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Translational Andrology and Urology Jul 2023Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is the preferred management for clinical stage T1 (cT1) renal masses. In recent years, indications have expanded to larger and more complex... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is the preferred management for clinical stage T1 (cT1) renal masses. In recent years, indications have expanded to larger and more complex renal tumors. In an effort to provide optimal patient outcomes, urologists strive to achieve the pentafecta when performing partial nephrectomy. This has led to the continuous technologic advancement and technique refinement including the use of augmented reality, ultrasound techniques, changes in surgical approach and reconstruction, uses of novel fluorescence marker guided imaging, and implementation of early recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent advances in pre-, intra-, and post-operative management and approaches to managing patients with renal masses undergoing NSS.
METHODS
We performed a non-systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE for the most relevant articles pertaining to the outlined topics from 2010 to 2022 without limitation on study design. We included only full-text English articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS
Partial nephrectomy is currently prioritized for cT1a renal masses; however, indications have been expanding due to a greater understanding of anatomy and technologic advances. Recent studies have demonstrated that improvements in imaging techniques utilizing cross-sectional imaging with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, use of color doppler intraoperative ultrasound, and newer studies emerging using contrast enhanced ultrasound play important roles in certain subsets of patients. While indocyanine green administration is commonly used, novel fluorescence-guided imaging including folate receptor-targeting fluorescence molecules are being investigated to better delineate tumor-parenchyma margins. Augmented reality has a developing role in patient and surgical trainee education. While pre-and intra-operative imaging have shown to be promising, near infrared guided segmental and sub-segmental vessel clamping has yet to show significant benefit in patient outcomes. Studies regarding reconstructive techniques and replacement of reconstruction with sealing agents have a promising future. Finally, ERAS protocols have allowed earlier discharge of patients without increasing complications while improving cost burden.
CONCLUSIONS
Advances in NSS have ranged from pre-operative imaging techniques to ERAS protocols Further prospective investigations are required to determine the impact of novel imaging, fluorescence biomarker use, and reconstructive techniques on achieving the pentafecta of NSS.
PubMed: 37554533
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-107 -
European Urology Focus Jan 2024Partial nephrectomy (PN) with intraoperative guidance by biophotonics has the potential to improve surgical outcomes due to higher precision. However, its value remains... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Partial nephrectomy (PN) with intraoperative guidance by biophotonics has the potential to improve surgical outcomes due to higher precision. However, its value remains unclear since high-level evidence is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive analysis of biophotonic techniques used for intraoperative real-time assistance during PN.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a comprehensive database search based on the PICO criteria, including studies published before October 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts followed by full-text screening of eligible studies. For a quantitative analysis, a meta-analysis was conducted.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
In total, 35 studies were identified for the qualitative analysis, including 27 studies on near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green, four studies on hyperspectral imaging, two studies on folate-targeted molecular imaging, and one study each on optical coherence tomography and 5-aminolevulinic acid. The meta-analysis investigated seven studies on selective arterial clamping using NIRF. There was a significantly shorter warm ischemia time in the NIRF-PN group (mean difference [MD]: -2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.6, -0.1; p = 0.04). No differences were noted regarding transfusions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.7; p = 0.27), positive surgical margins (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.2, 2.0; p = 0.46), or major complications (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2; p = 0.08). In the NIRF-PN group, functional results were favorable at short-term follow-up (MD of glomerular filtration rate decline: 7.6; 95% CI: 4.6, 10.5; p < 0.01), but leveled off at long-term follow-up (MD: 7.0; 95% CI: -2.8, 16.9; p = 0.16). Remarkably, these findings were not confirmed by the included randomized controlled trial.
CONCLUSIONS
Biophotonics comprises a heterogeneous group of imaging modalities that serve intraoperative decision-making and guidance. Implementation into clinical practice and cost effectiveness are the limitations that should be addressed by future research.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed the application of biophotonics during partial removal of the kidney in patients with kidney cancer. Our results suggest that these techniques support the surgeon in successfully performing the challenging steps of the procedure.
PubMed: 38278713
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2024.01.005 -
World Journal of Urology Sep 2023To provide an update on the diverse, contemporary urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To provide an update on the diverse, contemporary urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies that described the clinical applications of the Hugo™ RAS system in Urology. The Hugo™ RAS is a new multi-modular robotic platform created by Medtronic, which offered new innovations, including an open surgical console and individual modular and extendable robotic arms that come in their own movable platforms. Since obtaining regulatory approval in Europe in October 2021, the novel platform has been increasingly used in various urologic and gynecologic procedures.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies were included, which involved 176 patients who underwent varying urological procedures. These included radical and simple prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical and simple nephrectomy, ureterolithotomy, ureteral reimplant, pyeloplasty, and adrenalectomy. The different docking configurations, operating room set-ups, and early perioperative outcomes were described for the respective procedure.
CONCLUSION
Based on the existing literature, the Hugo™ RAS system can be safely and effectively utilized for various urological procedures. The novel technology provided additional value in enriching the repertoire of urological minimally invasive surgical options. Further research with larger cohort of patients will be required to better refine the operating techniques and understand the perioperative outcomes of the Hugo™ RAS, especially when compared to other robotic surgical platforms.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Urologic Surgical Procedures; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Prostatectomy; Nephrectomy
PubMed: 37515649
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04538-1 -
Minerva Urology and Nephrology Dec 2023In the absence of consensus on the optimal approach to renorrhaphy in partial nephrectomy, this systematic review aims to assess the various renorrhaphy techniques and...
INTRODUCTION
In the absence of consensus on the optimal approach to renorrhaphy in partial nephrectomy, this systematic review aims to assess the various renorrhaphy techniques and their impact on surgical outcomes.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review of the literature was performed in March 2022, using PubMed and Scopus, without time restrictions and research filters for studies investigating renorrhaphy techniques in partial nephrectomy. Studies providing sufficient details on renorrhaphy techniques and their outcomes during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) were included in this analysis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Thirty-one studies with 5720 patients were included in the analysis. In most studies, tumor diameter was <4 cm. RENAL and PADUA scores as well as tumor locations were heterogeneous between the studies. The results of the use of hemostatic agents were conflicting among different studies with limited evidence regarding the benefits of its routine use in partial nephrectomy. The use of barbed and running sutures was associated with a reduced warm ischemia time. While some studies showed a decreased warm ischemia time when omitting cortical renorrhaphy, others found that it may lead to higher incidence of minor complications without any significant improvement in other outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
There is ongoing research to determine the optimal approach to renorrhaphy. The current evidence on the routine use of hemostatic agents is limited. The use of certain techniques such as barbed sutures, sliding clips and running sutures reduced the warm ischemia time. The omission of cortical renorrhaphy is still controversial.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Suture Techniques; Nephrectomy; Kidney; Hemostatics
PubMed: 38126283
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-6051.23.05345-4 -
Indian Journal of Urology : IJU :... 2024There is an unmet need for high-quality data for Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in the Indian population. Indian study group on partial nephrectomy (ISGPN) is...
INTRODUCTION
There is an unmet need for high-quality data for Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in the Indian population. Indian study group on partial nephrectomy (ISGPN) is a consortium of Indian centers contributing to the partial nephrectomy (PN) database. The current study is a descriptive analysis of perioperative and functional outcomes following RAPN.
METHODS
For this study, the retrospective ISGPN database was reviewed, which included patients who underwent RAPN for renal masses at 14 centers across India from September 2010 to September 2022. Demographic, clinical, radiological, perioperative, and functional data were collected and analyzed. Ethics approval was obtained from each of the participating centers.
RESULTS
In this study, 782 patients were included, and 69.7% were male. The median age was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR 44-62]), median operative time was 180 min (IQR 133-240), median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR 50-200), mean warm ischemia time was 22.7 min and positive surgical margin rates were 2.5%. The complication rate was 16.2%, and most of them were of minor grade. Trifecta and pentafecta outcomes were attained in 61.4% and 60% of patients, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the largest Indian multi-centric study using the Indian Robotic PN Collaborative database to evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted PN, and has proven its safety and efficacy in the management of renal masses.
PubMed: 38725898
DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_443_23 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jun 2024This study aimed to compare the benefits and safety of microwave scissors-based sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (MSLPN) with those of conventional open...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to compare the benefits and safety of microwave scissors-based sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (MSLPN) with those of conventional open partial nephrectomy (cOPN).
METHODS
Each kidney in nine pigs underwent MSLPN using microwave scissors (MWS) via transperitoneal laparoscopy or cOPN via retroperitoneal open laparotomy. The kidney's lower and upper poles were resected under temporary hilar-clamping. The renal calyces exposed during renal resections were sealed and transected using MWS in MSLPN and were sutured in cOPN. For MWS, the generator's power output was 60 W. Data on procedure time (PT), ischemic time (IT), blood loss (BL), normal nephron loss (NNL), and extravasation during retrograde pyelogram were compared between the two techniques.
RESULTS
The authors successfully performed 22 MSLPNs and 10 cOPNs. Compared with cOPN, MSLPN was associated with significantly lower PT (median, 9.2 vs 13.0 min; p = 0.026), IT (median, 5.9 vs 9.0 min; p < 0.001), BL (median, 14.4 vs 38.3 mL; p = 0.043), and NNL (median, 7.6 vs 9.4 mm; p = 0.004). However, the extravasation rate was higher in the MSLPN group than in the cOPN group (54.5 % [n = 12] vs 30.0 % [n = 3]), albeit without a significant difference (p = 0.265). Pelvic stenosis occurred in one MSLPN procedure that involved deep lower pole resection near the kidney hilum.
CONCLUSIONS
The study data show that MSLPN can improve intraoperative outcomes while reducing technical demands for selected patients with non-hilar-localized renal tumors. However, renal calyces, if violated, should be additionally sutured to prevent urine leakage.
PubMed: 38851638
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15548-7 -
European Urology Aug 2023Multiport robotic surgery in the retroperitoneum is limited by the bulky robotic frame and clashing of instruments. Moreover, patients are placed in the lateral...
BACKGROUND
Multiport robotic surgery in the retroperitoneum is limited by the bulky robotic frame and clashing of instruments. Moreover, patients are placed in the lateral decubitus position, which has been linked to complications.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and safety of a supine anterior retroperitoneal access (SARA) technique with the da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robotic platform.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Between October 2022 and January 2023, 18 patients underwent surgery using the SARA technique for renal cancer, urothelial cancer, or ureteral stenosis. Perioperative variables were prospectively collected and outcomes were assessed.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
With the patient in a supine position, a 3-cm incision is made at the McBurney point and the abdominal muscles are dissected. Finger dissection is used to develop the retroperitoneal space for the da Vinci SP access port. After docking, the first step is to dissect retroperitoneal tissue to reveal the psoas muscle. This allows identification of the ureter, the inferior renal pole, and the hilum.
MEASUREMENTS
A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Data collected included demographics, operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), surgical margin status, complications, length of hospital stay, 30-d Clavien-Dindo complications, and postoperative narcotic use.
RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS
Twelve patients underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) and two each underwent pyeloplasty, radical nephroureterectomy, and radical nephrectomy. In the PN group, mean age was 57 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 30-73), median body mass index was 32 kg/m (IQR 17-58), and 25% had stage ≥3 chronic kidney disease. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 (IQR 0-7) and 75% of PN patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3. The median RENAL score was 5 (IQR 4-7). The median WIT was 25 min (IQR 16-48) and the median tumor size was 35 mm (IQR 16-50). The median estimated blood loss was 105 ml (IQR 20-400) and the median operative time was 160 min (IQR 110-200). Positive surgical margins were found in one patient. In the overall cohort, one patient was readmitted and managed conservatively; 83% of the PN group were discharged on the same day as their surgery, with the remainder discharged the next day. At 7 d after surgery, no patients reported narcotic use.
CONCLUSIONS
The SARA approach is feasible and safe. Larger studies are needed to confirm this approach as a one-step solution for upper urinary tract surgery.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We assessed initial outcomes of a novel approach for accessing the retroperitoneum (the space behind the abdominal cavity and in front of the back muscles and spine) during robot-assisted surgery in the upper urinary tract. The patient is placed on their back and surgery is performed with a single-port robot. Our results show that this approach was feasible and safe, with low complication rates, less postoperative pain, and earlier discharge. This is a promising start, but larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Retroperitoneal Space; Robotics; Kidney Neoplasms; Narcotics; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37211448
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.05.006 -
European Radiology Dec 2023To compare the oncological and perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) and percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) for treatment of T1 renal cell...
Minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatments for T1 renal cell cancer in patients over 75 years: a comparison of outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and percutaneous ablation.
PURPOSE
To compare the oncological and perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) and percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) for treatment of T1 renal cell cancer (RCC) in patients older than 75 years.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective national multicenter study included all patients older than 75 years treated for a T1 RCC by RPN or PTA between January 2010 and January 2021. Patients' characteristics, tumor data, and perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared.
RESULTS
A total of 205 patients for 209 procedures (143 RPN and 66 PTA) were included. In the PTA group, patients were older (80.4 ± 3.7 vs. 79 ± 3.7 years (p = 0.01)); frailer (ASA score (2.43 ± 0.6 vs. 2.17 ± 0.6 (p < 0.01)); and more frequently had a history of kidney surgery (16.7% [11/66] vs. 5.6% [8/143] (p = 0.01)) than in the RPN group. Tumors were larger in the RPN group (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.9 cm (p < 0.01)). Operation time, length of hospital stay, and increase of creatinine serum level were higher in RPN (respectively 92.1 ± 42.7 vs. 150.7 ± 61.3 min (p < 0.01); 1.7 ± 1.4 vs. 4.2 ± 3.4 days (p < 0.01); 1.9 ± 19.3% vs. 10.1 ± 23.7 (p = 0.03)). Disease-free survival and time to progression were similar (respectively, HR 2.2; 95% CI 0.88-5.5; p = 0.09; HR 2.1; 95% CI 0.86-5.2; p = 0.1). Overall survival was shorter for PTA that disappeared after Cox adjusting model (HR 3.3; 95% CI 0.87-12.72; p = 0.08).
CONCLUSION
Similar oncological outcomes are observed after PTA and RPN for T1 RCC in elderly patients.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and percutaneous thermal ablation have similar oncological outcomes for T1a kidney cancer in patients over 75 years; however, operative time, decrease in renal function, and length of hospital stay were lower with ablation.
KEY POINTS
• After adjusting model for age and ASA score, similar oncological outcomes are observed after percutaneous thermal ablation and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for T1 renal cell cancer in elderly patients. • Operation time, length of hospital stay, and increase of creatinine serum level were higher in the robot-assisted partial nephrectomy group.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Robotics; Retrospective Studies; Creatinine; Treatment Outcome; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Nephrons; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37466710
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09975-5 -
European Radiology Sep 2023Renal cell carcinomas represent the sixth- and tenth-most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women. Recently, percutaneous-guided thermal ablations have proved to be...
A multicenter comparative matched-pair analysis of percutaneous tumor ablation and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy of T1b renal cell carcinoma (AblatT1b study-UroCCR 80).
OBJECTIVE
Renal cell carcinomas represent the sixth- and tenth-most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women. Recently, percutaneous-guided thermal ablations have proved to be as effective as partial nephrectomy and safer for treating small renal masses (i.e., < 3 cm). This study compared the perioperative and recurrence outcomes of percutaneous thermal ablation (TA) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the treatment of T1b renal cell carcinomas (4.1-7 cm).
METHODS
Retrospective data from 11 centers on the national database, between 2010 and 2020, included 81 patients treated with thermal ablation (TA) and 308 patients treated with RAPN for T1b renal cell carcinoma, collected retrospectively and matched for tumor size, histology results, and the RENAL score. TA included cryoablation and microwave ablation. Endpoints compared the rate between the two groups: local recurrence, metastases, complications, renal function decrease, and length of hospitalization.
RESULTS
After matching, 75 patients were included in each group; mean age was 76.6 (± 9) in the TA group and 61.1 (± 12) in the RAPN group, including 69.3% and 76% men respectively. The local recurrence (LR) rate was significantly higher in the TA group than in the PN group (14.6% vs 4%; p = 0.02). The LR rate was 20% (1/5) after microwave ablation, 11.1% (1/9) after radiofrequency ablation, and 14.7% (9/61) after cryoablation. The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) was higher following PN than after TA (5.3% vs 0%; p < 0.001). Metastases, eGFR decrease, and length of hospitalization did not differ significantly between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The local recurrence rate was significantly higher after thermal ablation; however, thermal ablation resulted in significantly lower rates of complications. Thermal ablation and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy are effective treatments for T1b renal cancer; however, the local recurrence rate was higher after thermal ablation.
KEY POINTS
• The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the thermal ablation group than in the partial nephrectomy group. • The major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) was higher following PN than after TA (5.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.001).
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Retrospective Studies; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Matched-Pair Analysis; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37004570
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09564-6 -
BJU International Sep 2023To test the hypothesis that longer warm ischaemia time (WIT) might have a marginal impact on renal functional outcomes and might, in fact, reduce haemorrhagic risk...
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that longer warm ischaemia time (WIT) might have a marginal impact on renal functional outcomes and might, in fact, reduce haemorrhagic risk intra-operatively.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Data from 1140 patients treated with elective partial nephrectomy (PN) for a cT1-2 cN0 cM0 renal mass were prospectively collected. WIT was defined as the duration of clamping of the main renal artery with no refrigeration and was tested as a continuous variable. The primary outcome of the study was evaluation of the effect of WIT on renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) postoperatively, at 6 months and in the long term (measured between 1 and 5 years after surgery). The secondary outcome of the study was haemorrhagic risk, defined as estimated blood loss (EBL) or peri-operative transfusions. Multivariable linear, logistic and Cox regression analyses, accounting for age, Charlson comorbidity index, clinical size, preoperative eGFR and year of surgery, were used and the potential nonlinear relationship between WIT and the study outcomes was modelled using restricted cubic splines.
RESULTS
A total of 863 patients (76%) underwent PN with WIT and 277 (24%) without. The baseline median eGFR was 87.3 (68.8-99.2) mL/min/1.73m for the on-clamp population and 80.6 (63.2-95.2) mL/min/1.73m for the off-clamp population. The median duration of WIT was 17 (13-21) min. At multivariable analyses predicting renal function, longer WIT was associated with decreased postoperative eGFR (estimate: -0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.31; -0.11 [P < 0.001]). Conversely, no association between WIT and eGFR was recorded at 6-month or long-term follow-up (all P > 0.8). At multivariable analyses predicting haemorrhagic risk, clampless resection with no ischaemia time and PN with short WIT was associated with an increased EBL (estimate: -21.56, 95% CI -28.33; -14.79 [P < 0.001]) and peri-operative transfusion rate (estimate: -0.009, 95% CI -0.01; -0.003 [P = 0.002]). No association between WIT and positive surgical margin status was recorded (all P = 0.1).
CONCLUSION
Patients and clinicians should be aware that performing PN with very limited or even with zero WIT might increase bleeding and the need for peri-operative transfusion while not improving long-term renal function outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome; Warm Ischemia
PubMed: 36932928
DOI: 10.1111/bju.16009