Jose R. Colombo

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for centrally located renal tumors.

PURPOSE LPN is frequently reserved for small, peripherally located tumors. Centrally located tumors typically require complex intracorporeal suturing and reconstruction with hilar clamping, which is a laparoscopically advanced maneuver given the constraints of renal ischemia. We retrospectively compared our experience with central vs peripheral tumors treated with LPN. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2001 and March 2004, 363 patients underwent LPN for tumor. The tumor was located centrally in 154 patients and peripherally in 209. Central tumors were defined as tumors centrally extending into the kidney in direct contact with or invading into the pelvicaliceal system and/or renal sinus on preoperative 3-dimensional computerized tomography. Lesions with no contact with the pelvicaliceal system were classified as peripheral. Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and pathological data were compared. RESULTS Central tumors were larger (median 3 vs 2.4 cm, p < 0.001) and had larger specimens at surgery (median 43 vs 22 gm, p < 0.001) than peripheral tumors. Although blood loss was similar (median 150 cc), central tumors required longer warm ischemia time (median 33.5 vs 30 minutes, p < 0.001), operative time (median 3.5 vs 3 hours, p = 0.008) and hospital stay (median 67 vs 60 hours, p < 0.001). A positive cancer margin occurred in 1 patient per group. Median postoperative serum creatinine was similar (1.2 vs 1.1 mg/dl). Intraoperative and late postoperative complications were comparable. However, more early postoperative complications occurred in the central group (6% vs 2%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LPN for central tumors can be performed safely by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon with perioperative outcomes comparable to those of peripheral tumors. Given the requisite laparoscopic expertise, indications for LPN should be expanded to include centrally located tumors.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney

PURPOSE We report our experience with LPN for tumor in a solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 430 patients undergoing LPN since February 1999 at our institution 22 (5%) underwent LPN for tumor in a solitary kidney, as performed by a single surgeon. The laparoscopic technique that we used duplicated open principles, including hilar clamping, cold cut tumor excision and sutured renal reconstruction. RESULTS Mean tumor size was 3.6 cm (range 1.4 to 8.3, median 3 cm), median blood loss was 200 cc (range 50 to 500), warm ischemia time was 29 minutes (range 14 to 55), total operative time was 3.3 hours (range 2.2 to 4.5) and hospital stay was 2.8 days (range 1.3 to 12). Two cases (9%) were electively converted to open surgery. Pathological findings confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 16 patients (73%) with negative surgical margins in all those with LPN. Major complications occurred in 3 patients (15%) and minor complications developed in 7 (32%). Median preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine (1.2 and 1.5 mg/dl) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (67.5 and 50 ml per minute per 1.73 m2) reflected a change of 33% and 27%, respectively, which appeared proportionate to the median amount of kidney parenchyma excised (23%). One patient (4.5%) required temporary hemodialysis. At a median followup of 2.5 years (range 0.5 to 4.5) cancer specific and overall survival was 100% and 91%, respectively. No patient with LPN had local or port site recurrence, or metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS LPN can be performed efficaciously and safely in select patients with tumor in a solitary kidney. To our knowledge we present the largest series in the literature. Advanced laparoscopic experience and expertise are necessary in this high risk population.

Seven Years After Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy: Oncologic and Renal Functional Outcomes

OBJECTIVES To compare the long-term oncologic and renal function outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic (LRN) versus open radical nephrectomy (ORN). METHODS The medical records of 116 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma before January 2000 were reviewed. Of these 116 patients, 63 underwent LRN and 53 ORN. The oncologic and renal functional data were obtained from the patient charts, radiographic reports, and direct telephone calls to the patients or their families. RESULTS The median follow-up was 65 months (range 19 to 92) in the LRN group and 76 months (range 8 to 105) in the ORN group. LRN was successfully completed in all patients without open conversion. The mean tumor size was 5.4 cm in the LRN group and 6.4 cm in the ORN group (P = 0.007). The 5-year overall survival (78% versus 84%, respectively; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75) rates were similar between the LRN and ORN groups. At 7 years, the overall survival (72% versus 84%; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75) rates were also comparable. No port site recurrence was noted in the laparoscopic group. The long-term renal function outcomes were similar in the LRN and ORN groups, with serum creatinine increasing by 33% and 25%, and the estimated creatinine clearance decreasing by 31% and 23% from baseline, respectively. Chronic renal insufficiency developed in 4% of patients in each group. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that LRN and ORN have comparable long-term oncologic and renal functional outcomes.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with compromised renal function.

OBJECTIVES To present outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in patients with compromised baseline renal function. METHODS Of 485 patients undergoing LPN between September 1999 and August 2005 at our institution, 48 (10%) had compromised baseline renal function, defined as serum creatinine 1.5mg/dL or greater (group I). Outcomes were compared with 437 patients undergoing LPN with normal baseline renal function (serum creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL, group II). Both groups were compared regarding perioperative data, complications, and renal functional and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS Group i patients were older (67.6 versus 58.6 years, P <0.001) and had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.8 versus 2.4, P <0.001), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.9 versus 0.7, P <0.001), and larger tumors (3.3 versus 2.7 cm, P = 0.01). Intraoperative data, postoperative outcomes, overall complications, and pathologic data were similar between groups. At a mean follow-up of 21 months, the deterioration in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate was similar between groups (P = 0.99 and 0.89, respectively). Dialysis was required in 5 patients (10%) in group I and 3 patients (0.6%) in group II (P <0.001). Within group I, older patients (older than 70 years) with prolonged warm ischemia (greater than 30 minutes) had significantly worse renal functional outcomes. Comparing groups I and II, estimated 5-year overall survival was 78% versus 90% (log rank = 0.01) and cancer-specific survival was 100% versus 98% (log rank = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS Older patients with compromised renal function and warm ischemia time greater than 30 minutes are at high risk for renal dysfunction after LPN. Alternate nephron-sparing methods including hypothermia or probe-ablation should be considered in these patients.

Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer

PURPOSE To report the 5-year oncological outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer compared to a cohort of patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 88 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma prior to January 2000. Of these, 45 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and 43 patients underwent open radical nephrectomy. Inclusion criteria comprised clinically organ-confined tumors of 15 cm or less in size without concomitant lymphadenopathy or vena cava thrombus. Oncological follow-up data were obtained from charts, radiological reports, and phone calls to patients or their families, and were calculated from the date of surgery to the date of last appointment with physician or date of death. RESULTS All laparoscopic procedures were completed without open conversion. On comparing the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open radical nephrectomy groups, mean tumor size was 5. 8 vs 6.2 cm (P = . 44), mean blood loss was 183 vs 461 mL (P = . 004), and mean operative time was 2.8 vs 3.7 hrs (P < . 001). Over a mean follow-up of 5 years in the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group and 6 years in the open radical nephrectomy group, the overall survival was 81% vs 79% (P = . 47), and cancer-specific survival was 90% vs 92% (P = . 70) , respectively. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer confers equivalent 5-year oncological outcomes to those of open surgery.

KTP Laser Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: Comparison of Ultrasonic and Cold Scissor Dissection on Cavernous Nerve Function

PURPOSE Energy sources used during nerve sparing radical prostatectomy are known to compromise cavernous nerve function. Lasers offer the potential for accurate dissection while minimizing collateral injury to delicate neural structures. We evaluated cavernous nerve function following KTP laser dissection and compared outcomes to those of ultrasonic shears and cold scissor dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laparoscopic unilateral neurovascular bundle mobilization was performed in 36 survival dogs using a KTP laser, ultrasonic shears and an athermal technique with cold scissors and clips in 12 each. Peak intracavernous pressure upon cavernous nerve stimulation, expressed as a percent of mean arterial pressure, was measured acutely and at 1 month. Thermal spread from the KTP laser and ultrasonic shears was assessed histologically ex vivo in harvested peritoneum. RESULTS Median peak intracavernous pressure as a percent of mean arterial pressure was similar immediately and 1 month after laser and athermal dissection, and significantly decreased after dissection with ultrasonic shears. Acute peak intracavernous pressure as a percent of mean arterial pressure was 53%, 96% and 98% for ultrasonic shears, laser and the athermal technique, respectively (laser vs athermal p = 0.51, ultrasonic shears vs laser p <0.001 and ultrasonic shears vs athermal p <0.001). Chronic peak intracavernous pressure as a percent of mean arterial pressure was 56%, 98% and 100% for ultrasonic shears, laser and the athermal technique, respectively (laser vs athermal p = 0.38, ultrasonic shears vs laser p = 0.016 and ultrasonic shears vs athermal p = 0.013). The median depth of acute laser injury was 600 microm compared to 1.2 mm for ultrasonic shear dissection and 450 microm crush injury due to the athermal technique. Thermography revealed less collateral thermal spread from the laser than from the ultrasonic shears (median greater than 60C thermal spread 1.07 vs 6.42 mm, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The KTP laser was comparable to the athermal technique and superior to the ultrasonic shears for preserving cavernous nerve function.

Combined retrograde flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy with holmium YAG laser for renal calculi associated with ipsilateral ureteral stones.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined ureteroscopic holmium YAG lithotripsy for renal calculi associated with ipsilateral ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between August 2002 and March 2007, retrograde flexible ureteroscopic stone treatment was attempted in 351 cases. Indication for treatment was concurrent symptomatic ureteral stones in 63 patients (group I). Additional operative time and perioperative complication rates were compared to a group of 39 patients submitted to ureteroscopic treatment for ureteral calculi exclusively (group II). RESULTS Mean ureteral stone size was 8.0 +/- 2.6 mm and 8.1 +/- 3.4 mm for groups I and II, respectively. Mean operative time for group I was 67.9 +/- 29.5 minutes and for group 2 was 49.3 +/- 13.2 minutes (p < 0.001). Flexible ureteroscopic therapy for renal calculi increased 18 minutes in the mean operative time. The overall complication rate was 3.1% and 2.5% for groups I and II, respectively (p = 0.87). Mean renal stone size was 10.7 +/- 6.4 mm, overall stone free rate in group I was 81%. However, considering only patients with renal stones smaller than 15 mm, the stone free rate was 88%. Successful treatment occurred in 81% of patients presenting lower pole stones, but only 76% of patients with multiple renal stones became stone free. As expected, stone free rate showed a significant negative correlation with renal stone size (p = 0.03; r = -0.36). Logistic regression model indicated an independent association of renal stones smaller than 15 mm and stone free rate (OR = 13.5; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Combined ureteroscopic treatment for ureteral and ipsilateral renal calculi is a safe and attractive option for patients presenting for symptomatic ureteral stone and ipsilateral renal calculi smaller than 15 mm.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder cancer

PURPOSE To report our initial experiences with laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between March 2002 and October 2004, laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in 6 cases at 3 institutions; 3 cases were urachal adenocarcinomas and the remaining 3 cases were bladder transitional cell carcinomas. All patients were male, with a median age of 55 years (45–72 years). Gross hematuria was the presenting symptom in all patients, and diagnosis was established with trans-urethral resection bladder tumor in 2 patients and by means of cystoscopic biopsy in the remaining 4 patients. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed using the transperitoneal approach under cystoscopic guidance. In each case, the surgical specimen was removed intact entrapped in an impermeable bag. One patient with para-ureteral diverticulum transitional cell carcinoma required concomitant ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS All six procedures were completed laparoscopically without open conversion. The median operating time was 110 minutes (90–220) with a median estimated blood loss of 70 mL (50–100). Frozen section evaluations of bladder margins were routinely obtained and were negative for cancer in all cases. The median hospital stay was 2.5 days (2–4) and the duration of catheterization was 7 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Final histopathology confirmed urachal adenocarcinoma in 3 cases and bladder transitional cell carcinoma in 3 cases. At a median follow-up of 28.5 months (range: 26 to 44 months), there was no evidence of recurrent disease as evidenced by radiologic or cystoscopic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic partial cystectomy in carefully selected patients with urachal and bladder cancer is feasible and safe, offering a promising and minimally invasive alternative for these patients.

Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: surgical techniques and outcomes

Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is gaining acceptance and popularity among urologists all over the world. Early oncologic and functional results are encouraging. In this manuscript, we describe in detail both approaches for RARP and show the results of the robotic surgery program with over 300 RARP performed at our institution.

Third Prize: Synchronized Real-Time Ultrasonography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Navigation During Percutaneous Renal Cryoablation in a Porcine Model

AIM To investigate the accuracy of percutaneous cryoablation for kidney tumors performed under combined real-time ultrasonography (US) and three-dimensional (3D) CT scan navigation in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS After percutaneously injecting 2 to 6 tumor mimic lesions in 11 pigs, a CT scan was performed and digital data were saved into a navigation system (Real-Time Virtual Sonography [RVS]) that allows 3D reconstruction and synchronization with real-time US images. The cryoprobe was guided percutaneously into the kidney tumor mimic, and ice ball formation was monitored continuously during cryoablation using the RVS system. Kidneys were harvested and sent for gross pathologic and histopathologic analysis at days 0, 15, and 30 postoperatively. RESULTS Thirty-five renal tumor mimics were created and treated by percutaneous cryotherapy; tumor mimic locations were as follows: 16 tumors (46%) in the lower pole, 14 (40%) in the central region, and 5 (14%) in the upper pole. Eleven tumor mimics (31%) were intraparenchymal, and 24 (69%) subcapsular. The synchronization between the CT scan 3D reconstructed images and real-time US was successful in all cases. The mean tumor size was 2 cm (range, 1.2-4 cm). Mean cryonecrosis size was 3.3, 3.7, and 2.8 cm at days 0, 15, and 30, respectively. Three (8.5%) positive margins were found on the macroscopic and microscopic analysis. CONCLUSIONS RVS imaging system synchronizing real-time US with preoperative CT scan is a feasible and safe technique for percutaneous probe ablation of kidney tumors.