Hand-assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy Research Articles

Effects of robot-assisted versus hand-assisted nephroureterectomy on circulating tumor cells for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

To compare perioperative circulating tumor cells (CTC) in primary upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients who underwent hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HANU) or robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU). A total of 29 patients received RANU (n = 10) or HANU (n = 19). Peripheral blood samples were collected before, 24 h after surgery (POh24) and on postoperative day 28 (POD28). The demographic and pathologic data are similar in both groups. RANU had a longer operative time (p = 0.031), less bleeding volume (p = 0.004), and comparable pain sore (p = 0.169). The mean CTC numbers before surgery (2.4 vs. 2.3, p = 0.482), POh24 (2.4 vs. 1.9, p = 0.668) and POD28 (0.5 vs. 0.6, p = 0.280) were not significant different among groups. The amount of CTCs in both groups decreased and reached similar level on POD28. No significant difference of overall and intravesical recurrence rate between the two approaches. In comparison to RANU, more surgical manipulation does not affect tumor cell translocation into the bloodstream in UTUC patients who received HANU. However, a longer follow-up would be needed for the final comparison of tumor recurrence.

Retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy and ipsilateral bladder cuff resection in peritoneal dialysis-dependent patients: tips for immediate reinstitution.

To maximize the chance of maintaining peritoneal dialysis (PD) after retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy without interruption in PD-dependent patients who were suspected as having upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). During 2005-2018 at our hospital, 10 PD-dependent patients who were suspected as having UTUC underwent hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and bladder cuff resection by a single surgeon. The medical record and post-operative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Our surgical tips aiming at staying on PD including keeping adequate but relatively lower insufflation pressure during the operation, reducing the negative pressure of the drain tube post-operatively and initiating PD at a low volume with gradual titration, were also presented in the article. A total of ten patients were enrolled in our study. The first five patients failed to resume PD and need interim hemodialysis due to various reasons. After some technique modifications, all the following five patients have PD reinstitution immediately after the operation without increasing the incidence of post-operative complications. Staying on PD wound be beneficial for those ESRD patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy due to UTUC, mainly to avoid hemodynamic interference and possible complications related to hemodialysis during the peri-operative period. However, it remains challenging for surgeons. We concluded the key points to minimize peritoneal violation. By adherence to our tips, retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy should be strongly considered in PD patients with suspicious UTUC if feasible.

Laparoscopic Ureterolysis In Patients With Retroperitoneal Fibrosis And Obstructive Uropathy: Taipei City Hospital Experience

Materials and Methods: Between July 2014 and March 2015, 6 female patients received refined pluck technique by ureteral occlusion and transurethral cystorrhaphy in nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). At beginning, the ureter orifice was occluded with intravesical silk suture transurethrally aided by extracorporeal knot tying. Transurethral excision of bladder cuff was performed by circumcision of the ureteric orifice and intramural ureter with a Collins knife. The bladder cuff is freed deeply to extravesical space allowing subsequent“plucking” of the entire ureter from above. The bladder defect is repaired with absorbable sutures transurethrally. The tumor was pyelocaliceal in 4 cases, ureteral in 2 cases. The follow-up was performed by cystoscopy, urine cytology and computed tomography (CT) scan. We present our preliminary data. Results: 4 transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision and 2 hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excisionwere performed. All patients are female. Histology showed high grade in everyone. There were 2 patients with pT1 staging, 2 patients with pT2 staging and 2 patients with pT3 staging. There was no lymph node metastasis found in the specimen and all surgical margin were clear. No major perioperative complications occurred. Conclusion: This refined pluck technique by ureteral occlusion and transurethral cystorrhaphy in nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a safe and effective alternative according to our preliminary experience. Long term follow-up and larger patient number are needed.

Leaving residual ureteral orifice after hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial cancer is less time consuming and do not affect overall survival

Leaving residual ureteral orifice after hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial cancer is less time consuming and do not affect overall survival

Efficacy of the intracorporeal one-hand tie technique for renal pedicle control during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy

ObjectiveThis study examined the efficacy of the intracorporeal one-hand tie technique for renal pedicle control during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN). MethodsThe intracorporeal one-hand tie technique was conducted in 32 consecutive patients with upper tract urothelial cancer that underwent HARN and open bladder cuff excision. ResultsAll suture ligatures were successful in securing the renal vessels, except one minor venous bleeding that occurred during vessel transection, which was then controlled by additional clips. The process of controlling the renal pedicle took an average of 12.4 minutes (range, 8–30 minutes). No pedicle control related morbidities were noted. By sparing the usage of endovascular clips and staplers, operative costs were reduced and associated malfunctions eliminated. ConclusionThe intracorporeal one-hand tie technique is an easy, reliable, and cost-effective method in controlling the renal pedicle during HARN. Its efficacy in pedicle control is beyond doubt.

The role of laparoscopy-assisted renal autotransplantation in the treatment of primary ureteral tumor.

To evaluate the effect and safety of laparoscopy-assisted renal autotransplantation treatment for primary ureteral cancer (PUC). Medical records of patients undergoing hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy–extracorporeal total ureterectomy–renal autotransplantation–pyelocystostomy (Lap AutoTx) were analyzed. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were assessed. Fifteen patients diagnosed with PUC underwent this novel approach. Three kidneys were abandoned owing to the detection of residual cancer on the renal pelvic junction, surgeon’s judgment on three severe atherosclerotic arteries, and palpable pelvic lymph nodes proven to be evidence of metastatic disease by frozen section analysis. Twelve patients (mean ± SD age 67.5 ± 7.5 years) were treated with Lap AutoTx for PUC successfully. No perioperative mortality occurred. One patient with solitary kidney experienced delayed graft function that required short-term hemodialysis. Three recurrent superficial diseases in three patients were treated with transurethral resection. The mean ± SD follow-up duration was 12.1 ± 6.7 months (range 3–24 months). The renal pelvicaliceal system was easily examined by flexible cystoscopy. Lap AutoTx is less invasive compared with the traditional two-incisional manner and can be performed safely even among elderly patients. Compared with other currently used therapies, this novel treatment can be used to successfully treat PUC with the added advantages of total resection of the ureteral lesion, preservation of the renal function, and simplification of follow-up procedures.Primary ureteral cancer (PUC) is an aggressive disease and has a poor prognosis.1 Studies have shown high prevalence and invasiveness of PUC in Taiwan.2,3 Nephroureterectomy with excision of the bladder cuff is still believed to be the gold standard treatment for PUC.4 Most PUC occurs among individuals aged more than 60 years, and most of these patients are also at high risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).5,6 Nephroureterectomy not only results in excessive loss of renal function, but also puts the patient at risk of CKD, which contributes to the progression of end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. In addition, diminished renal function after nephroureterectomy compromises the possible use of adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced disease.Endoscopic surgery (ES) and segmental resection (SR) can be used for renal preservation in PUC cases, but there still are limitations to these approaches, and indefinite invasive ureteroscopy is required during follow-up. Only a few studies have focused on renal autotransplantation (AutoTx) after extracorporeal total ureterectomy (ETU) for PUC. This type of treatment possesses advantages of total resection of malignant ureteral lesions, preservation of renal function, and simplification of follow-up protocols. In two reported case series, all cases involved surgery performed with the traditional 2-incision approach, and only a few cases involved pure PUC.7,8 We have reported that hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU) for the treatment of PUC is less invasive and results in better functional outcomes with fewer complications and comparable oncologic control compared with open nephroureterectomy.9 In this study, we report our experience of this treatment combined with ETU and AutoTx for pure PUC.

Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuffing After Preperitoneal and Retroperitoneal Perivesical Ballooning

PurposeWe aimed to describe the surgical technique of hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU) with bladder cuffing after preperitoneal and retroperitoneal perivesical ballooning.Materials and MethodsFrom March 2008 to September 2012, we performed HARNU and open bladder cuffing in 28 consecutive series of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. We performed HARNU according to the following procedure: (1) a camera port incision was made on the posterior axillary line; (2) multiple, repeated, preperitoneal and retroperitoneal ballooning was performed on both the posterior axillary line and in the umbilicus; (3) a 7.0 cm skin incision was made from the suprapubic to the lower inguinal with the balloon present in the extraperitoneal area; (4) hand-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy; (5) cessation of gas insufflation; and (6) extravesical cuffing as an open surgical procedure.ResultsThe mean estimated blood loss was 250 mL. The mean operation time was 240 minutes. The mean time to oral intake and ambulation was 1.0 day and two days, respectively. As for postoperative complications due to the hand-assisted device, one patient developed febrile urinary tract infection within three weeks postoperatively and was hospitalized again to receive parenteral antibiotics.ConclusionsWe made a low Gibson incision for a route for the hand-assisted procedure as well as a window for open surgery in dissecting the distal ureter and extracting the surgical specimens. Thus, our results indicate that the HARNU might be a feasible surgical modality.

Impact of Earlier Ureteral Ligation on Intravesical Recurrence during Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy

Objective: To determine the impact of earlier ureteral ligation (EUL) during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) for primary renal pelvis urothelial cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 240 patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer who underwent HARN. Only patients with primary renal pelvis urothelial cancer and complete follow-up with a minimum of 1 year after HARN were enrolled into our study. We defined EUL as ligating the ureter prior to pneumoretroperitoneum and mobilizing the kidney during the surgery. Of these 61 patients, 31 (who composed the study group) underwent EUL, while 30 serving as controls were without ureteral ligation during the surgery. We analyzed intravesical recurrence utilizing log rank testing to assess the significance between the two groups. Results: Clinical parameters were similar between the two groups. The median follow-up after HARN was 39.7 months (range 12-96). There was no significant difference in the rate of intravesical recurrence and cancer-specific survival. However, patients without ligation of the ureter had shorter time to first bladder tumor recurrence (11.7 ± 9.1 months vs. 26.4 ± 19.1 months, p = 0.03). Conclusion: EUL during HARN for primary renal urothelial cancer did not affect intravesical recurrence rate or cancer-specific survival.

Retroperitoneoscopic Hand-Assisted Nephroureterectomy Using a Homemade Device

To carry out hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and open bladder cuff excision using a homemade hand-assist device. Twenty-four consecutive patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma received HARN and open bladder cuff excisions. The procedures were carried out using a homemade hand-assist device comprising a medium-sized Alexis wound retractor and surgical gloves. The Alexis wound retractor was positioned through a 7-8-cm Gibson incision ready for use. The surgeon inserted the double-gloved, nondominant hand into the retroperitoneal space via the wound retractor. During the procedure, the cuff of the surgeon's outer surgical glove was turned outside-in and snapped onto the external ring of the Alexis wound retractor to prevent carbon dioxide gas leakage. We successfully created pneumoretroperitoneum by insufflating with carbon dioxide at 15 mm Hg. The procedure was carried out through the 7-8-cm Gibson incision and two additional laparoscopic ports. All procedures were performed without complication. The mean estimated blood loss was 81 mL. The mean operation time was 103 minutes. Morphine (mean, 17.6 mg) was administered for pain relief for 1-3 days following surgery. The mean time for recommencing oral intake was 1.5 days, and that to ambulation was 2.0 days. There were no wound complications related to the homemade hand-assist device. Preliminary results show that carrying out HARN using a homemade hand-assist device is safe and feasible. Our homemade hand-assist device offers a cost reduction for the HARN procedure over using commercially available devices.

A Muscle-sparing Modified Gibson Incision for Hand-assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy and Bladder Cuff Excision—An Approach Through a Window Behind the Rectus Abdominis Muscle

To report our technique using a modified muscle-sparing Gibson incision for hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and open bladder cuff excision. Thirty-four patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma received HARN and open bladder cuff excision using the modified muscle-sparing Gibson incision-an approach through a window behind the rectus abdominis muscle with the patient in a supine position with the legs extended and abducted at 45-60° with the surgeon standing between the legs of the patient. The window behind the rectus muscle was identified with ease. HARN and open bladder cuff excision were performed uneventfully using this incision. Mean estimated blood loss was 119 mL. Mean operation time was 139 minutes. Morphine was required for pain relief for 1-3 days (mean 16.5 mg). Mean time to oral intake was 1.5 days and to ambulation was 2.1 days. No lower abdominal bulge was found during a 15.4-month follow-up. This modified muscle-sparing Gibson incision for retroperitoneal hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy has the benefit of easier retroperitoneal approach of the Gibson incision. Iliohypogastric nerves can be spared under direct vision. By merely retracting and not incising or splitting the rectus abdominis muscle, this incision may decrease wound-related morbidity. This window could be an important portal for hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries.

Complete Urinary Tract Exenteration for a Dialysis Patient With Urothelial Cancer: Lower Midline and Extraperitoneal Approach in a Supine Position

To report a novel technique of extraperitoneal complete urinary tract exenteration (CUTE) for dialysis patients with multifocal urothelial cancer via a lower midline approach in a supine position (the spread-eagle position [SEP]). From October 2006 to May 2009, extraperitoneal CUTE was performed in 10 dialysis patients with multifocal urothelial cancer. Patients were placed supine with both legs extended and abducted at 45 to 60 degrees and both arms stretched out to the sides (SEP). CUTE involves simultaneous bilateral hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and cystectomy or cystoprostatectomy. Bilateral HARN was completed via a 7- to 8-cm lower midline incision and 4 laparoscopic ports (2 on each side). Infraumbilical incision was extended to 12 cm and then extraperitoneal cystectomy was performed under direct vision using standard open surgical techniques. All procedures were successful. The mean operation time of extraperitoneal CUTE was 328 minutes. The time to oral intake was 2.6 days and to ambulation was 4.6 days. The mean parenteral narcotic requirement (morphine) was 43.6 mg (range, 12-88.6). No patient had recurrent transitional cell carcinoma at a mean follow-up of 29.8 months. Extraperitoneal CUTE via a lower midline incision in a completely supine position is feasible and safe. This technique has the benefit of easy supine positioning, eliminates the need for interprocedural repositioning, avoids bowel interference of the visual field, and reduces the risk of possible mechanical bowel injury of a retroperitoneal approach. This approach is a rational option when CUTE is considered.

Bilateral Hand-assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy (HARN) in the Spread-eagle Position for Dialysis Patients—Low Midline HARN in a Completely Supine Position

To evaluate the feasibility of hand-assisted bilateral retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) in a completely supine position (spread-eagle position [SEP]) for dialysis patients with bilateral upper urinary tract tumors. From October 2006 to May 2009, bilateral HARN with open bladder cuff excisions were performed in 13 dialysis patients with upper urinary tract tumors. The patient was placed supine with both legs extended and abducted at 45-60 degrees and both arms stretched out to the sides in a SEP. The operation was completed via a 7- to 8-cm lower midline incision and 4 laparoscopic ports (2 on each side). All procedures were successful. The mean operation time of bilateral HARN and open bladder cuff resection was 215 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 216 mL. The time to oral intake was 2.5 days and to ambulation was 4.3 days. All patients recovered uneventfully to normal daily activity. No specific complication was related to the position. Bilateral HARN in a completely supine, SEP position is feasible and safe. SEP has several advantages, including ease in patient positioning, and the feasibility to perform simultaneous bilateral nephroureterectomy without repositioning of the patient. It also avoids potential risks associated with the lateral decubitus position. Bowel interference of the visual field and mechanical bowel injury are not concerns in this approach. Our experience shows that a completely supine position is not only possible but also advantageous to bilateral HARN.

Consequences of Peritoneal Tears During Hand-assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy

To evaluate the possible effects of peritoneal tears during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN). Between October 2003 and June 2008, HARN and open bladder cuff excision were performed in 110 patients, 20 of whom had peritoneal tears during the operation. Our policy is not to close the peritoneal defect. We compared the intraoperative and postoperative criteria among the peritoneum-preserved or peritoneum-violated group to evaluate the impacts of peritoneal tears during and after HARN. All procedures were successful except 2 open conversions in cases without peritoneal tears because of vascular injuries. There was no significant difference in age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, or body mass index between the 2 groups. Both groups were similar in terms of total operative time (166 vs 137 minutes, P = .06), estimated blood loss (196 vs 268 mL, P = .51), hospital stay (9.1 vs 12.1 days, P = .41), and postoperative analgesia requirements (28.6 vs 28.5 mg morphine equivalent, P = .51). Compared with the peritoneum-preserved group, peritoneal violation during HARN was associated with a heavier specimen weight (308 vs 193 g, P = .01), and 1 patient in the violation group developed small bowel obstruction 3 weeks after the surgery. Most peritoneal tears during HARN may be safely managed without peritoneal closure. Bowel obstruction from internal herniation is rare but is too significant to be ignored. To prevent this morbidity, peritoneal tears of a selected size need either repair or enlargement.

Gasless Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy

To assess the efficacy of gasless hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU). A total of 54 patients who underwent HARNU were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy with hand port (traditional HARNU) and without hand port (gasless HARNU). Each group was then divided further based on whether body mass index (BMI) value was greater or less than 24 kg/m(2). Operative times, blood loss, and hospital stay were recorded and compared between traditional HARNU and gasless HARNU groups by two-paired Student t test and Wilcoxon sign rank test. These results were also compared between different BMI groups. There were no open surgery conversions in this study. Only one patient needed repeated surgery because of urine leakage from the bladder cuff into the peritoneal space. No statistically significant differences existed in operative times, blood loss, and hospital stay between the hand port and no hand port groups in retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy. Notably, no statistically significant differences existed regardless of whether BMI exceeded 24 kg/m(2) in each group. Gasless retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy proved that the surgery can be performed without a hand port. Obesity did not cause an increase in operative time and blood loss in this study. Therefore, gasless retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy is safe and provides the alternative choice for nephroureterectomy.

Hand Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy With the Patient Spread-Eagled: An Approach Through a Completely Supine Position

We evaluated the feasibility of hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract with the patient completely supine (spread-eagled). From October 2006 to January 2008 hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy with open bladder cuff excision was performed in 32 patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. The patient was placed supine with the legs extended and abducted at 45 to 60 degrees, and the arms stretched out to the sides in the spread-eagle position. The patient was secured to the operation table with 3-inch tapes to permit lateral table tilt. The operation was completed via a 7 or 8 cm Gibson incision plus 2 laparoscopic ports. All procedures were successful. The mean time needed for hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff resection was 137.6 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 200 ml. Simultaneous transurethral endoscopic procedures were performed in 8 patients. Time to oral intake was 2.1 days and time to ambulation was 2.0 days. No specific complication was related to the position. All patients recovered to normal daily activity uneventfully. Hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy with the patient completely supine is feasible and safe. The completely supine position has several advantages, including ease of patient positioning and the ability to perform simultaneous endoscopic procedures. It not only decreases the time and cost of changing position, but also avoids potential risks associated with the lateral decubitus position. Bowel interference with the visual field and mechanical bowel injury are not a concern using this approach.

En Bloc Stapling of Renal Hilum During Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy in Dialysis Patients

To report our experience in routine en bloc stapling of the renal hilum during hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy in dialysis patients. From October 2003 to June 2006, hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy with open bladder cuff excision for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma was performed in 23 dialysis patients. En bloc mass stapling of the renal pedicle with an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis (Endo-GIA) stapler without individual dissection of the renal artery and vein was done. All procedures were successful. No hilar bleeding was encountered during the process of hilar division. The overall success rate of en bloc stapling to control the renal hilum in the 23 patients was 100%. The average patient age was 59.0 years (range 32-78), the operative time was 177.3 minutes (range 135-343), and the estimated blood loss was 117 mL (range 50-500). The time to oral intake and ambulation was 2.0 and 3.1 days, respectively. Two patients had postoperative complications, one pneumonia and the other wound hematoma. No immediate or short-term complications were related to this method of en bloc hilar division. No case of symptoms or imaging findings of arteriovenous fistula had developed at a mean follow-up of 24.5 months. No statistically significant difference was found in preoperative and postoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Routine use of en bloc stapling and division of the renal pedicle in dialysis patients with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is safe. Without separating the renal artery from the vein with the laparoscopic instrument, the risk of hilar bleeding can be avoided.

Comparison Between Hand-assisted Laparoscopic and Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy for the Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Analysis of an Intermediate Follow-up Period

To compare the perioperative parameters, convalescence parameters, and oncologic outcomes of intermediate follow-up between hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (HALNU) and hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (HARNU) in treating upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. We analyzed the data from 48 patients who underwent HALNU and 25 patients who underwent hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy in our institution between January 1999 and December 2003 for UC of the ureter, renal pelvis, or both. Clinical preoperative and perioperative data were collected retrospectively by reviewing medical records. All specimens were pathologically confirmed. The outcomes including bladder recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were compared between the 2 operative methods. The median follow-up period in the HALNU group was 47.5 months (range, 6 to 72 mo) and 32 months in the HARNU group (range, 21 to 43 mo). Patients' demographic data showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. The operation time was similar between the HALNU group and the HARNU group (223 min vs. 252 min; P=0.11). There was statistically less blood loss in the HALNU group compared with the HARNU group (164 mL vs. 212 mL; P=0.42). The complication rates between the HALNU group and the HARNU group were similar (10.4% and 12%, respectively, P=0.84). There was no open conversion or intraoperative mortality in both groups. The 3-year bladder recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rate were comparable in both groups. HALNU and HARNU have comparable perioperative parameters, convalescence results, and oncologic outcomes for the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma from an intermediate follow-up period.

Oncologic Assessment of Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Urothelial Tumors of the Upper Tract: Comparison with Conventional Open Nephroureterectomy

To evaluate the oncologic results of our operative technique, hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HRNU), for the treatment of upper-tract urothelial cancer, various perioperative parameters and oncologic outcomes were compared for HRNU and conventional open nephroureterectomy (CONU). Thirty-six patients with clinical stage T(1,2)N(0)M(0) renal-pelvic and ureteral tumors underwent HRNU. A retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy was carried out with hand assistance via a lower-abdominal midline incision. The lower ureter was resected by open surgery through the same incision, and the operative specimen was extracted via the same incision. Thirty-seven cases of CONU were reviewed as historical controls. Various perioperative and parameters and oncologic results were compared for the two procedures. The HRNU was completed in all but one case, which was converted to CONU. The mean operating time (395 minutes) was longer than that for CONU (289 minutes), and the mean estimated blood loss with HRNU (497 g) was greater than that with CONU (296 g). The mean time to oral intake (1.4 days) was shorter than that after CONU (2.3 days), and the mean time to walking was shorter (2.1 days v 2.6 days). There were no statistical differences in the cause-specific survival rate, the disease-free survival rate, or the bladder recurrence-free survival rate between HRNU (median follow-up 23 months) and CONU (median follow-up 56 months). The HRNU, a combination of endoscopic and conventional open surgery, seems to be a reasonable surgical procedure, because the lower-abdominal incision can be utilized, not only as a route for hand assistance, but also as a window for open surgery when resecting the distal ureter as well as for extraction of surgical specimens. The procedure is a safe alternative to conventional open surgery for upper urinary-tract tumors from an oncologic viewpoint.

Intermediate Follow-up of Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Comparison with Open Nephroureterectomy

To evaluate the oncologic outcomes of hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and compare them with the data from conventional open surgery. We collected the data from 25 patients who underwent HARNU at our institution from January 1999 to December 2003 for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. The clinical data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the medical records. The convalescence results and oncologic outcomes were analyzed and compared with the corresponding data from 41 contemporary conventional open nephroureterectomy (ONU) procedures. The median follow-up period in the HARNU group was 32 months (range 21 to 43) and was 62 months (range 8 to 88) in the ONU group. Patient age, sex, body mass index, tumor size, specimen weight, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification showed no significant differences between the two groups. The HARNU group required a longer operation time (252 versus 212 minutes; P = 0.02). Significantly less blood loss (212 versus 408 mL; P = 0.03) was noted in the HARNU group. The complication rates between the HARNU group and ONU group were similar (12% and 7.3%, respectively, P = 0.67). No open conversion was required in the HARNU group. The average hospital stay, days to oral intake, days to ambulation, and dose of parenteral narcotic analgesics were significantly less in the HARNU group. No significant differences were found in the 3-year bladder recurrence-free survival rate, cancer-specific survival rate, or overall survival rate between the two groups. The results of our study have shown that HARNU, with an open method for the removal of the distal ureter and bladder cuff, is a less-invasive technique and provides comparable oncologic outcomes as ONU for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

A Modified Supine Position to Speed Hand Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy: The Johnnie Walker Position

To minimize the operative time of hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy by avoiding position change we report an especially designed surgical position. A total of 41 patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma who underwent hand assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff resection were enrolled. Patients lay supine, and the flank and hip on the lesion side were elevated 30 degrees. The legs were extended and abducted in the Johnnie Walker position, allowing the operator to stand between them. Operation was completed via a 7 to 8 cm Gibson incision and 2 additional laparoscopic ports. All procedures were successful except 1 open conversion due to bleeding, in which there was no need to reposition the patient. Average patient age was 65.2 years (range 34 to 85), mean operative time was 207.6 minutes (range 130 to 345) and mean estimated blood loss was 166 ml (range 50 to 900). Simultaneous transurethral endoscopic procedures were performed in 11 patients in the same position. Time to oral intake and ambulation was 2.1 and 2.0 days, respectively. Two patients had postoperative complications, including pneumonia and wound hematoma in 1 each. No complication was related to the position. The Johnnie Walker position minimizes operative time by eliminating the delay caused by patient positioning and draping changes, allowing better coordination for the surgeon and assistant, and permitting more efficient use of the nondominant hand. The retroperitoneal approach prevents bowel interference in the visual field, making laparoscopic surgery in this modified supine position possible. Nephroureterectomy, bladder cuff resection and endoscopic procedures can be done with ease with the patient in this position.