Laparoscopic approach for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and pyonephrosis

INTRODUCTION

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is a rare form of chronic renal inflammation, caused by long-term obstruction of the urinary tract. Pyonephrosis is a severe suppurative complication of acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Although minimally invasive approaches have many advantages, the safe dissection of the kidney may not be always achievable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 27 cases diagnosed with either XGPN or pyonephrosis, who underwent laparoscopic total nephrectomy between October 2016 and March 2022 in our department. All interventions were performed using the Karl Storz 3D laparoscopic system. The surgical approach was standard transperitoneal nephrectomy for the majority of XGPN, while pyonephrosis cases were carried out in a retroperitoneally. All procedures were performed or supervised by the same surgeon.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 269.85 minutes (range 145-360). The mean hemoglobin drop after surgery was 1.41 g/dl (range 0.3-2.3 g/dl). Difficult dissection was encountered in 13 cases (48.14%). Nine out of 13 interventions were carried out in a complete intracorporeal fashion, while conversion to open surgery was needed in 4 cases. Vascular complications involving the major blood vessels comprised of one case of inferior vena cava (IVC) tear. Digestive tract-related complications comprised two fistulas of the descending colon and one peritoneal breach. Multiorgan resection was performed in 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

Total nephrectomy in cases of XGPN and pyonephrosis is a challenging procedure. The laparoscopic approach is feasible, as most complications are resolved intracorporeally. However, it may remain reserved for large-volume centers with experienced surgeons.

How to manage renal masses in kidney transplant recipients? A collaborative review by the EAU-YAU kidney transplantation and renal cancer working groups

INTRODUCTION

Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a four-times higher risk of renal malignancies compared to general population. As these patients frequently harbor bilateral or multifocal tumors, the management of renal masses is still under debate.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the current management of the native kidney masses in KT patients.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

We performed a literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed database. A number of 34 studies were included in the present review.

SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE

In frail patients with renal masses below 3 cm, active surveillance is a feasible alternative. Nephron-sparing surgery is not justified for masses in the native kidney. Radical nephrectomy is the standard treatment for post-transplant renal tumors of the native kidneys in KT recipients, with laparoscopic techniques leading to significantly less perioperative complication rates as compared to the open approach. Concurrent bilateral native nephrectomy at the time of transplantation can be considered in patients with renal mass and polycystic kidney disease, especially if no residual urinary output is present. Patients with localized disease and successful radical nephrectomy do not require immunosuppression adjustment. In metastatic cases, mTOR agents can ensure efficient antitumoral response, while maintaining proper immunosuppression in order to protect the graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-transplant renal cancer of the native kidneys is a frequent occurrence. Radical nephrectomy is most frequently performed for localized renal masses. A standardized and widely-approved screening strategy for malignancies of native renal units is yet to be implemented.