Kerrin L. Palazzi

Survival outcomes after radical and partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal tumours categorised by R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score

We evaluated survival outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (cT2RM) controlling for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score.

Tumor infiltrating B-cells are increased in prostate cancer tissue

BackgroundThe presence of increased B-cell tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was seen in mouse prostate cancer (PCa) but has not been fully documented in human PCa. We, therefore, investigated the density of infiltrating B cells within human PCa utilizing a quantitative computational method.MethodsArchived radical prostatectomy specimens from 53 patients with known clinical outcome and D’Amico risk category were obtained and immunohistochemically (IHC) stained for the B cell marker, CD20. Slides were reviewed by a genitourinary pathologist who manually delineated the tumoral regions of PCa. Slides were digitally scanned and a computer algorithm quantified the area of CD20 stained B-cells as a measure of B cell density within the outlined regions of prostate cancer (intra-tumoral region), versus extra-tumoral prostate tissue. Correlations were analyzed between B-cell density and demographic and clinical variables, including D’Amico risk groups and disease recurrence.ResultsFor the entire cohort, the mean intra-tumoral B cell density was higher (3.22 SE = 0.29) than in the extra-tumoral region of each prostatectomy section (2.24, SE = 0.19) (paired t test; P < 0.001). When analyzed according to D’Amico risk group, the intra-tumoral B cell infiltration in low risk (0.0377 vs. 0.0246; p = 0.151) and intermediate risk (0.0260 vs. 0.0214; p = 0.579) patient prostatectomy specimens did not show significantly more B-cells within the PCa tumor. However, patient specimens from the high-risk group (0.0301 vs. 0.0197; p < 0.001) and from those who eventually had PCa recurrence or progression (0.0343 vs. 0.0246; p = 0.019) did show significantly more intra-tumoral CD20+ B-cell staining. Extent of B-cell infiltration in the prostatectomy specimens did not correlate with any other clinical parameters.ConclusionsOur study shows that higher B-cell infiltration was present within the intra-tumoral PCa regions compared to the extra-tumoral benign prostate tissue regions in prostatectomy sections. For this study we developed a new method to measure B-cells using computer-assisted digitized image analysis. Accurate, consistent quantitation of B-cells in prostatectomy specimens is essential for future clinical trials evaluating the effect of B cell ablating antibodies. The interaction of B-cells and PCa may serve as the basis for new therapeutic targets.

Trends in the surgical management of localized renal masses: thermal ablation, partial and radical nephrectomy in the USA, 1998-2008.

Treatment options for small renal masses include radical nephrectomy (RN), and nephron sparing modalities (NSM) such as partial nephrectomy (PN), and thermal ablation (Cryo‐ and radiofrequency ablation, C/RFA). Prior studies had demonstrated gross underutilization of PN; however overall treatment trends for C/RFA had not been well studied using a population‐based cohort. In this study, which examined management trends of localized renal masses in the USA, we identified an increased prevalence of RN, PN and C/RFA over the study period, with PN increasing the most rapidly, and with RN continuing to account for the vast majority of procedures. This is the first study to examine surgical management of renal masses in patients with non‐dialysis dependent chronic renal insufficiency. Although nephron sparing modalities were increasingly utilized over the study period, it is particularly concerning that patients with pre‐existing non‐dialysis dependent chronic renal insufficiency are receiving less nephron sparing approaches. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings and to identify impediments to the dissemination of nephron sparing modalities.

RENAL Nephrometry Score is Associated With Operative Approach for Partial Nephrectomy and Urine Leak

OBJECTIVE To identify whether RENAL nephrometry score is associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) technique. RENAL nephrometry score quantifies anatomic characteristics of renal tumors. Data are limited regarding clinical utility for surgical planning. METHODS Multicenter analysis of patients undergoing PN for renal masses from March 2003 to May 2011. Cohort was stratified by surgical modality: open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). Demographic and clinicopathological variables were compared between groups; RENAL score was calculated from preoperative imaging. Factors associated with choice of treatment modality and urine leak were entered into multivariable models. RESULTS One hundred fifty-three patients who underwent OPN, 100 patients who underwent LPN, and 31 patients who underwent RALPN were evaluated, the median tumor size (cm) was significantly larger for OPN (OPN 4.2 vs LPN 2.4 vs RALPN 2.0; P < .001); median operative time (minutes) and ischemia time (minutes) were shorter in OPN (OPN 190 and 25 vs LPN 200 and 29 vs RALPN 195 and 30; P = .042 and P < .001). Mean RENAL score was highest in OPN (OPN 8 vs LPN 6.3 vs RALPN 6.4; P < .001). No significant differences were noted in overall/high-grade complication rates (Clavien, P = .441/.985). On multivariate analysis, there was a 55% increased odds of undergoing OPN for each increase in RENAL score (P < .001). Higher RENAL score was associated with increased odds of urine leak (odds ratios [OR], 1.56; P = .002). CONCLUSION RENAL nephrometry score was associated with type of surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic/robotic) and urine leak. RENAL score may be useful as a decision-making tool in evaluation of patients for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Further investigation is requisite.

Factors Affecting Renal Function After Open Partial Nephrectomy—A Comparison of Clampless and Clamped Warm Ischemic Technique

OBJECTIVE To analyze factors impacting postoperative renal function after open partial nephrectomy using both the clampless and clamped warm-ischemic technique. METHODS We studied a cohort of patients who underwent clamped partial nephrectomy (n = 164) and clampless partial nephrectomy (n = 64) from March 2002 to March 2009 with ≥ 12-months follow-up. Clamped partial nephrectomy used hilar occlusion before resection. Clampless partial nephrectomy used focal radio frequency coagulation to facilitate hemostasis before resection, nonischemic dissection/resection with hydro-dissection, or sharp resection after local compression. Demographics, tumor characteristics/RENAL nephrometry scores, perioperative variables, and complications were compared between the two methods. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors predicting de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. RESULTS Patient characteristics were similar between groups. Mean RENAL score was greater in clamped (6.9) vs clampless (6.4, P = .026); complications (P = .430) and urine leaks (clampless partial nephrectomy 3.1% vs clamped-PN 7.3%, P = .360) were similar. Mean warm ischemia time (min) was 24.5 for clamped partial nephrectomy. De novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60(%) at last follow up was 13.5 (clamped) vs 3.1 (clampless) (P = .071). Multivariable analysis of the entire cohort revealed increasing body mass index (OR 1.1, P = .042) and RENAL score (OR 1.71, P = .002) as being independently associated with development of postoperative de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. Multivariable analysis of the clamped subgroup demonstrated increasing body mass index (OR 1.12, P = .028), RENAL score (OR 1.56, P = .010), and ischemia time (OR 1.15, P = .042) as independent factors associated with de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60. CONCLUSION Body mass index and RENAL score were factors predictive of development of de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 after partial nephrectomy, with increasing warm ischemia time also being predictive in clamped partial nephrectomy patients. Further investigation and long-term functional data are requisite.

Diffusion of Surgical Innovations, Patient Safety, and Minimally Invasive Radical Prostatectomy

IMPORTANCE Surgical innovations disseminate in the absence of coordinated systems to ensure their safe integration into clinical practice, potentially exposing patients to increased risk for medical error. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations of patient safety with the diffusion of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) resulting from the development of the da Vinci robot. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cohort study of 401 325 patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample who underwent radical prostatectomy during MIRP diffusion between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We used Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs), which measure processes of care and surgical provider performance. We estimated the prevalence of MIRP among all prostatectomies and compared PSI incidence between MIRP and open radical prostatectomy in each year during the study. We also collected estimates of MIRP incidence attributed to the manufacturer of the da Vinci robot. RESULTS Patients who underwent MIRP were more likely to be white (P = .004), have fewer comorbidities (P = .02), and have undergone surgery in higher-income areas (P = .005). The incidence of MIRP was substantially lower than da Vinci manufacturer estimates. Rapid diffusion onset occurred in 2006, when MIRP accounted for 10.4% (95% CI, 10.2-10.7) of all radical prostatectomies in the United States. In 2005, MIRP was associated with an increased adjusted risk for any PSI (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.7; P = .02) vs open radical prostatectomy. Stratification by hospital status demonstrated similar patterns: rapid diffusion onset among teaching hospitals occurred in 2006 (11.7%; 95% CI, 11.3-12.0), with an increased risk for PSI for MIRP in 2005 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3; P = .004), and onset among nonteaching hospitals occurred in 2008 (27.1%; 95% CI, 26.6-27.7), with an increased but nonsignificant risk for PSI in 2007 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.8-5.2; P = .14). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE During its initial national diffusion, MIRP was associated with diminished perioperative patient safety. To promote safety and protect patients, the processes by which surgical innovations disseminate into clinical practice require refinement.

Impact of tumour morphology on renal function decline after partial nephrectomy

To examine the association of renal morphology with renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN).

Evaluation of national trends in the utilization of partial nephrectomy in relation to the publication of the American Urologic Association guidelines for the management of clinical T1 renal masses.

BackgroundPartial nephrectomy has been underutilized in the United States. We investigated national trends in partial nephrectomy (PN) utilization before and after publication of the American Urological Association (AUA) Practice Guideline for management of the clinical T1 renal mass.MethodsWe identified adult patients who underwent radical (RN) or PN from November 2007 to October 2011 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). PN prevalence was calculated prior to (11/2007-10/2009) and after Guidelines publication (11/2009-10/2011) and compared the rate of change by linear regression. We also examined the nephrectomy trends in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Statistical analysis included linear regression to determine point-prevalence of PN rates in CKD patients and logistic regression to identify variables associated with PN.ResultsDuring the study period, 30,944 patients underwent PN and 64,767 RN. The prevalence PN increased from 28.9% in the years prior to guideline release to 35.3% in the years following guideline release with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.24 (CI 1.01–1.54; p = 0.049). The rate of PN significantly increased throughout the study period (R2 0.15, p = 0.006): however, the rate of change was not increased after the guidelines. (p = 0.46). Overall rate of PN in patients with CKD did not increase over time (R2 0.0007, p = 0.99).ConclusionWe noted a 6.4% absolute increase in PN after release of the AUA guidelines on clinical T1 renal mass was published; however, the rate of increase was not likely associated with guideline release. The rate of PN performed is increasing; however, further investigation regarding medical decision-making surrounding PN is needed.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Use Is Increasing in the United States: An Analysis of Trends and Complications

PURPOSE To report the use and complication rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) performed in the United States between 1998 and 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was analyzed from 1998 to 2009 to identify all PCNL cases performed in adults ≥18 years old. Descriptive statistics were used for potential covariates: Demographics, comorbidities, academic/community hospital, rural/urban location, and U.S. geographic region. Common complications encoded by International Classification of Diseases-9 codes after PCNL were reported over time, and those found to be statistically significant were evaluated in the multivariate regression. Linear regression was used to analyze surgical trends. Multivariate regression was performed to identify covariates that predicted any surgical complication. RESULTS The use of PCNL among inpatients increased significantly from 15 to 27 surgeries/100,000 discharges between 1998 and 2009 (P<0.001), and this increase was seen in all geographic regions of the United States. The increase in adoption of PCNL was accompanied by an increase in complications (14% to 19%, P<0.001). Higher comorbidity (Charlson ≥3) was the strongest predictor of complications in multivariate analysis (odds ratio=2.22, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate an increase in PCNL use in the United States over the last decade. While there was an increase in surgical complications during this same period, the complication rate found reported is commensurate with other international reports. PCNL is safe and use of percutaneous surgery in the United States will most likely continue to increase.

Factors Influencing Rate of Testicular Salvage in Acute Testicular Torsion at a Tertiary Pediatric Center

Introduction Studies have demonstrated that variables other than duration of symptoms can affect outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion. We examined demographic and logistical factors, including inter-hospital transfer, which may affect outcomes at a tertiary pediatric referral center. Methods We reviewed charts of all pediatric patients with acute testicular torsion during a five-year period. Data were collected regarding age, insurance type, socioeconomic status, duration of symptoms prior to presentation, transfer status, time of day, time to surgical exploration, and testicular salvage. Results Our study included 114 patients. Testicular salvage was possible in 55.3% of patients. Thirty-one percent of patients included in the study were transferred from another facility. Inter-hospital transfer did not affect testicular salvage rate. Time to surgery and duration of pain were higher among patients who underwent orchiectomy versus orchidopexy. Patients older than eight years of age were more likely to undergo orchidopexy than those younger than eight (61.5% vs. 30.4%, p=0.01). Ethnicity, insurance type, or time of day did not affect the testicular salvage rates. On multivariate analysis, only duration of symptoms less than six hours predicted testicular salvage (OR 22.5, p<0.001). Conclusion Even though inter-hospital transfer delays definitive surgical management, it may not affect testicular salvage rates. Time to presentation is the most important factor in predicting outcomes in children with acute testicular torsion.