Percutaneous management of renal pelvic tumors: a treatment option in selected cases

Outcomes of endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

While radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the gold-standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), a growing volume of literature surrounding endoscopic, organ-sparing procedures has developed over the past few decades. Based on this, endoscopic management of UTUC has gained acceptance as a standard of care approach, particularly among those with low-risk disease or with imperative indications for organ preservation. As a rare disease, however, data is mostly restricted to retrospective single institution series with relatively small numbers. Therefore, comparative outcomes of endoscopic management to RNU remain incompletely defined. Furthermore, the comparative utility of endoscopic approaches (ureteroscopy versus percutaneous resection) and topical therapy following resection lacks prospective analysis. In this article we review the available literature on endoscopic management of UTUC.

Future strategies to enhance kidney preservation in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Though radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard treatment for high grade or invasive disease in upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), kidney-sparing surgery has become preferred for low risk disease, in order to minimize morbidity and preserve renal function. Many methods exist for endoscopic management, whether via an antegrade percutaneous or retrograde ureteroscopic approach, including electroresection, laser ablation, and fulguration. There has been an increase in use of adjuvant intracavitary therapy, predominantly using mitomycin and bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), to reduce recurrence after primary endoscopic management for noninvasive tumors, although efficacy remains questionable. Intraluminal BCG has additionally been used for primary treatment of CIS in the upper tract, with around 50% success. Newer investigations include use of narrow band imaging or photodynamic diagnosis with ureteroscopy to improve visualization during diagnosis and treatment. Genomic characterization may improve selection for kidney-sparing surgery as well as identify actionable mutations for systemic therapy. The evolution in adjuvant management has seen strategies to increase the dwell time and the urothelial contact of intraluminal agents. Lastly, chemoablation using a hydrogel for sustained effect of mitomycin is under investigation with promising early results. Continued expansion of the armamentarium available and better identification and characterization of tumors ideal for organ-sparing treatment will further improve kidney preservation in UTUC.

"Extreme" renal preservation: neoadjuvant chemotherapy and percutaneous resection for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma in a patient with solitary kidney--a case report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Renal preservation in selected patients with upper-tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) has been well described, offering an alternative to radical nephroureterectomy. We present our experiences in performing percutaneous treatments after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in one such patient with a large, complex, high-grade UTUC in a solitary kidney.

CASE REPORT

A 55-year-old woman with a solitary kidney presented with a 5.2 cm enhancing mass with calcifications involving the left renal pelvis and lower pole. Cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography demonstrated normal bladder mucosa. Ureteroscopy revealed a large, papillary tumor occupying the renal pelvis. Ureteroscopic treatment was deemed impossible because of the lesion's volume. We proceeded with percutaneous resection after downsizing the tumor after a course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Using a 25F resectoscope via a percutaneous tract, resection was performed to fully excise the tumor, and the patient received two postoperative chemotherapy courses. A recurrence developed within an isolated calix 8 months postoperatively, which was also managed percutaneously.

CONCLUSION

A multimodal approach in a highly motivated patient could represent a reasonable strategy for patients in whom such a therapy is desired.

Endoscopic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma

Upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) accounts for up to 10% of cases of neoplasm of the upper urinary tract. The “gold standard” management of upper tract TCC is nephroureterectomy. Technological innovations, miniaturisations and increased availability of energy sources such as Holmium laser fibers have improved the armamentarium of endoscopic management of upper tract TCC. Endoscopic management of upper tract TCC includes the percutaneous (antegrade) and retrograde approaches. Modern flexible ureterorenoscopy allows retrograde approach to small (<1.5cm), low grade and noninvasive tumors, which is inaccessible to standard rigid ureteroscopes without breaching the urothelial barrier. In patients with large tumors or in whom retrograde access is difficult, the percutaneous approach to the renal pelvis, although more invasive, provides an alternative access and control. Both retrograde and percutaneous approaches allow instillation of various chemotherapeutic agents. Careful selection of patients is the key point in the successful endoscopic management of upper tract TCC. Patient selection is based on tumor size, grade and multifocality and other patient factors such as comorbidities, single kidney, post kidney transplant and patient choice. Both motivation and compliance of patients are needed for long-term successes. However, until large randomized trials with long term follow-up are available, endoscopic management of upper tract TCC should be reserved for only selected group of patients. This review summarizes the current techniques, indications, contraindications and outcomes of endoscopic management of UTTCC and the key published data.

Urethral Recurrence of Invasive Carcinoma following BCG Treatment for Bladder Ca in Situ

CIS is a flat, high-grade, non-invasive microscopic urothelial carcinoma. It is considered a precursor of invasive bladder cancer. CIS is classified as primary, secondary or concurrent, when occurred as isolated CIS without cuncurrent papillary tumors, or detected during the follow-up of patients with a previous papillary tumor, or finally in the presence of bladder neoplasm. BCG is widely established as the treatment of choice for CIS with a success rate of approximately 70%. BCG reduces the risk of progression of CIS into invasive carcinoma in 30 to 50% of cases. Direct and prolonged contact between the urothelium and BCG is a prerequisite for successful therapy. Discovery of CIS in the prostatic or membranous urethra represents an ominous sign. CIS may be present only in the epithelial lining of the prostatic urethra or in the ducts, or in the worst case it may be found in the prostatic tissue stroma. Urethral involvement by CIS is at high risk of tumor progression and development of metastases due to reduced thickness of lamina propria and absence of muscolaris mucosa. 83 patients, enrolled from 1/1996 to 12/2005 at our urological department with CIS: primary (focal and multifocal) in 25, secondary in 7 and cuncurrent in 51 (associated with T1bG3 cancer in 37 cases), and urethral CIS in 5 and conservatively treated by TUR and intravescical instillations of BCG, 4 developed after words only invasive cancer of the urethra in the absence of bladder involvement. In 2 cases cancer arised from the prostatic fossa after TURP, in 1 from membranous urethra and in the last from prostatic ducts. Among the 4 patients, 3 were treated by cystoprostatourethrectomy and Platinum-based chemotherapy, 1 refused surgical treatment. Two patients died for disseminated disease. 1 patient is alive at 60–month's follow-up. In the last patient cancer relapsed at 36–month's follow-up. We conclude that prostatic/urethral involvement during follow-up after successful intravesical treatment with BCG in CIS represents a high risk of developing invasive and incontrolled cancer. A careful watch is recommended in these patients.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for upper tract urothelial cancer: is there a role?

Since the first reported case of using adjuvant topical immunotherapy utilizing bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was published by Herr and associates, several institutions have utilized numerous agents for topical infusion therapies (BCG, Mitomycin, Epirubicin, Thiotepa or combination therapy of BCG/INF) as adjuncts in the treatment of upper tract papillary transitional cell carcinoma. A comprehensive review of the current data in the treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (Ta/T1 disease) with adjuvant BCG therapy was completed. Currently, the efficacy of adjuvant BCG therapy was not demonstrated.

Lasers in percutaneous renal procedures

INTRODUCTION

Since the invention of lasers in 1960, they have been increasingly used in medicine. In this review paper, the types of lasers used in urology, in addition to their applications to percutaneous renal surgery will be reviewed. Specifically, use of lasers in the percutaneous management of renal stones, upper tract transitional cell carcinoma and stricture will be reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pubmed was searched for citations since 1966. The following terms were used: "lasers", "calculi", "endopyelotomy", and "transitional cell carcinoma".

RESULTS

Due to its minimal depth of penetration, holmium laser has proven to be safe and efficacious. It is currently the primary energy source for flexible instrumentation, and also has demonstrated efficacy in percutaneous lithotripsy (faster than ultrasonic lithotripsy and safer than electrohydraulic lithotripsy). Holmium laser been used for antegrade endopyelotomy and percutaneous resection of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Holmium laser is safer than other lasers and has become the gold standard for laser lithotripsy for flexible instrumentation. It has been used successfully in the percutaneous management of renal stones, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. Holmium laser is an alternative energy source to conventional lithotripters and electrocautery for endopyelotomy and resection of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Endourologic management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma following cystectomy and urinary diversion

Traditionally, nephroureterectomy is the gold standard therapy for upper tract recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) following cystectomy and urinary diversion. With advances in endoscopic equipment and improvements in technique, conservative endourologic management via a retrograde or antegrade approach is technically feasible with acceptable outcomes in patients with bilateral disease, solitary renal units, chronic renal insufficiency, or significant medical comorbidities. Contemporary studies have expanded the utility of these techniques to include low-grade, low-volume disease in patients with a normal contralateral kidney. The aim of this report is to review the current outcomes of conservative management for upper tract disease and discuss its application and relevance in patients following cystectomy with lower urinary tract reconstruction.

[Conservative treatment of upper urinary tract tumors]

The histological appearance and the clinical behaviour of upper urinary tract urothelial tumours are almost identical to those of the bladder. Superficial papillary tumours rarely progress and turn to invasive disease despite a high frequency of recurrence. Technical developments in the endourology field have allowed full endoscopic access to upper tract tumours. Endoscopic resection or ablation of the tumour can be undertaken safely and effectively through ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephroscopy with low risk of extra-renal tumour seeding. For superficial (Ta, T1), low grade (I, II) tumours, a conservative approach can be selected without compromising survival and prognosis. For muscle invasive > T2 or high grade (III) tumours, nephroureterectomy remains the treatment of choice. Intracavitary BCG used after percutaneous resection reduces the risk of recurrence of upper tract urothelial tumours regardless of the grade. Finally, the world literature and our personal experience have shown that the tumour grade and stage are the two independent factors that affect survival of patients with upper urinary tract tumours.

Ureteroscopic management of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Traditionally, nephroureterectomy has been the treatment of choice for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. In an effort to preserve renal function, conservative therapy has evolved from complex open surgery to minimally invasive ureteroscopic therapy. Considering the relatively recent emergence of ureteroscopic therapy, a review of technical considerations and treatment outcome is timely.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is emerging evidence that ureteroscopic treatment of low grade upper tract lesions provides an acceptable oncologic result while preserving functioning renal parenchyma. In patients with low grade upper tract urothelial lesions, progression is rarely reported. Ureteroscopy has for over a decade been the premier diagnostic tool, with the actively deflectable flexible instrument being employed to map the entire intrarenal collecting system. Improvements in instrumentation and refinement in technique have broadened the application of the ureteroscope in treating upper urinary tract urothelial tumors.

SUMMARY

For low grade lesions, which make up more than 50% of all presentations, ureteroscopic management has proven efficacious. As with similar grade lesions in the bladder, these patients require careful, consistent, and often lifelong follow up as many will develop recurrent lesions throughout the urothelium. Here too, ureteroscopy has a central role in surveillance.

Percutaneous Management of Upper-Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

The gold standard treatment for supravesical urothelial carcinoma has been open radical nephroureterectomy based on the premise that this cancer is a field defect. However, nephroureterectomy is an extensive procedure that may not be tolerated by all patients. Percutaneous and ureteroscopic approaches have been utilized in an attempt to avoid the potential morbidity associated with traditional open surgery. This review provides an update on percutaneous management of upper-tract urothelial transitional-cell cancer based on a review of the pertinent literature.

Percutaneous nephroscopic management of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma: recurrence and long-term followup

PURPOSE

We present long-term results of the percutaneous approach and resection of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma, and we evaluate the prognostic factors related to recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients underwent primary percutaneous resection of an upper urothelial tumor. We treated the patients with a superficial tumor that was completely resected macroscopically. Adjuvant topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy was administered. Patients were followed with excretory urography. Ureteroscopy and computerized tomography were obtained when clinically indicated.

RESULTS

With a mean followup of 51 months ipsilateral recurrence developed in 41.2%. Median time to recurrence was 24 months. The rate of kidney preservation was 73.5%. Two patients died of the disease. There was a trend of recurrence in patients with multifocal tumors (OR 2.66, 95% CI 0.07-1.92), history of bladder carcinoma in situ (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.61-3.74), tumor in renal pelvis (OR 6.45, 95% CI 0.01-1.46) and multiple tumor locations (OR 6.53, 95% CI 0.01-1.54).

CONCLUSIONS

The percutaneous approach to renal urothelial tumor should be considered a valid option with a good long-term outcome. Recurrence is not uncommon and, as transitional cell carcinoma superficial bladder cancer it may be treated with endourological maneuvers or radical surgery, but with the obligation to a long lasting, strict surveillance.

Percutaneous management of renal pelvic urothelial tumors: long-term followup

PURPOSE

We present the long-term outcome of percutaneous resection of renal urothelial tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 patients underwent primary percutaneous resection of renal urothelial tumor. Patients with low stage pT0-1 disease were treated primarily with percutaneous surgery. All pelvicaliceal tumors were taken for biopsy and treated with percutaneous resection. Patients with multi-segmental pelvicaliceal system involvement, stage greater than pT1, high grade histology or additional ureteral tumors were considered for nephroureterectomy. Topical chemotherapy (mitomycin C or epirubicin) was administered via nephrostomy tube or intravesical instillation after Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) insertion. Surveillance included upper tract cytology, nephroscopy or fiberoptic ureterorenoscopy. Long-term followup was correlated with histopathology.

RESULTS

Of the 24 cases 2 had squamous cell carcinoma, 5 had grade III transitional cell carcinoma, 15 had grade I to II transitional cell carcinoma and 2 had no tumor. Control was established with initial percutaneous resection in 18 (75%) cases and second look nephroscopy in 4. Early recurrences were detected by excretory urography (IVP) in 3 cases, small pelvic recurrences by IVP in 2, fiberoptic ureterorenoscopy in 2 and bladder tumors by flexible cystoscopy in 3 after 1 year. A total of 10 nephroscopies were performed in 5 cases, 24 flexible uretereorenoscopies in 9 and IVP in 6. Three synchronous, grade I bladder tumors were managed conventionally. All patients with high grade disease died of malignancy except one (with no further treatment) and 6 of the 15 patients with low grade noninvasive transitional cell carcinoma underwent nephroureterectomy during followup either due to progression of disease, concomitant tumor or complications. Two patients with solitary kidneys died of renal failure unrelated to malignancy. High grade tumors or tumors greater than T1 were treated with nephroureterectomy early during management. There was no perioperative mortality and 9 (60%) of the low grade cases the kidneys were preserved at a mean followup +/- SD of 64 +/- 15 months. All excised tracks from patients who underwent nephroureterectomy and the renal fossae were free of tumor on histopathological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous resection of transitional cell tumor should be considered primarily in patients with early stage disease excluding tumors crossing caliceal infundibula, ureteropelvic junction tumor, tumor extending over multiple calices and synchronous ureteral tumors. The long-term outcome of low grade tumors is good and they should be managed by either form of minimally invasive surgery. Nephron sparing is possible in a large percentage of low grade disease but high grade tumors should be treated with nephroureterectomy.

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.

Kidney autotransplantation in a patient with renal pelvic and bladder carcinomas

A 66-year-old Japanese woman, whose left kidney was non-functioning, was referred to us with a diagnosis of invasive bladder carcinoma and right renal pelvic carcinoma. The latter tumor was clearly packed in the renal calyx and was considered to be of low-grade malignancy. Nephron preserving surgery of the right kidney was performed, followed by radical cystectomy and construction of an ileal conduit. The postoperative course was good, without significant complications. Renal function was restored and a postoperative imaging study showed a well-functioning transplanted kidney. At present (20 months after surgery), the patient is doing well and has presented no signs of recurrence of the disease.

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.

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.

Primary percutaneous approach to upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma

The optimal approach to upper tract TCC remains to be redefined. A routine nephroureterectomy for every filling defect in the upper urinary system, even in the case of a normal contralateral kidney, constitutes an unnecessary mutilation in more than two thirds of the cases. Nephroureterectomy does not reduce the need for a long-term cystoscopic follow-up because of the high rate of bladder tumor recurrence that may happen years later after nephroureterectomy. Relying solely on radiography and cytology, lacking sensitivity and specificity, to recommend a nephroureterectomy is against the principles of oncologic surgery, especially now that preoperative histologic proof is easy to obtain endoscopically without compromising cancer control. Ureteroscopy, rigid and flexible, provides a complete assessment of the upper urinary system. Biopsy specimens taken with ureteroscopy may be sufficient for grading but less adequate for staging of the tumor. The authors reserve ureteroscopy for ureteral tumors and small (< 1.5 cm) single tumors of the renal pelvis. They approach large or multiple tumors of the renal pelvis percutaneously, in which a full histologic assessment is possible along with a complete resection of the tumor. The decision on the therapeutic approach is made only after the final pathologic report is reviewed. Grade I and grade II superficial disease (Ta, T1) can be treated endoscopically with minimal morbidity and with an efficiency comparable with the standard more invasive nephroureterectomy (Table 5). The indications for endourologic treatment in these cases can be extended safely beyond a solitary kidney or a high surgical risk to include any healthy individual with a normal contralateral kidney who is willing to commit to a rigorous lifelong follow-up. Patients with grade II T1 lesions require a more vigilant follow-up. For grade III Ta disease, more caution should be exercised in selecting these patients for elective endourologic management. When criteria of good prognosis are found, such as absence of carcinoma in situ, presence of diploidy, low p53 expression and a single-tumor, endoscopic management can be offered [table: see text] with a closer follow-up and resorting always to immediate nephroureterectomy at the first evidence of upstaging. Because of the high incidence of recurrence and progression, elective endourologic management for grade III T1 tumors is not recommended. Endoscopic conservative surgery still can be offered in the cases of a solitary kidney or chronic renal insufficiency or for poor surgical candidates. Patients with localized stages (T2, T3) TCC should be offered immediate nephroureterectomy. The authors do not expect adequate endoscopic extirpation with muscle invasive tumors. Although the tissue removed may include deep layers, deep resection is precluded by the thin renal pelvic wall and the associated risk for perforation. Patients with more extensive disease (T3, T4) have a bad prognosis regardless of the form of therapy. Achieving local control percutaneously while preserving as many nephrons as possible for the future chemotherapy can be a reasonable option.

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.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation treatment for carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the efficacy and safety of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) perfusion treatment forcarcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six patients with cytologically diagnosed CIS of the upper urinary tract were treated by BCG instillation via retrograde catheterization using a 6 F ureteric catheter or an 8 F indwelling JJ ureteric stent between the ureter and bladder. BCG (Tokyo 172 strain, 80 mg in 100 mL normal saline) was instilled weekly for 4 or 8 weeks. The efficacy and safety of the treatment was assessed.

RESULTS

The mean (range) follow-up was 22 (9-38) months; none of the patients died, and all were negative for cytology in urine collected from the upper urinary tracts. However, one patient had recurrent CIS in the prostatic urethra; the patient was treated by intravesical BCG instillation. In all patients, positive cytology became negative after one or two instillations of BCG. The ureter became stenotic in two patients. Although irritative symptoms occurred in all patients, such side-effects disappeared in a few months and were not clinically significant.

CONCLUSION

In these six patients retrograde BCG instillation for CIS of the upper urinary tract was effective and safe. Based on the cytology results after only two BCG treatments, the dose or number of BCG instillations could possibly be reduced, but further study is needed.

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.

Ex vivo partial nephrectomy and partial kidney autotransplantation for renal pelvic carcinoma in a functionally solitary kidney: case report

A 46-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with a left renal pelvic carcinoma and a contralateral hypoplastic kidney. The tumor was adjacent to the renal pelvis and was considered too difficult to completely resect in situ. The patient was treated by ex vivo partial nephrectomy of the left kidney followed by autotransplantation of the remaining renal segment. A pathologic evaluation revealed a transitional cell carcinoma, G2, pT3. Graft function recovered satisfactorily postautotransplantation and no significant complications developed during the postoperative period. The patient is alive and doing well 12 months postoperatively with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Laparoscopic approaches to transitional cell carcinomas of the upper urinary tract

Traditionally transitional cell tumors of the upper urinary tract are treated by nephroureterectomy. In circumstances where low functional renal reserve necessitates renal parenchymal preservation, endoscopic or percutaneous treatment may be an option for low grade and stage lesions. In this article, the role of laparoscopic surgery as an alternative modality to open surgery is discussed. Techniques of laparoscopic nephroureterctomy are described and different approaches (transperitoneal, retroperitoneal, and gasless hand-assisted) are contrasted. The limitations imposed on laparoscopic treatment by the requirement of adherence to oncological principles of tumor containment and excision of the intramural ureter, are outlined. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, although technically demanding, has been shown to be a feasible procedure. Benefits of the laparoscopic approach include shortened hospital stay and early return to daily activities. It is unclear at this time whether these immediate advantages over open surgery will yield comparatively efficacious long term outcomes.

Nd:YAG laser application in the treatment of upper urinary tract tumours

— 29 patients were referred to our Department for upper urinary tract tumours and underwent ureteropyeloscopy with laser irradiation of the neoplasm. All the patients had been selected for this treatment previously because of solitary kidney, bilateral tumours, poor renal function, refusal of nephroureterectomy. The tumours were treated with Nd:YAG laser irradiation at 25–30 Watts/3 sec. Before the procedure, the ureter and pelvis were accessed by a 0.035 inch guide wire or 4 French ureteral catheter. No important side effects were noted after the procedure in 27 of the 29 patients. Two patients developed ureteral stenosis; the first after several treatments, the other after the first treatment. Follow-up consists of endoscopic surveillance every three months in the first year then every 6 months in the absence of recurrences. At present 10 patients are tumour-free, 3 patients underwent nephroureterectomy for massive recurrences and the other patients underwent new laser irradiation.

Definitive tumor resection and percutaneous bacille Calmette-Guérin for management of renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma in solitary kidneys

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to evaluate the safety and initial efficacy of definitive tumor resection combined with percutaneous bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for management of renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in patients with solitary kidneys.

METHODS

Eight patients with anatomically solitary kidneys, all of whom had a prior history of TCC elsewhere in the urinary tract, were treated with either partial nephrectomy (n = 2) or percutaneous resection (n = 6) combined with a 6-week course of topical BCG administered percutaneously. Seven (87.5%) of the 8 patients tolerated the complete BCG course without adverse effects. One patient required cessation of treatment for renal insufficiency, which resolved with discontinuation of therapy. Follow-up nephroscopy was performed 3 months after the initial tumor resection in 6 of the 8 patients, and all patients underwent regular follow-up surveillance at 3- to 6-month intervals thereafter with radiographic, cytologic, and, in some cases, ureteroscopic examinations.

RESULTS

With follow-up ranging from 9 to 59 (mean, 22) months, local tumor recurrence has become evident in only 1 patient. Two other patients have developed distant metastatic disease, both of whom had invasive TCC elsewhere in the urinary tract prior to treatment of the upper tract tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining a 6-week course of percutaneously administered topical BCG with definitive tumor resection is generally well tolerated, and, ultimately, this protocol may result in a decreased incidence of local tumor recurrence in these high-risk patients.