Rajnikanth Ayyathurai

Comparison of Different Extraction Sites Used During Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy

PURPOSE Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is commonly performed for renal tumors that are not amenable to nephron sparing treatment. A number of techniques for intact specimen extraction are used. The development of incisional hernias from the extraction site is a known but infrequent delayed complication. We analyzed different extraction sites and risk factors for such hernias. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with intact specimen extraction through 3 sites. Patients and operation specific parameters were included with particular attention to factors predisposing patients to incisional hernia, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic steroid use and a high body mass index. RESULTS A total of 181 nephrectomies were performed in 175 patients and 175 kidneys (96.7%) had malignancy. Mean tumor size was 4.9 cm. Mean followup was 28.8 months. Extraction was done from a lower quadrant site in 55 patients (31.4%), from the umbilical site in 58 (33.2%) and from a paramedian site in 62 (35.4%). Patients with paramedian and lower quadrant extraction sites were older (p = 0.016), and had a higher body mass index (p = 0.001) and greater specimen weight (p = 0.003). In 4 patients an incisional hernia developed. An incisional hernia was significantly associated with the paramedian extraction site (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Incisional hernias may occur as a delayed complication of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This complication most commonly develops at the extraction site. In patients with a high body mass index using a paramedian extraction site is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia formation.

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Patients with T2 and T3 Renal-Cell Carcinoma: Evaluation of Perioperative Outcomes

PURPOSE Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is considered standard of care for T1 renal tumors not amenable to nephron-sparing surgery. Indications are now expanding to include patients with T2 or T3 tumors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate LRN as a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of advanced stage renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of consecutive patients with renal tumors undergoing LRN for clinical stages T1 to T3. Parameters examined included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and complications. RESULTS In all, 252 kidneys were removed from 247 consecutive patients undergoing LRN; 246/252 (97.6%) kidneys contained renal-cell carcinoma and 55 (21.8%) patients had pT2/T3 disease. Mean pathologic tumor size in the T1 and T2/T3 groups was 4.1 and 7.8 cm, respectively. Compared with patients with T1 tumor, patients with T2/T3 tumor had higher body mass index (p = 0.010), higher specimen weight (p = 0.002), higher mean Fuhrman grade (p = 0.014), and more postoperative complications (p = 0.035). Mean blood loss for T1 and T2/T3 patients was 133 and 198 cc, respectively; 3/197 patients (1.5%) and 4/55 patients (7.3%) in the T1 and T2/T3 groups received blood transfusion, respectively (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LRN for the treatment of clinical stage T2 and T3 disease should be considered. LRN can be safely performed with good perioperative outcome. Blood transfusion and complication rates are higher for LRN in pT2/T3 patients. However, the decision to modify surgical technique should be considered when either oncologic efficacy or patient safety is a concern.

Construction-related Differences Seen in Ureteral Access Sheaths: Comparison of Reinforced Versus Nonreinforced Ureteral Access Sheaths

OBJECTIVES Ureteral access sheaths (UASs) are used to facilitate ureteroscopic procedures. Difficulties with use have been reported. Manufacturers have redesigned these devices to ameliorate these problems, including reinforcement of the sheath wall. This study compared reinforced (RUASs) and nonreinforced UASs (NRUASs) of the same manufacturer to determine whether RUASs expedite ureteroscopy and how relevant the reinforced structure is in terms of overall success. METHODS We prospectively followed up patients undergoing ureteroscopy for urolithiasis with 1 of 2 UASs; the Applied NRUAS and the Applied RUAS. The demographics, operative parameters, and outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 98 UASs were used in 68 male and 30 female patients (47 NRUASs and 51 RUASs). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic parameters, operative parameters, or successful sheath deployment. The overall success rate for sheath deployment was 95%. A pre-existing stent was significantly associated with successful deployment (P = .004). The sheath-specific limitations included kinking (NRUASs, 10%) and sheath angulation/deformity (RUASs, 21%). The mean follow-up time was 43.4 months; and 93.9% of the patients had radiologic follow-up. No ureteral strictures were noted. CONCLUSIONS No significant difference was found in the overall success rates between the use of Applied NRUASs and RUASs. The presence of a pre-existing stent was significantly associated with successful sheath deployment. Each UAS design had its own unique limitations, seen with low frequency. Successful sheath use might relate to both the sheath itself and the patient/operative parameters.

Hemospermia following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a prospective study

Hemospermia is known to be associated with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB). The true incidence of hemospermia, its duration and implications are not well established. We performed a prospective observational study involving patients undergoing TRUS-PB for suspected prostate cancer at our institution. Sixty-three eligible men were included in the study. Most men (84%) undergoing TRUS-PB, who were able to ejaculate, experienced hemospermia, which was associated with some degree of anxiety. The mean duration of hemospermia was 3.5 (±1.7) weeks. The number of ejaculations before the complete resolution of hemospermia was 8 (±6.7). None of the clinical and pathological factors was a significant predictor of the duration of hemospermia. Patients should be adequately counseled before TRUS-PB to avoid undue anxiety and alterations in sexual activity.

Modified Pfannenstiel approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy: a 3-year experience

A modified Pfannenstiel approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has been described previously. We present our experience with this approach for performing a RRP over the past 3 years. Between January 2003 and July 2006, 544 consecutive RRPs by modified Pfannenstiel approach between January 2003 and July 2006 were performed. We analyzed blood loss, transfusions, use of drain, pain score, analgesia and hospital stay. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, three monthly for a year and six monthly thereafter. All clinical and operative variables were entered into a database and analyzed. A total of 544 men underwent RRP with median follow-up of 11 (s.d.±10.5) months. The mean age was 60 (s.d.±7) years. About 83, 91 and 95% of patients had nerve sparing, bladder neck preservation and a lymph node dissection, respectively. Fifty-three patients had a concurrent inguinal hernia repair through the same incision. Mean estimated blood loss was 431(s.d.±267) ml. The pathological staging distribution was T2, 82%; T3a, 9%; and T3b, 9%. The mean pain score at days 1 and 7 were 3.7 (s.d.±2.5) and 3.3 (s.d.±3), respectively. The median hospital stay was 36 h (s.d.±24). About 5.5% have had biochemical recurrence. At 12 months 97% were continent and 46% potent. RRP using a modified Pfannenstiel approach offers safety and efficacy. It facilitates repair of associated inguinal hernia through the same incision.

Presentation and outcome following radical cystectomy in hispanics with bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE Significant racial and ethnic differences in the epidemiology of bladder cancer (BC) exist. Studies have shown African Americans to have lower incidence of bladder cancer than Caucasians, but higher incidence of invasive BC. Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States. However, no reported studies on bladder cancer among Hispanics are available to date. As our center is in a unique position to study BC in Hispanic patients we were prompted to assess presentation and outcome of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 1992 and May 2006, 448 RC were performed. All relevant data were collected and entered into a database. Patients were categorized by ethnicity as Hispanic and non-Hispanic White. African-American and other minority groups were excluded because of the small number. Comparative analysis of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients was performed. RESULTS 67 (17%) patients were Hispanic. Mean follow-up period was 41 (SD +/- 40) months. Clinical and pathological data between these two groups were compared. Pre-cystectomy T stage was not significantly different between both groups. However, after RC incidence of < or = T1 disease in Hispanics was lower (22%) than Caucasians (37%). This difference, statistically significant (P = 0.024) indicates that Hispanics who undergo RC present with higher stage disease. Kaplan-Meier log rank test indicated a difference in disease free survival and disease specific survival between the two groups but however it did not reach statistical significance (Log Rank P = 0.082, P = 0.063). No significant difference in overall survival was observed (P = 0.465). CONCLUSIONS Hispanic patients managed with RC for bladder carcinoma present with higher stage disease.

Surgical management of a neuroendocrine tumor of the inferior vena cava

Neuroendocrine tumors occurring outside of the gastrointestinal tract or lungs are very few, and to find a primary neuroendocrine tumor of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) is extremely rare. We present a case of a patient with a large, 7 × 4 cm neuroendocrine tumor of the IVC, where the IVC and renal veins were completely extirpated and not reconstructed. As a result, the liver was anastomosed to the intrapericardial IVC, and the patient relied on collateral drainage. After an initial postoperative period of anasarca and weight gain, she ultimately recovered fully with no evidence of recurrence in the IVC.