State-of-the-art surgical management of renal cell carcinoma

There is a recognizable increase in the incidence of renal cell carcinoma and a parallel rise in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma has occurred. However, recent literature shows that not all small, suspected renal cell carcinoma needs to be treated surgically, especially in elderly patients or those with multiple medical comorbidities. The surgical options for renal cell carcinoma have expanded from traditional open nephrectomy to partial nephrectomy and, at present, more recent outcomes data are available for the laparoscopic versions of these surgeries. Short-term results of thermal ablative technology (radiofrequency and cryoablation) show real promise as minimally invasive therapies. This review examines the most up-to-date outcomes and future directions of the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma.

Laparoscopic warm-up exercises improve performance of senior-level trainees during laparoscopic renal surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgery is a high-stakes "performance." Yet, unlike athletes or musicians, surgeons do not engage in routine "warm-up" exercises before "performing" in the operating room. We study the impact of a preoperative warm-up exercise routine (POWER) on surgeon performance during laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serving as their own controls, each subject performed two pairs of laparoscopic cases, each pair consisting of one case with POWER (+POWER) and one without (-POWER). Subjects were randomly assigned to +POWER or -POWER for the initial case of each pairing, and all cases were performed ≥ 1 week apart. POWER consisted of completing an electrocautery skill task on a virtual reality simulator and 15 minutes of laparoscopic suturing and knot tying in a pelvic box trainer. For each case, cognitive, psychomotor, and technical performance data were collected during two different tasks: mobilization of the colon (MC) and intracorporeal suturing and knot tying (iSKT). Statistical analysis was performed using SYSTAT v11.0.

RESULTS

A total of 28 study cases (14+POWER, 14-POWER) were performed by seven different subjects. Cognitive and psychomotor performance (attention, distraction, workload, spatial reasoning, movement smoothness, posture stability) were found to be significantly better in the +POWER group (P ≤ 0.05) and technical performance, as scored by two blinded laparoscopic experts, was found to be better in the +POWER group for MC (P=0.04) but not iSKT (P=0.92). Technical scores demonstrated excellent reliability using our assessment tool (Cronbach ∝=0.88). Subject performance during POWER was also found to correlate with intraoperative performance scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Urologic trainees who perform a POWER approximately 1 hour before laparoscopic renal surgery demonstrate improved cognitive, psychomotor, and technical performance.

Current minimally invasive practice patterns among postgraduate urologists

PURPOSE

To determine laparoscopic and robotic surgical practice patterns among current postgraduate urologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 9,095 electronic surveys sent to practicing urologists with e-mail addresses registered with the American Urological Association.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 864 (9.5%) urologists; 84% report that laparoscopic or robotic procedures are performed in their practice. The highest training obtained by the primary laparoscopist was fellowship (31%), residency (23%), or 2- to 3-day courses (22%). Eighty-six percent report performance of laparoscopic nephrectomy in their practice, and 71% consider it the standard of care. Sixty-six percent of practices have access to at least one robotic unit, and 9% plan on purchasing one within a year. Attitudes toward robotics are favorable, with 80% indicating that it will increase in volume and potential procedures. Thirty-one percent state that robot-assisted prostatectomy is standard of care, while 50% believe this procedure looks promising. Respondents think that optimal training in minimally invasive techniques is fellowships (23%), minifellowships (23%), or hands-on courses (23%). Twenty-nine percent think that they were trained adequately in laparoscopy and robotics from residency, and 62% believe residents should be able to perform most laparoscopic procedures on completion of residency.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice and availability of laparoscopic and robotic procedures have increased since previous evaluations. Opinions regarding these techniques are favorable and optimistic. As the field of urology continues to see a growing demand for minimally invasive procedures, training of postgraduate urologists and residents remains essential.

Laparoscopic renal tumor cryoablation: appropriate application of real-time ultrasonographic monitoring

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many authors who report outcomes of laparoscopic cryoablation for renal tumors comment that real-time intracorporeal ultrasonographic monitoring of the ice-ball formation is imperative. In our experience, ultrasonographic monitoring of the ice-ball formation necessitates significantly more mobilization of the kidney, and the images are difficult to interpret because of artifact and the cryoablation effect on the tissue. We report our intermediate outcomes for laparoscopic cryoablation without real-time ultrasonographic monitoring of the ice ball.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 2002 and May 2007, 27 patients underwent laparoscopic renal cryoablation. The cryoablation approach was based on tumor location and surgeon preference. Lesions were identified and overlying fat was excised, without further mobilization. Real-time ultrasonographic measurement and mapping of the renal lesion were performed. All lesions were biopsied before cryoablation. A double 10-minute freeze-thaw cycle was performed. Postoperative follow-up comprised serial imaging at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 70.1 years with a mean renal tumor size of 2.2 cm. Sixteen (59.3%) patients had more than three comorbidities and six (22.2%) patients had two comorbidities with at least 1 previous intra-abdominal surgery. An average of four cryoablation probes were used per lesion. The serum creatinine level was 1.3 mg preoperatively and 1.4 mg at last follow-up. At follow-up of 22 months, there were no local recurrences and 1 (3%) metastatic lesion.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cryoablation of small renal masses continues to be a safe and effective technique, even without the use of real-time ultrasonographic monitoring of the ice ball.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Since it first was performed in 1995, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has grown to be the standard of care in most transplant centers in the United States. This article reviews the current indications, selection criteria, surgical approaches, outcomes, and complications of LDN.

Fellowship in endourology, the job search, and setting up a successful practice: an insider's view

The field of endourology, which encompasses genitourinary endoscopy and percutaneous, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, has advanced rapidly over the past quarter century, causing endourology to be considered a subspecialty of urology. The Endourological Society, which is recognized by the American Urological Association, offers numerous clinical and research fellowship opportunities throughout the world. The decision to seek postresidency fellowship training in endourology is complex as is the process of seeking subsequent employment. We offer guidance on the decision-making process to obtain fellowship training as well as on early steps into subsequent academic or private practice settings.

Multi-institutional survey of laparoscopic ureterolysis for retroperitoneal fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

Medical therapy often fails to cure benign retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), necessitating a surgical approach. Preoperative and postoperative adjuvant medical therapy and the timing of surgical intervention are not well-established. We surveyed centers of laparoscopic excellence to determine the current practices in the treatment of RPF.

METHODS

Surveys were sent to all institutions with Endourological Society-recognized fellowships. The data collected were analyzed for trends in the treatment of RPF. Additional information was collected from participating institutions to better characterize the experience with laparoscopic ureterolysis and adjunctive medical management.

RESULTS

Of the surveys sent out, 17 completed surveys were returned (41%). A total of 73 patients had been treated for RPF. Most centers (13 of 17) used a conventional laparoscopic approach with rare conversion to hand assistance. The medical management of RPF was directed by urologists, rheumatologists, or other specialists in 59%, 24%, and 18% of institutions, respectively. Steroid therapy was administered preoperatively by 15 of 17 centers. Postoperatively, 10 of 17 centers continued treatment with steroids and/or cytotoxic agents. Eight institutions provided data on 46 renal units in the second part of the study. The success rate of laparoscopic ureterolysis per renal unit was 83% (38 of 46). No difference was seen in the outcomes of patients who received adjuvant medical therapy compared with those who did not (16 of 19 versus 22 of 27; P = 0.48) after a mean follow-up of 17.7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study have shown that no uniform treatment algorithm exists for RPF at centers of laparoscopic excellence. Most institutions recommended an attempt at steroids followed by laparoscopic ureterolysis. Laparoscopic ureterolysis had a high success rate, and adjuvant medical therapy did not appear to contribute to the success rate.

Laparoscopic management of bilateral page kidneys

Hyper-reninemic hypertension as a result of renal compression is often referred to as a "Page" kidney. We present a case of a patient with bilateral Page kidneys from subcapsular hematomas as a complication of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. After several attempts at percutaneous and laparoscopic drainage of the fluid collections, she was referred for definitive management with laparoscopic decortication and capsulotomy. Bilateral laparoscopic surgery was performed in a staged fashion, using a novel technique of radial incision inner capsulotomy, with resolution of the patient's hypertension. We report our technique and factors to consider in the management of Page kidney.

Robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Dismembered pyeloplasty is the gold standard treatment for adult ureteropelvic junction obstruction with published success rates consistently over 90%. The morbidity of the open flank incision required for dismembered pyeloplasty led to experimentation with other less invasive modalities such as endopyelotomy and laparoscopic techniques. Modern laparoscopic pyeloplasty series demonstrate success rates equivalent to those of their open counterparts with improved postoperative convalescence. The requirement of complex intracorporeal reconstruction has limited widespread application of laparoscopic pyeloplasty. The daVinci surgical robotic platform offers features that improve intracorporeal reconstruction and suturing thereby flattening the learning curve of laparoscopic pyeloplasty for residents, fellows, and novice laparoscopists. Multiple variations in robotic technique exist but short term outcomes and convalescence appear equivalent to open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Complications related to robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty are minimal and usually self-limiting. The indications for robotic pyeloplasty have expanded to include difficult cases such as those who have failed previous therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction including failed endopyelotomy or previous pyeloplasty. The appeal of robotic technology is tempered somewhat by its high cost compared to standard laparoscopic techniques but it is hoped that overall costs will decrease with time.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteropyelostomy for Treatment of Prostatitis Secondary to Ectopic Ureteral Insertion of a Completely Duplicated Collecting System

Symptomatic presentation of a completely duplicated collecting system with upper-pole ectopic ureteral insertion is rare in the adult. We present a case of a 52-year-old man with recurrent prostatitis and hematuria secondary to an ectopic ureteral insertion from a left upper-pole moiety in a completely duplicated collecting system. He underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteropyelostomy with good results. We describe our technique in this unusual case.

Survey of residency training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery

PURPOSE

We determined the current status of residency training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the United States and Canada.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,188 surveys were sent via the Internet to all 1,056 current urology residents and 132 program directors with an Internet address registered with the American Urological Association.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 372 residents (35%) and 56 program directors (42%). Of respondents 47% reported greater than 100 laparoscopic procedures performed yearly by 1 (36%) or more (51%) faculty members. Robotic procedures were performed at 54% of the institutions, mainly consisting of prostatectomy and pyeloplasty. At all institutions laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed and those at 69% of the institutions believed that it is the gold standard for renal tumors today. Urologists were involved in 87% of adrenal surgeries and 54% of respondents believed that is the gold standard approach. However, only 35% of respondents had participated in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Of respondents 36%, 42% and 17% reported that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed by only urologists, only a nonurology transplant team and shared equally, respectively. Of respondents 41% planned on performing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in the next year. Laparoscopic needle ablation renal surgery was done in 51% of the programs and percutaneous needle ablation was done in 63%. None of the respondents (0%) believed that it is the gold standard but 51% believed that ablative procedures look promising for renal tumors. Of respondents 39% had participated in robotic radical prostatectomy and 53% thought that it looked promising but was not the gold standard. Of respondents 31% believed that they will be performing robotic surgery after residency, 30% were unsure and 29% will not be using the robot. Overall 38% of residents thought that their laparoscopic experience was at least average or acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

A large number of laparoscopic urological procedures are being performed at training institutions with robotic procedures being performed at 54% of respondent facilities. Residents are participating in most cases but only 38% consider their laparoscopic experience to be satisfactory. A need still exists for increased laparoscopic training for residents, which can be accomplished by expanding training facilities and increasing the number of faculty members performing laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty: a comparison between native ileum and small intestinal submucosa in the porcine model

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty (LAC) in the porcine model and to compare LAC using standard bowel vs a small intestinal submucosa (SIS) allograft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen female pigs underwent LAC; six had standard ileal AC and eight AC with SIS. All the pigs had limited cystometrogram studies before surgery to determine bladder capacity. At 6 weeks after surgery the pigs were anaesthetized, the bladder capacities were re-assessed and then the pigs were killed; the bladders were harvested and examined histologically.

RESULTS

In all, 12 of 14 pigs completed the 6-week survival period; two pigs from the SIS group died from urinary ascites secondary to anastomotic leaks at the cystoplasty site. There were no complications in the ileal augmentation group. The operative duration was similar in both groups. The bladder capacities increased significantly in both groups, although more reliably in the native ileum group. In two pigs in the SIS group there was no increase in bladder capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

LAC is feasible in the porcine model and results in a significant increase in bladder capacity. AC using SIS does not appear to increase bladder capacity as reliably as native ileum, and has a higher complication rate.

Robotic Computer-Assisted Pyeloplasty versus Conventional Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for the repair of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction provides results similar to those of open pyeloplasty with less morbidity, but its use has been limited, as it requires advanced laparoscopic skills. Robotic computer-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) has the potential to reduce the technical challenges of the reconstructive portion of the operation. We compare our RAP experience with our recent LP cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients underwent LP, and 31 underwent RAP. The demographics of the two groups were similar. Three patients in the RAP group had been treated previously for UPJ obstruction. All procedures were performed transperitoneally. For RAP, conventional laparoscopic dissection and exposure preceded robot-assisted reconstruction. A Double-J stent was placed cystoscopically in all patients. Patient demographics and operative, postoperative, and follow-up data were compared. Success was defined strictly as the unequivocal absence of both obstruction and postoperative pain. Also technical success was defined as no evidence of persistent high-grade obstruction, no loss of function, no symptomatic obstruction, and no necessity for further treatment.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of UPJ obstruction was confirmed intraoperatively in all cases. No difference was found in operative and postoperative outcomes of the two procedures. Operative time, including cystoscopy, was 299 minutes in the LP group and 271 minutes in the RAP group. The median estimated blood loss was <100 mL in both groups. The median console time for RAP was 76 minutes (range 54-124 minutes) and consisted of preparation and completion of the anastomosis. The median robotic docking and undocking time was 16 minutes (range 5-30 minutes). The anastomotic times for LP were not recorded. There were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative complications. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 2 days in both groups. There were two postoperative complications in each group: In the LP group, one large retroperitoneal hematoma and one umbilical hernia; in the RAP group, one nonfebrile urinary-tract infection and one urine leak. The mean follow-up was 10 months (range 1-31 months) for LP and 6 months (range 1-21 months) for RAP. Strict success was seen in 64% of the LP patients and 66% of the RAP patients. There was one technical failure in the RAP group, resulting in a technical success rate of 100% for LP and 97% for RAP. Technical success was seen in two LP patients and five RAP patients with partial obstruction on early postoperative renography and three LP patients and four RAP patients with occasional postoperative pain.

CONCLUSION

Robotic computer-assisted pyeloplasty provides short-term results similar to those of conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our institution.

Survey of urological laparoscopic practice patterns in the midwest

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic surgery is assuming a greater role in the management of many urological disorders. We performed a survey of urologists in the Midwest United States to define laparoscopic practice patterns regarding urological disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surveys were mailed to 1,450 members of the North Central Section of the American Urological Association. Questions pertained to age, practice demographics, residency training and amount of laparoscopy performed.

RESULTS

A response rate of 33% was obtained. A total of 49% of urologists perform no laparoscopy, 30% devote less than 5% of their practice and 21% devote 5% or more of their practice to laparoscopy. Of the responders 15% believed they were adequately trained during residency to perform laparoscopy. Among those who performed hand assisted laparoscopy (HAL), 52% used it to gain familiarity with laparoscopic techniques. There was an inverse correlation between time in practice and amount of laparoscopy performed (p <0.0001). Urologists in academia perform laparoscopy at a greater proportion versus those in private practice (p <0.01). Urologists who incorporated laparoscopy during fellowship performed the most laparoscopy (p = 0.003). Those who considered themselves adequately trained during residency were more likely to perform laparoscopy (p <0.0001). Urologists who perform HAL devote more of their operating time to laparoscopy than those who do not (p <0.0001). The number of laparoscopic cases performed correlated with decreased time in practice (p <0.0001), academic setting (p = 0.001) and use of HAL (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Urological laparoscopic surgery remains at an early stage of development in the Midwestern United States. Although HAL has widened the scope of laparoscopy among urologists, increased training for urologists and residents is necessary.

Care of the patient undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty as a treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction has shown comparable success rates with open pyeloplasty techniques. The use of robotic technology to assist during laparoscopic pyeloplasty procedures has been encouraged by the steep learning curve for laparoscopic surgical skills, and the complexity of laparoscopic suturing. Robotic technology provides the surgeon with the ability to filter out any physiologic hand tremor, more degrees of freedom of movement than traditional laparoscopic instruments, the ability to scale movement to provide better control for microsurgery, better ergonomics during surgery, and three-dimensional vision. Details of the procedure and specific nursing care of the patient undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics are described.

Medical robotics: the impact on perioperative nursing practice

Robotic technology and the increased use of minimally invasive surgery approaches is altering the environment in which operating room personnel work and affecting how nurses must care for patients. An understanding of the history of robotics, current applications of the technology, and perioperative nursing responsibilities is needed to assure quality patient care in the wake of continued advances in technology.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The technique of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has matured significantly over the past decade and is emerging as an oncologically sound procedure for the management of small renal tumors. Methods of tumor excision as well as parenchymal reconstruction in a hemostatically controlled field have evolved to make this procedure safer. Improved techniques to minimize warm renal ischemia are being developed. Finally, methods to prevent positive surgical margins during laparoscopic surgery are crucial to a satisfactory oncologic outcome. These important technical issues, as well as the current results of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, are discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The urologic peer-review literature related to nephron-sparing surgery was reviewed. Controversial issues with respect to the surgical approach, methods of hemostatic control, acceptable time of warm ischemia, and cooling techniques were reviewed and collated. Perioperative results from larger series of laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Open nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors < or =4 cm has cancer control equivalent to that of open radical nephrectomy. Evidence is now emerging that laparoscopic partial nephrectomy will provide similar oncologic results, although clinical follow-up is still early. Blood loss, postoperative pain, and convalescence seem to be favor the laparoscopic approach. Complication rates, primarily postoperative bleeding and urine leak, may be higher than for open nephron-sparing surgery. Methods of laparoscopic hemostatic control favor soft vascular clamping for larger tumors that are more endophytic and central. Smaller exophytic lesions may be managed without renal vascular control using a variety of coagulative and hemostatic tools. Data related to warm renal ischemia suggest that the time used for tumor excision and renal reconstruction should be 30 minutes or less. Techniques for laparoscopic renal cooling are being developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery is a technique in evolution but with a promising outlook. The urologic peer-review literature reflects an exponential growth in interest, which suggests that this minimally invasive approach is practical and may benefit our patient population so as to allow them to return to normal healthy living more quickly.

Multi-institutional validation study of neural networks to predict duration of stay after laparoscopic radical/simple or partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE

We developed models to predict post-laparoscopic radical or simple nephrectomy (LapNx) and post-laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LapPNx) hospital duration of stay (DOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review (design group) of all 726 patients (July 1997 to April 2004) who underwent LapNx or LapPNx at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF). Preoperative findings were recorded. Neural network algorithms were designed to predict the DOS before surgery. The models were then tested on a separate 252 patients from 6 different institutions, namely Tulane University Medical School, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of Iowa, Mayo Clinic at Scottsdale and CCF.

RESULTS

In the CCF design groups, the LapNx model accuracy was 73% to 74% and the LapPNx model 73% to 83%. Overall accuracy in the test groups at all 6 institutions was 72% (area under ROC 0.6 to 0.7) for the LapNx model and 52% to 81% (ROC 0.5 to 0.7) for the LapPNx model.

CONCLUSIONS

The LapNx model provides 72% accuracy in predicting the DOS at all 6 institutions. The LapPNx model provided fair accuracy only at CCF and Tulane University Medical School. These models may streamline the delivery of care and continued testing will allow for further refinement.

Technique for ensuring negative surgical margins during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Obtaining a negative surgical margin during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is paramount to optimizing the oncologic efficacy of the procedure. Limitations of laparoscopy hinder the ability to extrapolate the intraparenchymal tumor extension from the exophytic portion. We developed a technique wherein ultrasound-confirmed needle localization of the deep tumor margin prior to tumor extirpation ensured negative surgical margins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our technique was developed and initially tested using an agar-based ultrasound phantom designed to mimic 2-cm exophytic renal tumors. Needle placement was imaged with ultrasonography and subsequently correlated with findings on sectioning of the tumor mimic. Laparoscopic extirpation of the tumor mimic following needle placement was carried out in a pelvic trainer. The technique has subsequently been incorporated into our LPN technique in four patients.

RESULTS

Ultrasound-confirmed needle localization of intraparenchymal tumor extension was feasible and reproducible in an ultrasound phantom. Ultrasound findings correlated with gross findings. Needle placement prior to tumor resection helped to ensure negative surgical margins when applied in the pelvic trainer and when used in three patients. In the remaining patient, improper needle placement resulted in a grossly positive deep margin.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-confirmed needle placement effectively and reproducibly marks the deep margin of small renal tumors in a mimic as well as in vivo. Our needle technique eliminates the guesswork and unreliability associated with mental visualization and extrapolation of tumor extent during LPN.

Spontaneous dissolution of a guaifenesin stone

Guaifenesin is a commonly used expectorant whose use may lead to the occasional formation of guaifenesin urinary stones. We herein describe a patient who was taking 2400 mg Guaifenesin per day as part of his treatment for asthma. He had a past history of a guaifenesin stone removed ureteroscopically. His current presentation was with a 9 mm by 6 mm stone in the upper left ureter, seen on CT scan, and treated initially with a ureteral stent and hydration. After 3 weeks, the stone had disappeared, as confirmed by repeat CT scan. The genesis and treatment of guaifenesin stones is discussed.

Correlation of preoperative three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography with intraoperative findings in laparoscopic renal surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (3D-MRA) with image reconstruction has important applications in laparoscopic urologic surgery. We now use 3D-MRA as part of our preoperative evaluation in selected patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, radical nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2001 to December 2002, 50 patients underwent preoperative 3D-MRA at 1.5 T prior to laparoscopic renal surgery. In general, preoperative 3D-MRA was obtained for donor nephrectomies and pyeloplasties and for cases where prior imaging suggested a possible vascular anomaly. Patients who underwent preoperative imaging included those having donor nephrectomy (N = 28), pyeloplasty (N = 12), radical nephrectomy (N = 5), partial nephrectomy (N = 3), and other laparoscopic renal procedures (N = 2). The 3D-MRA studies were interpreted by one radiologist, and all laparoscopic cases were performed by one of two surgeons. The findings of 3D-MRA were correlated with the intraoperative findings with special attention to aberrant vasculature, including duplicated renal arteries or veins, accessory vessels, or crossing vessels.

RESULTS

Among patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, 3D-MRA correctly predicted the number of renal vessels in 27 of 28 cases (96%), including all 3 cases of left retroaortic renal vein. Also, 3DMRA correctly predicted the presence or absence of a crossing vessel in 10 of 12 cases (83%) of laparoscopic pyeloplasty. The imaging study also correctly predicted the number of hilar vessels in all five cases of radical nephrectomy, all three cases of partial nephrectomy, and both cases of other renal operations. Overall, 3D-MRA correctly defined the renal hilar anatomy in 48 of 50 patients, for an overall accuracy of 96%.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional MRA findings correlate well (96%) with intraoperative findings in laparoscopic renal surgery. The imaging study provides exquisite vascular detail and is highly accurate, making it sufficient imaging prior to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and useful for pyeloplasty and other complex renal operations.

Current Trends in Urologic Laparoscopic Surgery

PURPOSE

We examined the status of laparoscopy in urology and the impact of residency and fellowship training on the performance of laparoscopy as primary surgeon. We also examined whether performing nonsurgical tasks requiring two-handed dexterity had any link to the adoption of laparoscopic techniques by urologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 8760 laparoscopy questionnaires containing 135 queries were mailed to urologists listed on the American Urological Association practicing urologists mailing list. The questions sought information on area of practice, time in practice, fellowship training, ambidexterity, laparoscopic experience, and experience with robotics. The response rate was 1.8% (155 of 8760).

RESULTS

There appeared to be no significant correlation between the performance of laparoscopic surgery and participation in activities requiring bimanual dexterity. However, a correlation of strong statistical significance did exist between laparoscopic residency training and performance of laparoscopy after residency (p=0.003. There also was a correlation between fellowship training in laparoscopy/endourology and doing laparoscopy as primary surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in laparoscopic surgery during residency training is a major determining factor in performance of laparoscopy as a primary surgeon in practice. Younger surgeons trained in laparoscopy during residency are performing more laparoscopy post residency than those without laparoscopic training during residency. At present, there is a need to train more urologists in laparoscopy at the postgraduate level.

Adrenal adenoma with organizing hematoma: diagnostic dilemma at MRI

We report a case of adrenal adenoma with organizing hematoma mimicking hemangioma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesion demonstrated heterogeneous hyperintensity on heavily T2-weighted images. On dynamic contrasted-enhanced MRI, the lesion demonstrated early, patchy peripheral enhancement with subsequent fill-in that persisted. Chemical shift gradient-echo images failed to demonstrate the presence of intracellular lipid. Magnetic resonance imaging failed to characterize the lesion, and an erroneous preoperative diagnosis of adrenal hemangioma was made. Although the MRI findings reflected the organized hematoma with abundant vascular spaces, our case emphasizes the point that the MRI characteristics of intratumoral hemorrhage may overlap with those of adrenal hemangioma and chronic expanding hematoma.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy: surgical technique

Many centers have adopted laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) techniques for live donor nephrectomy. Currently, the majority of laparoscopic living donor kidneys are procured from the left side because of the longer renal vein and improved transplantation. However, indications exist for right donor nephrectomy. We present our technique of HAL right-sided donor nephrectomy. A key feature of our dissection is wide mobilization of adjacent structures to achieve good exposure of the right kidney and inferior vena cava. In addition, the use of the hand permits optimal positioning of the kidney for division of the renal vessels with the vascular stapler. At the time of division of the renal vein, the stapler is placed on the wall of the inferior vena cava in order to gain maximal length. This technique has allowed HAL right-sided donor nephrectomy to be performed safely when indicated.

Use of Bipolar Energy for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: Pathologic Considerations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Bipolar electrocautery has recently been introduced as a modality for transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). The primary benefits of bipolar TURBT stem from the use of saline irrigant rather than glycine or water. TURBT should be conducted in a fashion such that the resected tissue can be used for proper grading and staging, so excessive cauterization of the tissue should be avoided. In this study, we compared the pathologic characteristics of bladder tumor specimens resected with bipolar versus standard monopolar energy to determine specimen quality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bipolar TURBT (Gyrus Medical Inc., Maple Grove, MN) was performed in 11 patients. Pathologic specimens were compared with the specimens from 11 patients who had previously undergone standard monopolar TURBT. Resected tissue was examined by a pathologist who recorded tumor size, grade, location, presence of muscularis propria, presence of muscle invasion, and final diagnosis. The pathologist also determined the degree of cautery artifact in each specimen. The pathologist was blinded to the form of electrocautery used and the clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

Transurethral resection with bipolar electrocautery was carried out without difficulty or complication in all cases. Similarly, there were no complications in resection by standard monopolar electrocautery. The bladder tumor chips obtained with bipolar TURBT were smaller because of the smaller size of the bipolar loop. However, this did not interfere with the pathologic assessment. There were no significant pathologic differences between specimens according to the type of cautery used. A large degree of cautery artifact was noted in the tissue of larger tumors resected using both monopolar and bipolar electrocautery. However, the incidence and degree of cautery artifact were similar in the two groups. No trends between tumor location and degree of cautery effect were noted. The pathologist had no difficulty reaching a full and proper diagnosis in all cases involving either form of electrocautery.

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar electrocautery is well suited for TURBT. Bladder tissue obtained from bipolar TURBT is of the same histologic quality as that obtained from standard monopolar TURBT and provides the urologist with a reliable and complete diagnosis.