Nephrectomy: indications and complications in 347 patients

Transperitoneal laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis: Tips and tricks to make it easier

PURPOSE

We report our experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) for giant hydronephrosis (GH) and compare the outcome data with open nephrectomy (ON).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The retrospective data of 88 patients (52 males and 36 females) who underwent LN or ON for treatment of GH in the period between October 2015 and December 2019 were investigated. LN was performed in 38 patients, while 50 patients underwent ON. We compared the two groups for success, operative time, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in the LN group was 45.8 ± 11.4 years, and it was 44.7 ± 10.8 years in the ON group. The mean operative time in the LN group was statistically significantly longer when compared with the ON group195 ± 18 min versus 127 ± 22 min (p = 0.01).The estimated blood loss was significantly greater in the ON group (p = 0.01). However, no patients required blood transfusions in either group. The visual analog pain (VAP) scores were significantly higher on both day 1 and day 2 in the ON group 3.6 ± 0.9 and 2 ± 0.7 versus 2.7 ± 0.6 and 1.4 ± 0.5 in LN group, (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

LN for GH is feasible, safe, and efficacious. Compared to open surgery, the laparoscopic approach resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays, decreased morbidity, and quicker recovery. Some tips and tricks could help to do it in an easier way and reduce the operative time.

Early and late adverse renal effects after potentially nephrotoxic treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Improvements in diagnostics and treatment for paediatric malignancies resulted in a major increase in survival. However, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of developing adverse effects caused by multimodal treatment for their malignancy. Nephrotoxicity is a known side effect of several treatments, including cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiotherapy and nephrectomy, and can cause glomerular filtration rate (GFR) impairment, proteinuria, tubulopathy, and hypertension. Evidence about the long-term effects of these treatments on renal function remains inconclusive. It is important to know the risk of, and risk factors for, early and late adverse renal effects, so that ultimately treatment and screening protocols can be adjusted. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate existing evidence on the effects of potentially nephrotoxic treatment modalities on the prevalence of renal dysfunction in survivors treated for childhood cancer with a median or mean survival of at least one year after cessation of treatment, where possible in comparison with the general population or CCS treated without potentially nephrotoxic treatment. In addition, to evaluate evidence on associated risk factors, such as follow-up duration, age at time of diagnosis and treatment combinations, as well as the effect of doses.

SEARCH METHODS

On 31 March 2017 we searched the following electronic databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase. In addition, we screened reference lists of relevant studies and we searched the congress proceedings of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) from 2010 to 2016/2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Except for case reports, case series and studies including fewer than 20 participants, we included studies with all study designs that reported on renal function (one year or longer after cessation of treatment), in CCS treated before the age of 21 years with cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiation involving the kidney region, a nephrectomy, or a combination of two or more of these treatments. When not all treatment modalities were described or the study group of interest was unclear, a study was not eligible for the evaluation of prevalence. We still included it for the assessment of risk factors if it had performed a multivariable analysis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed study selection, 'Risk of bias' assessment and data extraction using standardised data collection forms. We performed analyses according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

Apart from the remaining 37 studies included from the original review, the search resulted in the inclusion of 24 new studies. In total, we included 61 studies; 46 for prevalence, six for both prevalence and risk factors, and nine not meeting the inclusion criteria, but assessing risk factors. The 52 studies evaluating the prevalence of renal dysfunction included 13,327 participants of interest, of whom at least 4499 underwent renal function testing. The prevalence of adverse renal effects ranged from 0% to 84%. This variation may be due to diversity of included malignancies, received treatments, reported outcome measures, follow-up duration and the methodological quality of available evidence.Seven out of 52 studies, including 244 participants, reported the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, which ranged from 2.4% to 32%.Of these 52 studies, 36 studied a decreased (estimated) GFR, including at least 432 CCS, and found it was present in 0% to 73.7% of participants. One eligible study reported an increased risk of glomerular dysfunction after concomitant treatment with aminoglycosides and vancomycin in CCS receiving total body irradiation (TBI). Four non-eligible studies assessing a total cohort of CCS, found nephrectomy and (high-dose (HD)) ifosfamide as risk factors for decreased GFR. The majority also reported cisplatin as a risk factor. In addition, two non-eligible studies showed an association of a longer follow-up period with glomerular dysfunction.Twenty-two out of 52 studies, including 851 participants, studied proteinuria, which was present in 3.5% to 84% of participants. Risk factors, analysed by three non-eligible studies, included HD cisplatin, (HD) ifosfamide, TBI, and a combination of nephrectomy and abdominal radiotherapy. However, studies were contradictory and incomparable.Eleven out of 52 studies assessed hypophosphataemia or tubular phosphate reabsorption (TPR), or both. Prevalence ranged between 0% and 36.8% for hypophosphataemia in 287 participants, and from 0% to 62.5% for impaired TPR in 246 participants. One non-eligible study investigated risk factors for hypophosphataemia, but could not find any association.Four out of 52 studies, including 128 CCS, assessed the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia, which ranged between 13.2% and 28.6%. Both non-eligible studies investigating risk factors identified cisplatin as a risk factor. Carboplatin, nephrectomy and follow-up time were other reported risk factors.The prevalence of hypertension ranged from 0% to 50% in 2464 participants (30/52 studies). Risk factors reported by one eligible study were older age at screening and abdominal radiotherapy. A non-eligible study also found long follow-up time as risk factor. Three non-eligible studies showed that a higher body mass index increased the risk of hypertension. Treatment-related risk factors were abdominal radiotherapy and TBI, but studies were inconsistent.Because of the profound heterogeneity of the studies, it was not possible to perform meta-analyses. Risk of bias was present in all studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of adverse renal effects after treatment with cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiation therapy involving the kidney region, nephrectomy, or any combination of these, ranged from 0% to 84% depending on the study population, received treatment combination, reported outcome measure, follow-up duration and methodological quality. With currently available evidence, it was not possible to draw solid conclusions regarding the prevalence of, and treatment-related risk factors for, specific adverse renal effects. Future studies should focus on adequate study designs and reporting, including large prospective cohort studies with adequate control groups when possible. In addition, these studies should deploy multivariable risk factor analyses to correct for possible confounding. Next to research concerning known nephrotoxic therapies, exploring nephrotoxicity after new therapeutic agents is advised for future studies. Until more evidence becomes available, CCS should preferably be enrolled into long-term follow-up programmes to monitor their renal function and blood pressure.

Early and late renal adverse effects after potentially nephrotoxic treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Great improvements in diagnostics and treatment for malignant disease in childhood have led to a major increase in survival. However, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at great risk for developing adverse effects caused by multimodal treatment for their malignancy. Nephrotoxicity is one of these known (acute) side effects of several treatments, including cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiotherapy and nephrectomy, and can cause glomerular filtration rate impairment, proteinuria, tubulopathy and hypertension. However, evidence about the long-term effects of these treatments on renal function remains inconclusive. To reduce the number of (long-term) nephrotoxic events in CCS, it is important to know the risk of, and risk factors for, early and late renal adverse effects, so that ultimately treatment and screening protocols can be adjusted.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate existing evidence on the effects of potentially nephrotoxic treatment modalities on the prevalence of and associated risk factors for renal dysfunction in survivors treated for childhood cancer with a median or mean survival of at least one year after cessation of treatment, where possible in comparison with healthy controls or CCS treated without potentially nephrotoxic treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2011), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to December 2011) and EMBASE/Ovid (from 1980 to December 2011).

SELECTION CRITERIA

With the exception of case reports, case series and studies including fewer than 20 participants, we included studies with all study designs that reported on renal function (one year or longer after cessation of treatment) in children and adults who were treated for a paediatric malignancy (aged 18 years or younger at diagnosis) with cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiation including the kidney region and/or a nephrectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction using standardised data collection forms. Analyses were performed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

The search strategy identified 5504 studies, of which 5138 were excluded on the basis of title and/or abstract. The full-text screening of the remaining 366 articles resulted in the inclusion of 57 studies investigating the prevalence of and sometimes also risk factors for early and late renal adverse effects of treatment for childhood cancer. The 57 studies included at least 13,338 participants of interest for this study, of whom at least 6516 underwent renal function testing. The prevalence of renal adverse effects ranged from 0% to 84%. This variation may be due to diversity in included malignancies, prescribed treatments, reported outcome measurements and the methodological quality of available evidence.Chronic kidney disease/renal insufficiency (as defined by the authors of the original studies) was reported in 10 of 57 studies. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease ranged between 0.5% and 70.4% in the 10 studies and between 0.5% and 18.8% in the six studies that specifically investigated Wilms' tumour survivors treated with a unilateral nephrectomy.A decreased (estimated) glomerular filtration rate was present in 0% to 50% of all assessed survivors (32/57 studies). Total body irradiation; concomitant treatment with aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin B or cyclosporin A; older age at treatment and longer interval from therapy to follow-up were significant risk factors reported in multivariate analyses. Proteinuria was present in 0% to 84% of all survivors (17/57 studies). No study performed multivariate analysis to assess risk factors for proteinuria.Hypophosphataemia was assessed in seven studies. Reported prevalences ranged between 0% and 47.6%, but four of seven studies found a prevalence of 0%. No studies assessed risk factors for hypophosphataemia using multivariate analysis. The prevalence of impairment of tubular phosphate reabsorption was mostly higher (range 0% to 62.5%; 11/57 studies). Higher cumulative ifosfamide dose, concomitant cisplatin treatment, nephrectomy and longer follow-up duration were significant risk factors for impaired tubular phosphate reabsorption in multivariate analyses.Treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin was associated with a significantly lower serum magnesium level in multivariate analysis, and the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia ranged between 0% and 37.5% in the eight studies investigating serum magnesium.Hypertension was investigated in 24 of the 57 studies. Reported prevalences ranged from 0% to 18.2%. A higher body mass index was the only significant risk factor noted in more than one multivariate analysis. Other reported factors that significantly increased the risk of hypertension were use of total body irradiation, abdominal irradiation, acute kidney injury, unrelated or autologous stem cell donor type, growth hormone therapy and older age at screening. Previous infection with hepatitis C significantly decreased the risk of hypertension.Because of the profound heterogeneity of the studies, it was not possible to perform any meta-analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of renal adverse events after treatment with cisplatin, carboplatin, ifosfamide, radiation therapy involving the kidney region and/or nephrectomy ranged from 0% to 84%. With currently available evidence, it was not possible to draw any conclusions with regard to prevalence of and risk factors for renal adverse effects. Future studies should focus on adequate study design and reporting and should deploy multivariate risk factor analysis to correct for possible confounding. Until more evidence becomes available, CCS should be enrolled into long-term follow-up programmes to monitor their renal function and blood pressure.

Operative mortality after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To study the rate and causes of operative and treatment-related mortality after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Iceland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective population-based study included all patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC in Iceland between 1971 and 2000. Patients who died <30 days after the operation were analyzed and compared to those who survived surgery. Disease stage, tumor size, patient age and preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists classification were compared between the two groups. Autopsy records were examined to determine the causes of death.

RESULTS

During the study period 880 patients were diagnosed with RCC and 575 (65%) of them underwent a nephrectomy, 116 (20%) with palliative intent. Operative mortality (OM) was 2.8% and did not change during the 30-year period. Patients with OM were significantly older than those without (73 vs 64 years, respectively) but disease stage, tumor size, ASA classification and gender were comparable between the groups. OM was comparable for patients operated on with palliative (3.4%) vs. curative (2.6%) intent (ns). Median time of death was 10 days postoperatively but no patient died intraoperatively. Causes of death were peri- and postoperative bleeding in five patients, infection/sepsis in four, arrhythmia in three, acute renal failure in two, pulmonary embolism in one and multiorgan failure in one.

CONCLUSIONS

OM after nephrectomy for RCC has remained low during the past three decades in Iceland. It is most often caused by perioperative bleeding and infections. We find that the low OM in patients with metastases gives support to the use of palliative nephrectomy as a treatment option when other forms of treatment have failed.

Combined nephrectomy and major hepatectomy: indications, outcomes, and recommendations

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous nephrectomy with major hepatectomy (NMH) is uncommon. We reviewed our experience with NMH.

STUDY DESIGN

Records of patients who underwent NMH at Emory Hospital between January 1995 and May 2008 were examined. Patients undergoing resection of three or more liver segments at the same setting as a total nephrectomy were included. Indications and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent NMH. Mean (+/- SD) age was 59.9+/-12.8 years, 6 (30%) were women, and 15 (75%) presented with comorbidities. Most kidney neoplasms were renal cell carcinomas of the right kidney (n=16, 80%) with a mean diameter of 10.0+/-6.1 cm. Eight patients (40%) also underwent thrombectomy for inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. The most common indications for hepatectomy were direct liver invasion in eight patients (40%) and distant hepatic metastases in nine (45%); liver tumors were 4.2+/-3.3 cm (mean +/- SD) in diameter. Mean (+/- SD) operative time was 8.3+/-2.6 hours. Liver resections included 15 (75%) right hepatectomies and 5 (25%) left hepatectomies. In all cases, tumor negative hepatic margins were achieved. Median operative blood loss was 1,700 mL (range 200 to 8,000 mL). Ten patients (50%) suffered complications in the postoperative period; three of these suffered major complications, resulting in one perioperative death (5%). Mean hospital stay was 12+/-8.8 days. Overall survival was 25 months (range 0 to 34 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large series of nephrectomy with simultaneous major hepatectomy, morbidity and mortality were acceptable. In specialized centers NMH may be considered in properly selected patients for combined resection for synchronous neoplasms of the kidney and liver.

Outcome and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous renal surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical difficulties, limitations, outcome, and complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with previous ipsilateral renal surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with a history of epsilateral renal surgery underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for benign renal disease at our center between November 2001 and March 2005. All patients were informed about the details of the laparoscopic procedure, and an informed consent was obtained that included the possibility of an emergency laparotomy. All procedures performed were carried out through a transperitoneal approach. A separate table with a laparotomy set was available in the room and ready for open conversion.

RESULTS

The procedure was completed in 13 patients. Excluding the cases converted to open surgery, the operative time ranged from 120 to 210 minutes, with a mean of 170 +/- 32.9. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 30 to 400 cc, with a mean blood loss of 100. Complications included minor visceral injury (liver) in 1 patient, minor bleeding in 2, major bleeding (open conversion) in 1, technical failure (open conversion) in 4, postoperative bleeding (reexploration) in 1, and postoperative renal bed collection in 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an alternative to the open nephrectomy for the removal of nonfunctioning kidneys in benign diseases and results in less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. A higher conversion to open and complication rate should be expected in patients with previous open or endoscopic renal surgery and postinflammatory conditions.

Analysis of Complications Following Partial and Total Nephrectomy for Renal Cancer in a Population Based Sample

PURPOSE

We determined the frequency and predictors of complications of partial and total nephrectomy in a population based sample.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 3,019 partial and 18,575 total nephrectomies identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample data set of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (2000 to 2003). The prevalence of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision coded complications following nephrectomy was determined. Hospital and patient related factors associated with the occurrence of a complication were determined by logistic regression analysis. We evaluated the impact of complications on in-hospital mortality, length of stay and hospital charges.

RESULTS

Respiratory, digestive and bleeding complications were the most common, with similar patterns for partial nephrectomy and total nephrectomy. Significant predictors of complications after total nephrectomy included age, male sex, comorbidity severity index and hospital location (rural vs urban), while comorbidity was the only significant predictor for partial nephrectomy complications. Any complication had a significant impact on in-hospital mortality, total charges and length of stay. Digestive and urinary complications, hemorrhage, and postoperative infections had a significant impact on in-hospital mortality after partial nephrectomy, while these same complications, in addition to respiratory and cardiac complications, had a significant impact on total charges and length of stay. All except digestive complications had a significant impact on mortality, hospital charges and length of stay for patients undergoing total nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population based cohort partial nephrectomy and total nephrectomy are associated with low morbidity and mortality profiles, and all complications affect mortality, length of hospital stay and charges.

Indications for nephrectomy in children: what has changed?

OBJECTIVE

To review the indications for nephrectomy in children between 1990 and 2001, at the Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 206 nephrectomies. A retrospective review of the patients' notes was performed. The 12-year period was divided into two halves (1990-1996 and 1996-2001) which were then compared.

RESULTS

The total number of nephrectomies per year significantly increased over the period of the study (11.5 and 22.2 per year for 1990-1995 and 1996-2001, respectively; P<0.05), as did the number of partial nephrectomies (one and 23 for 1990-1995 and 1996-2001, respectively; P<0.01). Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), Wilms' tumour and vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) accounted for more than half of the nephrectomies (60% and 68% for 1990-1995 and 1996-2001, respectively). The proportion of nephrectomies performed for these indications did not change (MCDK 25% and 34%, Wilms' 25% and 18%, VUR 16% and 18%, for 1990-1995 and 1996-2001, respectively), but fewer nephrectomies were performed for pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in the second half of the study period (13% and 4% for 1990-1995 and 1996-2001, respectively; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The total number of nephrectomies, including partial nephrectomies, has increased significantly. The decrease in nephrectomies for PUJ obstruction could be accounted for by a more aggressive approach in the management and follow up of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. Of note is that there was no significant change in the proportion of nephrectomies performed for Wilms' tumour, MCDK and VUR.

Retroperitoneoscopic Radical Nephrectomy in Obese Patients: Outcomes and Considerations

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether obesity is associated with surgical outcome in Japanese patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy (RRN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 1999 and March 2005, we performed 98 RRN procedures for patients with renal cell carcinoma. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 or more were defined as obese (group A, n=33) and those with a BMI of <25.0 were defined as non-obese (group B, n=65), in accordance with the criteria of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity. Patient background, degree of surgical invasiveness, and period of convalescence were compared between groups A and B.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, gender, tumor laterality, tumor size, and time until resumption of oral intake and ambulation. However group A had a significantly longer insufflation time (172.1 vs. 137.4 min), greater blood loss (195.3 vs. 48.4 ml) and higher renal specimen weight (440.0 vs. 306.0 g) than group B.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is not a factor that affects patient eligibility for RRN, but is a risk factor for longer insufflation time and greater blood loss.

Should retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy be the standard of care for benign nonfunctioning kidneys? An outcome analysis based on experience with 449 cases in a 5-year period

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic nephrectomy has become a routine procedure at specialized centers with the advantages of less postoperative pain, minimal scars, rapid recovery and short convalescence. We report our experience with the establishment of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy as the standard of care for benign nonfunctioning kidneys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively compared the records of patients who underwent simple nephrectomy retroperitoneoscopically or by open surgery from January 1998 to October 2003 at our center.

RESULTS

A total of 351 simple nephrectomies were done retroperitoneoscopically, while 83 were done as an open procedure. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the retroperitoneoscopic group. However, mean blood loss, complication rate, hospital stay and convalescence were significantly less in the retroperitoneoscopic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy has become a standardized procedure. It should be offered as the primary treatment modality to patients with benign renal disease scheduled for elective nephrectomy except in those in whom it is contraindicated.

Pretransplant native nephrectomy in patients with end-stage renal failure: assessment of the role of laparoscopy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcome and morbidity of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

Between August 1991 and September 2001, 64 laparoscopic nephrectomies were carried out for the native kidneys of 62 patients with end-stage renal failure. The procedures were performed in preparation for renal transplantation. The indications were vesicoureteral reflux with persistent or recurrent urinary tract infection in 26 renal units, uncontrolled hypertension in 15, chronic pyelonephritis or hydronephrosis with urinary tract infection in 8, renal calculi in 13, heavy proteinuria in 1, and small renal tumor in 1. The left side was removed in 52 procedures and the right side was removed in 12. Forty-eight and 16 renal units were removed through the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty procedures were successfully performed (94%). Four patients required open exploration (6%). Four major complications were recorded: pneumothorax in 1, large hematoma in 1, colonic injury in 1, and bleeding in 1. No mortality related to the procedures or their complications occurred. The patients received allograft transplantation shortly after the procedure, with a mean of 26 days. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches were effectively used with satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy should be considered as the procedure of choice for pretransplant nephrectomy. The high success rate, low morbidity, early recovery, and short duration between nephrectomy and transplantation all are considered as real advantages for this patient population.

[Laparoscopic vs. open nephrectomy. 10 years' results of a nonrandomized comparative study of 549 patients with benign kidney diseases]

We report the results from a nonrandomized comparison of open flank vs laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with benign renal disease. Between 1993 and 2002, 549 nephrectomies for benign renal disease were performed at the Department of Urology of the Medical University of Lübeck and the Urological Department of the Martin Luther University in Halle/Wittenberg. There were 236 patients in the open flank nephrectomy group and 313 patients in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. Clinical parameters were compared among both groups. Median operative time in the open flank nephrectomy group was 90 min (range: 30-240 min) and also 90 min in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group (range: 41-210 min). There were 54 complications (17.2%) in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group compared to 60 complications (25.4%) in the open flank nephrectomy group. Patients in the laparoscopy group demonstrated clear advantages in terms of analgesic use for pain control, hospital stay, and convalescence. Laparoscopic nephrectomy results in a significantly briefer postoperative course when compared to open flank nephrectomy. However, due to a limited number of patients, a laparoscopic nephrectomy is mainly reserved for laparoscopic centers. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic approach should be offered to the majority of patients with benign renal disease requiring nephrectomy.

Pathological spectrum of nephrectomies in a general hospital

OBJECTIVES

To first categorize a series of nephrectomies according to underlying pathology, as practised in a major general hospital in the north of Jordan, and then compare the results with published figures for Western countries. Also, to create standards for future evaluation of nephrectomies performed by laparoscopy.

METHODS

The hospital and pathological records of 423 consecutive nephrectomies performed at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital in the north of Jordan during the period of 1991 to 2000 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Benign disease led to surgery in 298 cases, of which 161 were secondary to infection-related conditions. Malignancy resulted in the removal of 125 kidneys. The rate of nephrectomy for benign conditions has declined during the last few years in comparison with that for malignant conditions. Patients operated on for benign diseases were younger [mean age, 38.4 years] than those with malignant tumours [mean age, 46.7 years].

CONCLUSIONS

The mean age of patients undergoing surgery for benign and malignant disease was lower than in publications from Western countries. The frequency of nephrectomy performed for tuberculosis, hydatid disease, and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is still higher than the rates published in Western countries. There is a remarkably low frequency of upper urothelial carcinoma compared with Western countries, probably due to environmental differences and genetic susceptibilities. Malignant renal tumours tend to affect people at a remarkably young age in Jordan, which is thought to be a reflection of the high proportion of young people. Nephrectomy for malignant disease had a higher rate of complications (16.8%) than for benign conditions [9.4%; p less than 0.0228]. The re-operation rate was 3.1% for all patients who underwent nephrectomy. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0.9%. Both screening and education programmes are needed to decrease the rate of nephrectomy for preventable conditions.

Comparison of complications after radical and partial nephrectomy: results from the National Veterans Administration Surgical Quality Improvement Program

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether radical nephrectomy causes less morbidity, less mortality and is associated with a shorter hospital stay than is partial nephrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1885 nephrectomies (1373 radical and 512 partial) conducted between 1991 and 1998 in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were evaluated. Using multivariate analyses, outcomes were risk-adjusted based on 45 preoperative variables to compare mortality and morbidity rates.

RESULTS

The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 2.0% for radical and 1.6% for partial nephrectomy (P = 0.58). Risk-adjusting the two groups did not result in a statistically significant difference in mortality. The 30-day overall morbidity rate was 15% for radical and 16.2% for partial nephrectomy (P = 0.52); risk-adjusted morbidity rates were not statistically different. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of postoperative progressive renal failure, acute renal failure, urinary tract infection, prolonged ileus, transfusion requirement, deep wound infection, or extended length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial nephrectomy carried out in the VA program has low morbidity and mortality rates, comparable with the complication rates after radical nephrectomy.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy is safe and effective in obese patients: a comparative study of 55 procedures

OBJECTIVES

To compare the results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (RLN) in obese and nonobese patients, because various open surgical procedures have been reported to result in higher morbidity in obese patients.

METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive patients underwent 55 RLNs in one center by one surgeon. Twenty-two patients were renal transplant recipients and underwent a total of 29 RLNs of the native kidney. Eight patients (9 procedures) were obese (body mass index 30 or more). The duration of the procedure, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of stay were compared between the obese and nonobese patients.

RESULTS

The median operative duration was 100 and 70 minutes in the obese and nonobese patients, respectively. Three intraoperative complications occurred in nonobese patients. One postoperative complication (12. 5%) occurred in the obese patients; four (15.6%) occurred the nonobese patients. The median length of stay was 4 days for the obese and 3 days for the nonobese patients. The complication rate and postoperative length of stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RLN in obese patients was not associated with higher morbidity or longer hospitalization than in nonobese patients. We believe that RLN should be proposed to such patients when nephrectomy of a small nonfunctional kidney is indicated.

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for benign diseases of the kidney: prospective nonrandomized comparison with open surgical nephrectomy

PURPOSE

To describe, define, and evaluate the efficacy of retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (RPN) for benign diseases of the kidney and to compare it with open surgical nephrectomy (OSN) via a flank approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 1995 to November 1997, 29 men and 14 women (mean age 33 years) with severely damaged kidneys underwent RPN. Among these, 11 patients had undergone prior surgery, 3 had chronic renal failure, and 8 patients had a percutaneous nephrostomy. The RPN was performed via three or four ports, with the kidneys being removed intact from the retroperitoneal working space. During the same period, 43 patients underwent OSN through a flank approach (extrapleural and extraperitoneal) for nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidneys.

RESULTS

In the RPN group, two patients required conversion to OSN. The operative time and estimated blood loss ranged from 40 to 210 minutes (mean 114 minutes) and 50 to 450 mL (mean 127 mL), respectively. In the OSN group, the corresponding values were 60 to 100 minutes (mean 104 minutes) and 70 to 600 mL (mean 266 mL), respectively. The mean length of hospitalization after RPN was considerably shorter--2 to 7 days (mean 3.4 days)--than after conventional open surgery--4 to 16 days (mean 8.6 days). The incidences of minor and major complications were 21% and 5%, respectively, in the RPN group and 33% and 2% in the OSN group. The postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly less (P < 0.001) in RPN group. The interval to return to normal activity ranged from 7 to 30 days (mean 20.3 days) and 20 to 60 days (mean 32.9 days) in the RPN and OSN group, respectively, with superior performance status, cosmesis, and quality of life observed in the former group.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy is as effective as open nephrectomy for benign kidney diseases with less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, earlier recuperation, and excellent cosmesis. This procedure can also be performed in patients who have undergone abdominal operations previously, in those with chronic renal failure, and in those with a percutaneous nephrostomy. The operation has become our first line of approach for benign diseases of the kidney.

Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis

PURPOSE

We evaluate laparoscopic nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis with an emphasis on the operative technique of retroperitoneoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the last 2 years 13 men and 5 women underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis via a transperitoneal (6) or retroperitoneal (12) approach. The etiology was congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 17 patients and hydronephrosis caused by stone disease in 1. Three patients had a contralateral obstructed kidney. Renal parameters were normal in all patients.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully completed without the need for conversion to open surgery. Mean operating time was 113.8 minutes (range 70 to 165) and average blood loss was 260 ml. (range 40 to 600). No patient required a blood transfusion. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with an average postoperative hospital stay of only 3.2 days (range 2 to 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a good alternative to open surgery for giant hydronephrosis and significantly reduced the morbidity of surgery. A retroperitoneal approach is feasible, despite the large amount of retroperitoneal space occupied by these hugely dilated kidneys. Modifications of our technique have been invaluable to the successful outcome in this series.

Partial nephrectomy: alternative treatment for selected patients with renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the experience and the results of partial nephrectomy in a single institution over the last 10 years in order to optimize patient selection and minimize morbidity.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of 64 patients (mean age 56.6 years, range 18 to 88; 43 men, 21 women) who underwent 66 partial nephrectomies at the Brigham and Women's Hospital between 1987 and 1997. Preoperatively, 62% of the patients had no symptoms, whereas 38% had pain and/or hematuria. The indications were elective in 23 patients, solitary kidney in 28 (14 with bilateral asynchronous tumor), bilateral synchronous tumor in 7, von Hippel-Lindau disease with normal contralateral kidney in 3, lymphoma in 3, and other indications in 2 patients. Surgery was performed for solid or indeterminate renal mass suspected of being renal cell carcinoma in 58 patients.

RESULTS

The most common final pathologic diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma in 47 procedures. One or more complications occurred after 18 procedures (15 with solitary kidney and 3 in patients with normal contralateral kidney) or 27% of the patients. The most common complication was an increased creatinine level (two times the baseline), occurring in 10 procedures (15.1%). Transfusion was necessary in 37 of 66 procedures (56%), and the mean blood loss was 836 cc (range 100 to 3200). Regarding renal function, 85% of the patients had a minimal increase in creatinine of less than 0.5 mg/dL after surgery (all patients with a normal contralateral kidney are in this group); 3 patients required either temporary (n = 1) or permanent (n = 2) dialysis. Other complications are also described. The mean length of stay among 65 patients was 6.5 days (range 3 to 14). The differences between length of stay, blood loss, and tumor size were statistically significant between the solitary kidney group and the elective indications group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nephron sparing surgery is feasible and relatively safe in patients with a normal contralateral kidney. Awareness of potential complications should aid in the selection of appropriate patients for this procedure.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy of native kidneys in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in transplant recipients and in other patients scheduled for nephrectomy.

METHODS

From February 1994 to July 1996, 15 transplant recipients and 17 other patients underwent a total of 36 retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies for various indications. Operative time, morbidity, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average operating time for the 36 procedures was 95+/-38 min (range, 35-180 min). It was shorter in transplant recipients (81+/-32 min) than in other patients (100+/-39 min, P<0.05). There was one postoperative complication in the transplant recipient group. The average length of the postoperative hospitalization was 3.7+/-1.4 days (range, 2-8 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach for nephrectomy is as safe and effective in renal transplant recipients as in other patients. Postoperative stay and delay to resumption of oral immunotherapy are short. This approach has become our first-line approach for native nephrectomy in transplant recipients.

Partial nephrectomy: technique, complications and pathological findings

PURPOSE

We evaluate whether partial nephrectomy can be performed safely and efficaciously for renal tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results of 67 partial nephrectomies performed between 1977 and 1994 for renal cell carcinoma (51), oncocytoma (9), angiomyolipoma (3), transitional cell carcinoma (3) and other nonneoplastic lesions (2) were analyzed retrospectively in detail.

RESULTS

Diminished complication rates were noted after 1988, and were attributed to improvements in surgical technique and an increased incidence of smaller, serendipitously discovered tumors. Although 35.5% of the patients had preoperative renal impairment (mean serum creatinine 2.1 mg./dl.), there were minimal changes in renal function and no patient required acute hemodialysis following partial nephrectomy. Among 42 patients with clinical stage T1 to T2 renal cell carcinoma undergoing partial nephrectomy local recurrence was identified in 8.3% of those with primary neoplasms. All 6 patients with local recurrence had negative surgical margins, recurrence often, distant from the operative site and multifocal disease, implicating multicentricity as the etiology of local recurrence. Five patients (83.3%) with local recurrence were alive and asymptomatic at a mean of 138 months after partial nephrectomy. Since capsular penetration was identified in 5 of 27 renal cell carcinomas (18.5%) with a diameter of 3.5 cm. or less, aggressive surgical resection with adequate tumor-free parenchymal and perinephric margins is necessary even for small lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

With improved surgical techniques, including regional hypothermia, intraoperative sonography, meticulous dissection and injection of the collecting system with methylene blue, partial nephrectomy is safe and effective in properly selected patients.

Complications of nephron sparing surgery for renal tumors

The technical results of 259 nephron sparing operations for renal cell carcinoma or renal oncocytoma were reviewed. Local or renal related complications occurred after 78 procedures (30.1%). The incidence of complications was less for operations performed after 1988 (22% versus 37%, p = 0.009) and for incidentally detected versus suspected tumors (p = 0.009). The most common complications were urinary fistula formation (45 operations) and acute renal failure (33). Significant predisposing factors for urinary fistula formation included central tumor location (p = 0.001), tumor size greater than 4 cm. (p = 0.001), the need for major reconstruction of the collecting system (p = 0.001) and ex vivo surgery (p = 0.001). Only 1 urinary fistula required open operative repair, while the remainder resolved either spontaneously (30) or with endoscopic management (14). Significant predisposing factors for acute renal failure included a solitary kidney (p = 0.001), tumor size greater than 7 cm. (p = 0.008), greater than 50% parenchymal excision (p = 0.001), greater than 60 minutes of ischemia time (p = 0.035) and ex vivo surgery (p = 0.001). Acute renal failure resolved in 28 patients, of whom 9 required temporary dialysis, while 5 required permanent dialysis. Overall, 8 complications (3.1%) required repeat open surgery for treatment while all other complications resolved with noninterventive or endourological management. Surgical complications contributed to an adverse clinical outcome in only 7 patients (2.9%). Nephron sparing surgery can be performed safely with preservation of renal function in most patients with renal tumors.

Transperitoneal nephrectomy for benign disease of the kidney: a comparison of laparoscopic and open surgical techniques

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign disease to open surgical nephrectomy for benign disease.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign disease were compared with 23 patients undergoing open surgical nephrectomy for benign disease and with 29 patients undergoing a donor nephrectomy. Data were collected in the following areas: patient age, anesthetic risk, operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative time to resume oral intake, parenteral analgesics, oral analgesics, hospital stay, complications, and convalescence. Information was obtained through chart review, telephone interviews, and mailed questionnaires.

RESULTS

Compared with open surgical nephrectomy, laparoscopic nephrectomy resulted in a statistically significant longer operative time; however, it afforded a statistically significant decrease in postoperative ileus (open group), hospital stay (both groups), oral analgesics (donor group), and convalescence (both groups). The incidence of complications was 15 percent in the laparoscopic group and 0 percent in the two open surgical groups; the majority of complications occurred during the initial seven laparoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is a more time-consuming procedure than open surgical nephrectomy. Also, early in one's experience with this technique, the complication rate is higher than with open surgery. However, despite the newness of the technique, it results in significant benefits to the patient: decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, and more rapid convalescence.

Iatrogenic colon and rectal injuries associated with urological intervention: report of 14 patients

Iatrogenic large bowel injuries are a potential complication of many urological procedures. During the last 6 years we have cared for 14 patients with iatrogenic injuries involving either the colon or rectum. The injuries occurred as a complication of radical prostatectomy, percutaneous stone removal, nephrectomy, urethral catheter placement, percutaneous suprapubic catheter placement and penectomy with associated cystoprostatectomy. One patient died of these complications, while in most instances hospitalization was prolonged and additional operative intervention often was required.

Anterior extraperitoneal donor nephrectomy

The anterior extraperitoneal approach was compared to the flank approach for living donor nephrectomy in a series of 36 familial donors. The former procedure (23 cases) not only afforded superior visualization of renal vessels but also was probably at least as safe as the latter (13 cases) for donors with risk factors of obesity, age more than 45 years and pulmonary disease. Anterior extraperitoneal nephrectomy appears to be indicated for donors with multiple renal arteries and skeletal deformities, including thoracolumbar arthritis.