Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: current status

Impact of margin status on survival after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Data about the impact of surgical margin positivity on patient outcomes following radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is limited. We evaluate the effect of positive surgical margins (PSMs) on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS.) METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients who underwent RN for RCC was analyzed based on margin status. χ² and Student t test were used to compare groups. Cox regression analysis was used for the analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival curves.

RESULTS

A total of 485 patients who underwent RN for RCC were analyzed. Most patients with T1/T2 stage had NSM. Most patients with T4 had PSM. T3 patients were split between the two groups. Analysis of the T3 group showed shorter RFS in the PSM group at 3 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.3, p = .01), and 5 years (HR: 4.3, p = .01.) OS analysis showed worse OS in PSM but not statistically significant. There was a significant association between PSM and laterality (p = .023) and histologic type (p = .025.) CONCLUSIONS: PSM was associated with shorter RFS after RN in T3 RCC patients. There was a trend towards worse OS in the PSM group, but it did not reach statistical significance. Laterality and histologic type were associated with surgical margin status.

Comparative Study of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Versus Open Ipsilateral Nephrectomy After Percutaneous Nephrostomy: A Multicenter Analysis

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ipsilateral nephrectomy of a benign nonfunctional kidney after percutaneous nephrostomy, and to compare this method with open surgery. Materials and Methods: Data from 70 patients who underwent simple nephrectomy from January 2014 to October 2018 at three large centers were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy because of renal or ureteral calculi with severe hydronephrosis or pyonephrosis. Simple nephrectomy was performed via retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery (retroperitoneal laparoscopic group; n = 33) or open surgery (open group; n = 37). The retroperitoneal laparoscopic and open groups were compared regarding preoperative variables (age, sex, location of surgery, hypertension, diabetes, BMI, preoperative serum creatinine level, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, fistula duration, fistula size, number of fistulae, and urinary tract infection), and perioperative variables (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, catheter indwelling time, gastrointestinal function recovery time, duration of bedrest, duration of postoperative hospitalization, postoperative hemoglobin decline, perioperative transfusion, and postoperative complications). Results: The retroperitoneal laparoscopic group included more patients with hydronephrosis, while the open group included more patients with pyonephrosis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age (P = .813), sex (P = .729), location of surgery (P = .345), hypertension (P = .271), diabetes (P = .394), BMI (P = .798), preoperative serum creatinine level (P = .826), ASA grade (P = .820), fistula duration (P = .108), fistula size (P = .958), number of fistulae (P = .925), urinary tract infection (P = .111), or operative time (P = .851). The retroperitoneal laparoscopic group had significantly lesser intraoperative blood loss (P = .007), postoperative drainage volume (P = .008), shorter catheter indwelling time (P = .002), gastrointestinal function recovery time (P < .001), duration of bedrest (P < .001), and duration of postoperative hospitalization (P < .001), and lesser postoperative hemoglobin decline (P = .035) compared with the open group. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ipsilateral nephrectomy is feasible for a benign nonfunctional kidney after percutaneous nephrostomy. The surgical method should be selected based on the surgeon's experience and the specific situation of the patient.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to summarize and quantify the current evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) compared with open radical nephrectomy (ORN) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Data were collected by searching Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for reports published up to September 26, 2016. Studies that reported data on comparisons of therapeutic efficacy of LRN and ORN were included. The fixed-effects model was used in this meta-analysis if there was no evidence of heterogeneity; otherwise, the random-effects model was used.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven articles were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the overall mortality was significantly lower in the LRN group than that in the ORN group (odds ratio [OR] =0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.95). However, there was no statistically significant difference in cancer-specific mortality (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.55-1.07), local tumor recurrence (OR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.65-1.14), and intraoperative complications (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 0.83-1.94). The risk of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the LRN group (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.65-0.78). In addition, LRN has been shown to offer superior perioperative results to ORN, including shorter hospital stay days, time to start oral intake, and convalescence time, and less estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, and anesthetic consumption.

CONCLUSION

LRN was associated with better surgical outcomes as assessed by overall mortality and postoperative complications compared with ORN. LRN has also been shown to offer superior perioperative results to ORN.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy and Radical Nephrectomy for Treating Small Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignancy of the urinary system with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate and analyze the clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for the treatment of small RCC.

Methods

In this retrospective study of 45 patients with small RCC, the patients were divided into two treatment groups: Group A (retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, 25 cases) and Group B (retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, 20 cases).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, preoperative creatinine level, postoperative creatinine level after 24 hours, and survival rate after 1, 2, and 3 years between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the survival rates and short-term postoperative complications between the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy group and the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group for small RCC, but the former was slightly more effective.

Safety of en bloc ligation of the renal hilum during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial

AIM

To evaluate the safety of en bloc stapler ligation of the renal vascular pedicle during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Clinical data were collected prospectively from 70 patients who underwent either en bloc stapling of the renal hilum (n=35) (Group A) or the separate ligation method (n=35) (Group B) to treat renal cell carcinoma. To evaluate the incidence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and abdominal auscultation was performed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery. Abdominal computed tomography was also performed at 6 and 12 months post-surgery. In addition, preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes (such as operation time and estimated blood loss [EBL]) were examined.

RESULTS

Both operation time and EBL were lower for Group A: operative time, Group A versus Group B, 60.26±10.94 minutes versus 67.51±10.49 minutes (P=.007); EBL, Group A versus Group B, 33.53±13.46 mL versus 49.14±32.21 mL (P=.011). No statistically significant differences were noted in either of the postoperative variables (blood pressure and heart rate), and there was no clinical evidence of bruit or AVF at 12 months post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

No AVF was observed after en bloc ligation upon clinical follow-up or on radiological evaluation.

Obesity is an adverse factor on laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for t2 but not t1 renal cell carcinoma

Purpose

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is more challenging with increases in body mass index (BMI). Several recent studies have shown, however, that LRN can be safely performed even in obese patients. The influence of obesity on the perioperative outcomes of LRN has not been well elucidated for large renal tumors (>7 cm), however. We estimated the impact of obesity on LRN for stage T1 and T2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and Methods

From January 2004 to March 2011, 266 patients underwent LRN (T1: 195, T2: 71). These patients were subdivided into the following two groups according to BMI: the nonobese group (BMI less than 25 kg/m²) and the obese group (BMI greater than 25 kg/m²). Perioperative outcomes were retrospectively compared between these two groups in T1 and T2 RCC patients.

Results

There were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes between the obese and nonobese groups of T1 RCC patients. However, in T2 RCC patients, operative time and complication rate were significantly increased in the obese group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LRN can be safely performed in Korean patients with T1 RCC regardless of obesity. In T2 RCC patients, however, LRN may become more difficult with increasing BMI considering a longer operation time as well as a higher complication rate. We suggest that LRN for obese patients with T2 RCC be carefully considered.

Advantages of en bloc hilar ligation during laparoscopic extirpative renal surgery

PURPOSE

By evaluating the technical challenges encountered during 123 laparoscopic nephrectomies, we have been able to modify the surgical technique to allow general urologists to effectively perform the procedure with minimal complications.

DESIGN AND METHOD

A retrospective chart review was performed on 123 patients who consecutively underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. Using a modified dissection approach to the hilum and en bloc ligation of the renal pedicle with a vascular stapler, a new standard of laparoscopic nephrectomy was developed at our institution. In 30 cases, the conventional technique was used, whereas in 93 cases the en bloc technique was used. Operating time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, intra- and postoperative complications, and the incidence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) were documented. Follow-up included serial clinical evaluation and computed tomography angiogram at 3 months and repeated at 3-monthly intervals where indicated.

RESULTS

Operative and postoperative parameters were improved in the en bloc group compared with the conventional group. In the en bloc group, the average operating time was 56 minutes and the average blood loss was 32 mL. No patients required a blood transfusion and only two cases required conversion to open nephrectomy. No late vascular complications related to this method were observed with a mean follow-up of 28 months. There were no perioperative deaths. Postoperative complications were self-limiting and no patients developed postnephrectomy AVF.

CONCLUSION

The results of using the en bloc ligation technique for laparoscopic nephrectomy have been favorable in terms of operating time, risk to the patient, and surgeon's surgical preference. The risk of AVF formation after en bloc ligation of the renal pedicle and ligation by the conventional method appears to be equal based on the clinical follow-up and radiological evaluation. Therefore, long-term radiological follow-up is not mandatory in most cases.

Seven years after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: oncologic and renal functional outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To compare the long-term oncologic and renal function outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic (LRN) versus open radical nephrectomy (ORN).

METHODS

The medical records of 116 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma before January 2000 were reviewed. Of these 116 patients, 63 underwent LRN and 53 ORN. The oncologic and renal functional data were obtained from the patient charts, radiographic reports, and direct telephone calls to the patients or their families.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 65 months (range 19 to 92) in the LRN group and 76 months (range 8 to 105) in the ORN group. LRN was successfully completed in all patients without open conversion. The mean tumor size was 5.4 cm in the LRN group and 6.4 cm in the ORN group (P = 0.007). The 5-year overall survival (78% versus 84%, respectively; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75) rates were similar between the LRN and ORN groups. At 7 years, the overall survival (72% versus 84%; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75) rates were also comparable. No port site recurrence was noted in the laparoscopic group. The long-term renal function outcomes were similar in the LRN and ORN groups, with serum creatinine increasing by 33% and 25%, and the estimated creatinine clearance decreasing by 31% and 23% from baseline, respectively. Chronic renal insufficiency developed in 4% of patients in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that LRN and ORN have comparable long-term oncologic and renal functional outcomes.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephrectomy for giant hydronephrosis: when simple nephrectomy isn't simple

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (RN) for giant hydronephrosis (GH) is regarded as a more challenging procedure than RN for small nonfunctioning kidneys (SNFK). We describe specific technical modifications to facilitate surgery in the GH group and compare outcomes in the two groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected in a prospective fashion on all patients undergoing upper urinary-tract laparoscopy at a single institution. Eleven patients (eight women, three men; mean age 41 years) underwent RN for GH. The etiologies were congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 10 and obstruction secondary to endometriosis in 1. Technical modifications to facilitate surgery included initial fingerplasty, balloon dissection in two directions, initial intact dissection, subsequent pelvic puncture and aspiration, and extracorporeal retraction if required. The results were compared with those of a matched group of 19 patients who had RN for SNFK.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed without open conversion. In the GH group, the mean operating time was 126 minutes (range 65-240 minutes) and the estimated blood loss 101 mL (range 5-450 mL). No patient required transfusion, and the mean length of the hospital stay was 2.9 days (range 1.5-6 days). In the group undergoing RN for SNFK, the mean operating time was 116 minutes (range 55-270 minutes), the estimated blood loss 46 mL (range 5-400 mL), and the mean length of stay 2.8 days (range 1-5 days). In the GH group, the estimated blood loss was significantly greater (P = 0.042), and the operative time was longer, although this difference did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

An RN for GH is not as simple as laparoscopic simple nephrectomy for other benign lesions. Operative duration and blood loss are greater. Technical modifications have been vital to our success with this procedure.

Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer

PURPOSE

To report the 5-year oncological outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer compared to a cohort of patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 88 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma prior to January 2000. Of these, 45 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and 43 patients underwent open radical nephrectomy. Inclusion criteria comprised clinically organ-confined tumors of 15 cm or less in size without concomitant lymphadenopathy or vena cava thrombus. Oncological follow-up data were obtained from charts, radiological reports, and phone calls to patients or their families, and were calculated from the date of surgery to the date of last appointment with physician or date of death.

RESULTS

All laparoscopic procedures were completed without open conversion. On comparing the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open radical nephrectomy groups, mean tumor size was 5. 8 vs 6.2 cm (P = . 44), mean blood loss was 183 vs 461 mL (P = . 004), and mean operative time was 2.8 vs 3.7 hrs (P < . 001). Over a mean follow-up of 5 years in the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group and 6 years in the open radical nephrectomy group, the overall survival was 81% vs 79% (P = . 47), and cancer-specific survival was 90% vs 92% (P = . 70) , respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer confers equivalent 5-year oncological outcomes to those of open surgery.

Watchful waiting for solid renal masses: insight into the natural history and results of delayed intervention

PURPOSE

We describe the short-term outcomes of patients whose renal masses were managed expectantly (ie watchful waiting) to provide insight into the natural history of small renal tumors. Additionally, this study examined the effects of delayed intervention in patients who required intervention after a period of expectant management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 43 patients with 46 renal masses underwent planned expectant management of enhancing solid or cystic (Bosniak IV) renal masses. A subset of these patients (13) who underwent eventual intervention was also examined. Outcomes with regard to age, gender, growth rate, subsequent interventions and clinical followup are reported.

RESULTS

At a mean followup of 36 months 74% of patients had tumor growth with a mean (median) growth rate of 0.70 (0.35) cm per year. None of the patients had significant symptoms, disease progression or cancer specific death. There were 4 patients (10%) who died of other causes. The 13 patients undergoing eventual intervention were younger than those who did not undergo intervention (56 vs 72 years, respectively, p = 0.0006). Patients undergoing eventual intervention tended to have a higher tumor growth rate than those on continued observation (0.90 vs 0.61 cm per year, respectively, p = 0.1486). In patients undergoing eventual intervention 12 of 14 (87%) tumors were renal cell carcinoma. All were stage pT1, and 12 of 13 patients were alive after a mean followup of 41 months (1 patient died of other causes 30 months after surgery). No patient had up-staging of disease secondary to delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Watchful waiting for renal masses is a reasonable option for appropriately selected patients, especially those with competing comorbidities. Delayed intervention does not appear to adversely impact pathological outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of En Bloc Ligation of Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of en bloc ligation of the renal hilum with titanium vascular staplers during laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation of the renal hilum has historically been associated with the very rare complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation, primarily in inflammatory renal pathologic features. Currently, no evidence exists of AVF development in human nephrectomies after ligating the hilum en bloc with titanium staplers.

METHODS

A total of 161 consecutive patients underwent planned laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the operative variables, including the method of hilar ligation, estimated blood loss, and final pathologic findings. The additional postoperative outcomes of diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular sequelae were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 161 patients, 90 underwent en bloc hilar ligation and 71 underwent individual hilar vessel ligation with the stapler. The blood loss and open conversion rate trended lower in the en bloc group. Postoperatively, no differences were found in blood pressure or heart rate between the two groups, and no instances of bruits or other clinical evidence of AVF were found after mean follow-up of 34 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This series found no evidence of AVF or other adverse clinical events in patients undergoing en bloc ligation of the renal hilum and laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation may provide for more secure, expeditious control of the hilum without an increased operative time or the added potential of vascular injury that can be associated with the individual dissection of the vessels.

Laparoscopic surgery in urological oncology: brief overview

The authors report the experience of a high-volume center with laparoscopic surgery in urological oncology, as well as a review of other relevant series. Laparoscopic outcomes in the treatment of adrenal, kidney, upper tract transitional cell carcinoma, bladder, prostate, and testicular malignancy are described in this review. Specific considerations as complications and port-site recurrence are also addressed. The authors concluded that the intermediate-term oncological data is encouraging and comparable to open surgery.