Michael S. Borofsky

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super-selective arterial clamping during zero-ischaemia robotic partial nephrectomy

There is concern that warm ischaemia time during partial nephrectomy may have an adverse impact on postoperative renal function. As a result, there is increased interest in developing a safe and effective method for performing non‐ischaemic partial nephrectomy. Several novel approaches have recently been described. We present our initial experience performing zero‐ischaemia partial nephrectomy using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging to facilitate super‐selective arterial clamping. We report the operative and early postoperative outcomes from such cases as compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing traditional partial nephrectomy with clamping of the main renal artery. We show that this technique is both safe and effective and may lead to improved renal preservation at short‐term follow‐up.

Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging: Emerging Applications in Robotic Upper Urinary Tract Surgery

BACKGROUND Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a technology with emerging applications in urologic surgery. OBJECTIVE To describe surgical techniques and provide clinical outcomes for robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with selective clamping and robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction featuring novel applications of NIRF imaging. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Data from 90 patients who underwent successful RPN with selective clamping or upper urinary tract reconstruction utilizing NIRF imaging between April 2011 and October 2012 were reviewed. SURGICAL PROCEDURE We performed RPN utilizing NIRF imaging to aid with selective clamping and upper tract reconstruction with NIRF imaging, the details of which are outlined in this paper and the accompanying video. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Of the 48 RPN patients for whom selective clamping was attempted successfully, median estimated blood loss was 200.0 ml, warm ischemia time was 17.0 min, and median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate was -6.3%. There was a 12.5% complication rate, and all complications were Clavien grade 1-3 (14.3%). The upper urinary tract reconstruction utilizing NIRF imaging was performed in 42 patients and included pyelopasty (n=20), ureteral reimplant (n=13), ureterolysis (n=7), and ureteroureterostomy (n=2). Radiographic and symptomatic improvement was observed in 100% of the pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplant, and ureteroureterostomy patients and 71.4% of ureterolysis patients, for an overall success rate of 95.2%. This study is limited by the small sample size, the short follow-up period, and the lack of a comparative cohort. CONCLUSIONS Our technique of RPN with selective arterial clamping and robotic upper urinary tract reconstruction utilizing NIRF imaging is presented. This technology provides real-time intraoperative angiogram to confirm selective ischemia and may be an adjunct technology to confirm well-perfused tissue within a reconstruction anastomosis. Further investigation is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes of NIRF imaging in robotic upper urinary tract surgery and to delineate its indications.

Surgical Decompression is Associated with Decreased Mortality in Patients with Sepsis and Ureteral Calculi

PURPOSE The combination of sepsis and ureteral calculus is a urological emergency. Traditional teaching advocates urgent decompression with nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent placement, although published outcomes validating this treatment are lacking. National practice patterns for such scenarios are currently undefined. Using a retrospective study design, we defined the surgical decompression rate in patients admitted to the hospital with severe infection and ureteral calculi. We determined whether a mortality benefit is associated with this intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patient demographics and hospital characteristics were extracted from the 2007 to 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We identified 1,712 patients with ureteral calculi and sepsis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the association between mortality and surgical decompression. RESULTS Of the patients 78% underwent surgical decompression. Mortality was higher in those not treated with surgical decompression (19.2% vs 8.82%, p <0.001). Lack of surgical decompression was independently associated with an increased OR of mortality even when adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities and geographic region of treatment (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.7). CONCLUSIONS Absent surgical decompression is associated with higher odds of mortality in patients with sepsis and ureteral calculi. Further research to determine predictors of surgical decompression is necessary to ensure that all patients have access to this life saving therapy.

Live Robotic Surgery: Are Outcomes Compromised?

OBJECTIVE To determine the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy as a live broadcast surgery compared to a cohort treated without observers. METHODS From 2007 to 2011, 39 robotic partial nephrectomies were performed as live broadcast surgery by 1 of 5 high volume surgeons. Live broadcast cases were defined as surgeries viewed by multiple visiting physicians via live teleconference in which the visitors were able to interact with the operating surgeon. Live cases were compared with 847 cases performed under standard operating procedure during the same period. Cases performed under standard operating procedure were not broadcasted. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to the test the association between live broadcast surgery and adverse perioperative outcomes. RESULTS Demographic and clinicopathologic data were similar between both groups. The live broadcast surgery group experienced equivalent operative times (196.3 vs 183.8 minutes; P = .22), estimated blood loss (EBL; 187.8 vs 190.7; P = .93), warm ischemia time (WIT; 20.8 vs 18.8; P = .17), hospital length of stay (LOS; 2.8 vs 2.8 days; P = .99), positive surgical margin rate (2.6% vs 2.3%; P = .83), and rates of postoperative complications (5.1% vs 12.8%; P = .16). There were no Clavien III to V complications in the live broadcast group. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that live broadcast surgery was not associated with any unfavorable perioperative parameter. CONCLUSION Live robotic surgery is associated with excellent patient outcomes which compare favorably to cases done under normal operating procedures. Live robotic surgery represents a powerful educational tool which may be used without increasing patient morbidity.

3.0 T multiparametric prostate MRI using pelvic phased-array coil: Utility for tumor detection prior to biopsy

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in men without a biopsy-proven diagnosis of prostate cancer using follow-up biopsy as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two patients without biopsy-proven cancer and who underwent MRI were included. In all patients, MRI was performed at 3T using a pelvic phased-array coil and included T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Thirteen had undergone no previous biopsy, and 29 had undergone at least 1 previous negative biopsy. All patients underwent prostate biopsy following MRI. Two fellowship-trained radiologists in consensus reviewed all cases and categorized each lobe as positive or negative for tumor. These interpretations were correlated with findings on post-MRI biopsy. RESULTS Follow-up biopsy was positive in 23 lobes in 15 patients (36% of study cohort). On a per-patient basis, MRI had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 74%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 68%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. On a per-lobe basis, MRI had a sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 84%, PPV of 60%, and NPV of 86%. There was a nearly significant association between Gleason score and tumor detection on MRI (P = 0.072). CONCLUSIONS In our sample, MRI had 100% sensitivity in predicting the presence of tumor on subsequent biopsy on a per-patient basis, suggesting a possible role for MRI in selecting patients with an elevated prostatic specific antigen (PSA) to undergo prostate biopsy. However, MRI had weaker specificity for prediction of a subsequent positive biopsy, as well as weaker sensitivity for tumor on a per-lobe basis, indicating that in patients with a positive MRI result, tissue sampling remains necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis as well as for treatment planning.

Advances in Ureteroscopy

Recent innovations in imaging equipment and novel instrumentation have helped ureteroscopy evolve from a diagnostic to a therapeutic tool. In this review, the authors highlight several of the most recent advances in ureteroscopy that have helped allow unprecedented access, visualization, and treatment of upper urinary tract pathologic conditions.

Ceramide kinase promotes Ca2+ signaling near IgG-opsonized targets and enhances phagolysosomal fusion in COS-1 cells.

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) is a novel bioactive sphingolipid formed by the phosphorylation of ceramide catalyzed by ceramide kinase (CERK). In this study, we evaluated the mechanism by which increased C1P during phagocytosis enhances phagocytosis and phagolysosome formation in COS-1 cells expressing hCERK. Stable transfectants of COS-1 cells expressing FcγRIIA or both FcγRIIA/hCERK expression vectors were created. Cell fractionation studies demonstrated that hCERK and the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC-1) were enriched in caveolae fractions. Our data establish that both CERK and TRPC-1 localize to the caveolar microdomains during phagocytosis and that CERK also colocalizes with EIgG in FcγRIIA/hCERK-bearing COS-1 cells. Using high-speed fluorescence microscopy, FcγRIIA/hCERK transfected cells displayed Ca2+ sparks around the phagosome. In contrast, cells expressing FcγRIIA under identical conditions displayed little periphagosomal Ca2+ signaling. The enhanced Ca2+ signals were accompanied by enhanced phagolysosome formation. However, the addition of pharmacological reagents that inhibit store-operated channels (SOCs) reduced the phagocytic index and phagolysosomal fusion in hCERK transfected cells. The higher Ca2+ signal observed in hCERK transfected cells as well as the fact that CERK colocalized with EIgG during phagocytosis support our hypothesis that Ca2+ signaling is an important factor for increasing phagocytosis and is regulated by CERK in a manner that involves SOCs/TRPCs.

The role of open and laparoscopic stone surgery in the modern era of endourology

Treatment options for kidney stones and ureteral stones have evolved considerably over the past several decades, to the point where almost any stone can now be considered for treatment with a noninvasive or a minimally invasive approach including shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The safety and morbidity associated with these techniques are favourable relative to traditional open surgical approaches to stone removal. However, they also require unique skillsets, access to instrumentation and relatively high maintenance costs, potentially limiting their use on a global scale. Coincident with the emergence of endourology have been considerable improvements in laparoscopic surgical techniques to the point that nearly any open surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive laparoscopic fashion. Such approaches, including those with robotic assistance, have potential application for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, particularly in complex senarios as well as in areas where access to endourological instruments might be limited.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes Between Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES To compare perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RSP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). METHODS Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared between 600 patients undergoing HoLEP and 32 patients undergoing RSP at two separate academic institutions between 2008 and 2015. RESULTS Patients undergoing HoLEP and RSP had comparable ages (71 vs 71, p = 0.96) and baseline American Urological Association Symptom Scores (20 vs 24, p = 0.21). There was no difference in mean specimen weight (96 g vs 110 g, p = 0.15). Mean operative time was reduced in the HoLEP cohort (103 minutes vs 274 minutes, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing HoLEP had lesser decreases in hemoglobin, decreased transfusions rates, shorter hospital stays, and decreased mean duration of catheterization. There was no difference in the rate of complications Clavien grade 3 or greater (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS HoLEP and RSP are both efficacious treatments for large gland BPH. In expert hands, HoLEP appears to have a favorable perioperative profile. Further studies are necessary to compare long-term efficacy, cost, and learning curve influences, especially as minimally invasive approaches become more widespread.

Nephrocalcinosis in Calcium Stone Formers Who Do Not have Systemic Disease

PURPOSE Nephrocalcinosis is commonly present in primary hyperparathyroidism, distal renal tubular acidosis and medullary sponge kidney disease. To our knowledge it has not been studied in patients with calcium phosphate stones who do not have systemic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy who had calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones and did not have hyperparathyroidism, distal renal tubular acidosis or medullary sponge kidney disease. On postoperative day 1 all patients underwent noncontrast computerized tomography. If there were no residual calcifications, the patient was categorized as not having nephrocalcinosis. If there were residual calcifications, the patient underwent secondary percutaneous nephrolithotomy. If the calcifications were found to be stones, the patient was categorized as not having nephrocalcinosis. If the calcifications were not stones, the patient was categorized as having nephrocalcinosis. Patients were grouped based on the type of stones that formed, including hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate. The extent of nephrocalcinosis was quantified as 0--absent nephrocalcinosis to 3--extensive nephrocalcinosis. Patients with residual calcifications on postoperative day 1 noncontrast computerized tomography who did not undergo secondary percutaneous nephrolithotomy were excluded from analysis. The presence or absence of nephrocalcinosis was correlated with metabolic studies. RESULTS A total of 67 patients were studied, including 14 with hydroxyapatite, 19 with brushite and 34 with idiopathic calcium oxalate calculi. Nephrocalcinosis was present in 10 of 14 (71.4%), 11 of 19 (57.9%) and 6 of 34 patients (17.6%) in the hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate groups, respectively (chi-square p = 0.01). The mean extent of nephrocalcinosis per group was 1.98, 1.32 and 0.18 for hydroxyapatite, brushite and idiopathic calcium oxalate, respectively (p ≤0.001). The presence of nephrocalcinosis positively correlated with urine calcium excretion (mean ± SD 287.39 ± 112.49 vs 223.68 ± 100.67 mg per day, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Patients without systemic disease who form hydroxyapatite and brushite stones commonly have coexistent nephrocalcinosis. Nephrocalcinosis can occur in calcium oxalate stone formers but the quantity and frequency of nephrocalcinosis in this group are dramatically less.