[Texture analysis of 3D models for the prediction of the grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma of the kidney (pilot study)]

AIM

To evaluate the possibilities of textural analysis of 3D models in differentiating the degree of nuclear dysplasia of the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The specimens after surgical treatment of 190 patients with ccRCC were analyzed. In all cases, nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was performed through laparoscopic access. The clinical characteristics were evaluated, including age, gender, tumor localization (side, surface and segments), absolute tumor volume, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, nephrometry scores (RENAL, PADOVA, C-index). Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, there were 119 patients with the ccRCC of Grade 1 or 2, while group 2 consisted of 71 patients with ccRCC of Grade 3 and 4. All patients underwent 3D virtual planning of procedure using the 3D modeling program "Amira". At the first stage, two experienced radiologists performed manual segmentation of 3D models of kidney parenchyma tumors. At the second stage, the tumor shape was analyzed with a mathematical calculation of three indicators and more than 300 textural features of statistics of types 1-2 were extracted. Further, an intellectual analysis was carried out. For the evaluation of tumor grade according to Furman system, the classification problem was solved using the machine learning algorithm Stochastic Gradient Descent and cross-validation k=5.

RESULTS

The accuracy of classification for the two groups of Grade 1 or 2 and Grade 3 or 4 on the F1 metric was 72.2. To build the model, the following parameters were selected: the absolute tumor volume, the Charlson comorbidity index, "Energy", the first quartile and the second decile of the pixel intensity distribution.

CONCLUSION

The texture analysis of 3D models for the prediction of Fuhrman grade in ccRCC demonstrated satisfactory quality for two groups of Grade 1 or 2 and Grade 3 or 4 nuclear dysplasia.

[Use of intelligent analysis in urology]

The main methods of intellectual analysis (IA) used in modern medicine are described in the review. The main areas for IA application in the healthcare are diagnostics, treatment, prognosis of the course and efficiency of treatment in various diseases. The IA is based on mathematical methods and algorithms. The basic concepts of IA along with examples of its use in urological practice are presented in the review.

[Analysis of the learning curve in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with localized renal parenchymal lesions depending on the nephrometric score]

AIM

to analyze the learning curve of surgeons while performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with localized renal parenchymal lesions by calculating the MIC (negative surgical margin, ischemia, and complications) index depending on tumor complexity according to the R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA nephrometric scores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the retrospective study included the results of laparoscopic partial nephrectomies in 320 patients with localized renal parenchymal lesions. The procedures were carried out by four surgeons from the Institute of Urology and Human Reproductive Health of FGAOU VO I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia (EC-1; ESH-4; EB-7; ME-13) from January 2014 to June 2019. At baseline, all operators had experience of performing at least 30 laparoscopic interventions. In addition to the standard preoperative examination, a 3D virtual planning was carried out using the Amira 3D modeling program. In all cases, the nephrometric assessment of complexity was performed according to the R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA scores. The learning curve was assessed based on the results of operations based on the MIC index. All surgical interventions were divided into eras. In the era, 40 consecutive procedures for each operator were evaluated. Acquired skills were assessed over two eras.

RESULTS

The average age of patients, of which 191 (59.7%) were men, was 54.4+/-11.37 years. The average body mass index was 28.55+/-3.85 kg/m2, the absolute volume of kidney lesions was 26.72+/-43.72 cm3, the average Charlson comorbidity index was 1.46+/-1.29, the average R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA scores were 6.38+/-1.75 and 7.92+/-1.51, respectively, the average duration of procedure was 150.36+/-50.18 min, the average blood loss was 227.94+/-280.22 ml, the average time thermal ischemia was 13.28+/-7.82 min. Postoperative complications were seen in 36 (11.2%) cases, of which grade III and more according to Clavien-Dindo developed in 8 patients (2.5%). A positive surgical margin was found in 4 (1.2%) patients. The overall MIC index was achieved in 243 (75.9%) cases; in era 1 it was seen in 71.9% cases in comparison with 80% in era 2. With the 1st degree of complexity (152 (47.5%) patients), MIC was achieved in 80.9% of cases, compared to 76.6% and 56.8% in patients with 2nd degree of complexity (n=124, 38.8%) and 3rd degree of complexity (n=44, 13.8%), respectively. Rate of MIC achievement in eras 1 and 2 for different surgeons were as following: 65% and 72.5%, 75 and 80%, 87.5 and 85% and 60 and 82.5%, for operator 1, 4, 7 and 13, respectively. Age, tumor complexity, R.E.N.A.L. score and PADUA score were the most significant parameters for determining MIC, identified on the basis of the criterion of equality of group means of discrete analysis.

CONCLUSION

In all surgeons, the MIC index increased with the accumulation of experience in performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, but was lower with an increased degree of complexity of procedures. The minimum number of laparoscopic partial nephrectomies required to achieve an MIC more or equal 70% should be at least 40.

[Multidisciplinary approach in urology. 3D-technologies in urology]

to show the importance of interdisciplinary interaction in the process of applying 3D technologies in surgical treatment of patients with urological diseases starting from planning of the treatment tactics using a virtual surgical model with the possibility of preoperative training on a personalized 3D-printed model, ending with the use of the obtained data as navigation during real surgical intervention.

[3D-technologies in planning and navigation for laparoscopic interventions in patients with renal and ureteric stones]

AIM

to evaluate the possibilities and efficiency of using 3D technologies for the laparoscopic interventions in patients with renal and ureteric stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the results of surgical treatment of patients with renal and ureteric stones performed in the urology clinic of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of Minzdrav of Russia for the period from January 2012 to December 2017 was carried out. During this period a total of 4958 interventions were done. Among them, 98 laparoscopic (1.97%) surgeries were performed, including nephron-sparing interventions (n=47; 48%), pyelolithotomy (n=15; 15.3%), ureterolithotomy (n=32; 32.65%) and partial nephrectomy (n=4; 4.05 %). The average patients age was 55.76+/-10.5 (29-80) years. There were 51 men (52%) and 47 women (48%). The mean stone density was 1237.6+/-354.6 HU (from 500 to 1913 HU). In 14 (22.9%) cases, nephrostomy tube or ureteric stent had been put before surgery. In addition, 40 (40.8%) patients previously underwent one surgical intervention on the kidneys and 17 patients with urinary stone disease (17.3%) underwent surgery more or equal 2 times. 88 (89.8%) patients had severe concomitant diseases and the most common pathology in 51 (52.0%) patients with urinary stone disease was arterial hypertension. In 11 (11.2%) cases, the interventions were performed in patients with abnormal kidneys, including horseshoe kidney (n=6; 6.1%), duplicated collecting system (n=3; 3.1%) and pelvic kidney (n=2; 2%). In addition to standard preoperative diagnostic methods in 22 cases (22.4%) the 3D-planning and multivariate virtual performing of intervention based on the multidetector computer tomography scan was done using Amira 3D-modeling program. Among these patients, virtual interventions were performed prior to all pyelolithotomy and partial nephrectomy. Intraoperative data of virtual constructions were used by surgeons as navigation. The interventions were performed by seven urologists at the clinic with various experience in laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

The mean duration of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy was 183.2+/-69.6, 201.3+/-35.2 min, 97.6+/-43.7 and 165.4+/-92.3 min, respectively. The minimal blood loss was observed during laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (53.33+/-31.2 ml). During these interventions, in 8 cases (8.16%) a flexible endoscope was used for inspection and complete removal of stones. Intraoperative complications were noted in 6 patients (6.1%). There were 4 conversions to open surgery (4.1%). Postoperative surgical complications were observed in 1 (1%) patient, while non-surgical complications developed in 4 patients (4.1%). There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic access for the treatment of patients with urinary stone disease should be used for the treatment of patients with large, long-standing ureteral calculi and patients with kidney stones who have concomitant pathology of kidney or upper urinary tract (UPJ obstruction, kidney tumors) requiring surgical intervention. Laparoscopic access should be considered primarily for the planning of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with urinary stone disease. The use of 3D computer-assisted technologies is advisable for patients with urinary stone disease and abnormal kidneys if laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, partial nephrectomy or ureterolithotomy is planned.

[Computer-assisted laparoscopic surgery for renal carcinoma]

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness and benefits of using 3D planning and virtual surgery in the management of patients with localized renal carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 558 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent surgical treatment at the Clinic of Urology, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU from January 2012 to May 2017. Of them, 244 (43.7%) and 314 (56.3%) patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), respectively. In addition to the standard diagnostic work-up, 248 (44.4%) patients underwent multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) for 3D modeling and virtual surgery using the 3D modeling program Amira. Matched pairs of patients with and without 3D planning were selected based on similarity of urologists experience in performing the operation, the size and location of the tumor (relative to the renal segment, anterior and posterior surfaces), and the surgical approach. As a result, two homogeneous subgroups of patients were chosen comprising those who underwent LRN (22 pairs of patients) and LPN (53 pairs of patients).

RESULTS

Patients with RCC who underwent LPN with 3D planning had a significant advantage over patients without virtual planning: by warm ischemia time 12.0+/-6.4 min (p=0.010), operative time 113.4+/-39.4 min (p=0.0001), blood loss 102.8+/-98.2 ml (p=0.001). Among patients with RCC who underwent LRN, the subgroup with 3D planning also had an advantage: operative time was 135.2+/-27 and 202.9+/-55.5 min (p=0.0001), blood loss was 143.2+/-137,4 and 472,0+/-395,4 ml (p=0,014), and regarding the rate of intraoperative (p=0,017) and postoperative (p=0,017) complications.

CONCLUSION

The use of computer-assisted 3D planning and virtual operations improves immediate results of surgery in RCC patients undergoing organ-sparing and organ-removing laparoscopic surgery.

[Non-biological 3D printed simulator for training in percutaneous nephro- lithotripsy]

AIM

To develop a non-biological 3D printed simulator for training and preoperative planning in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL), which allows doctors to master and perform all stages of the operation under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 3D model was constructed using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) images of a patient with staghorn urolithiasis. The MSCT data were processed and used to print the model. The simulator consisted of two parts: a non-biological 3D printed soft model of a kidney with reproduced intra-renal vascular and collecting systems and a printed 3D model of a human body. Using this 3D printed simulator, PCNL was performed in the interventional radiology operating room under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance.

RESULTS

The designed 3D printed model of the kidney completely reproduces the individual features of the intra-renal structures of the particular patient. During the training, all the main stages of PCNL were performed successfully: the puncture, dilation of the nephrostomy tract, endoscopic examination, intra-renal lithotripsy.

CONCLUSION

Our proprietary 3D-printed simulator is a promising development in the field of endourologic training and preoperative planning in the treatment of complicated forms of urolithiasis.

[Application of 3D soft print models of the kidney for treatment of patients with localized cancer of the kidney (a pilot study)]

AIM

To evaluate the possibility of using 3D-printing in the management of patients with localized kidney cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised five patients with localized kidney cancer who were treated at the Urology Clinic of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University from January 2016 to April 2017. Along with the standard examination, the patients underwent multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) to produce patient-specific 3D-printed models of the kidney tumors using 3D modeling and 3D printing. To evaluate the effectiveness of using 3D-printed models, two-stage preoperative planning was conducted, and five surgeons were surveyed using a four-question multiple choice questionnaire. At the first stage, the planning of operations was carried out based on MSCT findings. At the second stage, the surgeons were given patient-specific soft 3D models of the kidney with a tumor for preoperative training. After preoperative training, patients underwent laparoscopic resection of the kidney with a tumor.

RESULTS

According to the survey results, each of the participating surgeons at least once changed surgical plan based on data obtained with 3D printed models of the kidney with the tumor. The implementation of preoperative training using 3D printed models of the kidney turned out to be effective. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery performed by a single surgeon with extensive experience in this type of surgery. The mean operative time was 187 minutes. All operations were performed with main renal artery occlusion. The men warm ischemia time was 19.5 minutes and the mean blood loss was 170 ml. There were no conversions to open surgery and organ-removing operations. There were no postoperative complications or deaths. All surgical margins were negative. Morphological examination showed that four patients had renal cell carcinoma one patient had the oncocytoma.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the promise of using 3D printing for preoperative planning and surgical performance due to a high-precision three-dimensional soft patient-specific model of the localized kidney.

[Application of 3D printing in urology]

The purpose of this article is to outline the role and possible applications of 3D printing in urology. At present, this technique provides the opportunity to choose the individual strategy of patient management, to conduct preoperative planning and surgical rehearsal; for medical specialists to reduce the learning curve in mastering modern complex surgical techniques, and for doctors and students to improve understanding of pathological processes in the kidney and the prostate gland.

[The role of waterjet dissection in improving erectile function and continence after nerve-sparing prostatectomy]

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI) following radical prostatectomy (RP) adversely impact patients psycho-emotional status reducing the quality of life and treatment satisfaction.

AIM

To investigate the rates of regaining continence and erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (NS-RRP) and nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NS-LRP) in the early postoperative period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 116 patients who preserved sexual activity and the ability to have sex. 64 patients underwent standard resection of NVB (34 RRP and 30 LRP) and in 52 patients the NVB resection was performed using a waterjet dissector (WD) (30 RRP and 22 LRP). All operations were performed by one surgeon with the experience of over 350 RRP and 150 LRP. The study patients had low and moderate risk prostate cancer, according to DAmico risk classification.

RESULTS

Our study findings showed that patients who underwent the WD of NVB had significantly greater IIEF-5 scores (by 2.8 scores) at 8 weeks than after the standard NS-RP. After 6 month follow-up the scores increased by 3.5 points. Patients who underwent NS-RP + WD achieved a successful sexual intercourse 3 months after surgery (regardless of the use of PDE5 inhibitors). In the group of patients who underwent standard NS-RP, it took a longer time to achieve a successful sexual intercourse. Sixty-seven percent of patients who underwent NS-RP + WD were fully continent at one month follow-up after removal of urethral catheter, while most patients treated with standard NS-RP (41%) had mild stress UI. After 3 months follow-up, among patients who underwent NS-RP + WD only one patient had mild stress UI and the vast majority (95%) of patients were fully continent. At 6 months after removal of the urethral catheter there were no significant differences between the groups in regaining urinary continence.

CONCLUSIONS

Waterjet dissection of NVB significantly improves patients postoperative quality of life due to early recovery of urinary continence and EF.

[Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging in urology]

This paper gives an overview of the prospects for indocyanine green fluorescent imaging, which is used in different fields of surgery, transplantation and urology. This method offers new opportunities in angiography, lymphography; it allows measuring tissue perfusion and differentiating healthy tissue and tumors in real time. The safety of the method has been proven and its diagnostic value is being extensively studied.

[3D-TECHNOLOGIES AS A CORE ELEMENT OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL AND ACTUAL RENAL SURGERY]

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the role of modern computer technologies in performing virtual and actual renal tumor surgery. Currently 3D modeling makes it possible to clearly define strategy and tactics of an individual patient treatment.

[3D-TECHNOLOGY AS AN ELEMENT OF PLANNING, EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION AND SURGICAL SIMULATION TRAINING IN STAGHORN NEPHROLITHIASIS MANAGEMENT]

Daily practice of a physician of any specialty is incomplete without an analysis of the data derived from the use of various imaging techniques. Over the past decade, there have been significant changes in the understanding of the clinical anatomy of the patient, which is largely the result of the introduction of modern computer technology in medicine.

[COMPUTER-ASSISTED SURGERY FOR RENAL TUMORS]

The main objective of this article is to show the role of modern computer technology in performing virtual and real surgical procedures for renal tumors. At the present time, 3D based modeling makes it possible to preoperatively identify individual strategy and tactics of treatment of a patient.

[Selection of type of urinary tract drainage in laparoscopic ureterolithotomy]

The article presents the results of 44 laparoscopic ureterolithotomies performed for large stones in upper and middle third of the ureter. Patients' age ranged from 35 to 82 years. The different types of drainage of the urinary tract depending on the characteristics of surgical treatment (retro- or transperitoneal ureterolithotomy) were used. The effectiveness was evaluated according to the results of plain urography, ultrasound, and multi-layer spiral CT. The results showed that the preferred method of urinary tract drainage is a preoperative deployment of ureteral catheter-stent. However, in the case of impossibility of such procedure, preoperative deployment of ureteral catheter with subsequent intraoperative replacing it on catheter-stent is permissible. With retroperitoneal approach, tubeless ureterolithotomy is feasible in the absence of the ipsilateral kidney stones, residual ureteral stones and pronounced changes in the area of finding the stones.