Incidence and associated risk factors of venous thromboembolism after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients administered short-period thromboprophylaxis: a Danish nationwide population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To report the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after partial nephrectomy in Denmark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nationwide population-based registry was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. All partial nephrectomies from January 2010 to August 2018 were assessed for postoperative VTE events. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the odds of postoperative VTE within 4 weeks and 4 months after partial nephrectomy in patients who received standard-of-care thromboprophylaxis.

RESULTS

Among 2355 patients, postoperative VTE risk was 0.6% and 0.9%, at 4 weeks and 4 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, prior VTE (OR = 24.9, p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (OR = 0.89, p < 0.001) were predictors of postoperative VTE within 4 months after partial nephrectomy. Limitations included the retrospective and registry-based study design and the absence of BMI data.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of postoperative VTE is rare, but patients with prior VTE and those with a greater length of hospital stay are at greater long-term risk and should be evaluated when considering thromboprophylaxis.

GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor (GRANT) compared with Leibovich score to predict survival in localized renal cell carcinoma: A nationwide study

Objective

To examine the performance of Leibovich score versus GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score in predicting disease recurrence in renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

In total, 7653 patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma from 2010 to 2018 were captured in the nationwide DaRenCa database; 2652 underwent radical or partial nephrectomy and had full datasets regarding the GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score and Leibovich score. Discrimination was assessed with a Cox regression model. The results were evaluated with concordance index analysis.

Results

Median follow‐up was 40 months (interquartile range 24–56). Recurrence occurred in 17%, and 15% died. A significant proportion of patients (36%) had missing data for the calculation of the Leibovich score. Among 1957 clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients the distribution of GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score of 0, 1, 2, or 3/4 was 21%, 56%, 21% and 1.4%, respectively, and for Leibovich score of low/intermediate/high this was 47%, 36% and 18%, respectively. A similar distribution was seen in 655 non‐clear cell patients. Both Leibovich and GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor scores performed well in predicting outcomes for the favorable patient risk groups. The Leibovich score was better at predicting recurrence‐free survival (concordance index 0.736 versus 0.643), but not overall survival (concordance index 0.657 versus 0.648). Similar results were obtained in non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor and Leibovich scores were validated in clear cell and non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Leibovich score outperformed the GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score in predicting recurrence‐free survival and should remain the standard approach to risk stratify patients during follow‐up when all data are available.

Validation of a novel assessment tool identifying proficiency in Transurethral Bladder Tumour Resection: The OSATURBS assessment tool

BACKGROUND

Competence in transurethral bladder tumour resection (TURB) is critical in bladder cancer management and should be ensured before independent practice.

OBJECTIVE

Develop an assessment tool for TURB and explore validity evidence in a clinical context.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

July 2019-March 2021, a total of 33 volunteer doctors from three hospitals were included. Participants performed two TURB procedures on patients with bladder tumours. A newly developed assessment tool (OSATURBS) was used for direct observation assessment, self-assessment, and blinded video-assessment. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's r were calculated for across items internal consistency reliability, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability. Correlation between OSATURBS scores and the operative experience was calculated with Pearson's r and a pass/fail score was established. Differences in assessment scores were explored with paired t-test and independent samples t-test.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The internal consistency reliability across items Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 (n = 260, p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability = 0.80 (n = 64, p < 0.001). Test-retest correlation was high, r = 0.71 (n = 32, p < 0.001). Relation to TURB experience was high, r = 0.71 (n = 32, p < 0.001). Pass/fail score = 19 points. Direct observation assessments were strongly correlated with video ratings (r = 0.85, p < 0.001) but with a significant social bias with lower scores for inexperienced and higher scores for experienced participants. Participants tended to overestimate their own performances.

CONCLUSIONS

OSATURBS assessment tool for TURB can be used for assessment of surgical proficiency in the clinical setting. Direct observation assessment and self-assessment are biased, and blinded video-assessment of TURB performances is advised.

Validation of a Novel Simulation-Based Test in Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: To investigate validity evidence for a simulator-based test in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: The test consisted of three modules on the RobotiX Mentor VR-simulator: Bladder Neck Dissection, Neurovascular Bundle Dissection, and Ureterovesical Anastomosis. Validity evidence was investigated by using Messick's framework by including doctors with different RARP experience: novices (who had assisted for RARP), intermediates (robotic surgeons, but not RARP surgeons), or experienced (RARP surgeons). The simulator metrics were analyzed, and Cronbach's alpha and generalizability theory were used to explore reliability. Intergroup comparisons were done with mixed-model, repeated measurement analysis of variance and the correlation between the number of robotic procedures and the mean test score were examined. A pass/fail score was established by using the contrasting groups' method. Results: Ten novices, 11 intermediates, and 6 experienced RARP surgeons were included. Six metrics could discriminate between groups and showed acceptable internal consistency reliability, Cronbach's alpha = 0.49, p < 0.001. Test-retest reliability was 0.75, 0.85, and 0.90 for one, two, and three repetitions of tests, respectively. Six metrics were combined into a simulator score that could discriminate between all three groups, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, and p = 0.029 for novices vs intermediates, novices vs experienced, and intermediates vs experienced, respectively. Total number of robotic operations and the mean score of the three repetitions were significantly correlated, Pearson's r = 0.74, p < 0.001. Conclusion: This study provides validity evidence for a simulator-based test in RARP. We determined a pass/fail level that can be used to ensure competency before proceeding to supervised clinical training.

Impact of comorbidity burden on renal cell carcinoma prognosis: A Danish nationwide cohort study

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Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma is increasing worldwide and have a 5-year relative survival rates of around 75%. Comorbidity has been found to be associated with complications and mortality after renal cancer surgery. No studies have focused on comorbidity as a prognostic factor in a nationwide cohort of patients with renal cell carcinoma with long-term follow-up. Purpose: The primary aim was to evaluate the prognostic impact of comorbidity on survival in older (≥70 years) and younger (<70 years) patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Methods: We established a nationwide register-based cohort of 7,894 patients aged 18 or more diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in Denmark between 2006 and 2017, and followed their vital status for up to 13 years. We computed 1- and 5-year overall survival and hazard ratios (HRs) of death according to comorbidity status using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) among patients aged < 70 years and ≥ 70 years. Results: In all, 36% of the patients had registered comorbidity at the time of diagnosis. Survival decreased with increasing CCI score. It did though increase for all groups of CCI scores (0, 1-2 and 3+) over time. For patients without comorbidity diagnosed in 2006-2008 and 2015-2017, 5-year survival rate increased from 57% to 69%. For patients with a CCI score of 1-2 vs 3, the 5-year survival rate increased from 46% to 62% vs 39% to 44%. In age- and gender-stratified analyses, patients with a CCI score of 1-2 and 3+ had increased mortality compared to patients without registered comorbidity (HR 1.15, 95 % CI 1.06-1.24) and (HR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.40-1.73). Patterns were similar for older (≥70 years) and younger (<70 years) patients. Particularly, diagnoses of congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular disease, dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, preexisting renal and liver disease, diabetes and lymphoma led to increased mortality. Conclusions: Comorbidity leads to inferior survival outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma, irrespective of age, despite an overall increasing survival. These data may guide patient counseling and prompt initiatives for controlling comorbidity.

Multi-disciplinary team conference clarifies bosniak classification of complex renal cysts

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study are to determine the progression rate of Bosniak IIF cysts, the malignancy rates of complex renal cysts in patients undergoing surgery and explore the influence of multi-disciplinary team conference (MDT) on re-classification of Bosniak cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All CT scans from January 2010 to 2017 were pooled into a database. Initially, 167 patients were identified with possible Bosniak IIF, III or IV cysts. Patients with follow up of less than 24 months, without progression or regression were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (18.6%) cysts of the initial 167 cysts were either up or downgraded at a MDT. Twenty-six of the 31 cysts were up or downgraded at the primary MDT, 13 cysts (50%) were downgraded, five cysts (19.2%) were upgraded and eight cysts (30.8%) were re-classified as solid tumors. Of those 19/26 (73.1%) were primary interpreted by a periphery radiologist and re-classified centrally. The last five patients 5/120 cysts (4.2%) were re-classified during follow up. 116 patients with a total of 120 cysts met the inclusion criteria, 79 (65.8%) Bosniak IIF, 28 (23.3%) Bosniak III and 13 (10.8%) Bosniak IV cysts represented. Median follow up of Bosniak IIF cysts were 46 months. One Bosniak IIF cyst progressed to a solid tumor at 15 months from diagnosis, progression rate 1.3%. Histopathology was papillary renal cell carcinoma. Malignancy rates of Bosniak III and IV cysts were 50% and 78%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Multi-disciplinary team conference may have an important role in correct classification of Bosniak cysts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

None.

Incidence and Associated Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolism After Open and Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in Patients Administered Short-period Thromboprophylaxis: A Danish Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To report the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after nephrectomy in Denmark and explore associated risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study was performed. All nephrectomies from January 2010 to August 2018 were assessed for postoperative VTE events. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of clinical variables' effect on postoperative VTEs, within 4 weeks and 4 months after nephrectomy.

RESULTS

In 5213 nephrectomized patients, postoperative VTE incidence was 1% and 2% within 4 weeks and 4 months, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that predictors of postoperative VTE within 4 months were: open nephrectomy (OR 2.5, P = .001), history of VTE (OR 13.3, P <.001), length of hospital stay (OR 0.98, P = .02), and lymph node dissection (OR 2.0, P = .04). Limitations included the retrospective and registry-based study design and absence of individual patient data on patient body mass index and length of surgery.

CONCLUSION

For nephrectomy, postoperative VTE is rare. Open nephrectomy, history of VTE, length of hospital stay, and lymph node dissection are important risk factors which should be evaluated when tailoring VTE prophylaxis regimens.

Oncological outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial neoplasia in Denmark

Objective: To report the oncological outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial neoplasia in a large study sample.Materials and methods: This was a nationwide multicenter registry-based cohort study of all patients with upper urinary tract urothelial neoplasia in Denmark found to be eligible for nephroureterectomy between April 2004 and April 2017 (N = 1384). Primary endpoints were intravesical recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Survival probabilities were estimated with Kaplan-Meier and the log-rank test to compare survival curves. Association with clinical outcomes was studied using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards.Results: Intravesical recurrence-free survival was 72% [95% confidence interval (CI) 69-75%] at 5 years and 70% (95% CI 67-73%) at 10 years. Patients with muscle-invasive disease had a significantly lower rate of intravesical recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46, p < 0.0001] and patients with high-grade tumors had a significantly higher rate of incident intravesical recurrence compared to low-grade tumors (HR = 1.65, p = 0.001). The overall survival was 76% (95% CI 74-79%) at 5 years and 64% (95% CI 60-70%) at 10 years. Patients with higher age (p = 0.008) and muscle-invasive disease (p < 0.0001) had worse overall survival. When comparing surgical approaches, laparoscopic nephroureterectomy versus open nephroureterectomy did not differ in intravesical recurrence-free survival but was associated with shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.0001) and better overall survival (p = 0.02).Conclusions: We report the oncological outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial neoplasia in a large sample and give insights into predictive factors with significant impact.

Novel technique: direct access partial nephrectomy approach through a transperitoneal working space (Roskilde technique)

Objectives: To describe a direct access partial nephrectomy technique through a transperitoneal working space (Roskilde technique).Materials and methods: Prospective single-center descriptive study between April 2015 and January 2017. The surgical outcomes are evaluated according to the Trifecta criteria (negative margins, warm ischemia time < 20 min and a Clavien-Dindo complication score < 3).Surgical procedure: The same access to the transperitoneal cavity as in a Standard transperitoneal Partial Nephrectomy was used. A direct access was established by incision of the peritoneum directly onto the renal fascia. The renal vessels and tumor were identified and the tumor removed with standard technique. The perinephric fat and peritoneum were then closed with a running suture.Results: In total, 122 patients underwent the Roskilde technique. The mean age was 62.2 years, the median Padua score was 12 (IQR = 9-12) and the median tumor size was 32 mm (IQR = 12-90). The median operative time was 101 min (IQR = 90-125). The trifecta achievement criteria goal was achieved in 116/122 (95%), with a median warm ischemia time of 8 min (IQR = 0-12).Conclusions: The Roskilde technique is safe and feasible. It can be performed on complex renal masses, and it seems to result in short operative times and high Trifecta achievement.Trial registration: None.

Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduces opioid consumption and speeds ambulation and discharge from hospital: a single centre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is associated with severe postoperative pain. The current study aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block for patients undergoing PNL surgery.

METHODS

Sixty patients were enrolled in this single centre study. The multimodal analgesic regime consisted of oral paracetamol 1 g and i.v. dexamethasone 4 mg before surgery and i.v. sufentanil 0.25 μg kg^-1 30 min before emergence. After operation, patients received paracetamol 1 g regularly at 6 h intervals. Subjects were allocated to receive a preoperative TQL block with either ropivacaine 0.75%, 30 ml (intervention) or saline 30 ml (control). Primary outcome was oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption 0-6 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were OME consumption up to 24 h, pain scores, time to first opioid, time to first ambulation, and hospital length of stay. Results were reported as mean (standard deviation) or median (inter-quartile range).

RESULTS

Morphine consumption was lower in the intervention group at 6 h after surgery (7.2 [8.7] vs 90.6 [69.9] mg OME, P<0.001) and at 24 h (54.0 [36.7] vs 126.2 [85.5] mg OME, P<0.001). Time to first opioid use was prolonged in the intervention group (678 [285-1020] vs 36 [19-55] min, P<0.0001). Both the time to ambulation (302 [238-475] vs 595 [345-925] min, P<0.004) and length of stay (2.0 [0.8] vs 3.0 [1.2] days, P≤0.001) were shorter in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first blinded, RCT that confirms that unilateral TQL block reduces postoperative opioid consumption and hospital length of stay. Further study is required for confirmation and dose optimisation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02818140.

Robotic versus laparoscopic urological surgery: incidence of reoperation and complications

Objective: To report the introduction of minimum invasive surgery in Denmark with focus on the reoperation and complication rates. Materials and methods: Data were prospectively collected at the national UroLap database. The database was established in 2003 in Denmark to register all laparoscopic urological procedures as well as their peri- and post-operative outcomes. In the period from 2009-2014, 10,843 patients were registered with the database, of which 10,546 (97%) had a complete Clavien-Dindo score within the first 30 postoperative days. Results: The mean age of patients was 60.5 years (S.D. = 16.2), and 415 patients (4%) were under the age of 17 years. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1. At the end of 2010, 25% of surgeries used the robotic technique, but the frequency of robotic surgeries increased to 56% in 2014. No complications were reported in 74.6% of the urological procedures. The mortality rate was reported at only 0.27% of all patients. Patients who underwent a urological procedure performed by consultant urologists had a lower rate of complication compared to procedures performed by trainees (p = 0.03) but not staff doctors (p = 0.9). There were no significant differences in complication rates between staff doctors and trainee (p = 0.2). Conclusion: Robotic and laparoscopic urological procedures are associated with low serious complication rates. Postoperative complications were more common among surgeries performed by trainees. The robotic approach is associated with a shorter L.O.S. compared to the laparoscopic approach and linked to lower reoperation rates.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Large Renal Carcinoma with Succinate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Background: Germline mutations in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are associated with multifocal cancers: pituitary gland tumors, pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and renal-cell carcinomas (RCCs). SDH-deficient renal-cell carcinoma (SDH-RCC) was first identified in 2004 as an inherited kidney cancer with mutations in the SDH gene. SDH consists of A, B, C, and D units. Mutation in the SDHB gene is the most common mutation in SDH-deficient RCCs.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 51-year-old healthy man diagnosed with SDHB germline mutation and RCCs. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed a 12 cm tumor in the upper pole of the left kidney. A hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed and the histopathology of the tumor showed SDH-deficient RCC with clear surgical margins. Six months after the initial presentation, the patient had a slightly impaired renal function and was disease-free on PET/CT.

Conclusion: Patients with SDH-deficient RCC are at risk of multifocal kidney tumors and should be offered lifelong follow-up. To preserve the renal function, nephron-sparing surgery is the choice of treatment when feasible, regardless of tumor size.

A Retrospective Study of Erectile Function and Use of Erectile Aids in Prostate Cancer Patients After Radical Prostatectomy in Denmark

INTRODUCTION

Radical prostatectomy (RP) offers a good long-term cancer control for clinically localized prostate cancer. However, complications such as erectile dysfunction and substantial decreases quality of life of the afflicted men and their sexual partners. Identification of pre-, per-, and postoperative factors that correlate with poor postoperative erectile status must be considered an important step to improving penile rehabilitation.

AIM

To describe postoperative erectile function after RP in a Danish cohort.

METHODS

The medical records of 1,127 patients undergoing RP from March 2003 through September 2014 were reviewed retrospectively with a 12-month follow-up after surgery. In all, 704 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Recovery was defined as self-reported erection sufficient for intercourse (ESI) with or without usage of erectile aids.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjective reporting of erectile function and usage erectile aids 12 months after RP.

RESULTS

ESI with or without erectile aids was reported by 226 men (32.1%), among whom 109 (48.2%) required erectile aids. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported by 478 men (67.9%) and by 121 (25.3%) despite use of erectile aids. Of men with ED, 155 (22%) stated not being interested in penile rehabilitation, 26 (3.7%) stated not having resumed their sex life 12 months after RP, and 241 (34.2%) had ED and were unsatisfied with the condition. We found that 134 of 445 men (30.1%) who underwent non-nerve-sparing RP had ESI 12 months after RP. Age older than 60.5 years, a high body mass index, comorbidity, and a high American Society of Anesthesiologists score were negative predictors of erectile function 12 months after RP.

CONCLUSION

Twelve months after RP, 32.1% of men had ESI; half these men required the use of erectile aids. Age older than 60.5 years, a high body mass index, comorbidity, and a high American Society of Anesthesiologists score were negative predictors for ED 12 months after RP. Haahr MK, Azawi NH, Andersen LG, et al. A Retrospective Study of Erectile Function and Use of Erectile Aids in Prostate Cancer Patients After Radical Prostatectomy in Denmark. Sex Med 2017;5:e156-e162.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty and pyelolithotomy in patients with ureteropelvic junction stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Approximately one in five patients with ureteropelvic junction stenosis (UPJS) also present with renal or ureteral stones. For patients with UPJS, the European Association of Urology guidelines currently recommend that robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) and pyelolithotomy are performed as two separate procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of RAP with concomitant pyelolithotomy (RAP + P) in patients diagnosed with UPJS and renal stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 56 RAP procedures and 18 RAP + P procedures were performed between December 2012 and January 2014. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for operation time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, stone burden and stone-free rates at 1, 3 and 6 months following surgery.

RESULTS

A significant difference in the OT was demonstrated between RAP and RAP + P, with a median of 120 min [interquartile range (IQR) 100-134 min] and 151 min (IQR 128-185 min), respectively (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no difference in LOS [median 2 days (IQR 2-3 days) vs 3 days (2-4 days), p = 0.50) or EBL [median 0 ml (IQR 0-50 ml) vs 20 ml (0-50 ml), p = 0.64] was observed between RAP and RAP + P. The median total stone burden was 1.5 cm (IQR 1.0-4.3 cm; range 1-10 cm). The stone-free rate at 1, 3 and 6 months was 94%, 83% and 72%, respectively. No grade 3-5 complications were observed in the RAP + P group.

CONCLUSIONS

RAP + P can safely be offered to patients with UPJS and renal stones, with an acceptable stone-free rate.

Renal cell carcinomas mass of <4 cm are not always indolent

Context:

The rate of progression to metastatic disease in patients undergoing active surveillance for small renal tumors varies in the literature between 1% and 8%.

Aims:

This study aims to examine the incidence of metastasis in small renal tumors of <4 cm in a Danish cohort.

Settings and Design:

Retrospective.

Materials and Methods:

Data on 106 patients who were diagnosed with renal cancer (RCC) of <4 cm by CT scan from January 2005 to December 2013 were collected retrospectively in January 2016 from patient charts and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods.

Results:

The mean age was 62 years (range 40–84 years). Two patients (1.9%) had metastases at the time of diagnosis. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 74 patients (70%); of them, one patients (1.4%) experienced late metastasis (LM). Partial nephrectomy was performed in 30 patients (28%); of them, two patients (6.7%) experienced LM. The mean time to LM was 27 ± 12 months (95% confidence interval: 4–56). CSS rates were 98%, 97%, and 97% for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, while OS rates were 96%, 92%, and 86% for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor size (P = 0.04), pT3a (P = 0.0017), and patient's age (P = 0.02) at the time of diagnosis were significant predictors of LM.

Conclusions:

Even small renal carcinomas may be aggressive, and caution should be taken when offering active surveillance.

The database of the Danish Renal Cancer Group

Aim of the database

The main purpose of the database of the Danish Renal Cancer Group (DaRenCaData) is to improve the quality of renal cancer treatment in Denmark and secondarily to conduct observational research.

Study population

DaRenCaData includes all Danish patients with a first-time diagnosis of renal cancer in the Danish National Pathology Registry since August 1, 2010.

Main variables

DaRenCaData holds data on demographic characteristics, treatments, and pathology collected through linkage to central registries and online registration of a few clinical key variables. Eight quality indicators have been selected for monitoring treatment quality and outcome after renal cancer.

Descriptive data

The incidence of renal cancer in Denmark has increased from 12.7 per 100,000 population-years in 2010–2011 to 15.9 per 100,000 population-years in 2014–2015. A total of 3,977 Danish patients with renal cancer have been enrolled in the database in the period August 1, 2010–July 31, 2015. The completeness of data registration has increased substantially since the first years of the database. A tendency toward smaller and less advanced tumors, less invasive surgery, and a shorter hospital stay was observed, while the postoperative morbidity and mortality remained stable. Concurrently, the 1-year survival has improved and was 84.1% in 2014–2015.

Conclusion

DaRenCaData provides valuable information on quality of and outcome after renal cancer treatment. Efforts to improve collection and registration of data are ongoing.

Recurrence rates and survival in a Danish cohort with renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Patients with localised and locally advanced renal cancer experience about 20% recurrence during a five-year follow-up period. The aim of the present study was to report recurrence rates and survival in a Danish population with renal cancer.

METHODS

Data on patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at our institute from January 2005 to December 2013 were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 367 patients were diagnosed with RCC during the period, and 78 patients (21%) presented with metastasis. The mean follow-up period for all patients was 41 months (standard deviation = 29, 95% confidence interval: 38-44). The total recurrence rates (RRs) at one, three and five years were 4.5%, 13.5% and 22.3%, respectively. Overall survival rates in the patients who underwent surgery with localised and locally advanced disease were 96.1%, 88.2% and 78.3% for one, three and five years, respectively. The mean time to first recurrence was 26.6 months. The one-year RR was 1.2%, 5.5% and 13.8% for low, intermediate and high-risk Leibovich scores, respectively. The three-year RR was 8.3%, 14.1% and 29.6% for low, intermediate and high-risk Leibovich scores, respectively; and the five-year RR was 12.0%, 26.6% and 52.9% for low, intermediate and high-risk Leibovich scores, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RRs after localised and locally advanced RCC was 22%. According to the risk of recurrence, we recommend a follow-up programme after nephrectomy with computed tomography every second year for low-risk patients, annually for intermediate-risk patients and every six months for high-risk patients.

FUNDING

none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

none.

Unilateral Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block After Nephrectomy; Postoperative Pain and Use of Opioids

Background

Pain has a wide spectrum of effects on the body and inadequately controlled postoperative pain may have harmful physiologic and psychological consequences and increase morbidity. In addition, opioid anesthetic agents in high doses can blunt endocrine and metabolic responses following surgery and are associated with side effects including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression.

Objectives

The current study aimed to investigate if unilateral ultrasound-guided transverse abdominal plane block (TAP-block) could reduce pain and postoperative use of patient requested analgesics following nephrectomy compared to local injection of the same ropivacaine dose in the surgical wound.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective chart reviews were performed in 42 consecutive patients who received TAP-block in conjunction with nephrectomy from November 2013 to August 2014 (group A). For comparison, data were used from 40 other nephrectomy patients registered as part of a previous study (group B). In this group the patients had received local ropivacaine injection in the surgical wound. On univariate analyses, the groups were compared by t-test and the Fisher exact test. Multivariate analyses were conducted by multiple linear regression.

Results

Mean surgical time was 162 minutes in group A and 92 minutes in group B (P < 0.0001). The means of visual analogue scale (VAS) were 3.05 and 1.55 in A and B groups, respectively (P = 0.001). The means of morphine consumption were 5.2 mg and 5.9 mg in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.58); while the means of sufentanil use were 9.8 μg and 6.0 μg in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.06). When controlling for age, tumor size and American society of anesthesiologists classification (ASA) score on multivariate analysis, TAP-block was associated with a significant increase in VAS (+1.4 [95% CI, 0.6 - 2.3], P = 0.001) and sufentanil use (+6.2 μg [95% CI, 2.3 - 10.2], P = 0.003). There was no difference in morphine use on multivariate analysis (P = 0.99).

Conclusions

TAP-block in conjunction with laparoscopic nephrectomy did not reduce pain or opioid consumption. On the contrary, it seemed to prolong surgical time.

Trends in kidney cancer among the elderly in Denmark, 1980-2012

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to elucidate incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence of kidney cancer in elderly persons compared with younger persons in Denmark.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cancer of the kidney was defined as ICD-10 code DC 64. Data derived from the NORDCAN database with comparable data on cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence and relative survival in the Nordic countries, where the Danish data were delivered from the Danish Cancer Registry and the Danish Cause of Death Registry with follow-up for death or emigration until the end of 2013.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients diagnosed with kidney cancer over the age of 70 years has decreased from 43% in 1980 to 32% in 2012 in men and remained almost constant in women, around 50%. Incidence rates were at least five times higher in men aged 70 years more but there was no particular trend with time. In men aged less than 70 years, the incidence rates started increasing around 2000. The incidence rates were lower in women but with a similar pattern as in men. Mortality rates remained stable over time in persons aged 70 years or more while they decreased with time in younger women. Both the one- and the five-year relative survival increased steadily over time for all age groups but the survival was lower for patients aged 70 years or more than for younger patients. The prevalence increased three times from 1559 patients being alive after kidney cancer in 1980 to 4713 in 2012.

CONCLUSION

A challenge in managing kidney cancer in the elderly is to establish interdisciplinary collaborations between different specialties, such as surgeons, clinical oncologists, and geriatricians to be able to deliver the best possible care in the future.

[Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a non-diabetic patient with a kidney tumour]

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a potentially life-threatening infection, where gas produced by bacteria accumulates in the kidney and the surrounding tissue. Although EPN usually presents in diabetic women, it is also associated with urinary tract obstruction and kidney tumours in non-diabetic patients. We present a case of EPN in a non-diabetic patient with a known kidney tumour, successfully treated with double-J catheter, antibiotics and delayed nephrectomy.

Do the different types of renal surgery impact the quality of life in the postoperative period?

PURPOSE

Because more than 70 % of patients with localized tumors experience 10 years of cancer-specific survival, their quality of life (QoL) after surgery is important. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the type of surgery (partial vs. total nephrectomy) and the postoperative outcome on the QoL of patients with renal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 205 patients underwent partial or total nephrectomy at the Department of Urology, Roskilde Hospital, between February 2008 and June 2013 and survived until the time of the survey. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was sent to this cohort in January 2014.

RESULTS

The response rate was 74.1 % for complete answers. The overall global health status (QoL) was low (69.12 %) for all patient groups, regardless of the operation technique and the underlying medical status. Total nephrectomy was a negative predictor of QoL, physical functioning, role functioning, and fatigue. Patients who experienced recurrence reported significant deterioration in 11 of the 15 EORTC QLQ-C30 domains. Additionally, thinking about cancer only during the follow-up visit was associated with a significant decrease in emotional functioning and role functioning compared with never thinking about one's cancer.

CONCLUSION

Total nephrectomy was a negative predictor of overall global health status. There is a demand for a reasonable follow-up program with an individual control interval according to the risk of recurrence and the possibility of treatment as well as the patient's discretion.

High rate of benign histology in radiologically suspect renal lesions

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of benign renal lesions for clinically localised renal masses and the need for new diagnostic procedures to assess these lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy between November 2010 and July 2013. All patients underwent a multiphase helical computed tomography (CT), which revealed suspected renal malignancy. The exclusion criteria were cystic tumours, biopsy before surgery, and disseminated and locally advanced disease. Lesions were defined as follows: small ≤ 4 cm, intermediate > 4 and ≤ 7 cm, and large > 7 cm.

RESULTS

A total of 226 patients underwent radical or partial nephrectomy; of these 75 patients were excluded. In all, 151 had masses suspected of being malignant tumours on CT. The mean age was 62.9 years. The male: female ratio was 3:1. The distribution of small, intermediate and large lesions were 75 (49.7%), 47 (31.1%) and 29 (19.2%), respectively. Among the three types of lesions, 15 (20%), 5 (10.6%) and 3 (10.3%) were benign, respectively (p = 0.27). Partial nephrectomy was performed in 69.3% of patients with small tumours versus 23.4% of patients with intermediate tumours, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Benign lesions were observed in 20% of small renal masses ≤ 4 cm even though CT revealed a suspect renal lesion. The need for new diagnostic approaches for clinically localised renal lesions is evident.

FUNDING

not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

Overtreatment of prostate cancer may be prevented by extended pelvic lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic lymphadenectomy remains the gold standard for providing a diagnosis of lymph node metastasis (N1) in prostate cancer patients who may be candidates for curatively intended radiotherapy (RT). The limited lymphadenectomy technique (L-PLND) provides removal of only a minority of lymph nodes within the expected regions of lymph node drainage of the prostate. We describe our extended lymphadenectomy (e-PLND) and the pathological outcome with a modified template as described by Briganti and compare it with L-PLND.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 44 patients who underwent e-PLND and 36 patients who underwent L-PLND. The lymph node dissection regions were divided into: I the external iliac field, II the obturator field and III the internal iliac field.

RESULTS

The mean age was 70.2 years for e-PLND and 68.9 years for L-PLND. There was no significant difference in preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score or clinical stage between the two cohorts of patients. The mean operative time was 95 min. (range 75-140 min.) for e-PLND and 82 min. (range 30-145 min.) for L-PLND (p = 0.03). N1 was found in 18 (41%) and six (17%) in e-PLND versus L-PLND, respectively (p = 0.03). Six of the 44 (13.6%) patients who underwent e-PLND had N1 exclusively outside the region related to the limited dissection technique.

CONCLUSION

e-PLND is safe and can prevent overtreatment of at least 13.6% of the prostate cancer patients who may be candidates for RT. Positive needle-core biopsies have a direct impact on N1.

FUNDING

not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

Disorders of sex development presenting as unilateral cryptorchidism

Disorders of sex development (DSD) present in different forms but, in most cases, with visible anomalies of the external genitalia. The diagnosis of DSD can have a vast impact on an individual; in addition to concerns about fertility and a higher risk of neoplasia, it may have severe psychosocial impact on the patient. This report presents two apparently healthy cases referred for operation because of unilateral undescended testis. In these two patients, uterine remnants were found during the operation, and underlying DSD conditions were unexpectedly diagnosed. One patient had a 45,X/46,XY mosaic karyotype, while the second patient had persistent müllerian duct syndrome, probably due to an anti-müllerian hormone receptor defect. Both conditions are extremely rare, but the findings reinforce that DSD should be considered in patients with cryptorchidism, especially if other clinical signs are present.

Promising early results after hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in carefully selected patients

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma has increased during the past two decades. Kidney damage occurring beyond 30 min of warm ischaemia is significant and mostly irreversible, even in completely normal renal systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and safety of early removal of renal artery clamps and its influence on warm ischaemia time and renal function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 15 patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HALPN) were collected retrospectively. The operative method was as follows. The kidney was dissected using hand-assisted laparoscopic technique, the gerotic fascia was dissected and a complete exploration of the kidney was achieved. A vascular bulldog clamp was removed from the renal artery immediately after the tumour resection bed had been closed with a running suture with Hem-o-Lok clips at either end.

RESULTS

The size of tumours ranged between 2 cm and 7 cm. The mean warm ischaemia time was 11.2 min. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate had decreased by 7.8 ml/min/1.73 m(2) metres (11%) six months after the operation. The estimated blood loss was less than 200 ml. The mean operating time was 119 min and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 days. There was no need for postoperative blood transfusions, and neither delayed bleeding nor urinary leakage occurred.

CONCLUSION

Early removal of renal artery clamps during HALPN is associated with a considerable decrease in warm ischaemia time and renal function preservation and pre- and postoperative outcomes are acceptable.

FUNDING

not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.

Prolonged length of hospital stay in Denmark after nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Implementation of the principles of a fast-track surgical programme resulted in a decrease in the length of hospital stay after open nephrectomies. The aim of this study was to describe the regional distribution of nephrectomies, postoperative hospital stay and mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was based on data extracted from the Danish National Patient Registry for the 2000-2009-period.

RESULTS

A total of 6,790 nephrectomies were performed. The mean postoperative stay and mortality decreased from 10.1 days and 2.6% during the 2000-2004-period to 8.3 days (p > 0.05) and 1.7% (p < 0.05) during the 2005-2009-period. A significant decrease in length of postoperative stay (6.4 versus 9.0 days; p < 0.05) and mortality (0.9% versus 2.1%; p < 0.05) was found between laparoscopic and open nephrectomies, respectively, during the 2005-2009-period. Nephrectomies performed by laparoscopic technique rose from 7.6% to 30.8% (p < 0.05) and laparoscopic nephroureterectomies from 1.7% to 10.3% (p < 0.05) from the 2000-2004-period to the 2005-2009-period.

CONCLUSION

We recommend the implementation of fast-track surgery programmes to further decrease postoperative stay and mortality. A further increase in the use of laparoscopy is warranted.