Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy in the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

A nomogram predicting intraoperative adverse events during minimally invasive radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

To define the incidence and independent predictive factors of intraoperative adverse events (IOAEs) after minimally invasive radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy (RNAT) and to determine the impact of intraoperative adverse events on oncological outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 294 patients underwent minimally invasive RNAT from January 2010 to December 2023 in our center were included. IOAEs are defined as any deviation from the normal surgical procedure during the operation course. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictive factors of IOAEs. The Kaplan-Meier curves was used to compare overall survival and cancer-specific survival between patients with IOAEs or not.

RESULTS

Seventy-four IOAEs occurred in 57 of 294 patients (19.4%) and the most frequent IOAEs were conversion to open surgery (42/74, 56.7%), followed by excessive hemorrhage (20/74, 27.0%). In multivariate logistic analysis, side (OR 0.0929; 95%Cl 0.0367-0.2160; p < 0.001), operation approach (OR 0.1762; 95%Cl 0.06828-0.4109; p < 0.001), and Mayo grade (OR 6.321; 95%Cl 3.846-11.13; p < 0.001) were independent predictive predictors of IOAEs during minimally invasive RNAT. IOAEs (OR 2.713; 95%Cl 1.242-5.897; p = 0.012) was an independent risk factor of the occurrence of postoperative complications. Between the patients with IOAEs or not, neither overall survival (OS) nor cancer-specific survival (CSS) showed statistical differences. Patients with postoperative complications show shorter OS and CSS.

CONCLUSION

We found that the independent predictive factors of  minimally invasive RNAT were side, operation approach and Mayo grade, and it is a risk factor of the occurrence of postoperative complications. In addition, the occurrence of IOAEs had no effect on long-term oncological outcomes.

A Contemporary Clinicopathologic Analysis of Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma and Vena Cava Involvement

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is occasionally associated with vena cava involvement. Despite recent advances in therapeutic modalities, the 5-year survival in this population continues to be poor. Therefore, further studies are required to better characterize this patient population, especially from the clinicopathologic standpoint. A comprehensive review of patients with RCC and vena cava involvement managed at our institution from 2014 to 2022 was performed. Multiple clinicopathologic parameters including follow-up were obtained. A total of 114 patients were identified. The mean patient age was 63 years (range: 30-84 years). The cohort consisted of 78/114 (68%) males and 36/114 (32%) females. The mean primary tumor size (excluding tumor thrombus) was 11 cm. The majority of tumors (104/114, 91%) were unifocal. Tumor stages were categorized as follows: pT3b (51/114, 44%), pT3c (52/114, 46%), and pT4 (11/114, 10%). Most of the tumors were clear cell RCC 89/114 (78%), although other more aggressive RCC subtypes were also present. Most tumors were WHO/ISUP grade 3 (44/114, 39%) or 4 (67/114, 59%) with sarcomatoid differentiation present in 39/67 (58%). Necrosis was present in 94/114 (82%) tumors. Twenty-three of 114 (20%) tumors were categorized as pM1 and the ipsilateral adrenal gland was the most common site of metastasis. Of the 91 patients categorized as pM, not applicable at nephrectomy, 42/91 (46%) subsequently developed metastasis, most frequently to the lung. Of all patients, only 16/114 (14%) had positive vascular margins and 7/114 (6%) had positive soft tissue margins despite having very advanced disease and a subset considered inoperable at other centers.

Nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy in renal cancer: a narrative review

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for two to three percent of adult malignancies and can lead to inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis. This condition can decrease the rate of 5-year survival for patients to 60%. The treatment of choice in such cases is radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy. This surgery is one of the most challenging due to many perioperative complications. There are many controversial methods reported in the literature. Achieving the free of tumor IVC wall and the possibility of thrombectomy in cases of level III and level IV IVC thrombosis are two essential matters previously advocated open approaches. Nevertheless, open approaches are being replaced by minimally invasive techniques despite the difficulty of the surgical management of IVC thrombectomy. This paper aims to review recent evidence about new surgical methods and a comparison of open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. In this review, we present the latest surgical strategies for IVC thrombectomy and compare open and minimally invasive approaches to achieve the optimal surgical technique. Due to the different anatomy of the left and right kidneys and variable extension of venous thrombosis, we investigate surgical methods for left and right kidney cancer and each level of IVC venous thrombosis separately.

A Narrative Review on Robotic Surgery as Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common diagnosis, of which a notable portion of patients present with an extension into the venous circulation causing an inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. Venous extension has significant implications for staging and subsequent treatment planning, with recommendations for more aggressive surgical removal, although associated surgical morbidity and mortality is relatively increased. The methods for surgical removal of RCC with IVC thrombus remain complex, particularly surrounding the use of robot-assisted surgery. Robot assistance for radical nephrectomy in this context is recently emerging. Thrombus level has important implications for surgical technique and prognosis. Other preoperative considerations may include location, laterality, size, and wall invasion. The urology literature on treatment of such tumors is largely limited to case series and institutional studies that describe the feasibility of various surgical options for these complex tumors. Further understanding of the outcomes and patient-specific risk factors would shed increased light on the optimal treatment for such cases. This narrative review provides a thorough overview on the previously reported use of robot-assisted nephrectomy in RCC with IVC thrombus to inform further studies which may optimize outcomes and guide shared decision-making.

Current role of intraoperative cell salvage techniques in the management of renal tumors with level III and IV inferior vena cava thrombus extension

Background

En bloc removal of the kidney with tumor thrombus excision in a multidisciplinary team remains the standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombus extension. In order to minimize the hemodynamic impact of the surgical blood loss, intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) techniques can decrease the need for allogeneic blood and prevent blood transfusion related complications.

Objective

In this article, we evaluated the safety of IOCS during radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Design and method

In this retrospective comparative multicenter analysis, clinical characteristics of 27 consecutive patients who underwent surgery with or without IOCS between 2012 and 2022 in three referral care units were collected into a database. The need for an allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) was also recorded, defined as any transfusion that occurred either intraoperatively or during the hospital stay.

Results

The need for ABT in the cell saver arm was significantly smaller due to the reinfusion of rescued blood (p < 0.015). In multivariate analysis, no cell saver usage was an independent predictor for complications ⩾3 Clavien 3a [odds ratio (OR) 18.71, 95% CI 1.056-331.703, p = 0.046]. No usage of IOCS was an independent predictor for a lower risk of death (OR 0.277, 95% CI 0.062-0.825, p = 0.024). During follow-up, patients who received salvaged blood did not experience an increased risk for developing local recurrence or distant metastases.

Conclusion

Transfusion of autologous blood is safe and can be using during nephrectomy and thrombectomy for advanced RCC.

Spatio-temporal heterogeneity in cancer evolution and tumor microenvironment of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus

Metastasis is the most fatal aspect of cancer, often preceded by a tumor thrombus (TT) which forms within the vascular system. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the predominant form of kidney cancer, witnesses a venous system invasion in 4-10% of cases, resulting in venous tumor thrombus (RCC-TT). This variant represents a formidable clinical challenge due to its escalated surgical complexity, heightened risk of progression and metastasis, and an adverse prognosis. However, recent trials addressing RCC-TT face significant barriers stemming from the profound inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, patient-specific treatment variations, and distinct therapeutic resistance patterns between the primary tumor (PT) and the TT. This review delves into the unique evolutionary pathway of RCC-TT, the relationship between the staging and grading of RCC-TT invasion patterns, and the spatial molecular profiling of RCC-TT. Additionally, we assess the temporal heterogeneity among TT, PT, and distant metastases, as well as the functional phenotypes of TME components. An outlook for future research on RCC-TT is also provided.

Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of minimally-invasive surgery for renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to conduct a pooled analysis to compare the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of minimally-invasive radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (MI-RNTT) with open radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (O-RNTT).

METHODS

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published in English up to December 2022. The primary outcomes were perioperative results, complications, and oncologic outcomes. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis.

RESULTS

In total, eight retrospective trials with a total of 563 patients were included. Compared to O-RNTT, MI-RNTT had shorter hospitalization time [weighted mean difference (WMD) -3.58 days, 95% CI: -4.56 to -2.59; P <0.00001), lower volumes of blood loss (WMD -663.32 ml, 95% CI: -822.22 to -504.42; P <0.00001), fewer transfusion rates (OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.35; P <0.00001), fewer overall complications (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.22-0.49; P <0.00001), and fewer major complications s (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24-1.00; P =0.05). However, operative time, intraoperative complications, mortality rate (intraoperative, within 30 days, and total mortality), overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MI-RNTT possesses more benefits than O-RNTT in terms of length of hospital stay, blood loss, and complications and provides comparable mortality rates and oncologic outcomes. However, more comprehensive and rigorous research is warranted to further validate the outcomes, which should include a larger sample size and comprehensive data from high-volume medical centers.

Based on disulfidptosis, revealing the prognostic and immunological characteristics of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus of vena cava and identifying potential therapeutic target AJAP1

BACKGROUND

Patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with venous tumor thrombus have a poor prognosis, high surgical risk, and lack of targeted therapeutic agents.

METHODS

Genes with consistent differential expression trends in tumor tissues and VTT groups were first screened, and then differential genes associated with disulfidptosis were found by correlation analysis. Subsequently, identifying ccRCC subtypes and constructing risk models to compare the differences in prognosis and the tumor microenvironment in different subgroups. Finally, constructing a nomogram to predict the prognosis of ccRCC and validate key gene expression levels in cells and tissues.

RESULTS

We screened 35 differential genes related to disulfidptosis and identified 4 ccRCC subtypes. Risk models were constructed based on the 13 genes, and the high-risk group had a higher abundance of immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational load, and microsatellite instability scores, predicting high sensitivity to immunotherapy. The 1-year AUC = 0.869 for predicting OS by nomogram has a high application value. The expression level of the key gene AJAP1 was low in both tumor cell lines and cancer tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study not only constructed an accurate prognostic nomogram for ccRCC patients but also identified an AJAP1 biomarker as a potential biomarker for the disease.

Surgical Approach in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review

The treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has undergone considerable advances in the last two decades. Cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy retains a role in patients with a limited metastatic burden. The choice of optimal treatment regimen remains a matter of debate. The article summarises the current role of surgery in metastatic kidney cancer.

Renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus: A review of relevant anatomy and surgical techniques for the general urologist

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is estimated to account for 4.1% of all new cancer diagnoses and 2.4% of all cancer deaths in 2020 according to the National Cancer Institute SEER database. This will likely total 73,000 new cases and 15,000 deaths. RCC is one of the most lethal of the common cancers urologists will encounter with a 5-year relative survival of 75.2%. Renal cell carcinoma is one of a small subset of malignancies that are associated with tumor thrombus formation, which is tumor extension into a blood vessel. An estimated 4% to 10% of patients with RCC will have some degree of tumor thrombus extending into the renal vein or inferior vena cava at the time of diagnosis. Tumor thrombi change the staging of RCC and therefore are an important part of initial patient workup. It is known that such tumors are more aggressive with higher Fuhrman grades, N+ or M+ at time of surgery and have higher probability of recurrence with lower cancer-specific survival. Aggressive surgical intervention with radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy can be performed with survival benefits. Classifying the level of the tumor thrombus becomes vitally important in surgical planning as it will dictate the surgical approach. Level 0 thrombi may be amenable to simple renal vein ligation while level 4 can require thoracotomy and possible open-heart surgery with coordination of many surgical teams. Here we will review the anatomy associated with each level of tumor thrombus and attempt to construct an outline for surgical techniques that may be used. We aim to give a concise overview so that general urologists may use it to understand these potentially complicated cases.

Comparative analysis of surgical and oncologic outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy with venous thrombectomy: a propensity-matched cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To provide insight into the surgical and oncological outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy with venous thrombectomy (RALRN-VT, LRN-VT, ORN-VT) in patients with renal tumor and venous thrombus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A propensity-matched retrospective cohort study containing 324 patients with renal tumor and venous thrombus from January 2014 to August 2021 was analyzed. We compared surgical outcomes and we used the Kalan-Meier method to assess the overall survival (OS), tumor-specific survival (TSS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Cox proportional hazards regression model and log-rank test were used.

RESULTS

After matching, baseline characteristics were comparable in the RALRN-VT, LRN-VT and ORN-VT group. The RALRN-VT group had the least operative time (median 134 min vs 289 min vs 330 min, P < 0.001), the least blood loss (median 250 ml vs 500 ml vs 1000 ml, P < 0.001) and the fewest packed red blood cells transfusion (median 400 ml vs 800 ml vs 1200 ml, P < 0.001). The ORN-VT group had the highest complication rate (18.2 vs 22.7 vs 43.2%, P = 0.005), the highest Clavien grade (P = 0.001) and the longest postoperative hospital stay (median 7d vs 8d vs 10d, P < 0.001). No significant difference in OS, TSS and MFS between the minimally invasive procedures (MIP, including RALRN-VT and LRN-VT) group and ORN-VT group was found. The hazard ratio of LRFS for the MIP group was 0.20 (95% CI 0.06-0.70, P = 0.01) compared with ORN-VT group.

CONCLUSIONS

RALRN-VT can result in the best surgical outcomes compared with LRN-VT and ORN-VT. The MIP group had a better LRFS compared with ORN-VT group.

Review of Robotic-Assisted Radical Nephrectomy with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advances in minimally invasive technology have compelled surgeons to perform nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy using robotic assistance. Here, we aim to review the data comparing open versus robot-assisted nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy, as well as review operative robotic techniques for nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last decade, there have been increasing reports of successful robotic-assisted IVC thrombectomy among skilled robotic surgeons, with case series detailing operative technique, as well as operative and oncologic outcomes for levels I-IV caval thrombus. While there is immense promise in the future of robotic-assisted IVC thrombectomy, further studies with direct comparison to open surgical intervention will be needed to ensure the oncologic principles and outcomes are non-inferior.

Preliminary experience of oblique occlusion technique in robot-assisted infrahepatic inferior vena cava thrombectomy: step-by-step procedures and short term outcomes

Background

We aimed to compare the oncological outcomes between the oblique occlusion technique and the traditional technique for robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy, and to explore the safety and effectiveness of the oblique occlusion technique.

Methods

Overall, 21 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and IVC tumor thrombus (TT) were admitted to our hospital from August 2019 to June 2020. All the patients underwent RARN with IVC thrombectomy, of which the IVC oblique occlusion technique was used in 11 patients and traditional occlusion technique was used in 10 patients. The oblique occlusion technique refers to oblique blocking from the upper corner of the right renal vein to the lower corner of the left renal vein using a vessel tourniquet or a vessel clamp (left RCC with IVCTT as an example).

Results

Compared with patients in the traditional group, those in the oblique group had lower serum creatinine at follow-up (3 month) (95 ± 21.1 vs. 131 ± 30.7 μmol/L, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in operation time [149 (IQR 143–245) min vs. 148 (IQR 108–261) min, p = 0.86], IVC clamping time [18 (IQR 12–20) min vs. 20 (IQR 14–23) min, p = 0.41], and estimated intraoperative blood loss [300 (IQR 100–800) mL vs. 500 (IQR 175–738) mL, p = 0.51] between both groups. During a 16-month (range, 15–23 months) follow-up period, two cases progressed in the oblique group and three cases progressed in the traditional group.

Conclusions

The modified IVC oblique occlusion technique procedure is relatively safe and effective in RARN with IVC thrombectomy. The IVC oblique occlusion technique may play a role in the protection of renal function.

Nomograms for Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma and Venous Tumor Thrombus: A Population-Based Study

Background

To provide better prognostic information for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) combined with venous tumor thrombus (VTT). In turn, guide patients’ families and doctors to formulate plans for follow-up treatment and follow-up. We developed nomograms to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

A total of 2961 cases were included in this study. Through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, independent risk factors affecting CSS and OS were screened out, and then a nomogram was drawn based on the screened variables.

Results

Independent risk factors affecting CSS include: tumor size (HR = 1.05), histology (HR = 1.75), grade (HR = 1.94), N staging (HR = 2.06), and M staging (HR = 2.87). The median survival time for CSS was 106 months. Independent risk factors for OS include age (HR = 1.60), tumor size (HR = 1.04), histology (HR = 1.60), grade (HR = 1.68), N staging (HR-1.99), M staging (HR = 2.45). The median survival time for OS is 67 months.

Conclusions

The nomogram based on independent risk factors affecting CSS and OS can well predict the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus.

Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus found during surgery

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of minimally invasive approaches for adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus have not yet been established. We report a case of large adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus found perioperatively which required conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure.

Case presentation

A 71‐year‐old woman with right‐side 10‐cm diameter adrenocortical carcinoma was scheduled for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The operation was converted to open surgery, however, because inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, which was not detected by preoperative imaging modalities, was found during surgery.

Conclusion

In patients with large adrenocortical carcinoma, the possible presence of inferior vena cava thrombus should be considered when selecting surgical procedures.

Clinical Experience and Management Strategy of Retroperitoneal Tumor With Venous Tumor Thrombus Involvement

Background

This study aims to report the surgical management, complications, and outcomes for patients with retroperitoneal tumor and venous thrombus.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 19 cases of retroperitoneal tumor with venous tumor thrombus from August 2015 to March 2021. A new tumor thrombus PUTH-RT grading system was proposed on the basis of the characteristics of the surgical techniques.

Results

Two cases of PUTH-RT-1a, two cases of PUTH-RT-1b, six cases of PUTH-RT-2, six cases of PUTH-RT-3, and three cases of PUTH-RT-4 were included. Surgeries were successfully performed in all 19 patients. Among them, five cases (26.3%) were operated via a completely laparoscopic approach and 13 cases (68.4%) via an open approach. One case (5.3%) was converted from laparoscopic to open approach. Five cases (26.3%) experienced postoperative complications. All patients were followed for a median of 14 months. Cancer-associated death occurred in three cases. Distant metastases occurred in seven cases.

Conclusions

We propose a new tumor thrombus grading system based on the anatomical characteristics of retroperitoneal tumors with venous tumor thrombus. Retroperitoneal tumor resection and removal of venous tumor thrombi are safe and effective for the treatment of such diseases.

Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus

PURPOSE

The present report discusses the indications of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in open nephrectomy and surgical outcomes of conventional and minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus.

METHODS

The present study involved a comprehensive retrieval of pertinent literature from the most recent two decades.

RESULTS

Comparisons between radical nephrectomy procedures in terms of open, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries revealed that open surgery had more blood loss, a longer operation time and higher mortality rates than laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries. Furthermore, surgery with CPB was associated with more blood loss than non-CPB surgery. Rates of early and late deaths were much higher in patients with CPB than in those without CPB.

CONCLUSIONS

Different surgical techniques had different indications in terms of levels of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. The laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, open surgical techniques and CPB with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest were indicated for Levels I, II, III and III-IV inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, respectively. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries cause less trauma than open surgery but require more complicated equipments to support the procedure. CPB should be avoided in radical nephrectomy whenever possible. The increased application of laparoscopic and robotic techniques in the future is anticipated.

Robotic-assisted nephrectomy with level II IVC thrombectomy using Rummel Tourniquets

Background:

Inferior vena cava (IVC) invasion from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurs at a rate of 4-10% (1 ). IVC thrombectomy (IVC-TE) can be an open procedure because of the need for handling of the IVC (2 ). The first reported series of robotic management of IVC-TE started in 2011 for the management of Level I - II thrombi with subsequent case reports in recent years (2 -5 ).

Materials and Methods:

The following is a patient in his 50’s with no significant medical history. Magnetic resonance imaging and IR venogram were performed preoperatively. The tumor was clinical stage T3b with a 4.3cm inferior vena cava thrombus. The patient underwent robotic assisted nephrectomy and IVC-TE. Rummel tourniquets were used for the contralateral kidney and the IVC. The tourniquets were created using vessel loops, a 24 French foley catheter and hem-o-lock clips.

Results:

The patient tolerated the surgical procedure well with no intraoperative complications. Total surgical time was 274 min with 200 minutes of console time and 22 minutes of IVC occlusion. Total blood loss in the surgery was 850cc. The patient was discharged from the hospital on post-operative day 3 without any complications. The final pathology of the specimen was pT3b clear cell renal cell carcinoma Fuhrman grade 2. The patient followed up post-operatively at both four months and six months without disease recurrence. The patient continues annual follow-up with no recurrence.

Conclusions:

Surgeon experience is a key factor in radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy as patients have a reported 50-65% survival rate after IVC-TE (4 ).

Feasibility of single position laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy for left renal cell carcinoma with high-risk Mayo grade 0 and 1 tumor thrombus

Background

To explore the feasibility of single-position laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and tumor thrombectomy for left renal cell carcinoma with high-risk Mayo 0 and 1 tumor thrombus (TT).

Methods

All patients with left renal cell carcinoma and venous TT (high-risk Mayo grade 0 and 1) who were performed single-position LRN and tumor thrombectomy were involved. After the renal artery was controlled by Hem-o-lok, the left renal vein was dissected through descending colon mesentery. The left renal vein was divided by EndoGIA for high-risk Mayo grade 0 TT. For Mayo grade 1 TT, part of the inferior vena cava was blocked by a bulldog clamp after milking the TT into the left renal vein and the inferior vena cava was sutured after complete excision of the TT.

Results

3 patients were involved and operations were performed successfully without conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 136 min and the mean estimated blood loss was 60 mL. No postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusions

It is feasible to control left renal vein and partial inferior vena cava through descending colon mesentery in a single position during LRN and tumor thrombectomy for the treatment of high-risk Mayo grade 0 and 1 TT.

Modified vein clamping technique for renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I-II IVC thrombi: a study at a single centre

Objectives

To share our initial experience with the modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I–II IVC thrombi.

Methods

From March 2018 to April 2021, 11 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) involving an IVC tumour thrombus were admitted to our hospital. They all underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy (LRN-IVCTE) using a modified vein clamping technique.

Results

All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time was 185.00 min (145.00–216.00 min); the median estimated blood loss was 200.00 ml (155.00–300.00 ml), and four patients received an intraoperative transfusion. In addition, the median IVC clamping time was 18.00 min (12.00–20.00 min); the median postoperative hospital stay was 6.00 days (4.00–7.00 days), while the median follow-up period was 28.00 months (4.00–34.00 months).

Conclusions

The modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with level I–II IVC thrombi may be a safe and technically feasible alternative technique.

Experience with management of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava/right atrial tumor thrombus

Introduction:

We aimed to present our experience in managing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus.

Methods:

Records of all patients aged 18 years and older, with a diagnosis of primary renal masses with IVC thrombus, presenting to our institute from January 2012 to August 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with tumor thrombus limited only to renal vein were excluded from the analysis. Their hospital course and outcomes were recorded and evaluated for predictors of survival.

Results:

During the study period, we treated 61 patients with a renal mass and concurrent IVC thrombus and 56 of these underwent surgery. 7 of them had level III and 6 had level IV thrombus. A total of six patients received neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and all of them showed a decrease in size and level of tumor thrombus and cardiopulmonary bypass was safely avoided. Fourteen patients had distant metastasis and underwent cytoreductive surgery and of these 12 patients received TKI therapy after surgery with a mean survival of 26.8 months. The overall survival at 2 and 5 years of nonmetastatic group was 81.1% and 47.5% respectively and in metastatic group was 35.1% and 0%, respectively. Poor performance status, distant metastasis, higher T stage, higher thrombus levels, and positive surgical margins were all predictors of decreased survival.

Conclusions:

Complete surgical resection in both nonmetastatic and metastatic RCC with IVC thrombus has long-term survival benefits. Neoadjuvant TKI therapy, with adequate preoperative planning, helps in decreasing the size of the thrombus and in safely avoiding bypass in level III and IV IVC thrombi.

CTCs detection from intraoperative salvaged blood in RCC-IVC thrombus patients by negative enrichment and iFISH identification: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Intra-operative cell salvage (IOCS) and leukocyte-depleted filter (LDF) are widely used and effective in saving blood. However, the safety issue concerning reinfusion of IOCS-LDF processed blood to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus were inconclusive for fear of increased risk of cancer metastases. This study intends to analyze the circulating tumor cell (CTC) eliminating effect of IOCS-LDF in 5 RCC-IVC thrombus patients.

METHODS

A novel strategy integrating negative enrichment by immunomagnetic beads and immunostaining-fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes identifying aneuploid of 8 and/or 7 were used to detect CTCs from salvages blood. Blood samples were collected from 4 stages in each patient.

RESULTS

Of the 5 RCC patients, the number of CTCs decreased (from 3, 4, 10, 7, 3, respectively, to all zero) after IOCS-LDF treatment. The triploid of chromosome 7 and/or chromosome 8 were most common karyotype for RCC patients with IVC thrombus. Tetraploid of chromosome 8 occurred in only one sample and no polypoid (number of chromosome > 4) were found.

CONCLUSION

IOCS-LDF might be a promising way of reducing of allogeneic product transfusion based on current preliminary outcome. More convincing conclusions are to be drawn with enlarged sample size and long-term follow-up for patients prognosis.

Pure retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy with delayed occlusion of the proximal inferior vena cava (DOPI) technique for renal tumor with level II-III venous tumor thrombus

Purpose

To explore the safety and effectiveness of delayed occlusion of the proximal inferior vena cava (DOPI) technique in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and thrombectomy for renal tumor with level II-III venous tumor thrombus (VTT).

Materials and methods

From August 2016 to October 2018, a total of 145 patients with renal tumor and VTT were admitted to our centre. Seventy-five patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 70 patients underwent open surgery. Among these patients, 17 patients underwent retroperitoneal LRN and thrombectomy with the DOPI technique. Clinical data were collected retrospectively, and a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.

Results

All the patients successfully underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. The mean operation time was 345.9 ± 182.9 min, the mean estimated blood loss was 466.7 ± 245.5 ml. Postoperative complications occurred in three patients, including two patients of Clavien grading system level IVa and one patient of level II. There were no complications related to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, such as gas embolism, acidosis, and subcutaneous emphysema. During 21 months of median follow-up time, no local recurrence was found, and distant metastasis occurred in four patients. Cancer-specific death occurred in two patients.

Conclusions

The DOPI technique is safe and feasible in the treatment of renal tumor and level II-III VTT. With the DOPI technique, the procedures of dissociating and exposing proximal inferior vena cava are simplified.

Role of the Laparoscopic Approach for Complex Urologic Surgery in the Era of Robotics

(1) Introduction: The advent of robotic surgery led to the assumption that laparoscopic surgery would be replaced entirely. However, the high costs of robotic surgery limit its availability. The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of the 3D laparoscopic approach for the most complex urological procedures. (2) Materials and methods: We included in the current study all patients who had undergone complex 3D laparoscopic procedures in our department since January 2017, including radical nephrectomy (LRN) using a dual combined approach (19 patients), radical nephroureterectomy (LRNU) with bladder cuff excision (13 patients), and radical cystectomy (LRC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) (21 patients). (3) Results: The mean operative time was 345/230/478 min, the complications rate was 26%/30.76%/23.8% and positive surgical margins were encountered in 3/1/1 patients for the combined approach of LRN/LRNU/LRC with ICUD, respectively. A single patient was converted to open surgery during LRN due to extension of the vena cava thrombus above the hepatic veins. After LRC, sepsis was the most common complication and 8 patients were readmitted at a mean of 15.5 days after discharge. (4) Conclusions: In the era of robotic surgery, laparoscopy remains a plausible alternative for most complex oncological cases.

A laparoscopic vascular blocking forceps used for renal carcinoma combined with tumor thrombus

Objectives:

To discuss the feasibility and efficacy of a laparoscopic vessel blocking forceps in laparoscopic inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy (1–3).

Materials and methods:

The patient was secured in a left lateral decubitus position. The surgical field was built with 4-trocar. The laparoscopic vessel blocking forceps was used to block the IVC partially. With the help of the forceps, we completed a retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy.

Results:

The patient was a 73-year-old female. The tumor was located on the right side. Based on the preoperative radiology examination, the tumor thrombus extended from the right renal vein into the IVC, and the cephalic extent of tumor thrombus was 1.6cm above the renal vein. The preoperative stage was T3b, and the Mayo grade of the tumor thrombus was grade I. The operation was successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 159 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was about 50ml. No blood transfusion was needed. The postoperative hospital stay was 10 days. No operation related complication was observed. Postoperative pathology showed diffusely poor differentiated carcinoma, and the pathological stage was T3bN0.

Conclusion:

The laparoscopic vascular blocking forceps can clamp vessels without damaging the vessels. Vascular blocking forceps is suitable for laparoscopic surgical field. We recommend such a vascular blocking forceps for laparoscopic thrombectomy in patients with renal carcinoma and Mayo grade 0-I tumor thrombus. It may be used to clamp other blood vessels temporarily or control bleeding during laparoscopy in the future.

A Predictive Model for Tumor Invasion of the Inferior Vena Cava Wall Using Multimodal Imaging in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus

Purpose

Developed a preoperative prediction model based on multimodality imaging to evaluate the probability of inferior vena cava (IVC) vascular wall invasion due to tumor infiltration.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 110 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level I-IV tumor thrombus who underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy between January 2014 and April 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups: 86 patients were used to establish the imaging model, and the data validation was conducted in 24 patients. We measured the imaging parameters and used logistic regression to evaluate the uni- and multivariable associations of the clinical and radiographic features of IVC resection and established an image prediction model to assess the probability of IVC vascular wall invasion.

Results

In all of the patients, 46.5% (40/86) had IVC vascular wall invasion. The residual IVC blood flow (OR 0.170 [0.047-0.611]; P = 0.007), maximum coronal IVC diameter in mm (OR 1.203 [1.065-1.360]; P = 0.003), and presence of bland thrombus (OR 3.216 [0.870-11.887]; P = 0.080) were independent risk factors of IVC vascular wall invasion. We predicted vascular wall invasion if the probability was >42% as calculated by: {Ln [Pre/(1 - pre)] = 0.185 × maximum cornal IVC diameter + 1.168 × bland thrombus-1.770 × residual IVC blood flow-5.857}. To predict IVC vascular wall invasion, a rate of 76/86 (88.4%) was consistent with the actual treatment, and in the validation patients, 21/26 (80.8%) was consistent with the actual treatment.

Conclusions

Our model of multimodal imaging associated with IVC vascular wall invasion may be used for preoperative evaluation and prediction of the probability of partial or segmental IVC resection.

Imaging predictors for assessment of inferior vena cava wall invasion in patients with renal cell carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: a retrospective study

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has the propensity to lead to venous tumor thrombus (VTT). Nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy is an effective treatment option but is a technically challenging surgical procedure that is accompanied by a high rate of complications. The aims of this study were to investigate pre-operative imaging parameters for the assessment of inferior vena cava (IVC) wall invasion due to a tumor thrombus in patients with RCC and to identify predictors from the intra-operative findings.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data were collected from 110 patients who underwent nephrectomy with IVC tumor thrombectomy (levels I–IV) for RCC and IVC tumor thrombus at the Peking University Third Hospital between May 2015 and March 2018. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the correlations between pre-operative imaging features and intra-operative macroscopic invasions of the IVC wall by tumor thrombus.

Results

Among the 110 patients, 41 underwent partial or segmental resection of IVC. There were univariate associations of pre-operative imaging parameters that could be used to predict the need for IVC resection, including those of the Mayo classification, maximum anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the renal vein at the renal vein ostium (RVo), maximum AP diameter of the VTT at the RVo and IVC occlusion. For the multivariable analysis, the AP diameter of the VTT at the RVo and IVC occlusion were associated with a significantly increased risk of invasion of the IVC wall by tumor thrombus. The optimum imaging thresholds included an AP diameter of the VTT at the RVo larger than 17.0 mm and the presence of IVC occlusion, with which we predicted invasions of the IVC wall requiring IVC resection. The probabilities of intra-operative IVC resection for patients without both independent factors, with an AP diameter of the VTT at the RVo larger than 17.0 mm, with IVC occlusion, and with both concurrent factors were 5%, 23%, 56%, and 66%, respectively.

Conclusion

An increase in the AP VTT diameter at the RVo and the presence of complete occlusion of the IVC are independent risk factors for a high probability of IVC wall invasion by tumor thrombus.

PKUTHLP score: A comprehensive system to predict surgical approach in radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy

The present study aimed to develop an accurate preoperative scoring system to predict the probability of using laparoscopic surgery in radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy. The clinical data of 123 patients with renal cell carcinoma with renal vein or inferior vena cava tumour thrombus admitted to the Department of Urology at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2015 and May 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to create the scoring system with an emphasis on the area improvement under the receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 58 (47.2%) patients underwent complete laparoscopic surgery, 56 (45.5%) underwent complete open surgery and 9 (7.3%) underwent laparoscopic conversion to open surgery. The final multivariable model included the following three factors: Clinical node stage (P=0.030), Mayo classification (P<0.001) and tumour diameter (P=0.001). These three variables were then used to construct the score system named Peking University Third Hospital Laparoscopic Probability (PKUTHLP), which ranges from 0-5. The proportion of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for each level of the PKUTHLP score were as follows: 0 (n=20), 100%; 1 (n=34), 67.6%; 2 (n=21), 33.3%; 3 (n=21), 19.0%; 4 (n=23), 17.4%; and 5 (n=4), 0.0%. Overall, the PKUTHLP score accurately predicted the probability of using laparoscopic surgery in radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy; however, prospective validation of the PKUTHLP scoring system is required.

A modified sequential vascular control strategy in robot-assisted level III-IV inferior vena cava thrombectomy: initial series mimicking the open 'milking' technique principle

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a modified sequential vascular control strategy, mimicking the open 'milking' technique principle, for the early release of the first porta hepatis (FPH) and to stop cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in level III-IV robot-assisted inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy (RA-IVCTE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2014 to June 2019, 27 patients with a level III-IV IVC tumour thrombus (IVCTT) underwent RA-IVCTE in our department. The modified sequential control strategy was used in 12 cases. Previously, we released the FPH after the thrombus was resected and the IVC was closed completely, and CPB was stopped at the end of surgery (15 patients). Presently, using our modified strategy, we place another tourniquet inferior to the second porta hepatis (SPH) once the proximal thrombus is removed from the IVC below the SPH. Then, we suture the right atrium and perform early release of the FPH, and stop CPB. Finally, tumour thrombectomy, vascular reconstruction, and radical nephrectomy are performed.

RESULTS

Compared with the previous strategy, the modified steps resulted in a shorter median FPH clamping (19 vs 47 min, P < 0.001) and CPB times (60 vs 87 min, P < 0.05); a lower rate of Grade II-IV perioperative complications (25% vs 60%, P < 0.05); and better postoperative hepatorenal and coagulation function, including better median serum alanine aminotransferase (172.7 vs 465.4 U/L, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (282.4 vs 759.8 U/L, P < 0.001), creatinine (113.4 vs 295 μmol/L, P < 0.01), blood urea nitrogen (7.3 vs 16.7 mmol/L, P < 0.01), and D-dimer (5.9 vs 20 mg/L, P < 0.001) levels.

CONCLUSION

With the early release of the FPH and stopping CPB, the modified sequential vascular control strategy in level III-IV RA-IVCTE reduced the perioperative risk for selected patients and improved the feasibility and safety of the surgery. We would recommend this approach to other centres that plan to develop robotic surgery for renal cell carcinoma with level III-IV IVCTT in the future.

En bloc retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma with level 0 to II venous tumor thrombus: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The surgical treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) is challenging. In the current study, the authors have reported their surgical outcomes and experience with en bloc retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy for patients with RCC with level 0 to II VTT.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the clinical records of 78 patients who underwent retroperitoneal LRN with IVC thrombectomy from March 2015 to September 2018 was performed. The surgical procedures included establishing the retroperitoneal space, ligating and severing the renal artery, clamping the renal vein and IVC, incising the IVC, and placing the renal and tumor thrombus en bloc into a retrieval bag.

RESULTS

According to the Mayo classification, the tumor thrombus was level 0, I, and II, respectively, in 28 patients, 27 patients, and 23 patients. The median operative time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 256 minutes, 400 mL, and 8 days, respectively. A total of 67 patients were not converted to open surgery. No patient died during surgery, and no tumor embolization occurred. Thirteen patients experienced complications. The pathological reports indicated clear cell RCC in 70 patients and other RCC in 8 patients. The median follow-up was 14.5 months, and 61 patients were alive at the time of last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

En bloc retroperitoneal LRN with IVC thrombectomy is a challenging but feasible procedure for experienced surgeons in patients with RCC with level 0 to II VTT.

Comprehensive managements of metastatic renal tumor with Mayo III inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: a case report

Renal tumor with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus still remains one of the most medical challenges in urological oncology. Despite numerous researches reporting the surgical experiences and survivals of this kind of patients, there is still lacking a standard recommended therapy right now. We reported a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with Mayo III IVC tumor thrombus who underwent robotic-assisted complete removal of the intracaval thrombus and radical left nephrectomy followed by renal arterial chemoembolization and pazopanib administration. It provides a new scheme and mode of diagnosis and treatment for this kind of patients. The patient was a 50-year-old man with left low-back pain for 20 days diagnosed with left renal tumor and Mayo III IVC tumor thrombus at the earliest. Initially, the patient underwent the renal arterial chemoembolization and targeted treatment to inhibit tumor's progression. After a two-year therapy period, the size of renal mass and lung nodules decreased than before, as well as the IVC tumor thrombus dropped to level II. Considering the efficacy of previous treatments, we performed robot-assisted IVC thrombectomy and radical left nephrectomy for this patient. The post-operative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of tumor thrombus as renal clear cell carcinoma. The patients recovered well after surgery and was followed-up for 36 months during the whole treatment course. This case with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and Mayo III IVC tumor thrombus received the interventional therapy, molecular targeted therapy and robot-assisted surgery successively, and acquired satisfying outcome. Patients with mRCC always suffer shorter overall survivals and aggressive progression compared with those localized tumors, therefore it is essential to formulate rational comprehensive treatment and carry out in time following-up.

Robotic Radical Nephrectomy and Thrombectomy for Left Renal Cell Carcinoma with Renal Vein Tumor Thrombus: Superior Mesenteric Artery as an Important Strategic Dividing Landmark

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore a new treatment strategy for left renal vein tumor thrombus directed at the thrombus level and the therapeutic effect of robotic surgery. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with left renal cell carcinoma with renal vein tumor thrombus (Mayo level 0) who underwent robotic radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy from July 2013 to July 2017 were included in this series. If the left renal vein thrombus transcended the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), the thrombus was classified as level 0b, the patient was positioned right side up for thrombectomy and repositioned left side up for nephrectomy, and angioembolization of left renal artery was necessary; otherwise, the thrombus was classified as level 0a and the patient was positioned left side up for both nephrectomy and thrombectomy. Baseline, perioperative, and follow-up data were analyzed. Results: Of all 15 patients, 10 had a level 0a tumor thrombus and 5 had a level 0b tumor thrombus. For level 0a patients, median operating time was 130 minutes, median estimated blood loss was 125 mL, with no patient receiving transfusion, and median hospital stay was 3.5 days. For level 0b patients, median operating time was 180 minutes, median estimated blood loss was 250 mL, with one patient receiving transfusion, and median hospital stay was 5 days. No perioperative complications or positive surgical margins occurred. For level 0a patients, one patient with preexisting lumbar vertebral metastasis died during a median follow-up of 39 months. For level 0b patients, all patients were alive at a median follow-up of 16.5 months. Conclusions: Our initial experience shows that the new treatment strategy for left renal vein tumor thrombus with the SMA as a dividing landmark directed at the thrombus level is safe and feasible. A larger cohort of level 0b patients and longer-term follow-up are needed to further assess the strategic advantages.

Techniques and outcomes of minimally-invasive surgery for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombosis: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend considering surgical excision of non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis in patients with acceptable performance status. Of note, several authors have pioneered specific techniques for laparoscopic and robotic management of renal cancer with level I-IV IVC thrombosis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the English-language literature on surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes of minimally-invasive radical nephrectomy (RN) and IVC thrombectomy for nonmetastatic RCC was performed without time filters using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science (WoS) databases in September 2018 according to the PRISMA statement recommendations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 28 studies were selected for qualitative analysis (N.=13 on laparoscopic surgery, N.=15 on robotic surgery). The quality of evidence according to GRADE was low. Laparoscopic techniques included hand-assisted, hybrid and pure laparoscopic approaches. Most of these series included right-sided tumors with predominantly level I or II IVC thrombi. Similarly, most robotic series reported right-sided RCC with level I-II IVC thrombosis; yet, few authors extended the indication to level III thrombi and to left-sided RCC. Surgical techniques for minimally-invasive IVC thrombectomy evolved over the years, with specific technical nuances aiming to tailor surgical strategy according to both tumor side and thrombus extent. Among the included studies, perioperative outcomes were promising.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally-invasive surgery is technically feasible and has been shown to achieve acceptable perioperative outcomes in selected patients with renal cancer and IVC thrombosis. The evidence is premature to draw conclusions on intermediate-long term oncologic outcomes. Robotic surgery allowed to extend surgical indications to more challenging cases with more extensive tumor thrombosis. Nonetheless, global experience on minimally-invasive IVC thrombectomy is limited to high-volume surgeons at high-volume Centers. Future research is needed to prove its non-inferiority as compared to open surgery and to define its benefits and limits.

Does the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Source Influence Smooth Muscle Regeneration in Tissue-Engineered Urinary Bladders?

A variety of tissue engineering techniques utilizing different cells and biomaterials are currently being explored to construct urinary bladder walls de novo, but so far no approach is clearly superior. The aim of this study was to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from different sources, (bone marrow [BM-MSCs] and adipose tissue [ADSCs]), differ in their potential to regenerate smooth muscles in tissue-engineered urinary bladders and to determine an optimal number of MSCs for urinary bladder smooth muscle regeneration. Forty-eight rats underwent hemicystectomy and bladder augmentation with approximately 0.8 cm² graft. In the first and second groups, urinary bladders were reconstructed with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) seeded with 10 × 10⁶ or 4 × 10⁶ ADSCs/cm², respectively. In the third and fourth groups, urinary bladders were augmented with SIS seeded with 10 × 10⁶ or 4 × 10⁶ BM-MSCs/cm², respectively. In the fifth group, urinary bladders were augmented with SIS without cells. The sixth group (control) was left intact. Smooth muscle regeneration was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and histological examinations. Histologically, there were no significant differences between urinary bladders augmented with ADSCs and BM-MSCs, but there was a marked increase in smooth muscle formation in bladders augmented with grafts seeded with MSCs in higher density (10 × 10⁶/cm²) compared to lower density (4 × 10⁶/cm²). Molecular analysis revealed that bladders reconstructed with ADSC-seeded grafts expressed higher levels of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, caldesmon, and vinculin. Bladders augmented with unseeded SIS were fibrotic and devoid of smooth muscles. ADSCs and BM-MSCs have comparable smooth muscle regenerative potential, but the number of MSCs used for graft preparation significantly affects the smooth muscle content in tissue-engineered urinary bladders.

En bloc laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy: A single-institution experience

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for right renal cell carcinoma at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.

METHOD

A retrospective review of the clinical records of five patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for right renal cell carcinoma between 2013 and 2017 was carried out. The surgical procedure included ligation and cutting of the right renal artery, followed by kidney mobilization. The left renal vein, and the caudal and cephalad sides of the inferior vena cava thrombus were clamped using laparoscopic vascular clamps, and the inferior vena cava was incised. The free kidney and tumor thrombus were placed en bloc in a retrieval bag. Subsequently, the inferior vena cava was laparoscopically closed using a continuous suture.

RESULTS

The median operative time, pneumoperitoneum time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were 316 min, 266 min, 400 mL and 7 days, respectively. The median clamp time was 28 min (range 13-105 min). One patient (20%) required a perioperative blood transfusion. The surgical margin was negative in all patients. Only one patient experienced a major complication (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3), namely a postoperative hemorrhage requiring transarterial embolism.

CONCLUSION

En bloc laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy is a challenging yet feasible procedure for experienced surgeons in carefully selected patients. Further studies of this surgical procedure are required for standardization and safe application.

Dual Combined Laparoscopic Approach for Renal-Cell Carcinoma with Renal Vein and Level I-II Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus: Our Technique and Initial Results

OBJECTIVE

To present our technique and initial results of dual combined retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic approach for the treatment of renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) with level 0-II venous tumor thrombus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included nine consecutive patients with RCC and level 0-II inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy using dual combined laparoscopic approach in our department between January 2016 and June 2017.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 150 minutes when cavotomy was not performed and 240 minutes when cavotomy with thrombectomy was required. The mean IVC clamping time was 24 minutes and the mean blood loss was 300 mL. We encountered no major intraoperative or postoperative complications (Clavien III-IV). The patients were discharged a mean of 7 days after the procedure. At the 6-month follow-up, all patients were alive. One patient presented a retroperitoneal enlarged lymph node and started systemic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The dual combined laparoscopic approach for kidney tumors with level 0-II IVC thrombus is feasible, reproducible, and especially useful in patients with complex renal pedicle. The technique provides early arterial control by retroperitoneal approach, which reduces the blood flow through the renal vein and has the advantage of minimal mobilization of the thrombus-bearing renal vein; it therefore lowers the risk of tumor embolism and intraoperative hemorrhage.

Initial robotic assistance in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with level 4 cavoatrial thrombus

We report a case of left-sided renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with level 4 cavoatrial tumor thrombus where robotic assistance was used to achieve hemostasis around the kidney in order to minimize coagulopathic hemorrhage from the nephrectomy bed during subsequent open completion nephrectomy and cavoatrial thrombectomy under extracorporeal circulation and hypothermic circulatory arrest. Robotic assistance allowed for meticulous dissection and ligation of parasitic and arterial vessels to the kidney, release of renal attachments, and exposure of the inferior vena cava. The kidney was mobilized while leaving the renal vein attached and tumor thrombus undisturbed using a "minimal touch" technique. Open completion nephrectomy and cavoatrial thrombectomy was then performed. An experienced cardiac anesthesia team performed intraoperative cardiac monitoring, including trans-esophageal echocardiography. A cardiothoracic surgeon was immediately available throughout the case. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated within 60 min of open incision with a total duration a circulatory arrest time of 25 min. There was no bleeding from the nephrectomy bed during bypass despite heparinization and hypothermia. A left RCC with level 4 thrombus may be approached with initial robotic assistance to achieve hemostasis of the nephrectomy bed for subsequent open completion nephrectomy and cavoatrial thrombectomy under extracorporeal circulation and hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Frontiers in robot-assisted retroperitoneal oncological surgery

Robot assistance has been rapidly adopted by urological surgeons and has become particularly popular for oncological procedures involving the retroperitoneal space. The wide dissemination of robot assistance probably reflects the limited amount of operating space available within the retroperitoneum and the advantages provided by robot-assisted approaches, including 3D imaging, wristed instrumentation and the shorter learning curve compared with that associated with the equivalent laparoscopic techniques. Surgical procedures that have traditionally been performed using an open or laparoscopic approach, such as partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, nephroureterectomy and adrenalectomy, are now often being performed using robot assistance. The frontiers of robot-assisted retroperitoneal oncological surgery are constantly expanding, with an emphasis on maintaining oncological and functional outcomes, while minimizing the level of surgical invasiveness.

The morphological regeneration and functional restoration of bladder defects by a novel scaffold and adipose-derived stem cells in a rat augmentation model

Background

Due to the multilineage differentiation ability and paracrine role of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for bladder defect repair, various scaffolds have been applied in combination with ASCs to promote bladder regeneration and restore bladder function. However, the low survival rate of ASCs and the difficulty of promoting bladder functional recovery are still unsolved. To explore these problems, we investigated the feasibility of a novel scaffold seeded with ASCs in a rat model of bladder augmentation.

Methods

A novel autologous myofibroblast (AM)-silk fibroin (SF) scaffold was harvested after subcutaneously prefabricating the bladder acellular matrix grafts (BAMG) and SF by removing the BAMG. The AM-SF scaffolds were then seeded with ASCs (AM-SF-ASCs). Fifty percent supratrigonal cystectomies were performed followed by augmenting the cystectomized defects with AM-SF scaffolds or AM-SF-ASCs. The histological and functional assessments of bladders were performed 2, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery while the ASCs were tracked in vivo.

Results

For bladder tissue regeneration, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that AM-SF-ASCs (the experimental group) promoted better morphological regeneration of the urothelium, vessels, bladder smooth muscle, and nerve than AM-SF scaffolds (the control group). Regarding functional restoration, the AM-SF-ASC group exhibited higher bladder compliance and relatively normal micturition pattern compared to the AM-SF group. In addition, a certain number of surviving ASCs could be found in vivo 12 weeks after implantation, and some of them had differentiated into smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

The AM-SF scaffolds with ASCs could rapidly promote bladder morphological regeneration and improved bladder urinary function. In addition, the bag-shaped structure of the AM-SF scaffold can improve the survival of ASCs for at least 12 weeks. This strategy of AM-SF-ASCs has a potential to repair large-scale bladder defects in the clinic in the future.

[Level IV inferior vena cava tumor thrombus : A rare diagnosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma]

Renal cell carcinoma in combination with a supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus is a rare tumor entity. Radical surgery including nephrectomy and thrombectomy is still considered standard treatment. The extent of the tumor thrombus should be preoperatively evaluated by MRI and TEE. An interdisciplinary team is important for surgery planning and realization. Despite the known risks of an operation, a longer overall survival is achieved.

Treatment of caval vein thrombosis associated with renal tumors

INTRODUCTION

Renal carcinoma represents 3% of all solid tumors and is associated with renal or inferior caval vein (IVC) thrombosis between 2-10% of patients, extending to right atrial in 1% of cases.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study that comprises 5 patients who underwent nephrectomy and thrombectomy by laparotomy because of renal tumor with IVC thrombosis level iii.

RESULTS

Four patients were males and one was female, and the mean age was 57,2 years (range: 32-72). Most important clinical findings were hematuria, weight loss, weakness, anorexia, and pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic confirmation was performed by CT scanner. Metastatic disease was diagnosed before surgery in 3 patients. Suprahepatic caval vein and hepatic hilium (Pringle's maneouver) were clamped in 4 patients, and ligation of infrarrenal caval vein was carry out in one patient. Five patients developed mild complications (Clavien I/II). No patient died and the mean hospital stay was 8,6 days. All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and 3 died because distant metastasis, but 2 are alive, without recurrence, at 5 and 60 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephrectomy and thrombectomy in renal tumors with caval thrombosis can be curative in absence of metastasis or, at less, can increase survival or quality of live. Then these patients must be treated in liver transplant units because major surgical and anesthesiologic expertise. Adjuvant treatment with tyrosin kinase inhibitors must be validate in the future with wider experiences.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNAs contribute to wound inflammation

Clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the significance of inflammation in coordinating wound repair and regeneration. However, it remains challenging to control the inflammatory response and tolerance at systemic levels without causing toxicity to injured tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent immunomodulatory properties and facilitate tissue repair by releasing exosomes, which generate a suitable microenvironment for inflammatory resolution. Exosomes contain several effective bioactive molecules and act as a cell-cell communication vehicle to influence cellular activities in recipient cells. During this process, the horizontal transfer of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) to acceptor cells, where they regulate target gene expression, is of particular interest for understanding the basic biology of inflammation ablation, tissue homeostasis, and development of therapeutic approaches. In this review, we describe a signature of three specific miRNAs (miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-181) present in human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) identified microarray chip analysis and focus on the inflammatory regulatory functions of these immune-related miRNAs. We also discuss the potential mechanisms contributing to the resolution of wound inflammation and tissue healing.