Jamie A. Kanofsky

Effect of Warm Ischemia Time During Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy on Early Postoperative Glomerular Filtration Rate

PURPOSE We evaluated the effect of warm ischemia time on early postoperative renal function following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 453 patients who were surgically treated for renal tumors between May 2001 and September 2007, and who were identified in our database 128 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Of these 128 patients 101 who were evaluable had complete demographic, operative, preoperative and early postoperative data available. Renal function was estimated using the glomerular filtration rate. Warm ischemia time was stratified into 4 interval groups and also analyzed based on different time cutoffs. Ultimately we also tested the relationship between postoperative renal failure, and preoperative factors and warm ischemia time. RESULTS Warm ischemia time interval analysis was not significant. However, when analyzing the effect of warm ischemia time cutoffs, patients with warm ischemia time greater than 40 minutes had a significantly greater decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.03) and a lower glomerular filtration rate postoperatively. The incidence of renal function impairment was more than 2-fold higher in those with a warm ischemia time of greater than 40 minutes than in the other groups (p = 0.077). Warm ischemia time was significant on univariate analysis when only patients with a preoperative glomerular filtration rate of 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) or greater were analyzed. However, this did not hold as an independent predictor of postoperative renal function impairment on multivariate analysis. The preoperative glomerular filtration rate was the only independent predictor of postoperative renal function impairment. CONCLUSIONS A warm ischemia time of 40 minutes appears to be an appropriate cutoff, after which a significantly greater decrease in renal function occurs after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The preoperative glomerular filtration rate was the only independent predictor of an increased risk of renal insufficiency following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

The Necessity of Adrenalectomy at the Time of Radical Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE We describe the literature base pertaining to adrenalectomy at radical nephrectomy and present a pragmatic approach based on primary tumor and disease characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature searches were performed via the National Center for Biotechnology Information databases using various keywords. Articles that pertained to the concomitant use of adrenalectomy with radical nephrectomy were surveyed. RESULTS The incidence of solitary, synchronous, ipsilateral adrenal involvement, ie that which is potentially curable with ipsilateral adrenalectomy along with nephrectomy, is much lower than previously thought at 1% to 5%. Evidence to date supports increased size and T stage, multifocality, upper pole location and venous thrombosis as risk factors for adrenal involvement. Cross-sectional imaging is now accurate at demonstrating the absence of adrenal involvement but still carries a significant risk of false-positives. The morbidity of adrenalectomy is minimal except in those patients with metachronous contralateral adrenal metastasis in whom the impact of adrenal insufficiency can be devastating. Disease specific and overall survival of those undergoing radical nephrectomy, with or without adrenalectomy, are similar. The survival of patients with widespread metastatic disease is historically poor regardless of whether adrenalectomy is performed. There is evidence for a survival advantage in patients with isolated adrenal metastasis, although this group comprises no more than 2% of those undergoing surgery for renal tumors. CONCLUSIONS The apparent benefit of ipsilateral adrenalectomy does not support it as a standard practice in all patients with normal imaging. However, it should be considered in select cases in which there are risk factors for adrenal involvement.

A matched‐cohort comparison of laparoscopic cryoablation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for treating renal masses

To compare the surgical outcomes of elderly patients with renal masses treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) or laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA).

MRI of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Dynamic True Fast Imaging with Steady-State Precession Versus HASTE

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to retrospectively compare the degree of pelvic organ prolapse shown on dynamic true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) versus HASTE sequences in symptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-nine women (mean age, 57 years) with suspected pelvic floor dysfunction underwent MRI using both a sagittal true FISP sequence, acquired continuously during rest alternating with the Valsalva maneuver, and a sagittal HASTE sequence, acquired sequentially at rest and at maximal strain. Data sets were evaluated in random order by two radiologists in consensus using the pubococcygeal line (PCL) as a reference. Measurement of prolapse was based on a numeric grading system indicating severity as follows: no prolapse, 0; mild, 1; moderate, 2; or severe, 3. A comparison between sequences on a per-patient basis was performed using a Wilcoxons analysis with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS Overall, 66.1% (39/59) of patients had more severe prolapse (>or= 1 degrees ) based on dynamic true FISP images, with 28.8% (17/59) of the cases of prolapse seen exclusively on true FISP images. Only 20.3% (12/59) of patients had greater degrees of prolapse on HASTE images than on true FISP images, with 10.2% (6/59) of the cases seen exclusively on HASTE images. A statistically significant increase in the severity of cystoceles (p < 0.01) and urethral hypermobility (p < 0.01)-with a trend toward more severe urethroceles (p < 0.07), vaginal prolapse (p < 0.09), and rectal descent (p < 0.06)-was shown on true FISP images. CONCLUSION Overall, greater degrees of organ prolapse in all three compartments were found with a dynamic true FISP sequence compared with a sequential HASTE sequence. Near real-time continuous imaging with a dynamic true FISP sequence should be included in MR protocols to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction in addition to dynamic multiplanar HASTE sequences.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Large (More Than 7 cm) Renal Masses

OBJECTIVES To evaluate our laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) series to determine whether any significant increases have occurred in operative morbidity when resecting large (7 cm or greater) renal masses. LRN is becoming the reference standard for treating suspicious renal masses not amenable to nephron-sparing surgery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 164 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic radical nephrectomy performed for suspicious renal masses by two surgeons from February 2000 and December 2006. After institutional review board approval, we reviewed the patient charts to determine whether patients with 7-cm or larger lesions had significant differences in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, operative time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, positive margin rate, postoperative creatinine, and hematocrit compared with patients with lesions smaller than 7 cm. RESULTS The data from 164 patients were reviewed. Of these 164 patients, 124 had less than 7-cm masses and 40 had lesions 7 cm or larger. The mean tumor size in the less than 7-cm group was 4.2 cm (range 1.8 to 6.9) and was 9.2 cm (range 7 to 14) in the 7-cm or larger group. The patients with large tumors had a significantly longer operative time, greater estimated blood loss, and increase in postoperative serum creatinine than those with smaller tumors but all other perioperative variables were similar. Two conversions to open radical nephrectomy occurred in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Our data have clearly shown that larger tumors can safely be resected with transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. Open nephrectomy for large tumors can be associated with increased morbidity and the use of LRN could minimize this increased risk. Urologists with laparoscopic experience should consider expanding their indication for LRN.

Laparoscopic Doppler Technology: Applications in Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty and Radical and Partial Nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION The identification and isolation of vascular structures are crucial and technically demanding aspects of laparoscopic renal surgery. Doppler technology has been used for this purpose in laparoscopic varicocele repair, renal cryoablation, and adrenalectomy. However, it has not been formally described for use in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, or pyeloplasty. We report our initial experience with Doppler technology in 20 patients undergoing these procedures. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS A laparoscopic Doppler probe was used in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (n = 6), partial nephrectomy (n = 8), nephroureterectomy (n = 3), and robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (n = 3). The Doppler system consisted of a disposable 8-MHz probe passed through a 5-mm port and a battery-powered transceiver. The probe was used to guide dissection/isolation of the renal hilum and aberrant vasculature in radical and partial nephrectomy, confirm parenchymal ischemia before resection in partial nephrectomy, and identify crossing vessels during pyeloplasty. Nine accessory vessels were detected in 6 (35%) of 17 patients undergoing radical/partial nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. In 1 case of partial nephrectomy, persistent parenchymal flow despite renal artery clamping required clamp repositioning. In 1 case of pyeloplasty, the Doppler probe detected a crossing vessel despite negative preoperative imaging findings. Use of the probe altered management in 7 (35%) and saved time in 15 (75%) of 20 cases. No complications were associated with the use of the probe. CONCLUSIONS Doppler ultrasound technology might have extended applications in laparoscopic renal surgery by facilitating the dissection and evaluation of vasculature. A prospective study with objective endpoints would be helpful in confirming the utility of this technology in these settings.

Effect of tension-free vaginal tape and TVT-obturator on lower urinary tract symptoms other than stress urinary incontinence

Variable effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) other than stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have been reported after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). We measured the effect of TVT on LUTS using the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI). Patients undergoing TVT completed the AUASI pre- and post-operatively. Total scores (TS), storage scores (SS), and voiding scores (VS) were compared overall and among patients with SUI vs mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and those who underwent TVT vs TVT-obturator (TVT-O). The mean change in TS and SS was −3.6 and −3.0. Mean reductions in TS and SS were significant in all patient subsets with no change in VS. There was no significant difference in the mean changes in TS between patients with SUI vs MUI or those undergoing TVT vs TVT-O. LUTS are improved after TVT in most patients. In general, voiding symptoms were not adversely affected.

MRI of the Urethra in Women With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Spectrum of Findings at Static and Dynamic Imaging

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to determine the findings at both static and dynamic MRI in women with a clinically suspected urethral abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI of the urethra was performed in 84 women with lower urinary tract symptoms using multiplanar T2-weighted turbo spin-echo and unenhanced and contrast-enhanced gradient-echo sequences. A dynamic true fast imaging with steady-state free precession sequence was performed during straining in the sagittal plane. Images were evaluated by two radiologists for urethral pathology and pelvic organ prolapse. MRI findings were correlated with clinical symptoms using the Fishers exact and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS Urethral abnormalities were found in 10 of 84 patients (11.9%), including two urethral diverticula, five Skenes gland cysts or abscesses, and three periurethral cysts. Thirty-three patients (39.3%) were diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, of whom 29 (87.9%) were diagnosed exclusively on dynamic imaging. In 29 of 33 patients with prolapse (87.9%), the urethra was structurally normal. MRI showed 13 cystoceles and 17 cases of urethral hypermobility not detected on physical examination. Patients with a greater number of vaginal deliveries, stress urinary incontinence, frequency of voiding, and voiding difficulty were statistically more likely to have anterior compartment prolapse (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Including a dynamic sequence permits both structural and functional evaluation of the urethra, which may be of added value in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. Dynamic MRI allows detection of pelvic organ prolapse that may not be evident on conventional static sequences.