Robotic treatment of oligometastatic kidney tumor with synchronous pancreatic metastasis: case report and review of the literature

Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma-Clinical Particularities and Seed and Soil Hypothesis

A meta-analysis of 1470 isolated pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma revealed, that, in addition to the unusual exclusive occurrence of pancreatic metastases and the favourable treatment results, the isPMRCC is characterised by further peculiarities of the clinical course: The lack of prognostic significance of volume and growth rate dependent risk factors and the independence of treatment results from standard or local resections. As an explanation for all these peculiarities, according to today's knowledge, a strong acting seed and soil mechanism can serve, which allows embolized tumour cells to grow to metastases only in the pancreas, and prevents them definitively or for years in all other organs. The good prognosis affects not only isolated PM, but also multi-organ metastases of the RCC, in which the additional occurrence of PM is also associated with a better prognosis. Genetic studies revealed specific changes in cases of PM of RCC: Lack of loss of 9p21.3 and 14q31.2, which are otherwise specific gene mutations at the onset of generalization, a low weight genome instability index, i.e., high genetic stability, and a low rate of PAB1 and a high rate of BPRM1 alterations, which signal a more favourable course. The cause of pancreatic organotropism in isPMRCC is still unclear, so only those factors that have been identified as promoting organotropism in other, more frequent tumour entities can be presented: Formation of the pre-metastatic niche, chemokine receptor-ligand mechanism, ability to metabolic adaptation, and immune surveillance.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of synchronous renal mass and pancreatic mass: a review

Objective:

Synchronous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and pancreatic tumors are rare clinical events and have been described scarcely in the literature. Our institution has recently encountered one case. This review aims to summarize and present the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that have been presented in the literature for these synchronous solid malignancies.

Methods:

After reviewing the literature using PubMed, 16 papers were collected that showed a total of 21 patients with a synchronous solid renal and pancreatic mass. The diagnostic and treatment data were then evaluated and analyzed.

Results:

Overall, 13 patients (59%) had two independent primary malignancies consisting of RCC and a pancreatic tumor, seven (31%) were diagnosed with primary RCC with synchronous metastasis to pancreas, one (5%) was found to have a primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis to the kidney, and one (5%) was diagnosed with primary RCC with a benign solid pancreatic lesion. Of the 22 patients that were treated, 18 (81%) underwent surgery, one (5%) had no treatment, and three (14%) underwent chemotherapy without surgery. In the cohort of patients with surgical treatment 12 (66%) had no adjuvant therapy, one (6%) had adjuvant chemotherapy, four (22%) had adjuvant immunotherapy, and one (6%) had adjuvant radiation treatment.

Conclusions:

The occurrence of synchronous malignancies of the kidney and pancreas is rare. No clear guidelines have evolved in the literature in regard to diagnostics and treatment of these patients. This review presents recommended diagnostic and treatment guidelines for these rare clinical cases.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this multicenter review.

Functional, oncological outcomes and safety of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus open partial nephrectomy in localized renal cell carcinoma patients with high anatomical complexity

PURPOSE

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the main treatment strategy for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, for RCC with high anatomical complexity, PN remains a challenge for urologists. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the functional oncological outcomes and safety of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN) in localized RCC patients with highly anatomical complexity (R.E.N.A.L. score ≥ 10).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 575 patients who underwent PN at our center between January 2007 and December 2017. After propensity score-matching (PSM), 137 patients treated with LPN and 54 patients treated with OPN were balanced into 97 and 44 pairs. Patient demographics, and extensive perioperative and prognostic data were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

In the matched group, the OPN group had significantly less eGFR loss than the LPN group (2.57 ml/min/1.73 m² vs. 31.59 ml/min/1.73 m², P < 0.001). The recurrence-free survival (P = 0.287), overall survival (P = 0.296), cancer-specific survival (P = 0.664), and cardiocerebrovascular disease-specific survival (P = 0.341) were equivalent between groups. The rates of minor (P = 0.621) and major (P = 0.647) complications were also similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This PSM cohort study showed that OPN resulted in better renal function preservation than LPN in localized RCC patients with high anatomical complexity, and had comparable oncological and safety outcomes after long-term follow-up. These findings may help improve clinical decision-making for localized RCC patients with high anatomical complexity.

Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Cancer: Genetics and Epigenetics of an Unusual Tumour Entity

Isolated pancreatic metastases of renal cell carcinoma (isPMRCC) are a rare manifestation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) characterized by two peculiarities: (1). The definite or at least long-term exclusive occurrence of metastases in the pancreas and (2). an unusual low tumour aggressiveness with slow tumour progression and consecutive, good treatment results. According to current knowledge, the exclusive occurrence of pancreatic metastases is due to a highly specific and highly selective seed and soil mechanism, which does not allow metastases settlement outside the pancreas, and whose detailed genetic/epigenetic causes are not yet elucidated. Recent studies have shed light on some of the pathways involved for the protracted course of the disease and highlighted a special genetic profile (lack of loss of 9p, lower weight genome instability index, low frequency of BAP1 alterations, and a high frequency of PBRM1 loss), which deviates from the conventional mRCC profile. Finally, the question of the reasons for the long-term relative genetic stability of the involved cell clones, which is an essential prerequisite for a favourable prognosis, remains unanswered.

Combined Open Prostatectomy and Kidney Surgery: Feasibility and 12-Month Outcome

Purpose

There are only a few case reports and case series that investigated combined laparoscopic or robotic surgery for simultaneous prostate and kidney cancer. In this study, we want to close a gap in existing research to assess the feasibility and oncological outcome of combined open prostatectomy and kidney surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent a combined open prostatectomy and either a partial or complete nephrectomy from 2013 to 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to assess perioperative parameters and the 12-month functional and oncological outcomes after combined surgery.

Results

We identified 10 patients undergoing combined open surgery. Partial nephrectomy was performed in 4, radical nephrectomy in 6 patients. For prostate cancer, histopathological analysis showed a tumor stage ≥ pT2c in all 10 patients. For renal tumors, histopathological analysis showed clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 8 patients and oncocytoma in 2 patients. Operating time was 177 ± 36 minutes. Two perioperative complications (Clavien 2a and 3) were observed. Three months postoperatively, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score was 5.6 ± 5.9, the ICIQ-SF score was 7.3 ± 5.6 and were using 1.9 ± 2.2 pads per day. This improved after 12 months postoperatively, as patients had an IIEF-5 score of 6.33 ± 6.5, an ICIQ-SF score of 4.4 ± 5.7 and were using pads 0.9 ± 1.7 per day.

Conclusion

In this study, we showed that open surgery is a safe and valid approach for combined prostatectomy and renal surgery with acceptable complications and oncological outcomes. The combined open approach could be a good alternative to combined laparoscopic/robotic surgery in this field, especially to treat patients with advanced renal tumors or previous abdominal surgery or radiation.

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and navigation in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal masses in the solitary kidney: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Numerous efforts were made to improve renal function and oncologic outcomes in surgery for patients with kidney cancer. We explored new robotic methods in solitary kidneys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively registered and included 16 patients in the 3D-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) group with a solitary kidney (anatomic or functional), and retrospectively identified 25 patients with a solitary kidney who received RAPN also operated by us for comparison.

RESULTS

The rates of global clamping reduced in the 3D-RAPN group (37.5% vs 76%)while selective rates were higher (56.2% vs 20%) (p = 0.028). The mean percentages of Scr increase (+20.2% vs +30.2%, p = 0.045) and eGFR reduction (-16.8% vs -27.1%) as well as rate of opening collecting systems (31.3% vs 72%, p = 0.010) were lower in 3D-RAPN group.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-RAPN less impaired the renal function of patients with a solitary kidney and showed superiority or non-inferiority in other evaluation indexes compared to conventional RAPN.

Prognostic significance of subclassifying stage pT3a renal tumors with fat invasion: a retrospective study of 99 patients

PURPOSE

To analyze the recurrence in patients with clinic stage T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were upstaged to stage T3a after partial nephrectomy (PN) using a new sub-classification criterion.

METHODS

A retrospective study of pathological characteristics was performed in patients who were upstaged to pT3a on the basis of fat invasion (FI).

RESULTS

After analyzing the pathological findings, we proposed the following new sub-classification criteria for pT3a RCC with FI: (1) renal tumor invades the pseudo-capsule and contacts the perinephric adipose tissue directly or the tumor protrudes into the perinephric adipose tissue like a tongue (Type A); and (2) tumor nodules are distributed in perinephric adipose tissues (Type B). A significant difference was observed in the recurrence rate between the two subtypes A and B. For Type B, the recurrence rate after radical nephrectomy (RN) and PN was 15.79% and 63.64%, respectively. The recurrence rates for Types A and B after PN were 11.11% and 63.64%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

T3a RCC with tumor nodules in perinephric adipose and/or an irregular tumor protruding into the adipose tissues lead to a higher recurrence rate. We recommend that T3a RCC be carefully analyzed and patients be treated on an individual basis.

Renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/transcription factor E3 gene fusion: an adult case report and literature review

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with Xp11.2 translocation/transcription factor E3 (TFE3) gene fusion is a rare and independent subtype of RCC included in the classification of MiT (microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor) family translocation RCC. Herein, we report an adult case of Xp11.2 translocation RCC, and review the relevant literature to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and other aspects of the disease.

Pancreatic Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Surgical Indication for a Disseminated Disease

Pancreatic metastasis (PM) of renal cancer is a rare condition. It is characterized by a long period after initial nephrectomy and a favorable prognosis compared to other pancreatic malignancies. Its diagnosis may confuse clinicians if the medical history is not known. In the era of targeted therapies for metastatic renal carcinoma, surgery stands as the best treatment option for PM of renal cancer. We report the case of a woman who underwent successfully left splenopancreatectomy for corporeal PM of renal cancer treated seven years ago. This case underlines the necessity of long-term follow-up of patients treated for kidney cancer.

Full robotic multivisceral resections: the Modena experience and literature review

The robotic platform is becoming a multidisciplinary tool, versatile, and suitable for multiple procedures. Combined multivisceral resections may represent an alternative to sequential procedures with a potential favorable impact on postoperative morbidity, and on the timing of administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. We herein present our initial experience with full robotic multivisceral resections, and a review of the literature available. Between January 2018 and April 2020, 11 patients underwent multivisceral full robotic abdominal surgery: 4 patients presented with two synchronous tumors, 4 with primary cancer associated with a benign condition and 3 cases involved deep infiltrating endometriosis. Surgical teams enrolled were: General Surgery, Urology and Gynecology. A systematic bibliographic research up to April 2020 was conducted in PubMed. 4 colorectal resections combined with partial or radical nephrectomy were performed, as well as 2 right colectomies in combination with right adrenalectomy and gastric banding removal, 2 radical prostatectomies with Nissen Fundoplication and abdominal wall hernia repair, and 3 resections of deep pelvic endometriosis with colorectal involvement. Mean total operative time was 367 min. No intraoperative complication or conversion to open was registered. Overall postoperative complication rate was 18.2%. 26 papers were included in the review (10 case series and 16 case reports) with a total of 156 combined multivisceral robotic procedures recorded. Robotic combined multivisceral resections proved to be safe and feasible when performed in high volume centers by expert surgeons. The heterogeneity of reports does not allow for a standardization of the procedure. Further studies and accumulation of experience are needed.

Spleno-adrenal fusion mimicking an adrenal metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma: A case report and embryological background

Foci of splenic tissue separated from the spleen can occur as a congenital anomaly. Isolated nodules of splenic tissue are called accessory spleens or spleniculli. However, nodules of splenic tissue can merge with other organs during embryonic development, in which case we speak of spleno-visceral fusions: most often, they merge with the tail of the pancreas (thus forming spleno-pancreatic fusion or an intrapancreatic accessory spleen), with the reproductive gland (i.e., spleno-gonadal fusion), or with the kidney (i.e., spleno-renal fusion). Our case report describes the fusion of heterotopic splenic tissue with the right adrenal gland, which was misinterpreted as a metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spleno-adrenal fusion. Spleno-visceral fusions usually represent asymptomatic conditions; their main clinical significance lies in the confusion they cause and its misinterpretation as tumors of other organs. We believe that the cause of retroperitoneal spleno-visceral fusions is the anomalous migration of splenic cells along the dorsal mesentery to the urogenital ridge, together with primitive germ cells, at the end of the fifth week and during the sixth week of embryonic age. This theory explains the possible origin of spleno-visceral fusions, their different frequency of occurrence, and the predominance of findings on the left side.

Symptomatic Pituitary Metastasis as Initial Manifestation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Metastasis to the pituitary gland is extremely rare (∼2% of sellar masses). Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic characteristics of pituitary metastasis are poorly defined and can be difficult to diagnose before surgery. We present an unusual case with pituitary metastasis as the first manifestation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A 70-year-old male presented with acute onset of weakness, dizziness, diplopia, and progressively worsening headache. The initial CT head revealed a heterogeneous sellar mass measuring 2.8 × 1.9 × 1.7 cm. A follow-up MRI showed the sellar mass invading the right cavernous sinus. The presumptive diagnosis was a pituitary macroadenoma. Physical examination revealed bilateral 6th cranial nerve palsy and episodes of intermittent binocular horizontal diplopia. Hormonal testing noted possible secondary adrenal insufficiency (AM serum cortisol: 3.3 mcg/dL, ACTH: 8 pg/mL), secondary hypothyroidism (TSH: <0.01 mIU/L, FT4: 0.7 ng/dL), secondary hypogonadism (testosterone: 47 ng/dL, LH: 1.3 mIU/mL, and FSH: 2.3 mIU/mL), and elevated serum prolactin (prolactin: 56.8 ng/ml, normal: 4.0-15.2 ng/ml). IGF-1 level was normal at 110 ng/mL (47-192 ng/mL). The patient was discharged on levothyroxine and hydrocortisone therapy with plans for close surveillance. However, his condition worsened over the next three months, and he was subsequently readmitted with nausea, vomiting, and hypernatremia secondary to diabetes insipidus. Repeat MRI pituitary showed an interval increase in the size of the sellar mass with suprasellar extension and a new mass effect on the optic chiasm. The sellar mass was urgently resected via a trans-sphenoidal approach. The tumor was negative for neuroendocrine markers and pituitary hormone panel, ruling out the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma and triggered workup for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type. The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was confirmed by the diffuse and strong staining for renal cell carcinoma markers (Pax-8, RCC-1, and CD10). A follow-up CT scan noted large right renal mass measuring 11 × 10 × 11 cm. The patient underwent a cytoreductive robotic right radical nephrectomy for WHO/ISUP histologic grade II clear cell RCC, stage pT2b pNX pM1. He subsequently received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to the pituitary gland. He is presently stable with no radiological evidence of progression or new intracranial disease on subsequent imaging. Pituitary metastasis most commonly occurs from breast, lung, or gastrointestinal tumors but also rarely from renal cell carcinoma. Biochemical findings such as panhypopituitarism, acute clinical signs such as headache, visual symptoms, and diabetes insipidus and interval increase in sellar mass in a short time interval should raise suspicion for sellar metastasis.

Combined Robotic Surgery for Double Renal Masses and Prostate Cancer: Myth or Reality?

With the widespread use of imaging modalities performed for the staging of prostate cancer, the incidental detection of synchronous tumors is increasing in frequency. Robotic surgery represents a technical evolution in the treatment of solid tumors of the urinary tract, and it can be a valid option in the case of multi-organ involvement. We reported a case of synchronous prostate cancer and bifocal renal carcinoma in a 66-year-old male. We performed the first case of a combined upper- and lower-tract robotic surgery for a double-left-partial nephrectomy associated with radical prostatectomy by the transperitoneal approach. A comprehensive literature review in this field has also been carried out. Total operative time was 265 min. Renal hypotension time was 25 min. Blood loss was 250 mL. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. No recurrence occurred after 12 months. In the literature, 10 cases of robotic, radical, or partial nephrectomy and simultaneous radical prostatectomy have been described. Robotic surgery provides less invasiveness than open surgery with comparable oncological efficacy, overcoming the limitations of the traditional laparoscopy. During robotic combined surgery for synchronous tumors, the planning of the trocars' positioning is crucial to obtain good surgical results, reducing the abdominal trauma, the convalescence, and the length of hospitalization with a consequent cost reduction. Rare complications can be related to prolonged pneumoperitoneum. Simultaneous robotic prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy appears to be a safe and feasible surgical option in patients with synchronous prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

Surgical wound closure by staples or sutures?: Systematic review

AIM

To compare the effects of sutures and staples for skin closure of surgical wounds.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-randomized trials comparing staples with sutures. Patients were adults (aged 18 years or over) who had undergone any type of surgery. The primary outcomes were risk of overall and severe wound infection. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, readmission rate, adverse events, patient satisfaction with cosmetic results, postoperative pain.

RESULTS

Forty-two very low to low quality RCTs with a total of 11,067 patients were included. Sutures resulted in slightly fewer overall wound infections (4.90%) compared to staples (6.75%) but it is uncertain whether there is a difference between the groups (risk ratio [RR] 1.20, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.80-1.79; patients = 9864; studies = 34; I = 70%). The evidence was also insufficient to state a difference in terms of severe wound infection (staples 1.4% vs sutures 1.3%; RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.61-1.89; patients = 3036; studies = 17; I = 0%), grade of satisfaction (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91-1.07; patients = 3243; studies = 14; I = 67%) and hospital stay. Staples may increase the risk of adverse events (7.3% for staples vs 3.5% for sutures; RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.44-2.79; patients = 6246; studies = 21; I = 33%), readmission rate (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.18-9.05; patients = 2466; studies = 5; I = 66%) and postoperative pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.41,95%CI -0.35 to 1.16; I = 88%, patients = 390 patients, studies = 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the lack of high quality evidence, we could not state if sutures are better than staples in terms of wound infection, readmission rate, adverse events, and postoperative pain. With a low quality of evidence, sutures reduce postoperative pain and improve grade of satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome.

Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma-A Paradigm of a Seed and Soil Mechanism: A Literature Analysis of 1,034 Observations

Previously documented arguments, in favor of the suspected impact of a seed and soil mechanism, in the development and progression of isolated pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinomas (isPM) are: (1) uniform and independent from the side of the primary tumor distribution of isPM within the pancreas and, (2) the similar survival rates for singular and multiple isPM. In addition, the present study adds new arguments that further confirm the importance of an seed and soil mechanism in isPM: (1) Within the singular isPM, the size of the metastasis does not affect the overall survival; (2) Within the group of multiple isPMs, the overall survival does not depend on the number of metastases; (3) For synchronous and metachronous isPM, survival rates are also not different, and (4) Within the group of metachronous isPM there is also no correlation between the overall survival and interval until metastases occurs. This unusual ineffectiveness of otherwise known risk factors of solid cancers can be explained plausibly by the hypothesis of a very selective seed and soil mechanism in isPM. It only allows embolized renal carcinoma cells in the pancreas to complete all steps required to grow into clinically manifest metastases. In all other organs, on the other hand, the body is able to eliminate the embolized tumor cells or at least put them into a dormant state for many years. This minimizes the risk of occult micrometastases in distant organs, which could later—after isPM treatment—grow into clinically manifest metastases, so that the prognosis of the isPM is only determined by an adequate therapy of the pancreatic foci, and prognostic factors, such as total tumor burden or interval until the occurrence of the isPM remain ineffective.

Simultaneous totally robotic rectal resection and partial nephrectomy: case report and review of literature

Introduction

The incidence of synchronous RCC and colorectal cancer is heterogeneous ranging from 0.03 to 4.85%. Instead, only one case of huge colon carcinoma and renal angiomyolipoma was reported. The treatment of synchronous kidney and colorectal neoplasm is, preferably, synchronous resection. Currently, laparoscopic approach has shown to be feasible and safe, and it has become the gold standard of synchronous resection due to advantages of minimally invasive surgery. We presented a case synchronous renal neoplasm and colorectal cancer undergone simultaneous totally robotic renal enucleation and rectal resection with primary intracorporeal anastomosis. As our knowledge, this is the first case in literature of simultaneous robotic surgery for renal and colorectal tumor.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old woman was affected by recto-sigmoid junction cancer and a solid 5 cm left renal mass. We performed a simultaneous robotic low anterior rectal resection and renal enucleation. Total operative time was 260 min with robotic time of 220 min; estimated blood loss was 150 ml; time to flatus was 72 h, and oral diet was administered 4 days after surgery. The patient was discharged on the eighth post-operative day without peri- and post-operative complication. The definitive histological examination showed a neuroendocrine tumor pT2N1 G2, with negative circumferential and distal resection margins. Renal tumor was angiomyolipoma. At 23 months follow-up, the patient is recurrence free.

Discussion and conclusion

As our knowledge, we described the first case in literature of simultaneous robotic anterior rectal resection and partial nephrectomy for treatment of colorectal tumor and renal mass. Robotic rectal resection with intracorporeal anastomosis surgery seems to be feasible and safe even when it is associated with simultaneous partial nephrectomy. Many features of robotic technology could be useful in combined surgery. This strategy is recommended only when patients’ medical conditions allow for longer anesthesia exposure. The advantages are to avoid a delay treatment of second tumor, to reduce the time to start the post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy, to avoid a second anesthetic procedure, and to reduce the patient discomfort. However, further studies are needed to evaluate robotic approach as standard surgical strategy for simultaneous treatment of colorectal and renal neoplasm.

Renal Artery Embolization Before Radical Nephrectomy for Complex Renal Tumour: Which are the True Advantages?

Introduction

Renal artery embolization is performed before radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal mass in order to induce preoperative infarction and to facilitate surgical intervention through decrease of intraoperative bleeding. Moreover, in metastatic renal cancer it seems to stimulate tumour-specific antibodies, even if no established benefits in clinical response or survival have been reported. The role of preoperative renal artery embolization (PRAE) in management of renal masses has been often debated and its real benefits are still unclear. Nevertheless, in huge and complex renal masses, which are often characterized by a high and anarchic blood supply and rapid local invasion, radical nephrectomy can be challenging even for skilled surgeons. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PRAE in complex masses by comparing perioperative outcomes of RN with and without PRAE.

Materials and methods

From December 2015 to May 2018 we enrolled prospectively 64 patients who underwent RN for localized (T2a-b) or locally advanced (T3 and T4) or advanced (N+, M+) renal cancers. Patients were divided in two groups. The first group included 30 patients who underwent PRAE; in the second group we enrolled 34 patients who did not undergo RN without PRAE. Perioperative outcomes in terms of operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate and length of hospitalization were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 6.0 software.

Results

Median blood loss was 250 ml (50-500) and 400 ml (50-1000) in the first and second group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0066). Median surgical time was 200 min (90-390) and 240 min (130-390) in PRAE and No-PRAE group (p=0.06), respectively. No major complications occurred after embolization. Overall complication rate in Group 1 and 2 was 46.7% (14/30) and 50% (17/34), respectively (p=0.34). No major complications occurred in both groups. The mean follow up was 21,5 months.

Conclusions

Our results prove PRAE to be a safe procedure with low complications rate. To our experience, PRAE seems to be a useful tool in surgical management of a large mass and advanced disease.

Observations on Solitary Versus Multiple Isolated Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Another Indication of a Seed and Soil Mechanism?

Isolated pancreas metastases are a rare type of metastasis of renal cell carcinoma, characterized by the presence of pancreatic metastases, while all other organs remain unaffected. In a previous study, we determined arguments from the literature which (a) indicate a systemic–haematogenic metastasis route (uniform distribution of the metastases across the pancreas and independence of the metastatic localization in the pancreas of the side of the renal carcinoma); and (b) postulate a high impact of a seed and soil mechanism (SSM) on isolated pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (isPM) as an explanation for exclusive pancreatic metastases, despite a systemic haematogenous tumor cell embolization. The objective of the study presented was to search for further arguments in favor of an SSM with isPM. For that purpose, the factor’s histology, grading, and singular/multiple pancreas metastases were analyzed on the basis of 814 observations published up to 2018. While histology and grading allowed for no conclusions regarding the importance of an SSM, the comparison of singular/multiple pancreas metastases produced arguments in favor of an SSM: 1. The multiple pancreas metastases observed in 38.1% prove that multiple tumor cell embolisms occur with isPM, the exclusive “maturation” of which in the pancreas requires an SSM; 2. The survival rates (SVR), which are consistent with singular and multiple pancreas metastases (despite the higher total tumor load with the latter), prove that the metastasized tumor cells are not able to survive in all other organs because of an SSM, which results in identical SVR when the pancreatic foci are treated adequately.

Evaluation of Surgical Site Infection in Mini-invasive Urological Surgery

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is the most frequent source of infection in surgical patients and the second most frequent cause of hospital-acquired infection. The primary aim of this prospective study was to compare SSI occurrences between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open urological surgery. Secondly, perioperative outcomes were evaluated in two different approaches.

A consecutive group of 60 patients undergoing urological surgery were prospectively enrolled in a single high-volume center between May and October 2018. We included procedures that were performed by minimally invasive or traditional techniques. We evaluated and compared the incidence of SSI and perioperative outcomes in terms of intraoperative bleeding, post-operative complications, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction with the analgesic treatment, time to flatus, time of oral intake and mobilization, and length of hospital stay. The two groups were homogeneous with regard to demographic data.

Superficial incisional SSIs were diagnosed in 10% of cases (3/30) in the second group and 0% in the first (p<0.05); space/organ SSIs developed in 4 patients, which were diagnosed by ultrasound scan and confirmed by abdominal CT: 1 patient (3.3%) in group 1 showed an infected lymphocele, whereas 1 case of infected lymphocele and 2 cases of pelvic abscess were detected in group 2 (10%, p<0.05). All the perioperative outcomes as well as were overall complication rate favored MIS (p<0.05). The use of minimally invasive techniques in urological surgery reduced the risk of SSI by comparison with a traditional approach. In addition, MIS was associated with better perioperative outcomes and a lower overall complication rate.

Primary Angiosarcoma of the Kidney: Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Purpose

Angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive malignant tumour of endothelial origin, most frequently compelling the skin. The kidney is a rare site of primary occurrence of AS with a quite challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis, mainly due to its raw metastasising power. We described our first case of AS treatment. A comprehensive literature review in this field is also carried out.

Patients and methods

We report the case of a 56-years-old man with radiological appearance of an 11 cm poor vascularised left renal mass. The pre-operative imaging ruled out distant metastases and inferior vena cava thrombosis. Thus, after radioembolization, we performed a transperitoneal open radical nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy with the removal of the middle portion of the ileo-psoas muscle, followed by two lines of adjuvant chemotherapy. We analysed all the papers concerning primary kidney AS until December 2018.

Results

Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 200 mL with an operative time of 100 minutes. No postoperative complications were recorded, with the patient discharge in the 8th postoperative day. The pathological assessment showed a pT3a N0, M0 tumour compatible with AS of the kidney. An immune-histochemical study showed a vascular positive for CD31, CD34, Fli-1 with a Ki-67/Mib 1 of 50%. One month after surgery the patient began adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. After 45 days from surgery, a Computed Tomography scan showed lung and liver metastases with disease relapse in the left kidney lodge. The response to the first-line treatment was excellent, unlike the second-line, encountering a chemo-refractory disease. The cancer-specific survival was of 15 months. We included 66 cases in our review.

Conclusion

This is the first case of treatment of kidney AS performed at our Institute. Our findings added new information about the unclear biology and progression of this subset of tumours, demonstrating an abysmal prognosis.

Robotic treatment of giant adrenal myelolipoma: A case report and review of the literature

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour with benign biological behaviour that is mainly composed of mature adipose and myeloid tissue. Both sexes are equally affected, most commonly between the fifth and seventh decades of life. The diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma is mostly incidental. Although it may occasionally be associated with necrosis, rupture and haemorrhage, causing abdominal pain, this tumour is usually asymptomatic. Consequently, management is conservative, while surgical treatment is reserved for symptomatic cases, or for masses growing quickly or to a size >6 cm. Giant myelolipomas (sized >10 cm) are rare. Open radical adrenalectomy is the standard treatment for giant myelolipomas, while the minimally invasive approach has been used in only few cases. We herein report the case of a patient with a giant adrenal myelolipoma who underwent robotic partial adrenalectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest giant adrenal myelolipoma treated with robotic surgery reported in the literature to date. A 55-year-old male patient underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan during follow-up after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer Gleason Score 6 (ISUP 1) due to biochemical recurrence. The examination revealed a right hypodense adrenal mass, sized 16×13 cm. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of characteristics suggestive of a myelolipoma. The patient did not report any symptoms. Due to the benign characteristics of the mass, robotic partial adrenalectomy and enucleation of the mass were performed. The operative time and estimated blood loss were 205 min and 100 ml, respectively. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. The patient was mobilized on the first postoperative day and the time to flatus was 36 h; the length of hospitalization was 4 days. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma, sized 18×11.5×6 cm. No tumour recurrence occurred over a follow-up period of 12 months. In conclusion, robotic surgery allows performing partial adrenalectomy with a lower risk of bleeding and with preservation of healthy adrenal tissue, which is of paramount importance for the patient as it reduces recovery time and the need for medical substitution therapy.

Resection of pancreatic metastatic renal cell carcinoma: experience and long-term survival outcome from a large center in China

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the outcome of pancreatic metastatic renal cell carcinoma (PmRCC) after treatment and share the relevent results.

Methods

In total, 13 patients with PmRCC were diagnosed and treated in our institution from December 2013 to October 2017. We retrospectively reviewed the records and analyzed the patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, and overall survival. Simultaneously, our experience including treatment and misdiagnosis was shared.

Results

The median time between nephrectomy and reoperation for pancreatic recurrence was 11 years (range 1–20 years). Four patients had multiple tumors and nine patients had solitary tumor. Five patients accepted distal pancreatectomy, and five patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. One patient underwent total pancreatectomy, one patient underwent duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection plus distal pancreatectomy, and one patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and gastrointestinal bypass due to widespread metastasis with clear obstructive symptoms. The misdiagnosis rate of preoperative diagnosis at our center was 69.2% (9/13). The median follow-up duration was 26 months (range 7–53 months, until June 2018). By the end of follow-up, 12 patients were alive and one patient died of gastrointestinal bleeding within 1 month after surgery.

Conclusions

PmRCCs are uncommon, but pancreatic metastasectomy has a relatively good prognosis and may, therefore, be a good therapeutic choice for patients with PmRCCs. Because PmRCC occurs long after the primary tumor resection, long-term follow-up is necessary. Besides, detailed medical history and specific manifestation in imaging features could contribute to avoiding misdiagnosis.

Robot-Assisted Surgery in Urology: The Show Must Go On

Initially, robot-assisted surgery (RAS) was developed by the USA forces as a tele-surgery tool in order to perform procedures in war zones without endangering the surgeon [...]

Metachronous metastasis to contralateral retroperitoneal adipose tissue after radical nephrectomy: a case report and review of the literature

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis to the adrenal gland, perirenal adipose tissue, and ureter on the contralateral side is rare. We report a case of solitary metachronous clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) metastasis to the contralateral retroperitoneal adipose tissue, which was identified after radical nephrectomy. A patient had undergone retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC in the right kidney in December 2012. Postoperative pathological analysis showed Fuhrman grade I ccRCC, T_1bN₀M₀. Three years after surgery, a solitary tumor of 1.0 × 1.0 cm was identified by an abdominal computed tomographic scan inside the retroperitoneal fat pad in front of the left posterior abdominal wall, without adhesion to the abdominal wall. The tumor was then completely resected by retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection. Pathological analysis showed that it was a metastasized lesion from a previous tumor. Nine months after surgery, there was no sign of recurrence confirmed by radiographic follow-up. Findings from this case indicate the unpredictability of dissemination of RCC. Our findings support a follow-up regimen that includes regular postoperative computed tomographic scans to identify early metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of contralateral retroperitoneal adipose metastasis after laparoscopic tumorectomy.