after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, 15 children had no oncological complications (port site or local recurrence, pulmonary metastasis) and one had a local recurrence without intraoperative tumoral rupture. The child with TFE3 renal cell carcinoma died 4 years after surgery from brain and lung metastases without local recurrence. No small bowel obstruction occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical nephrectomy in children for Wilms' tumor or other renal cancer can be safely performed laparoscopically and our indications can be summarized, for trained laparoscopic surgeons, by small tumors under about 8 cm diameter, especially without crossing the lateral edge of the vertebra on the CT scan at the time of surgery.

Clinical pathway after robotic nephroureterectomy: omission of pelvic drain with next-day catheter removal and discharge

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of applying a postoperative clinical pathway after robotic nephroureterectomy (RNU) targeting safe omission of a pelvic drain and removal of the bladder catheter on the day after surgery with hospital discharge on postoperative day 1 (POD#1).

METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively collected database of all RNUs performed by a single surgeon (R.A.) since institution of our clinical pathway in 2008 that includes pelvic drain omission, bladder catheter removal the morning after surgery, and discharge on POD#1. Patient demographics, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Ability to adhere to the pathway and achieving the described parameters and whether any resulting complications occurred were determined.

RESULTS

RNU was performed in 29 patients with mean age and body mass index of 69 years (50-90 years) and 30 kg/m(2) (19-41 kg/m(2)), respectively. No patient required a pelvic drain, and 2 were discharged with a catheter. All but 2 patients (93%) were discharged on POD#1. Overall, successful pathway application was achieved in 26 of 29 patients (90%) including no drain, catheter removal on the morning after surgery, and discharge on POD#1. No patient developed urine leak or other complications related to early catheter removal.

CONCLUSION

Our clinical pathway after RNU allows safe omission of a pelvic drain with early discontinuation of the bladder catheter and discharge on the POD#1 in most patients. To our knowledge, similar pathways have not been previously achieved with nephroureterectomy by any approach, but should be considered by surgeons treating urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.

Matched comparison of robotic vs laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: an initial experience

OBJECTIVE

To compare our initial robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy (RAN) experience with a well-established practice of performing laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LN) to treat upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

We reviewed our prospectively maintained minimally invasive surgery database. Patients who underwent RAN from April 2009 to December 2011 were matched by pathologic tumor stage and age (± 10 years) to those who underwent LN.

RESULTS

Twenty-two matched pairs were evaluated. Mean operative time (298 vs 251 minutes) and estimated blood loss (EBL, 380 vs 233 mL) were significantly higher for RAN, with a greater need for transfusion in this group. Complication rates were similar. The RAN group trended toward more frequent lymph node dissection and greater median node count when lymph node dissection was performed (59% vs 27% [P = .07] and 5.5 vs 1.0 [P = .13]). After a median follow-up of 10 months for RAN and 15 months for LN, no significant difference was seen in the rate of bladder (36% vs 37%) or distant (32% vs 23%) recurrence, with similar median time to any recurrence (9 months vs 4 months, P = .32).

CONCLUSION

RAN was associated with higher operative time and blood loss likely because of more frequent use of node dissection, robot repositioning, and technical inexperience. Lymph node dissection was more frequently performed with RAN, which reflects surgeon practice patterns. When a lymph node dissection was performed, the median node count was greater with RAN. Our initial experience with RAN suggests that this is an acceptable approach for the management of UTUC.

Retroperitoneoscopic renal pelvis resection as treatment of the urothelial tumor in a solitary kidney

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is relatively rare. The standard treatment is invariably radical nephroureterectomy. In selected cases organ sparing surgery is justified. We present the case of the tumor of the kidney pelvis in a solitary organ where laparoscopic approach was successfully applied.

Supporting the wider use of laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian masses

Patients with ovarian masses which have a moderate risk of malignancy are frequently treated by open laparotomy, despite the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidance indicating that laparoscopic oophorectomy may be performed in selected cases. The reluctance to perform laparoscopic surgery in these cases is normally due to the perception that survival is affected if the mass is subsequently diagnosed as being malignant, the risk of rupture impacting on FIGO stage and the need for additional staging surgery. However, there is no good evidence to support these views. Preoperative diagnosis of ovarian masses is limited and thus a significant number of patients are subjected to open surgery, where they may have benefitted from the advantages of laparoscopic surgery. We argue that in the absence of a definitive preoperative test, there are advantages to the laparoscopic approach in patients who have a moderate risk of malignancy and further high level evidence should be encouraged in this field.