M. Fanari

Conservative Endoscopic Retrograde Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Tumors: Retrospective Analysis of the Last 105 Cases

Introduction Modern flexible ureterorenoscopy allows a retrograde approach to urothelial tumors in the upper urinary tract (UUTT) of small dimensions (<1.5 cm), of low grade and non-invasive. The percutaneous renal approach, although more invasive, provides an alternative treatment in case of larger dimension neoplasia or difficult retrograde access. The key to the success of endoscopic treatment of UUTT is an accurate patient selection. We will bring our experience in the treatment of UUTT by conservative endoscopic retrograde treatment. Materials and Methods Treatment through endoscopic retrograde approach with rigid or flexible ureterorenoscopy has been applied to 105 patients; lesions were treated with electrocution or lasers using thin laser fibers type Ho:YAG. We evaluated the recurrence rate and the intra- and perioperative complications. Results The recurrence rate was equal to 30.4%. In no case was it necessary to recur to blood transfusion; 15% of wall perforations treated in a conservative manner occurred without following complications. Discussion Technological innovations, miniaturization and the increase of energy sources, such as fiber laser Holmium, have improved the management of endoscopic instruments for upper urinary tract tumors. The endoscopic retrograde conservative treatment is considered a valid alternative approach in the case of low-stage tumors, low-grading and small in dimensions.

Use of TachoSil® in laparoscopic enucleoresection of renal masses smaller than 4 cm: our preliminary experience of 41 cases

Introduction In nephron-sparing surgery the use of new and various hemostatic materials has provided a significant support in the control of intraoperative hemostasis of resection bed. Objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of hemostatic material TachoSil® in laparoscopic treatment of renal masses < 4 cm. Materials and Methods 41 patients underwent laparoscopic renal enucleoresection. In all patients one or more hemostatic TachoSil® sponges were used, affixed to the bed of resection; we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of this technique. Transperitoneal access in 39 patients with antero-lateral mass and retroperitoneoscopic access in 2 patients with middle-posterior mass. After performing a warm ischemia, we proceeded to mass enucleoresection by cold blade, and to hemostasis control by suturing open vessels on the resection bed with “central suturing” technique. After unclamping the renal artery, one or more hemostatic sponges of TachoSil® were always used (fibrinogen and human thrombin) affixed to the bed section. Results No significant variations of Hb, BUN and Crs. 3 cases (6.9% of renal units) of intraoperative hemorrhage requesting blood transfusion, 2 cases (4.6% of renal units) of urinary leakage at low pressure, treated conservatively with retrograde application of ureteral stent DJ for 21 days; 2 patients underwent new laparoscopy and suture. The mean time to hemostasis, evaluated in terms of the absence of macroscopic intraoperative bleeding after the application of TachoSil®, was 5.5 (3–16) minutes. Average hospital stay: 5.5 (4–11) days. Follow-up: 37.6 (5–84) months. Discussion The control of hemostasis is the key problem inherent to laparoscopic technique and can be approached using hemostatic agents. Currently hemostatic agents such as TachoSil® are used increasingly as an adjuvant agent in the control of bleeding, having an excellent application in laparoscopic renal enucleoresection, and proving safe and effective in the treatment of tumors below 4 cm.

[Fluorescence cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate: our preliminary experience of 184 procedures]

Introduction Fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) is a recently introduced technique of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), which aims to improve the accuracy of white light cystoscopy (WLC) in the diagnosis of superficial bladder tumors (NMIBC), and especially of flat urothelial lesions (dysplasia and Ca in situ). We report our experience of a number of cases of WLC and FC in a single moment with HAL in the diagnosis and follow-up of NMIBC. Materials and Methods The method was applied to 184 selected patients with a diagnosis or clinical suspicion - instrumental or early recurrence of bladder neoplasia. The lesions found in white light (WL) and/or blue light (FC) were sampled separately for histological examination. We evaluated the results in terms of diagnostic gain compared to treatment with one WL, false positivity and recurrence-free survival compared to historical reference group treated with WL only. Results 26.1% of the lesions were found only by the PDD method. The false positivity due to the method adopted was 21.2%. The gain in terms of recurrence-free survival (compared with historical reference group treated only with WL) was 22.3% at 12 months and 24.4% at 20 months. It did not show any systemic side effects. Discussion The PDD is a technique that can significantly increase the diagnostic accuracy of NMIBC.