Viktor Eret

Tumours in End-Stage Kidney

OBJECTIVE Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) show a greater risk for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which tends to be multifocal and bilateral. The malignant potential is unclear. The question is whether to remove both kidneys in patients with a tumor on one side only diagnosed by computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Kidney tumors were found in 14 patients with ESKD from January 2002 to December 2006. One was unfit for surgery. Thirteen patients underwent nephrectomy and 6 a bilateral procedure of whom only 2 had bilateral tumors on CT, 3 multiple tumors on the contralateral side, and 1 uncontrollable hypertension with tumors as an incidental finding. Tumors were found in all 19 specimens. RESULTS In 13 kidneys (68.4%), the tumors were multiple; in 6 (31.6%), solitary. The types of tumor were: 13 (68.4%) papillary RCCs (PRCC), 9 (47.4%) clear RCCs (CRCC), a combination of PRCC and CRCC in 4 (21.0%), and myxoid liposarcoma (with solitary PRCC contralaterally). The mean follow-up was short (19 +/- 15 months; maximum, 54 months). Only 1 patient died due to a tumor at 16 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS There is a high risk for bilateral involvement. Patients who undergo unilateral nephrectomy must be regularly followed and contralateral nephrectomy carefully considered, mainly in transplanted patients on immunosuppression. Further studies are needed to give a definitive answer about the indications for surgery and the indications for contralateral nephrectomy as well. To date, prophylactic contralateral nephrectomy should not be a therapeutic standard.

GreenLight (532 nm) laser partial nephrectomy followed by suturing of collecting system without renal hilar clamping in porcine model.

OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility of partial nephrectomy (PN) without renal hilar clamping using the 80-W GreenLight (532 nm) laser with opening of the collecting system followed by its suture in a porcine model. METHODS We performed 12 open laser PNs in 6 farm pigs. We used the technique of incisional laser ablation of the lower pole of the right kidney. The pigs were kept alive, and 2 weeks later, underwent the same technique on the left kidney, followed by immediate killing. We recorded the acute and chronic outcomes. Renal parenchyma resection was achieved solely with the laser. The collecting system was opened with the laser in each procedure. All renal specimens underwent retrograde pyelography and histologic examination. RESULTS All procedures were completed without renal hilar clamping. The mean operative and laser time was 67.1 +/- 20.6 minutes (range 35-95) and 17.8 +/- 6.4 minutes (range 10-30), respectively. The mean resected kidney mass was 17% +/- 0.5% (range 10%-27%) of the total kidney mass. The mean blood loss was 142.5 +/- 88.9 mL (range 50-350). No evidence of urinary extravasation was seen after the acute procedures, but proven urinomas with decayed suture were found after all chronic procedures. CONCLUSIONS PN using the GreenLight laser is a feasible method for renal parenchyma incisional ablation. The laser hemostatic effect of interlobar vessel bleeding is safe and sufficient. The sutured collecting system after laser PN cannot heal in the thermically damaged tissue. The method is applicable to peripherally located lesions, without entering the collecting system. More prospective animal studies are necessary before application in humans.

Laparoscopic urinary bladder diverticulectomy combined with photoselective vaporisation of the prostate

Introduction Pseudodiverticulum of the urinary bladder is mostly a complication of subvesical obstruction (SO). The gold standard of treatment was open diverticulectomy with adenectomy. A more contemporary resolution is endoscopic, in two steps: the first transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the second laparoscopic diverticulectomy (LD). Aim To present a one-session procedure – photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) with LD. Material and methods From 1/2011 to 6/2014, 14 LDs were performed: 1 LD only, 1 with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 12 combined with treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 4 cases of TURP and LD in the second period. In 8 cases, PVP and LD in one session were combined. These 8 cases are presented. 3D CT cystography was used as a gold standard for assessment of diverticulum. Results The mean age was 66.5 ±5.5 (57.3–75.1) years, the mean size of the diverticulum 61.8 ±22.1 (26–90) mm. The procedure starts in the lithotomy position. It includes PVP and stenting of the ureter(s). Changing of position and laparoscopy follows: four ports, transperitoneal extravesical approach. Photoselective vaporisation of the prostate was performed using the Green Light Laser HPS (1x) or XPS with cooled fibre MoXy (7x). The mean delivered energy in PVP was 205.1 ±106.4 (120–458) kJ. The mean time of operation was 165.0 ±48.5 (90–255) min. No postoperative complications were observed. One patient underwent TUR incision after 1 year for sclerosis of the bladder neck. Conclusions Pseudodiverticulum of the urinary bladder (with or without SO) is a relatively rare disease. One session of PVP (Green Light Laser XPS, MoXy fibre) and laparoscopic (transperitoneal extravesical) diverticulectomy is the preferred method for treatment of subvesical obstruction due to BPH and bladder diverticulum at our institution.

Position of laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery nephrectomy in clinical practice and comparison (matched case-control study) with standard laparoscopic nephrectomy

Introduction One way how to reduce morbidity and improve cosmesic of kidney surgery is single site laparoscopy. Relatively well described concept but without defined position in clincal practise. Aim To report of institutional experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) nephrectomy (NE) and compare (matched case-control study) it with that of standard laparoscopic NE (LNE). Material and methods In the period 8/2011 to 10/2013, we performed 183 mini-invasive NE (132 tumours, 51 benign aetiology); 45 of them (24.6%) were LESS, the rest LNE. The main but not absolute indications for LESS were: non-obese men, and less advanced tumours. In 13 patients undergoing LESS-NEs (28.9%) there was a transumbilical approach. For the rest, a pararectal incision was performed and an accessory port was added in 31.1% (14) – 2/22 (9.1%) left sided, 12/23 (52.2%) right sided. Twenty-four LESS-NE were performed by a more experienced surgeon (mean operation time (MOT) 73.1 min), 21 LESS-NE by 4 other surgeons (MOT 132.8 min). These 24 were compared with 43 LNE done by the same surgeon before the period of LESS (1/2007–8/2011) and with similar characteristics of cases (body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2, less advanced tumour). Results We found no statistically significant differences in any of the parameters studied. The MOT 73.1 min vs. 75.0 min (p = 0.78), BMI 27.4 kg/m2 vs. 29.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.08), blood loss 54.7 vs. 39.2 (p = 0.47). Complications (4.2% vs. 11.6%) were only of internal character in origin. No conversion in either group. In LESS-NE, staplers were used more frequently (more expensive than clips) for division of renal hilar vessels (70.8% vs. 51.2%). The mean price of LESS-NE was €367 higher. Conclusions The LESS NE performed by an experienced surgeon is a safe and efficient method for the surgical treatment of both malignant and benign renal conditions in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2 and with low-stage tumours. The LESS NE is more expensive compared to LNE.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metachronous ipsilateral metastasis following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Introduction Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is considered as a gold standard approach for adrenalectomy, there are minimal data describing options and outcomes of LA after previous ipsilateral nephrectomy (PIN). Aim To describe our results in a group of patients who underwent LA after PIN. Material and methods From August 2004 to October 2012 we performed at our institution 88 LA. Of this amount we performed 5 LA for metachronous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after PIN. This group was compared to a group without previous nephrectomy. Results The group comprised 4 men (80%) and 1 woman (20%); the mean age at the time of surgery was 66.8 ±8.5 (range: 60-77) years; the mean period between nephrectomy and adrenalectomy was 5.2 (range: 1.5-14) years; the operating time was longer in patients after PIN for 7 min; the mean blood loss was higher by 22 ml; duration of hospitalization was shorter by 1.3 days, paradoxically, compared with patients without PIN. There was no need for conversion to open surgery and we did not observe any other complications. Conclusions Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastasis of RCC after PIN is a technically feasible method in selected patients and it is associated with no significant differences in perioperative data in comparison with the group without prior nephrectomy. The patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery. The performance has required an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Morphological Characterization of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 1, the Efficiency of Its Surgical Treatment.

Aim: Papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1 (pRCC1) represents the second most common type of malignant renal epithelial tumour. The origin of its characteristic appearance, its growth mechanism, and the long-term efficiency of its surgical treatment remain uncertain. Our aim was to determine typical characteristics of surgically treated pRCC1. Methods: pRCC1 was verified in 83 of 1,629 (5.1%) kidney tumours surgically treated in the period of January 2007-January 2016. The clinical and radiological characteristics, type of surgery, histopathology results and follow up data were recorded. Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, Fishers exact, and chi-square test were used to analyse appropriate variables. The overall survival rate was evaluated using the Gehan-Wilcoxon test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The mean tumour size was 52.0 mm (15-180); 98.8% of the tumours showed a spherical shape and in 82.1%, exophytic growth was observed. Partial nephrectomy was performed in 80.7%. A majority (81.9%) were classified as pT1. Tumours, 89.2% of them, belonged to Fuhrman grade 1 or 2. The mean follow-up was 46.8 months. The overall survival was associated with pT category (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Typical signs of pRCC1 are a spherical shape, exophytic growth and low Fuhrmans grade. More than three-fourths of pRCC1 could be treated by the nephron-sparing surgery.

Managing urine leakage following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with active suction of the prevesical space.

Introduction Urine leakage following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is a possible complication that may herald chronic urine incontinence. Intraoperative measures aiming to prevent this is not standardised. Aim Presentation of experience with active suction of the prevesical space in managing postoperative urine leakage. Material and methods At the Department of Urology, where laparoscopy of the upper abdomen and open RP were performed, a protocol for extraperitoneal LRP was established in 8/2008. Until 5/2011, 154 LRPs have been performed. Urine leakage from a suction drain appeared in 9 cases (5.8%). Permanent active suction (with a machine for Büllae thoracic drainage) of the prevesical space with negative pressure of 7-12 cm of H2O was started immediately. Results Urine leakage started after a mean of 0.9 (0-2) days postoperatively and stopped after a mean of 8.1 (15-42) days. Leakage stopped with only suctioning in 7 cases. In one case, open re-anastomosis was performed on the 7th postoperative day (POD). In another case, ineffective active suction was replaced on the 10th POD by needle vented suction without effect and the leakage stopped following gradual shortening of the drain up to the 15th POD. Conclusions Active suction of the prevesical space seems to be an effective intervention to stop postoperative urine leakage after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Antegrade Mini-Invasive Nephroureterectomy: Laparoscopic Nephrectomy, Transurethral Excision of Ureterovesical Junction and Lower Abdominal Incision

Introduction: We describe another variant of nephroureterectomy – antegrade mini-invasive nephroureterectomy (AMNUE). Methods: AMNUE starts with a laparoscopic nephrectomy in the flank position. The specimen is enclosed in a bag without dividing the ureter, and the patient is positioned to the lithotomy position. Then the ureterovesical junction is excised transurethrally with a Collins knife. Finally, the specimen is removed and the ureter is plucked out through a short lower abdomen incision. Patients: From March 2005 to November 2008, 35 patients underwent nephroureterectomy: 7 as an open procedure, 8 as a laparoscopic nephrectomy with open ureterectomy, 8 as a complete laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and 12 were admitted into the AMNUE group (7 men and 5 women, mean age 71 ± 7 years, range 54–81 years). Results: Tumors were found 6 times on both sides. The mean operation time was 165 ± 32 min (105–210 min), and the mean blood loss was 150 ± 91 ml (50–400 ml). Histology revealed 11 urothelial cancers and 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma. There was only 1 hematoma of the abdominal wall. Conclusion: AMNUE is a fast, safe and easily reproducible technique. It eliminates the risk of spillage of tumorous cells into the urine, which is possible in techniques where the ureter is excised with a Collins knife as the first procedure. The disadvantages of this approach are the necessary repositioning of the patient and that the long-term oncological results are currently unknown. AMNUE can be used when a complete laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is not technically feasible due to problems in the pelvis.

Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Big Tumors (≥ 10 cm): A Retrospective Multicentric Study

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic nephrectomy for big tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from 116 patients were retrospectively collected from 16 tertiary centres. Clinical and operative parameters, tumor characteristics, pre- and postoperative parameters, and renal function before and after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS Mean age and body mass index were 61 years and 27.8 kg/m(2), respectively. Males represented 63.8% of patients, and 54.4% presented symptoms at diagnosis. Median tumor size was 11 cm, and 75% of the cases were performed by expert surgeons. Median operative time and blood loss were 180 minutes and 200 mL respectively. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 20.7% of cases. Intraoperative complications related to massive hemorrhage occurred in 16.4% of patients, resulting in open conversion in 62.5%. Major postoperative complications occurred in only 10 patients (8.6%). In univariate analysis, intraoperative complications, age, and blood loss were predictive factors of conversion to open surgery. Positive surgical margins occurred in 6 patients (5.2%). None of them presented a local recurrence. Predictive factors of recurrence or progression were lymph node invasion, metastases, and Furhman grade. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic nephrectomy for tumors > 10 cm can be performed safely. Complication rate and positive surgical margins are similar to open surgery. In experienced hands, the benefit of a mini invasive surgery remains evident.

The Ability of Prostate Health Index (PHI) to Predict Gleason Score in Patients With Prostate Cancer and Discriminate Patients Between Gleason Score 6 and Gleason Score Higher Than 6—A Study on 320 Patients After Radical Prostatectomy

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the Prostate Health Index as a marker for tumor aggressiveness in prostate biopsy and the optimization of indication for treatment options. Methods: Our cohort consisted of 320 patients indicated for radical prostatectomy with preoperative measurements of total prostate-specific antigen, free prostate-specific antigen, [-2]proPSA, calculated %freePSA, and Prostate Health Index. The Gleason score was determined during biopsy and after radical prostatectomy. Using the Gleason score, we divided the group of patients into the 2 subgroups: Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6. This division was performed according to the biopsy Gleason score and according to the postoperative Gleason score. We compared total prostate-specific antigen, [-2]proPSA, %freePSA, and Prostate Health Index in the subgroups Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 after biopsy and the definitive score. Results: On evaluation of the subgroups created by Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6, we observed agreement between biopsy Gleason score and definitive Gleason score in only 45.3% of cases. Of the calculated biopsy, Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 subgroups, [-2]proPSA, and Prostate Health Index (P = .0003 and P = .0005) were statistically significant. Of the definitive Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 subgroups, Prostate Health Index, [-2]proPSA, %freePSA, and PSA (P < .0001, P < .0001, P = .0003, and P = .0043) were statistically significant. The best area under the curve value (0.7496) was achieved by Prostate Health Index when the subgroups were established according to the postoperative Gleason score. Conclusion: Prostate Health Index is the best of the tested markers for the categorization of Gleason score 6 tumors and for facilitating the management of patients with prostate cancer. Prostate Health Index can be a helpful marker for indication of active surveillance or radical prostatectomy. Prostate health index can also simplify the decision of whether to perform nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.