Ureteroscopic treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis

A Review of How Lasers Are Used in UTUC Surgery: Can the Choice of Laser Affect Outcomes?

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively rare disease with an aggressive phenotype compared to urothelial carcinoma in the bladder. In recent years, kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) and, in particular, endoscopic surgery have become the procedure of choice among urologists where the treatment of localized UTUC is concerned. Endoscopy tends to result in satisfactory oncological disease control while lowering morbidity and minimizing complications amongst the appropriately selected cohort of patients. While endoscopic surgery for UTUC might appear to be standardized, it, in fact, differs considerably depending on the source of energy used for resection/ablation. There has been little reliable data up to now on which laser energy source is the most superior. The goal of this review is, therefore, to outline the results of endoscopic UTUC treatment using different lasers and to analyze how these laser-tissue interactions may affect the surgery. We start by pointing out that the data remains insufficient when trying to determine which laser is the most effective in the endoscopic management of UTUC. The ever-growing number of indications for minimally invasive treatment and the increasing number of centers using laser surgery will, hopefully, lead to novel randomized controlled trials that compare the performance characteristics of the lasers as well as the effects of UTUC on patients.

The role of endoscopic management and adjuvant topical therapy for upper tract urothelial cancer

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has traditionally been managed with radical nephroureterectomy, and while this approach remains the gold standard for high-risk disease, endoscopic, kidney-sparing management has increasingly been adopted for low-risk disease as it preserves kidney function without compromising oncologic outcomes. Ureteroscopy and percutaneous renal access not only provide diagnoses by tumor visualization and biopsy, but also enable treatment with electrocautery or laser ablation. Several modalities exist for laser ablative treatments including thulium:YAG, neodymium:YAG, holmium:YAG, and combinations of the preceding. Furthermore, due to high recurrence rates after endoscopic management, adjuvant intracavitary instillation of various agents such as mitomycin C and bacillus Calmette-Guerin have been used given benefits seen in non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer. Other formulations also being studied include gemcitabine, anthracyclines, and immunotherapies. More recently, Jelmyto, a mitomycin reverse thermal gel, has been developed to allow for adequate drug delivery time and potency since urine flow could otherwise dilute and washout topical therapy. In this article, the authors review techniques, indications, best practices, and areas of current investigation in endoscopic management and adjuvant topical therapy for UTUC.

The impact of previous ureteroscopic tumor ablation on oncologic outcomes after radical nephrouretectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Abstract We investigated whether a history of endoscopic tumor ablation impacts oncologic outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Using a multi-institutional database that contained patients who were treated with RNU, oncologic outcomes were assessed according to history of ureteroscopic tumor ablation. Disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality after RNU. The study included 1268 patients, 853 men and 415 women, with a mean age of 67.5 years (range 32-94 y) and 52.8 months median follow-up after RNU. A total of 175 (13%) patients underwent RNU after endoscopic tumor ablation and 1093 (87%) patients underwent RNU without a history of endoscopic ablation. The 5-year DFS and CSS rates were 72% and 77% in those with a history of tumor ablation vs 69% and 73% in those without a history of ablation (P = 0.171 and P = 0.365, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, history of ablation therapy was not associated with disease recurrence or cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.79, P = 0.185 and HR: 0.7, P = 0.078, respectively). Our collaborative international efforts suggest that in selected patients, endoscopic tumor ablation does not adversely affect the recurrence and survival after subsequent RNU for UTUC. Our data support the continued role of ureteroscopic ablation of UTUC in appropriately selected patients.

Laser photoablation of renal pelvic tumours

We evaluated the clinical effects of the Zeiss OPMILAS (Oberkochen, Germany) multi-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser in the treatment of renal pelvic tumours as an alternative to nephroureterectomy. Four patients with evidence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in the renal pelvis and a previous history of TCC of the bladder or opposite renal pelvis were treated with the Zeiss OPMILAS multi-YAG laser. Three patients underwent a retrograde ureteroscopic approach and 1 patient required percutaneous resection. Two wavelengths were used: 1060 nm continuous coagulative mode and 1440 nm pulsed ablative mode. The patients were followed for 12, 24, 76 and 84 months, respectively. Two patients showed no evidence of recurrence as determined by cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography and selective pelvic urine cytology. One patient experienced a recurrence of TCC requiring subsequent treatment. The ureteroscopic approach was associated with fewer complications and a more rapid recovery, compared with the percutaneous approach. All patients with solitary kidneys avoided dialysis.

Lasers in the upper urinary tract for non-stone disease

Though the most common use for lasers in the genitourinary tract is for urolithiasis, a number of other urologic conditions can be treated with lasers because of their unique ablative, destructive and hemostatic properties. This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of laser technology for a number of non-stone indications.

Ureteroscopic Resection of Upper-Tract Transitional-Cell Carcinoma

Technological advances have increased the applicability of endoscopic treatment for upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC). Percutaneous and ureteroscopic tumor resection have become reasonable treatment options for patients with anatomically or functionally solitary kidneys, bilateral upper-tract tumors, significant renal insufficiency, or comorbid disease that would preclude standard open surgery. This approach also is being used increasingly on those with a normal contralateral kidney in whom nephroureterectomy and en bloc removal of the ipsilateral ureteral orifice and surrounding bladder cuff is considered the standard therapy. This paper reviews the current role of ureteroscopic management of upper-tract TCC.

Current Practice Patterns in Urologic Management of Upper-Tract Transitional-Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To determine the current practice patterns in the management of upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) among a large group of urologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was sent to 220 practicing members of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) and the Endourological Society (ES) and members of the American Urological Association who did not belong to either society. The survey consisted of 16 focused questions pertaining to the surveillance and management of upper-tract TCC. The responses were used to create a database, which was then analyzed to determine practice trends.

RESULTS

Eighty-four of the urologists responded, for a response rate of 38%. Fourteen responses were excluded because of multiple answers to a given question, so 70 were included in the final analysis. Eighty percent of the respondents were in academic practice. A CT urogram was the favored initial procedure for diagnosis of upper-tract TCC and an intravenous urogram was the next commonest choice (53% and 40%, respectively). Ureterorenoscopy was the surveillance tool of choice (70%) after conservative treatment of upper- tract TCC. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was the preferred procedure (73%) for a high-grade, large renal-pelvic TCC. Twenty-one percent of the endourologists recommended ureteroscopic ablation for a high-grade, large distal ureteral tumor. This was in sharp contrast to 77% of the respondents who favored a distal ureterectomy for the same clinical scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that most urologists treating upper-tract TCC follow the principles reported in the published literature regarding the management of these patients. Further, most urologists, regardless of society affiliations or years in practice, favor minimally invasive techniques for the management of upper-tract TCC. This information may be useful in formulating clear guidelines for the management of this disease.

Treatment of Ureteral Stones Using Holmium:YAG laser

INTRODUCTION

There has been a steady increase in the number of ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. In addition to its soft tissue applications Holmium:YAG laser has also been found an excellent intracorporeal lithotripter for all kinds of stones. We here present the results of patients treated with Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in our clinic.

METHODS

Between June 1997 and December 2002, 205 patients with a diagnosis of ureteric calculi were treated with ureteroscopy using Holmium:YAG laser as an intracorporeal lithotriptor. The stones were localized in the distal ureter in 158 patients (77), middle and proximal ureter in 47 patients (23). Stones ranged in size from 5 x 5 mm to 20 x 10 mm and the operation time was about 35 minutes (ranged 25-65 minutes). Follow-up evaluations have done at first and third months.

RESULTS

The ureteral stone could not be reached in 10 patients (4.8). Stone fragmentation or removal was accomplished in all other patients. Four patients (1.9) had proximal migration of the fragments and later treated with extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and three patients (1.5) had ureteral perforation. They were managed by double J stent placement. Two of the patients had ureteral obstruction on the third month of procedure. One of the patients was treated with open surgery. For the other one, ureteroscopic balloon dilatation was performed and catheterized by double J stent and there wasn't any complication after the removal of stent.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteroscopic Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is a safe, technically feasible and efficacious treatment for ureteral stones.

Primary care update on kidney and bladder cancer: a urologic perspective

The past decade has witnessed many substantive changes in the approach to the diagnosis and treatment of both kidney and bladder cancer. In part, this is based on changes in the understanding of their carcinogenesis and pathogenesis, an appreciation of new concepts in their classification, and the incorporation of new technologies that have emerged. This article reviews advances and updates changes that have been made in the understanding of and approaches to these malignancies from the perspective of their urologic assessment and management while in the context of primary care issues.

Ureteroscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma

The expanding experience with endoscopic techniques for treating upper tract urothelial malignancy demonstrates its safety and efficacy in carefully selected patients. Diagnostic accuracy can be enhanced, and pathologic confirmation of tumor grade and stage is possible. In carefully selected patients who have low-grade and low-stage disease, the results of endourologic management have been encouraging. Patients with an anatomic or functionally solitary kidney, bilateral disease, or significant renal insufficiency can often be considered candidates for endoscopic treatment as the first line of therapy. In the setting of low-grade, low-stage disease in a patient with a normal contralateral kidney, the role of endourologic management remains controversial. Adjuvant topical therapy with mitomycin C or BCG seems to be safe and well tolerated after endoscopic management of upper tract TCC.

Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using a holmium:YAG laser

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The feasibility of treating upper urinary tract tumors with a holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser in transurethral endoscopy was examined.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three treatments were performed on 30 patients with renal pelvic and ureteral carcinomas. After vaporization and coagulation eliminated the tumors, the surrounding mucosa was fully coagulated. Postoperative follow-up consisted of urinary cytology once a month, cystoscopy every 3 months, excretory pyelography every 6 months, and uretero-pyeloscopy every 6-12 months.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate after the first treatment was 86% in the imperative indication group. The tumor-free rate (median follow-up, 37 months) in the imperative indication group was 57%. In the elective indication group, those values were 20 and 95% (median follow-up, 33 months), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using Ho:YAG laser can be a useful method on limited cases identified into specific treatments groups combined with a strict follow-up.

Free-Beam and Contact Laser Coagulation

Laser coagulation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) encompasses a variety of techniques using different laser wavelengths, application systems, and surgical techniques to achieve contrasting tissue effects. During transurethral laser coagulation, known as visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP), the prostate is irradiated by free-beam Nd:YAG or diode laser energy. The coagulated and necrotic tissue sloughs off within weeks to months. In randomized studies comparing laser coagulation and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), symptoms and some voiding parameters improved significantly after laser coagulation, although not to the level obtained with TURP. However, the operative duration and the length of hospitalization have been shorter than for TURP, and major complications have not occurred. Follow-up clinical data and retreatment rates are available for up to 5 years with a remarkable variability. Although retreatment rates may be high, patients who are "responders" to the treatment after 2 to 3 years seem to have durable results after 4 to 5 years and even longer.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter and renal pelvis

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of ureter and renal pelvis is relatively uncommon. Smoking, occupational carcinogens, analgesic abuse, Balkan nephropathy are the risk factors. Cytogenetic studies revealed that the most frequent aberration is the partial or complete loss of chromosome 9. Approximately 20-50% of patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) TCC have bladder cancer at some point on their course, whereas the incidence of UUT TCC after primary bladder cancer is 0.7-4%. Excretory urography and retrograde pyelography are the conventional diagnostic tools; however, ureteropyeloscopy combined with cytology and biopsy is more accurate. Grade and stage of the disease have the most significant impact on survival. Nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision has been the mainstay of treatment. Local resection may be appropriate for distal ureteral lesions especially when the disease is low grade and stage. Advances in endourology have made it possible to treat many tumors conservatively. Ureteroscopic and to a certain extent percutaneous surgical approaches are widely used today especially in patients with low grade, low stage disease. Endoscopic close surveillance is mandatory for these patients. Adjuvant topical therapies appear to be safe but confirmation of any benefits awaits the results of further large studies. More recently, laparoscopic techniques have become a viable alternative to open surgery, but long term cancer control data are lacking. Aggressive surgical resection does not affect the outcome of patients with advanced disease. Adjuvant radiotherapy is ineffective, and systemic chemotherapy results in a low complete response rate for patients with metastases.

Endoscopic management of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: long-term experience

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and long-term results of endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were examined. The authors evaluated the accuracy of endoscopic biopsy in determining tumor grade in the subset of patients who underwent open surgical excision.

METHODS

Between 1987 and 2001, 50 patients (17 with a solitary kidney) underwent ureteroscopy and biopsy of upper tract TCC. Eleven patients underwent ureterectomy or nephroureterectomy shortly after endoscopic biopsy. There was no follow-up for nine patients. Thirty patients underwent endoscopic ablation of their primary tumor with laser or electrofulguration at the time of the initial biopsy and were followed with close endoscopic surveillance at 3-4-month intervals.

RESULTS

For the 30 patients who underwent endoscopic ablation, mean follow-up was 38 months (range, 4-106 months). There was an average of 3.4 recurrences, with an average time to first recurrence of 7 months. Ten of the 30 patients underwent open resection during follow-up. Six patients exhibited tumor progression at follow-up. During the follow-up period, one patient died of recurrent disease, and six died of other causes. Endoscopic biopsy accurately predicted the tumor grade for 8 of the 9 patients who had open tumor resection within 2 months of their last biopsy and for 10 of the 11 patients who had open resection shortly after their initial endoscopic biopsy (overall accuracy, 18 of 20 [90%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment of focal low-grade TCC of the upper urinary tract is feasible and safe, provided that vigilant follow-up and endoscopic surveillance are performed. Endoscopic biopsy provides accurate information regarding tumor grade.

Hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy: comparison with the open procedure

PURPOSE

We report our initial experience with hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma and compared our results to those of a contemporary series of open nephroureterectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data on 34 consecutive patients who underwent hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy were reviewed and compared with those on 34 who underwent open nephroureterectomy. All specimens were extracted intact.

RESULTS

Total operative time was similar in the 2 groups (233 versus 236 minutes). Estimated blood loss was significantly less in the hand assisted laparoscopy group (236 versus 427 ml.). During convalescence the frequency of parenteral analgesia postoperatively was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open surgery group. The former patients had a significantly shorter interval to oral intake and ambulation as well as a shorter hospital stay and convalescence compared with those who underwent open surgery. In each group the complication rate was 12% (4 of 34 cases). In the hand assisted laparoscopy group 1 conversion to an open procedure was due to bleeding. There was recurrence in 4 of the 34 patients (12%) in the laparoscopy group, including 2 with bladder recurrence and 2 with metastases, at an average followup of 13.1 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy is an effective and safe alternative to open nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Is nephroureterectomy necessary in all cases of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma? Long-term results of conservative endourologic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma in individuals with a normal contralateral kidney

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the endoscopic management of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) as a first-line treatment in patients with a normal contralateral kidney.

METHODS

During an 11-year period, 21 patients diagnosed with upper tract TCC were treated with conservative endourologic techniques using either neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser or electrocautery at our institution. The 21 patients were followed up for a mean of 6.1 years (range 1 to 11.6).

RESULTS

A total of 8 renal pelvic tumors and 13 ureteral tumors were found. All tumors were Stage T1 or less and grade 3 or less. All tumors were less than 2 cm in the greatest dimension (range 0.4 to 2). Of the 21 patients, 7 (33%) had one local recurrence and 1 (4.7%) developed two local recurrences. Of the 13 ureteral tumors, 6 (46%) recurred; 1 (12%) of the 8 renal pelvic tumors recurred. No recurrent tumor was shown to have an increase in grade. Of the 21 target renal units, 17 (81%) were preserved; 4 (19%) of 21 patients required nephroureterectomy because of tumor recurrence. Overall, 11 patients in the series died, 10 of non-TCC etiology and 1 secondary to invasive bladder TCC that developed after treatment for upper tract TCC. No patients died as a result of conservative management of their upper tract TCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endourologic techniques and conservative treatment of upper tract TCC is an evolving field; however, in properly selected patients, endoscopic treatment can be safely and effectively used as a first-line treatment for upper tract TCC.

Transitional-cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis: ureteroscopic and percutaneous approach

There are a variety of publications advocating the ureteroscopic or the percutaneous approach for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The diagnostic tool of choice for the upper urinary tract and collecting system is the flexible ureteroscope. One of the major concerns about ureteroscopic management of renal disease initially was the lack of flexibility of the instruments and therefore the inability to deal with demanding sites. The advent of new ureteroscopic techniques, as well as the continuous evolution of the technology, have paved the way for safe and effective access to the upper urinary tract. In the hands of an experienced urologist, such procedures can provide reliable treatment options for small upper urinary tract lesions. Coupling minimal morbidity with ever-improving optics and flexibility, the ureteroscope of today leaves no area of the urinary tract unseen. In patients with bulky tumors or in whom easy access and resection is not possible ureteroscopically, the percutaneous approach to the renal pelvis, although more invasive, provides a better working environment. Clearly, the most difficult aspect of ureteroscopic access to the lower pole is not just visibility but the loss of deflection caused by passage of various instruments through the working channel. Direct access via percutaneous approach with a large resectoscope avoids these problems.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy versus open nephroureterectomy for the treatment of transitional-cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

For patients with upper tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC), nephroureterectomy with removal of a bladder cuff is the standard of care. Historically, it has been performed using two incisions or one large incision extending from the lateral flank to the symphysis pubis. We describe an alternative using endoscopic management of the bladder cuff combined with hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) nephroureterectomy. We compared our results using these minimally invasive advances with those of a contemporary open nephroureterectomy series.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1998 and June 1999, we performed 11 HAL nephroureterectomies with endoscopic management of the bladder cuff for the treatment of upper tract TCC. The results were compared with those in a contemporary series of 11 patients undergoing the traditional open operation at our institution. The patient age, male:female ratio, and ASA classification were similar in the two groups. Intraoperative measures considered were operative time, estimated blood loss, need for transfusion, complications, specimen weight and volume, pathologic stage and grade of the tumor, and the status of the surgical margins. Postoperative endpoints were time to sustained fluid intake; epidural, parenteral, and oral narcotic requirements; length of stay; and complications. Follow-up, specifically disease recurrence and overall survival, was recorded.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 291 minutes for HAL v 232 minutes for the open operation (P = NS). The average blood loss was 144 v 311 mL (P = 0.04), the mean specimen weight 368 v 392 g (P = NS), and the mean specimen volume was 630 v 693 cc (P = NS). No patient in the HAL group had a positive surgical margin, but one patient in the open surgery group did. The time to sustained fluid intake postoperatively averaged 1.4 v 2.3 days for the HAL and open groups, respectively (P = NS). The epidural narcotic requirement was 0 v 2.7 days (P < 0.001), the mean parenteral narcotic requirement was 45 v 44 mg of morphine sulfate equivalent (P = NS), and the oral narcotic requirement was 5.8 v 16 tablets (P < 0.04). The average length of stay was 4.6 days for the HAL group v 6.1 days for the open group (P = 0.04). In both groups, 7 of the 11 patients (63%) were without evidence of disease with a mean follow-up of 13 (HAL) and 17 (open) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with endoscopic management of the bladder cuff is an efficacious alternative to open surgery. The operative time, specimen weight and size, and risk of recurrence for the two procedures are similar. However, convalescence, as measured by pain medication requirements and length of stay, is significantly better with laparoscopy. Longer follow-up with larger numbers of patients is in progress.

Long-term outcome of endoscopic biopsy and subsequent nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract tumor

BACKGROUND

Upper urinary tract tumors can be biopsied using a flexible ureterorenoscope. This study examined retrospectively possible adverse effects of this procedure on patient outcome.

METHODS

The study subjects consisted of 16 consecutive patients with renal pelvic tumor (n = 13) and upper ureteral tumor (n = 3). All subjects underwent endoscopic biopsy of their tumor and subsequent total nephroureterectomy between 1989 and 1995. The follow-up period ranged from 4.1 to 9.5 (mean 5.2) years.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 87.0%, being 100% in 12 patients with tumors of grade 1 or 2. In contrast, of four patients with grade 3 tumor, three (75%) developed systemic lymphogenous and/or multiple lung metastases within 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The excellent patient outcomes deny any adverse effect of endoscopic biopsy on patients with grade 1 or 2 tumor. However, the endoscopic procedure should be performed prudently when a high grade tumor is suspected.

Ureteroscopic management of patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma

Endoscopic therapy for the management of upper urinary tract TCC is mainly indicated for patients with an anatomically or functionally solitary kidney, renal insufficiency, bilateral tumors, or severe medical comorbidity. It may be a reasonable alternative to distal ureterectomy with bladder-cuff resection in individuals with low-grade superficial distal ureteral tumors. Although use of this approach has been suggested for treating standard patients with low-grade, low-stage collecting system tumors, this recommendation should not be embraced until more supporting evidence is generated. The efficacy of adjuvant therapy for the prevention of recurrent or progressive disease needs to be defined. If current adjuvant strategies prove ineffective, alternative ones will need to be developed. It is anticipated that advancements in endoscopic technology will facilitate the performance of this type of surgery in the future.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

OBJECTIVES

Nephroureterectomy with removal of the bladder cuff is the standard of care for patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. Historically, it has been performed using two separate incisions or one large incision extending from the lateral flank to the symphysis pubis. We describe an alternative technique using endoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic techniques and present our experience.

METHODS

During the past 18 months, 22 patients at two institutions underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. In 19 patients, the distal ureter and bladder cuff were managed endoscopically. In 3 patients, the distal ureter and the bladder cuff were removed by an extravesical, laparoscopic technique. The intraoperative parameters assessed included operative time, estimated blood loss, specimen weight, surgical margin status, pathologic grade and stage, and acute complications. Postoperative endpoints included the time to sustained fluid intake, parenteral narcotic requirement (milliequivalents of morphine sulfate), oral narcotic requirement (number of tablets), length of stay, time until return to normal activity, and rate of tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

The average age of our patient population was 65 years (range 42 to 86), 10 patients were men and 12 were women, and the average American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was 2.2. All but 2 patients had their specimens removed en bloc. No intraoperative complications occurred. The average operative time was 272 minutes (range 190 to 440), and the average blood loss was 180 mL (range 50 to 400); no patient required a transfusion. The mean specimen weight was 457 g (range 190 to 1420). All 22 patients had negative surgical margins. Postoperatively, the time to sustained fluid intake averaged 2.1 days (range 1 to 7), the mean parenteral narcotic requirement was 55 mEq (range 12 to 107.8) of morphine sulfate, the mean oral narcotic requirement was 5.8 tablets (range 1 to 14), and the average length of stay was 4.1 days (range 3 to 14). One patient developed thrombophlebitis of the right external jugular vein from a central line and required 2 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. The mean time to return to normal activity was 19 days; the mean follow-up was 13 months. Six patients had disease recurrence: four low-grade, low-stage bladder tumors and two metastatic tumors. All patients were alive at 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with endoscopic management of the bladder cuff is a viable and efficacious alternative to open nephroureterectomy. The technique allows the surgeon to perform an en bloc resection of the kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff without compromising oncologic principles. Patients benefit from a decrease in pain and hospital stay and quicker convalescence. Longer follow-up and comparative studies to standard open techniques are underway.

Thermal lasers in urologic oncology

Urology is a surgical specialty that relies heavily on the endoscopic approach for diagnosis and treatment of disease. Electrosurgical instruments have been the standard vehicle for endoscopic tumor ablation. Over the last 30 years a number of investigators have explored the use of the medical laser as either an alternative or an adjunct to standard electrosurgical techniques. The development of small caliber flexible and rigid endoscopic application. In addition, the potential for very limited and precise distribution of laser energy in targeted tissue is clinically appealing for endoscopic applications. In this article, we review the use of thermal laser in urologic oncology.

Ureteroscopic laser treatment of upper urinary tract tumors

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the present status of ureteroscopic laser treatment of upper urinary tract tumors.

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Small diameter rigid and flexible ureteroscopes can provide convenient access to the upper urinary tract. The small diameter of the instruments and the working channels are ideally suited for the placement of laser fibers as an intraluminal ablative technique.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the literature and their own experience with laser treatment of upper tract tumors for the description of instruments, techniques, and the results achieved.

RESULTS

At least 12 reports have presented the results after using lasers for treating upper tract tumors. The Nd:YAG laser has been used in most series but more recently, the holmium:YAG laser has become available. Each laser has particular advantages and each can be delivered along the same low water content quartz fibers. Less scarring with stricture formation has been reported after use of the laser versus electrofulguration. Among the series reported, local recurrences occurred in 33% of patients with renal pelvic tumors or ureteral tumors. In the authors' experience, the holmium:YAG laser was most frequently used and the combination of holmium and Nd:YAG was nearly as common. The Nd:YAG was used alone in less than 10% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The ureteroscopic treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma is a reasonable alternative to surgical removal in many patients. It provides a major advantage in patients with specific indications for conservative therapy and may be a reasonable elective therapy in others with small, low grade, tumors. The holmium laser alone or in combination with the Nd:YAG laser has become our primary mode of therapy.

Grading of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma by computed DNA content and p53 expression

OBJECTIVES

Transitional cell carcinomas of upper urinary tract (uttTCC) constitute 5% to 6% of all urothelial tumors. Ureteropyeloscopy has become the standard for clinical evaluation of uutTCC. Moreover, endoscopic treatments have been advocated as a conservative approach for low grade tumors or patients with intermediate grade tumors whose renal function is compromised. Therefore, grading has become the most predictive variable in defining therapeutic approach. In addition to morphologic evaluation, a series of biologic markers may be used to increase the accuracy of grading such as DNA analysis and p53 protein expression. In this study, we have evaluated these markers by means of cell image analysis with the SAMBA 400 system.

METHODS

Thirteen cases of uttTCC were studied with cytologic smear, cell block, and histologic confirmation. DNA analysis was performed on cytologic smear. Immunostaining was performed on cell blocks. A grade was assigned on the basis of DNA evaluation and p53 expression quantitation. These grades were combined for each case and compared with the initial cytologic grading and the final histologic grading.

RESULTS

Cytology alone diagnosed TCC in all but 1 case that was diagnosed atypical. Discrepancies were found in primary grading: cytologic grading concurred with histologic grading in 6 of the 13 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results, although in a limited but selected number of cases, show the potential of computerized evaluation of biologic markers as parameters for a more objective grading of tumors.

Upper-tract transitional cell carcinoma

Advances in ureteroscopic techniques have made it possible to treat many upper-tract tumors conservatively. Such treatment has demonstrated acceptable survival and renal preservation in high-risk patients, particularly those with a solitary kidney, bilateral tumors, poor renal function, or prohibitive operative risk. It is also preferred in patients with grade I TCC, particularly when located in the distal ureter. For patients with regionally extensive upper-tract urothelial neoplasms, use of endourologic techniques should be considered to control hemorrhage, relieve obstruction, and preserve as much functioning renal tissue as possible. Success with small, solitary, low-grade tumors allows the application of this technique to patients with a normal contralateral kidney on an elective basis. Adjuvant BCG or mitomycin C therapy appears to be safe, but confirmation of any benefits awaits the results of larger trials. Benign neoplasms can occur in the upper urinary tract and should be distinguished from TCC, thus avoiding more radical treatment for a benign lesion. Endoscopic surveillance should be maintained because recurrences can develop without radiographic evidence.

Overexpression of p53 in transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter. Relation to tumor proliferation and survival

BACKGROUND

Clinical management of patients with tumors of the upper urinary tract is based mainly on histologic grade and stage of the tumors. In recent years, tumor proliferation has also proved to be an important factor in determining the prognosis of these and other transitional cell tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the role of p53 in regulating cell proliferation and tumor progression and to define its value in predicting the long term survival of patients with these tumors. Such information could be of use in selecting treatment in individual cases.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients with urothelial tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter diagnosed and treated between 1975 and 1993 were included in this study. p53 immunostaining was performed on paraffin embedded tissue. Tumor location, histologic grade, histologic pattern, tumor proliferation by Ki-67, local (T classification), lymph node (N classification), vascular and perineural invasion, and clinical stage (TNM) were assessed in relation to p53 overexpression (Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance comparisons) and as prognostic factors for survival in both univariate analysis (log rank test) and multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards model).

RESULTS

Overexpression of p53 was related to tumor proliferation as assessed by Ki-67 (P < 0.01), T classification (Ta vs. T1-4; P < 0.01), N classification (P < 0.054), and TNM staging (Stage 0 vs. I-IV; P < 0.01). There was also a statistically significant relation to vascular (P < 0.002) and perineural invasion (P < 0.04). Fifteen-year actuarial survival for the whole group was 75%. Patients having tumors with low p53 overexpression (< 30% of stained nuclei) had a better survival rate (88%) than those having tumors with high (> 30%) p53 overexpression (65%) (P < 0.02), and this effect reached statistical significance with high grade (P < 0.02) and infiltrating tumors (P < 0.04). Patients with low p53 and Ki-67 expression had a 15-year survival rate of 100%; in contrast, patients with overexpression of both markers had a 15-year survival rate of 61% (P < 0.003). In a multivariate analysis, only T classification (P < 0.001) and p53-Ki-67 expression (P < 0.026) were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of p53 is related to increased tumor proliferation and disease progression and is of value in determining the long term survival of patients with tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter. p53 immunostaining can be used to distinguish low risk patients in the theoretically unfavorable high grade, high stage group, and when used together with Ki-67 index, it is a predictive factor for survival.

Laser ablation of renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney: a 9-year follow-up

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser ablation of upper-tract urothelial tumors has been well documented in the urologic literature. However, the standard treatment of choice remains radical nephroureterectomy with excision of a cuff of the bladder for most patients. We report on a patient with recurrent superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a solitary kidney treated with Nd:YAG laser with a 9-year follow-up.

Long-term follow-up of endoscopically treated upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This report focuses on the long-term follow-up of patients with endoscopically treated upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) to determine the effectiveness of endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

From May 1983 to April 1994, 44 patients with TCC of the upper urinary tract underwent conservative endourologic treatment with either electrocautery fulguration or neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser at our institution. The mean follow-up period was 5 years (range, 3 months to 11 years).

RESULTS

Renal pelvic tumor sizes ranged from 0.4 to 4.0 cm (mean, 1.5) and ureteral tumors from 0.2 to 1.0 cm (mean, 0.5). The majority of tumors were of pathologic grade 3 or less, and all were Stage T2 or less. Seventeen of 44 patients (38.6%) had local tumor recurrence (mean time to recurrence, 12.8 months; range 1.5 to 64). Mean recurrence time was 7.3 months for renal pelvic tumors and 17.8 months for ureteral tumors. Nineteen of 44 patients (43.2%) developed bladder tumors. The overall 5-year disease-free rate was 57%. No recurrent tumor was shown to have increased in grade, and one recurrent tumor was proved to have progressed in stage. Six patients (14%) ultimately required a nephroureterectomy for recurrence. There were no major complications as a result of endoscopic therapy. Six patients (14%) died of the effects of metastatic TCC, 5 of whom had known muscle invasive bladder TCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endourologic techniques and the conservative treatment of upper urinary tract TCC is an evolving field and can be safely and effectively used as a first-line treatment for upper tract TCC in selected patients.

Long-term outcome after percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis

PURPOSE

The application of conservative surgery has been established in the treatment of transitional cell tumors of the renal pelvis. We reviewed retrospectively the long-term outcome after percutaneous treatment of select patients referred to a tertiary center with transitional cell tumors of the renal pelvis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 28 patients referred with a presumptive diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis based on filling defects noted on excretory urograms. At percutaneous endoscopy tumor was resected in 26 patients, while no tumor was found in 2. All 19 men and 7 women smoked, and mean age at presentation was 65 years. Of the patients 18 presented with hematuria and 6 had bilateral upper tract tumors. After percutaneous resection, the access tract was irradiated either with iridium wire in 12 patients or a commercial high dose rate radiation delivery system in 12. Thiotepa was instilled into the nephrostomy tube without brachytherapy in 1 patient and 1 received no adjuvant treatment in all. All patients were followed by excretory urography and urine cytology. Cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography were performed when technically possible.

RESULTS

After percutaneous tumor resection 6 patients (23%) had local recurrence in the treated renal pelvis, including 3 at 44, 55 and 60 months, respectively. Further conservative treatment was initially possible in 4 of these patients but ultimately only 2 (both of whom had late recurrences) retained the treated kidney. Of the 11 patients with recurrence elsewhere in the urinary tract the bladder was invariably involved (11), while synchronous or metachronous ureteral recurrence was less common (3). Nine patients remained free of any urothelial recurrence in the upper or lower tract. No patient had recurrent tumor in the nephrostomy tract. Of the patients 7 suffered from procedure-related complications, including 1 who had a persistent urinary fistula that failed to heal after brachytherapy and required nephroureterectomy. There have been 6 deaths during followup, of which 2 were disease related. The 3-year estimated local recurrence-free survival rate was 86% (95% confidence interval 63 to 95%), cause-specific survival rate 91% (95% confidence interval 67 to 98%) and overall survival rate 78% (95% confidence interval 55 to 90%). Differences in recurrence-free survival, comparing those with recurrence in the treated renal pelvis or elsewhere in the urothelium and those remaining disease-free, did not translate to a significant overall survival difference (p < 0.5) between these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the combination of percutaneous local resection and tract irradiation offers an effective long-term alternative to radical extirpation in the management of select patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma confined to the renal pelvis. When the postoperative nephrostogram demonstrates a leaking renal pelvis, tract irradiation should not be given.

Urologic applications of the holmium laser: preliminary experience

The holmium: YAG laser produces light of 2100 nm, which has tissue penetration of less than 0.5 mm. The energy can be delivered endoscopically with a low water-content quartz fiber and can fragment all types of calculi and ablate tissue, both neoplasms and strictures. Application of this laser in 43 procedures in 37 patients demonstrated its safety and effectiveness for these different applications throughout the urinary tract.

The role of ureteroscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in various indications

Ureteroscopy is now in routine use for the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies in the upper urinary tract. We report here on our experience in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the 11.5 F rigid ureteroscope in 85 patients and 88 ureters. An overall success rate of 68.18% (60/88) was achieved when therapeutic and diagnostic interventions were evaluated together. Success rate was 66.65% in the treatment of ureteral stones (all locations), 100% in the removal of retained catheters, and 81.82% in diagnostic interventions. Frequencies of complications like postoperative fever, stone migration, and various degrees of ureteral perforation were 5.68%, 5.68%, and 7.95%, respectively, consistent with current literature. We conclude that rigid ureteroscopy can be safely applied for appropriate indications in the hands of competent urologists.

Ureteroscopic management of transitional cell tumors

Eighty-nine ureteroscopies, comprising 102 renal units, were performed on 31 patients for diagnosis, treatment or follow-up of transitional cell tumors of the upper urinary tract. The indications were hematuria or filling defect (29 endoscopies), treatment of tumor (19) and follow-up (41), i.e. 33, 21 and 48 renal units. Ureteroscopy (including 2 peroperative) was satisfactorily completed in 93 units. Tumor was suspected or diagnosed in 57 units, but later disproved in 11. Two tumors were overlooked at endoscopy. Surgery was performed in 21 cases (bilateral in 3), with indications based on ureteroscopic findings in 58%. Electroresection, laser photocoagulation or fulguration was done on ten units (average treatment sessions 2.6). Inadequate ureteroscopic treatment led to surgery in two of these units, but in seven open surgery was avoided (follow-up 6-47, mean 25 months). One old patient had no further treatment. Follow-up ureteroscopy was planned for 48 units and completed in 42. Complications occurred after 11 of 89 endoscopies. Ureteroscopic management of upper-tract urothelial tumors can be satisfactory, with long freedom from recurrence.

Subcutaneous port for longterm access and administration of topical chemotherapy to the upper urinary tract

Fourteen silicone pigtail catheters were inserted into the renal pelves of ten 25 kg. pigs. These catheters were connected to injection ports implanted in the flank. Each animal received 15 mg. of thiotepa, into one port, weekly for 8 weeks. These were well tolerated. Percutaneous radiography and histological examination showed effective distribution of thiotepa throughout the upper urinary tract. Microscopic changes included cytoplasmic vacuolation, cystic changes and denudation of the mucosa. There was edema and chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the submucosa. This method of access to the upper tracts should be considered for long-term recurrent treatment of upper tract superficial transitional cell carcinoma.