The role of warm ischemia time on functional outcomes after robotic partial nephrectomy: a radionuclide renal scan study from the clock randomized trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between warm ischemia time (WIT) duration and renal function after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

The CLOCK trial is a phase 3 randomized controlled trial comparing on- vs off-clamp RAPN. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative renal scintigraphy. Six-month absolute variation of eGFR (AV-GFR), rate of relative variation in eGFR over 25% (RV-GFR > 25), absolute variation of split renal function (SRF) at scintigraphy (AV-SRF). The relationships WIT/outcomes were assessed by correlation graphs and then modeled by uni- and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

324 patients were included (206 on-clamp, 118 off-clamp RAPN). Correlation graphs showed a threshold on WIT equal to 10 min. The differences in outcome measures between cases with WIT < vs ≥ 10 min were: AV-GFR - 3.7 vs - 7.5 ml/min (p < 0.001); AV-SRF - 1% vs - 3.6% (p < 0.001); RV-GFR > 25 9.3% vs 17.8% (p = 0.008). Multivariable models found that AV-GFR was related to WIT ≥ 10 min (regression coefficient [RC] - 0.52, p = 0.019), age (RC - 0.35, p = 0.001) and baseline eGFR (RC - 0.30, p < 0.001); RV-GFR > 25 to WIT ≥ 10 min (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, p = 0.007) and acute kidney injury defined as > 50% increase in serum creatinine (OR 19.7, p = 0.009); AV-SRF to WIT ≥ 10 min (RC - 0.30, p = 0.018), baseline SRF (RC - 0.76, p < 0.001) and RENAL score (RC - 0.60. p = 0.028). The main limitation was that the CLOCK trial was designed on a different endpoint and therefore the present analysis could be underpowered.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to 10 min WIT had no consequences on functional outcomes. Above the 10-min threshold, a statistically significant, but clinically negligible impact was found.

Clinical cure vs a novel trifecta system for evaluating long-term outcomes of minimally-invasive partial or total adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism: results of a multicentric series

Introduction

Several predictive scores to evaluate outcomes of adrenal surgery for unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA), have been conceived. We compared a novel trifecta that summarizes outcomes of adrenal surgery for UPA with the clinical cure proposed by Vorselaars.

Material and methods

Between March 2011 and January 2022, a multi-institutional dataset was queried for UPA. Baseline, perioperative and functional data were collected. Clinical and biochemical complete and partial success rates according to Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria were assessed for the overall cohort. Clinical cure was defined either as normotension without antihypertensive medications or normotension with lower or equal use of antihypertensive medications. Trifecta was defined as the coexistence of ≥50% antihypertensive therapeutic intensity score (TIS) reduction (ΔTIS), no electrolyte impairment at 3-months and no Clavien-Dindo (2-5) complications. Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of long-term clinical and biochemical success. For all analyses, a two-sided p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Baseline, perioperative and functional outcomes were analyzed. Out of 90 patients, at a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 27-54) a complete and partial clinical success was observed in 60% and 17.7% of cases while a complete and partial biochemical success was achieved in 83.3% and 12.3% of cases, respectively. Overall trifecta and clinical cure rates were 21.1% and 58.9%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, trifecta achievement (HR 2.87; 95% CI 1.45-5.58; p = 0.02) was the only independent predictor of complete clinical success at long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

Despite its complex estimation and more restrictive criteria, trifecta but not clinical cure allows to independently predict composite PASO endpoints on the long run.

The Therapeutic Intensity Score as Predictor of Clinical Outcomes after Total and Partial Adrenalectomy for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism: Results of a Multicentric Series

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the ability of therapeutic intensity score (TIS) in predicting the clinical outcomes of partial (PA) and total adrenalectomy (TA) for UPA.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2022, a four-center adrenalectomy dataset was queried for "unilateral adrenal mass" and "UPA" (n = 90). Preoperative TIS of each antihypertensive medication were individually calculated and merged to create a single, cumulative variable. Probability of complete clinical, partial, and absent pooled success rates according to TIS were assessed for the overall cohort by Kaplan-Meier. Cox analyses were used to identify predictors of complete clinical and partial/absent success, respectively. For all analyses, a two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 27-54) complete partial, and absent clinical success were observed in 60%, 17.7%, and 22.3%, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, TIS < 1 predicted higher complete success rates (p < 0.001), while TIS ≥ 1 was predictor of either partial and absent clinical success (p = 0.008). On multivariable analysis, TIS < 1 (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.57; p = 0.001) and adenoma size (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1-1.23; p = 0.0049) were independent predictors of complete clinical success, while TIS ≥ 1 (HR 2.84; 95% CI 1.32-6.1; p = 0.007) was the only independent predictor of absent clinical success.

CONCLUSIONS

TIS score and adenoma size may help to identify patients who are likely to be at risk of persistent hypertension after surgery.

Corrigendum to "Rectal Perforation During Pelvic Surgery" [Eur Urol Open Sci 44 (2022) 54-59]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2022.04.006.].

Rectal Perforation During Pelvic Surgery

Rectal perforations during pelvic surgery are rare but serious complications. The occurrence of rectal involvement is generally lower than that of the involvement of other portions of the bowel. The urologic field is responsible for the majority of iatrogenic rectal injuries from pelvic surgery; general and gynecologic surgeries are prone to the occurrence as well, the latter especially in the case of rectal shaving for deep infiltrating endometriosis. Attention should be posed to the prevention of rectal injuries, especially in case of challenging or salvage procedures; some tricks may be recommended to avoid thermal and mechanical damages and to realize a safe dissection. Intraoperative detection of rectal injuries is of paramount importance; once confirmed, immediate management with the closure of the defect is recommended. In general, rectal injuries diagnosed after surgery are liable to significantly worse outcomes than those detected and managed intraoperatively.

Patient summary

Rectal perforation is a rare but possible complication of pelvic surgeries. The more challenging the procedure (ie, surgery for locally advanced tumors or after radiation therapy), the higher the risk of rectal lesion. Intraoperative management of the injury should be attempted, with direct repair of the defect with or without fecal diversion.

Is off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy beneficial for renal function? Data from the CLOCK trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the functional outcomes of on- vs off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) within a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CLOCK study (CLamp vs Off Clamp the Kidney during robotic partial nephrectomy; NCT02287987) is a multicentre RCT including patients with normal baseline function, two kidneys and masses with RENAL scores ≤ 10. Pre- and postoperative renal scintigraphy was prescribed. Renal defatting and hilum isolation were required in both study arms; in the on-clamp arm, ischaemia was imposed until the completion of medullary renorraphy, while in the off-clamp condition it was not allowed throughout the procedure. The primary endpoint was 6-month absolute variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (AV-GFR); secondary endpoints were: 12, 18 and 24-month AV-GFR; 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate variation >25% rate (RV-GFR >25); and absolute variation in ipsilateral split renal function (AV-SRF). The planned sample size was 102 + 102 cases, after taking account crossover of cases to the alternate study arm; a 1:1 randomization was performed. AV-GFR and AV-SRF were compared using analysis of covariation, and RV-GFR >25 was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PP) were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 160 and 164 patients were randomly assigned to on- and off-clamp RAPN, respectively; crossover was observed in 14% and 43% of the on- and off-clamp arms, respectively. We were unable to find any statistically significant difference between on- vs off-clamp with regard to the primary endpoint (ITT: 6-month AV-GFR -6.2 vs -5.1 mL/min, mean difference 0.2 mL/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.1 to 3.4 [P = 0.8]; PP: 6-month AV-GFR -6.8 vs -4.2 mL/min, mean difference 1.6 mL/min, 95% CI -2.3 to 5.5 [P = 0.7]) or with regard to the secondary endpoints. The median warm ischaemia time was 14 vs 15 min in the ITT analysis and 14 vs 0 min in the PP analysis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with regular baseline function and two kidneys, we found no evidence of differences in functional outcomes for on- vs off-clamp RAPN.

Percutaneous tumor ablation versus partial nephrectomy for small renal mass: the impact of histologic variant and tumor size

BACKGROUND

To investigate recurrence rates in patients with T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergone partial nephrectomy (PN), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoablation (Cryo).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data from 665 (81.4%), 68 (8.3%) and 83 (10.3%) patients who underwent PN, RFA and Cryo, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves depict recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in the overall population and after stratifying according to tumor's histology (namely, clear cell RCC and non-clear RCC) and size (namely < 2 cm and 2-4 cm). Multivariable Cox regression model was used to identify predictors of recurrence. Cumulative-incidence plots evaluated disease recurrence and other causes of mortality (OCM).

RESULTS

Patients referred to PN experienced higher RFS rate compared to those treated with RFA and Cryo at 60-month in the overall population (96.4% vs. 79.4 % vs. 87.8%), in patients with clear cell RCC (93.3% vs 75% vs. 80.4%) and in those with tumor of 2-4 cm (97.3% vs 78% and 84.4%; all p≤0.01). In patients with non-clear cell RCC and with tumor <2cm, PN showed higher RFS rate at 60-month as compared to RFA (97.9% vs 84.4% and 95.1% vs 78.1%, respectively; all p≤0.02). At multi-variate analysis, ablative techniques (RFA [HR=4.03] and Cryo [HR=3.86]) were independent predictors of recurrence (all p<0.03). At competing risks analysis, recurrence rate and OCM were 7.3% and 1.3% vs 25% and 7.2% vs 19.9% and 19.9% for PN, RFA and Cryo, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PN and Cryo showed similar RFS rates in patients with non-clear cell RCC and with renal mass < 2cm.

Gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate: Utility on percutaneous treatment of persistent urinary leakage after partial nephrectomy. Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous treatment of persistent urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) is an effective and relatively non-invasive procedure that should be considered when a conservative approach fails. Three successful cases of percutaneous embolization by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, the use of Spongostan for the treatment of urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy has not been previously described.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of an 82-year old man who underwent percutaneous closure of a urinary fistula following partial nephrectomy by using gelatin sponge (Spongostan®) and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

CONCLUSIONS

We encourage the use of this technique in selected cases. Collaboration amongst urologists and skilled interventional radiologist is strongly recommended.

Outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy among very elderly patients: report from the RESURGE collaborative international database

The aim of the study was to perform a comprehensive investigation of clinical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in elderly patients presenting with a renal mass. The REnal SURGery in Elderly (RESURGE) collaborative database was queried to identify patients aged 75 or older diagnosed with cT1-2 renal mass and treated with RAPN or LPN. Study outcomes were: overall complications (OC); warm ischemia time (WIT) and 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); positive surgical margins (PSM), disease recurrence (REC), cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM). Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier, smoothed Poisson plots and logistic and linear regression models (MVA) were used. Overall, 216 patients were included in this analysis. OC rate was 34%, most of them being of low Clavien grade. Median WIT was 17 minutes and median 6-month eGFR was 54 ml/min/1.73 m2. PSM rate was 5%. After a median follow-up of 20 months, the 5-year rates of REC, CSM and OCM were 4, 4 and 5%, respectively. At MVA predicting perioperative morbidity, RAPN relative to LPN (odds ratio [OR] 0.33; p <0.0001) was associated with lower OC rate. At MVA predicting functional outcomes, RAPN relative to LPN was associated with shorter WIT (estimate [EST] -4.09; p <0.0001), and with higher 6-month eGFR (EST 6.03; p = 0.01). In appropriately selected patients with small renal masses, minimally-invasive PN is associated with acceptable perioperative outcomes. The use of a robotic approach over a standard laparoscopic approach can be advantageous with respect to clinically relevant outcomes, and it should be preferred when available.

Safety of on- vs off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy: per-protocol analysis from the data of the CLOCK randomized trial

PURPOSE

To compare the safety of on- vs off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

302 patients with RENAL masses ≤ 10 were randomized to undergo on-clamp (150) vs off-clamp (152) RAPN (CLOCK trial-ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02287987) at seven institutions by one experienced surgeon per institution. Intra-operative data, complications, and positive surgical margins were compared.

RESULTS

Due to a relevant rate of shift from the assigned treatment, the per-protocol analysis only was considered and the data from 129 on-clamp vs 91 off-clamp RAPNs analyzed. Tumor size (off-clamp vs on-clamp, 2.2 vs 3.0 cm, p < 0.001) and RENAL score (5 vs 6, p < 0.001) significantly differed. At univariate analysis, no differences were found regarding intra-operative estimated blood loss (off- vs on-clamp, 100 vs 100 ml, p = 0.7), post-operative complications rate (19% vs 26%, p = 0.2), post-operative anemia (Hb decrease > 2.5 g/dl 26% vs 27%, p = 0.9; transfusion rate 3.4% vs 6.3%, p = 0.5; re-intervention due to bleeding 1.1% vs 4%, p = 0.4), acute kidney injury (4% vs 6%, p = 0.8), and positive surgical margins (3.5% vs 8.2%, p = 0.1). At multivariate analysis accounting for tumor diameter and complexity, considering the on-clamp group as the reference category, a significant difference was noted in the off-clamp group exclusively for blood loss (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.09-0.52, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The on-clamp and off-clamp approaches for RAPN showed a comparable safety profile.

Factors predictive of shockwave lithotripsy failure for ureteral stones: why we need to hurry

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study are to evaluate the prognostic factors of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in patients with ureteric stones, and to identify which patients might directly benefit of an endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study from January 2013 and July 2016 on patients with single ureteric stone and undergoing extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). We divided patients into two groups: first group (success group) included cases resolved with SWL only, and a second group (failure group) including patients with stone not resolved by SWL and requiring an endoscopic treatment. We evaluated age, weight, height, body mass index, stone size, hydronephrosis, laterality, location, days elapsed from onset of symptoms to SWL and stone density when computed tomography was performed. In case of stone fragments >4 mm, the procedure was repeated up to a maximum of three times. SWL was considered as failed if patients had a residual stone of any size after a follow-up of 3 months or if a complication occurred.

RESULTS

274 patients completed follow-up and were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 53.22 years (standard deviation: 13.98). SWL overall success rate was 84.3% (231 patients successfully treated with shockwaves) and failure rate was 15.7% (43 patients underwent auxiliary endoscopic procedure). At the univariate analysis, we observed a statistically significant difference for hydronephrosis (P=0.006), time elapsed from symptoms onset (P=0.013), patients' age (P=0.06) and mean stone density (0.023). In the multivariate logistic regression, patients' age (OR: 1.517), and time elapsed from obstruction to SWL (OR: 3.005) were independent predictive factors for SWL failure. Furthermore, moderate and severe hydronephrosis seemed to be independent predictive factors for SWL failure, presenting an OR of 2.451 and 4.207 respectively. High stone density resulted to be a predictive factor for SWL failure (OR: 2.293 if density was higher than 1100 Hounsfield Units).

CONCLUSIONS

We report a large series of patients undergone primary SWL for ureteric stones. Our data demonstrated the role of hydronephrosis, time elapsed from obstruction onset to treatment and stone density as independent predictive factors of SWL failure.

Peri-Operative Outcomes after Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy by Using an Advanced Bipolar Seal and Cut Technology (Caiman®): A Prospective, Comparative, and Multi-Institutional Study

Objective

To report and compare the peri-operative outcomes of patients undergoing open (ORC) and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer performed with a radiofrequency seal and cut device (Caiman®).

Materials and Methods

Data of patients undergoing ORC or RARC between January 2015 and March 2016 at 6 Italian institutions were prospectively recorded and analyzed. Thirty-and 90-day complications were stratified according to the Martin's criteria and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Data on operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, complications, and length of stay were evaluated and compared between the ORC and RARC groups.

Results

Thirty-three (66%) and 17 (34%) patients were treated with ORC and RARC, respectively. The median age was 72 (64-78) years. Overall operative time was longer in RARC compared to ORC (389 ± 80.1 vs. 242 ± 62.2 min, p < 0.001), while the estimated blood loss during cystectomy was higher after ORC (370 ± 126.8 vs. 243.3 ± 201.6 ml, p = 0.03). The transfusion rate was significantly higher in the ORC compared to RARC (24.2 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.04). Eight (19%) and 7 (16.7%) patients experienced 30- and 90-day post-operative complications, with no significant difference between ORC and RARC. Length of stay was significantly shorter in RARC group (median 7 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Open and robot-assisted procedures were safely performed by using a new advanced bipolar seal and cut technology (Caiman®). RARC demonstrated to be superior to ORC in terms of bleeding, transfusion rates and length of hospital stay, despite longer operative time.

The role of vascular clamping during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for localized renal cancer: rationale and design of the CLOCK randomized phase III study

To outline the design and rationale of clock, a large, phase III randomized controlled trial which examines the role vascular clamping during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for localized renal cancer. To be eligible for study entry, patients must have normal coagulative function, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min, normal contralateral kidney and a single renal mass with RENAL Score ≤10. Eligible patients are to be randomized in a 1:1 ratio between two arms. Randomized allocation was assigned by a permuted block design, stratified by center. Allocation arm was notified by the study internet-based e-form, managed by an independent software house. Arm A=RAPN with ischemia; Arm B=RAPN without ischemia. At any moment, from randomization to the end of the procedure, the investigators could amend the indication given by randomization and shift to the alternative clamping option, detailing the timing and reasons of their decision. CLOCK is a randomized controlled trial, which addresses two questions relating to the management of localized renal cancer treated by RAPN with or without ischemia: 1) what is the impact of the surgical technique on long-term renal function; 2) what are the factors influencing the shift from one technique to the other. The study will be completed 24 months after the last enrollment.

Robot-assisted Partial Adrenalectomy for the Treatment of Conn's Syndrome: Surgical Technique, and Perioperative and Functional Outcomes

BACKGROUND

In the era of minimally invasive surgery, partial adrenalectomy has certainly been underused. We aimed to report surgical technique and perioperative, pathologic, and early functional outcomes of a two-center robot-assisted partial adrenalectomy (RAPA) series.

OBJECTIVE

To detail surgical technique of RAPA for unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (UAPA), and to report perioperative and 1-yr functional outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data of 10 consecutive patients who underwent RAPA for UAPA at two centers from June 2014 to April 2017 were prospectively collected and reported.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

RAPA was performed using a standardized technique with the da Vinci Si in a three-arm configuration.

MEASUREMENTS

Baseline and perioperative data were reported. One-year functional outcomes were assessed according to primary aldosteronism surgery outcome guidelines. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

All cases were completed robotically. Median nodule size was 18mm (interquartile range [IQR] 16-20). Intraoperative blood loss was negligible. A single (10%) postoperative Clavien grade 2 complication occurred. Median hospital stay was 3 d (IQR 2-3). Patients became normotensive immediately after surgery (median pre- and postoperative blood pressure: 150/90 and 120/70mmHg, respectively). At both 3-mo and 1-yr functional evaluation, all patients achieved biochemical success (aldosterone level, plasmatic renin activity, and aldosterone-renin ratio within normal range). Complete clinical success was achieved in nine patients, but one required low-dose amlodipine at 6-mo evaluation. At a median follow-up of 30.5 mo (IQR 19-42), neither symptoms nor imaging recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated feasibility and safety of RAPA for UAPA; this technique had very low risk of complications and excellent functional results. Increased availability of robotic platform and increasing robotic skills among urologists make RAPA a treatment option with potential for widespread use in urologic community.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Robot-assisted partial adrenalectomy is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive surgical approach. Promising perioperative and functional outcomes suggest an increasing adoption of this technique in the near future.

Laparoscopic and robotic ureteral stenosis repair: a multi-institutional experience with a long-term follow-up

The treatment of ureteral strictures represents a challenge due to the variability of aetiology, site and extension of the stricture; it ranges from an end-to-end anastomosis or reimplantation into the bladder with a Boari flap or Psoas Hitch. Traditionally, these procedures have been done using an open access, but minimally invasive approaches have gained acceptance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility and perioperative results of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of ureteral stenosis with a long-term follow-up. Data of 62 laparoscopic (n = 36) and robotic (n = 26) treatments for ureteral stenosis in 9 Italian centers were reviewed. Patients were followed according to the referring center's protocol. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches were compared. All the procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. Average estimated blood loss in the two groups was 91.2 ± 71.9 cc for the laparoscopic and 47.2 ± 32.3 cc for the robotic, respectively (p = 0.004). Mean days of hospitalization were 5.9 ± 2.4 for the laparoscopic group and 7.6 ± 3.4 for the robotic group (p = 0.006). No differences were found in terms of operative time and post-operative complications. After a median follow-up of 27 months, the robotic group yielded 2 stenosis recurrence, instead the laparoscopic group shows no cases of recurrence (p = 0.091). Minimally invasive approach for ureteral stenosis is safe and feasible. Both robotic and pure laparoscopic approaches may offer good results in terms of perioperative outcomes, low incidence of complications and recurrence.

Is ureteral stent placement by the transurethral approach during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy an effective option to preoperative technique?

Ureteral stent placement may be needed in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in cases of a large median lobe or previous transurethral surgery to prevent damage to the ureteral orifices. Unpredictable anatomic variants or technical difficulties in bladder neck section may necessitate intraoperative stent placement. We describe our original, simple, and feasible transurethral stent placement technique during RARP, which could be a valid option to preoperative technique.