Radical Nephroureterectomy Research Articles

The effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in renal surgery.

To study the effect of ERAS on a textbook outcome (TO) after elective renal surgery. Retrospective study of all patients who underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic partial or radical nephrectomy or robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST), Enschede, the Netherlands. In total, 277 patients were included. 66 patients from 2018 to 2021 (pre-ERAS group) and 211 patients from 2021 to 2023 (ERAS group). TO is a maximum of two nights in the hospital after surgery, no severe complications during or after surgery ≥ grade IIIb, no blood transfusions, no intensive care, no readmissions, and no mortality within 30days after surgery. Comparisons were made between the pre-ERAS and ERAS groups using unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for possible confounding. TO was significantly (p = 0.005) better in the ERAS group (TO = 76.8%) compared to the pre-ERAS group (TO = 59.1%). Compared to a pre-ERAS patient, the adjusted odds ratio for achieving a TO as an ERAS patient is 2.1 (95% CI 1.15-3.78). The implementation of ERAS showed a positive effect on the TO of elective renal surgery patients.

A Retrospective Single-Center Comparative Study Between Robot-Assisted and Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper-Tract Urothelial Carcinoma on Perioperative Results, Overall Survival, and Recurrence Rate.

Introduction Patients with localized high-risk urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract are advised radical nephroureterectomy, the surgical removal of the kidney and ureter, utilizing robot-assisted versus laparoscopic methods. This study aims to compare the surgical and oncological results of robot-assisted and laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma. Methods An observational retrospective cohort study compared 14 patients who had robotic-assisted nephroureterctomy (RAN) to 16 patients who had laparoscopic assisted nephroureterctomy (LAN). Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine, Charlson comorbidity score, length of hospital stays, or the need to convert to an open approach. However, there was a statistical difference between the two procedures in terms of lymph dissection (p-value of 0.037) and the length of the procedure (p-value of 0.09). Conclusions The robotic approach has significantly higher use for lymph node dissection, while laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy has a shorter operation time.

No difference in oncological outcomes and perioperative complications between patients with ESRD with unilateral and bilateral UTUC receiving radical nephroureterectomy

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk of developing upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Due to high recurrence rate of UTUC in contralateral kidney and ureter, and high risk of complications related to surgery and anesthesia, whether it’s necessary to remove both kineys and ureters at one time remains in debate. We utilized Taiwanese UTUC Registry Database to valuate the difference of oncological outcomes and perioperative complications between patients with ESRD with unilateral and bilateral UTUC receiving surgical resection. Patients with ESRD and UTUC were divided into three groups, unilateral UTUC, previous history of unilateral UTUC with metachronous contralateral UTUC, and concurrent bilatetral UTUC. Oncological outcomes, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stays were investiaged. We found that there is no diffence of oncological outcomes including overall survival, cancer specific survival, disease free survival and bladder recurrence free survival between these three groups. Complication rate and length of hospital stay are similar. Adverse oncological features such as advanced tumor stage, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, and positive surgical margin would negatively affect oncological outcomes.

Impact of Pre-Operative Ureteroscopy on Bladder Recurrence Following Nephroureterectomy for UTUC.

(1) Introduction: Diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) is an important component in the workup of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Whether URS was associated with increased recurrence in the bladder was not fully concluded. The current study aimed to evaluate the implication of URS on the incidences of intravesical recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in non-metastatic UTUC patients without prior history of bladder cancer via multi-institutional data. (2) Patients and Methods: Data were obtained from the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society Urothelial Carcinomas of the Upper Tract (CROES-UTUC) registry, a prospective, multicentre database. Patients with non-metastatic UTUC treated with RNU were divided into two groups: those undergoing upfront RNU and those having diagnostic URS prior to RNU. Intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRS) was the primary endpoint, evaluated through Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression. Cases with adequate follow-up data were included. (3) Results: The analysis included 269 patients. Of these, 137 (50.9%) received upfront RNU and 132 (49.1%) received pre-RNU URS. The URS group exhibited an inferior 24-month IVRS compared to the upfront RNU group (HR = 1.705, 95% CI = 1.082-2.688; p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis confirmed URS as the only significant predictor of IVR (p = 0.019). Ureteric access sheath usage, flexible ureteroscopy, ureteric biopsy, retrograde contrast studies, and the duration of URS did not significantly affect IVRS. (4) Conclusions: Diagnostic URS prior to RNU was found to be associated with an increased risk of IVR in patients with UTUC. The risk was not significantly influenced by auxiliary procedures during URS. Physicians were advised to meticulously evaluate the necessity of diagnostic URS.

Adjuvant Systemic Therapy Improved Survival After Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to test for survival differences according to adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) status in radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) patients with pT2-T4 and/or N1-2 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER, 2007-2020), patients with UTUC treated with AC versus RNU alone were identified. Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression models addressed cancer-specific mortality (CSM). Of 1995 patients with UTUC, 804 (40%) underwent AC versus 1191 (60%) RNU alone. AC rates increased from 36.1 to 57.0% over time in the overall cohort [estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) ± 4.5%, p<0.001]. The increase was from 28.8 to 50.0% in TanyN0 patients (EAPC ± 7.8%, p<0.001) versus 50.0-70.9% in TanyN1-2 patients (EAPC ± 2.3%, p = 0.002). Within 698 patients harboring TanyN1-2 stage, median CSM was 31 months after AC versus 16 months in RNU alone (Δ = 15months, p < 0.0001) and AC independently predicted lower CSM [hazard ratio (HR) 0.64; p < 0.001]. Similarly, within subgroup analyses according to stage, relative to RNU alone, AC independently predicted lower CSM in T2N1-2 (HR 0.49; p = 0.04), in T3N1-2 (HR 0.72; p = 0.015), and in T4N1-2 (HR 0.49, p < 0.001) patients. Conversely, in all TanyN0 as well as in all stage-specific subgroup analyses addressing N0 patients, AC did not affect CSM rates (all p > 0.05). In RNU patients, AC use is associated with significantly lower CSM in lymph-node-positive (N1-2) patients but not in lymph-node-negative patients (N0). The distinction between N1-2 and N0 regarding the effect of AC on CSM applied across all T stages from T2 to T4, inclusively.

Analysis of preoperative nutrition, immunity and inflammation correlation index on the prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma surgical patients: a retrospective single center study

BackgroundSII, PNI, SIRI, AAPR, and LIPI are prognostic scores based on inflammation, nutrition, and immunity. The purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic value of the SII, PNI, SIRI, AAPR, and LIPI in patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision.Materials and methodsData of UTUC patients in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. The optimal critical values of SII, PNI, SIRI, and AAPR were determined by ROC curve, and LIPI was stratified according to the dNLR and LDH. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of UTUC patients.ResultsA total of 81 patients with UTUC were included in this study. The optimal truncation value of PNI, SII, SIRI and AAPR were determined to be 48.15, 596.4, 1.45 and 0.50, respectively. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed that low PNI, high SII, high SIRI, low AAPR and poor LIPI group were effective predictors of postoperative prognosis of UTUC patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed that high SII was an independent risk factor for postoperative prognosis of UTUC patients. According to ROC curve, the prediction efficiency of fitting indexes of PNI, SII, SIRI, AAPR and LIPI is better than that of using them alone.ConclusionsThe SII, PNI, SIRI, AAPR, and LIPI was a potential prognostic predictor in UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision.

Preoperative systemic inflammation response index enhances the prognostic value of tumor multifocalityin upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

In cancer, tumor-related inflammation affects disease progression and survival outcomes. However, the role of systemic inflammation in tumor multifocality in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) on tumor multifocality for predicting oncological outcomes in patients with UTUC after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). For this purpose, data from 645 patients with non-metastatic UTUC who underwent RNU between 2008 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Survival outcomes such as overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) RATES were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and independent prognostic factors were identified through a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. Of the 645 patients with UTUC included in the present study, 163 (25%) had multifocal UTUC. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that multifocal UTUC synchronous with a high-level SIRI was significantly associated with poorer outcomes after RNU. Furthermore, the results of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis demonstrated that multifocal tumor coupled with a high-level SIRI was an independent factor for predicting a shorter survival and disease progression. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that an elevated SIRI significantly influenced the survival rate of patients with multifocal UTUC. Specifically, integrating multifocal UTUC with a high-level SIRI emerged as an independent risk factor for poorer OS, CSS and RFS. These findings highlighted the potential role of SIRI in the risk stratification and management of patients with multifocal UTUC.

Initial Experience and Surgical Setup of Robot-Assisted Nephroureterectomy Using the Hugo Robot-Assisted Surgery System.

Introduction and Hypothesis: Robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RANU) has emerged as a valid alternative to open or laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in recent years. However, different types of robotic platforms can limit surgical maneuvers in various ways. This study aimed to describe the surgical procedure and demonstrate RANU's technical feasibility and safety using the Hugo robot-assisted surgery (RAS) system. Materials and Methods: Using the Hugo RAS system, we reported data from the first five consecutive patients who underwent RANU at Tottori University Hospital. We adjusted the docking angles of the four independent arm carts in each case and performed a complete RANU via a transperitoneal approach. We collected patients' sociodemographic and perioperative data, including complications, and compared them retrospectively with data obtained using the da Vinci surgical system. Results: Arms positions were modified after the first patient to be placed all at the back of the patient. Median overall operative time was 283 minutes (203-377) and the median time using the robotic system was 187 minutes (121-277). The median estimated blood loss was 20 mL (5-155). None of the patients required a blood transfusion and none suffered postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3. These outcomes were similar to those obtained with the da Vinci Xi system. Conclusion: This series represents the first report of RANU executed using the novel Hugo RAS system. Our proposed arm-setup will assist other surgeons and help ensure safe implementation of RANU on the Hugo platform.

803 Outcomes of Radical Nephroureterectomy: An Australian Multicentre Experience Using a Dedicated Upper Tract Data Registry

Abstract Introduction Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is used for the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). It is a procedure with considerable morbidity. Australian data on UTUC is limited, and we have recently developed the ACCEPT-U database to try and address this. This study aims to examine the surgical and oncological outcomes in patients who have undergone RNU. Method We collected data using the ACCEPT-U database on patients who underwent (RNU) across two tertiary centres in Victoria and Western Australia between 2013 and 2022. Our primary outcomes were overall survival at one, two, and five years. Our secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and recurrence data. Results One hundred and one patients underwent RNU during the study period. The median age was 73 (IQR 64.0 to 80.5) years. The median hospital length of stay was 7 days (IQR 5-11) overall. Neither operative technique, CCI nor age affected hospital length of stay (p &amp;gt;0.05). The 30-day post-operative complication rate was 35% (n=35), with a median Clavien Dindo of II. Overall survival rates at one, two, and five years were 89%. (95% CI 81.4 - 94.0%); 79% (95% CI 70.2 - 86.1%) and 73% (95% CI 63.9 – 81.0%). Advanced pathological stage was associated with reduced overall 5-year survival (Pearson Chi-Squared = 10.40, p=0.006). Conclusions Radical nephroureterectomy in patients with UTUC has considerable morbidity and mortality in Australian centres but this appears comparable to published rates. The ACCEPT-U database will facilitate larger and prospective data collection, hopefully across multiple institutions, to further assess peri-operative outcomes and their determinants in the future.

A pathological complete response and adrenal insufficiency in a patient with advanced renal pelvic cancer treated with pembrolizumab.

Metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (mUTUC) often has poor prognosis. While systemic therapy is the standard care for mUTUC, lymph node dissection (LND) combined with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) can be considered for patients with only clinical locoregional LN, resulting in a surgical cure. However, since pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, was approved for mUTUC patients, prognosis of mUTUC has been improved and some patients with immune-related adverse events have experienced a clinical complete response and a long-lasting therapeutic response without surgery. Thus, clarifying the optimal patient selection and timing for RNU + LND is warranted to avoid unnecessary surgery. We herein report the first unique case with a clinical N + UTUC patient who underwent RNU plus LND and showed a pathological complete response after discontinuation of pembrolizumab due to adrenal insufficiency. We feel that our case may affect the treatment strategy for N + UTUC in the era of ICIs.

The prognostic role of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

The blood-based inflammatory marker, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is a reliable prognostic biomarker for several cancers. Although the literature supports the correlation between preoperative NLR, clinicopathological characteristics, and oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), the cutoff of NLR is still debated. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of NLR in patients with UTUC. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from July 2012 to December 2022 evaluating patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts obtained a day before the surgery and the cutoff value was set as 2.5. Kaplan-Meier and Cox's proportional hazards regression were used to analyze the association between NLR and the oncological outcomes. The study included 91 patients (78 males, 13 females) in the final analysis with a median follow-up of 49 months (8-130). The mean age of the patients with NLR <2.5 and NLR ≥2.5 was 56.88 years and 56.35 years, respectively, and the pathological stage was pT1 in 48%, pT2 in 20.88%, pT3 in 27.47%, and pT4 in 3.30% of the patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the preoperative NLR ≥2.5 was significantly associated (Hz = 7.17) with higher T stage, lymphovascular invasion, necrosis, nodal involvement, adjuvant chemotherapy, and worse overall survival (OS) (Hz = 9.87). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an improved OS in patients with NLR <2.5, but a statistically significant difference in the recurrence-free survival was not found. Preoperative NLR is an easily available, inexpensive, and important prognostic biomarker of survival in patients with UTUC and has a potential role in risk stratification by predicting adverse clinicopathological characteristics.

If not now, then when? The need for new evidence in the robotic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Current guidelines recommend radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision as the standard surgical treatment for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). While large evidence is available regarding open and laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, data focusing on robotic nephroureterectomy (RNU) in UTUC are mostly limited with mixed results, especially in locally advanced disease. In light of the recent introduction of new robotic platforms, it is of utmost importance to further investigate oncologic outcomes associated with RNU. Moreover, stronger data exploring different operative settings (i.e. robotic arms and trocars placement) for the new robotic systems are eagerly warranted. To give an answer to such open clinical questions, the Junior ERUS/Young Academic Urologist Working Group on Robot-assisted Surgery designed a multicentric project involving different high-volume centers across the world. The aim of the study will be exploring surgical and oncologic outcomes of RNU, specifically focusing on several clinical unmet needs, such as best operative setting for new robotic platforms, lymph node dissection (LDN) template and robotic bladder cuff management.

Our initial experiences with laparoscopic urologic surgery in a peripheral hospital in Central Java, Indonesia

Introduction: Nowadays, laparoscopic surgery in urology is widely adopted as a surgical technique for almost all cases, rendering the traditional open surgery approach obsolete. The increased use of laparoscopic surgical procedures has significantly contributed to progress in many urology areas. This study evaluates the initial experience with laparoscopic urology surgery in Banyumas General Hospital, a peripheral hospital in Indonesia. Method: Between May 2023 and October 2023, laparoscopic urologic surgery was performed on 36 patients. The patient’s demographic characteristics, pre-operative diagnosis, type of laparoscopic approach, and intraoperative and post-treatment results were gathered and analyzed retrospectively. Result: The mean patient age is 58.69±13.52 years, with 12 (33.33%) female patients and 24 (66.67%) male patients. While 20 had ureterolithotomy, 3 had pyelolithotomy, 5 had radical cystectomy, 2 patients received unroofing renal cyst, 1 had pyeloplasty, 1 had ureteral Anastomosis, and 1 had radical nephroureterectomy, 1 had a simple nephrectomy, 1 had diverticulectomy, and 1 had orchidopexy. 2 (5,56%) of the 36 patients must be converted to open surgery. The mean duration of surgery for procedures we did was as follows: ureterolithotomy 86.25 ± 7.23 minutes, pyelolithotomy 96.67 ± 7.64, radical cystectomy 418± 64.09 min, unroofing renal cyst 57.5 ± 10.61 minutes, pyeloplasty 130 minutes, ureteral anastomosis 220 minutes, radical nephroureterectomy 210 minutes, simple nephrectomy 140 minutes, diverticulectomy 215 minutes, and orchidopexy 125 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 4.39 ± 2.28 (2-11) days. There are major complications, but no mortality was encountered. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is an effective technique with excellent outcomes, a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery in urology.

Associations between early changes in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after radical nephroureterectomy and treatment outcomes.

This study explored the impacts of peri-operative changes in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the survival rate after radical nephroureterectomy. This retrospective analysis included a multicentric cohort of patients diagnosed with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had undergone radical nephroureterectomy from 2012 to 2021. We assessed the preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR, delta-NLR (difference between postoperative and preoperative NLRs), and NLR change (ratio of postoperative to preoperative NLR). Additionally, patients were categorized according to increases in their preoperative and/or postoperative NLRs. Associations of survival with peri-operative changes in the NLR were investigated using Cox multivariate regression models. A total of 488 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 73years. Among the patients, 105 (21.5%) exhibited elevated preoperative and postoperative NLRs, 88 (18.0%) exhibited elevated preoperative NLR only, 53 (10.9%) exhibited elevated postoperative NLR only, and 242 (49.6%) exhibited normal NLRs. Multivariate analysis indicated significant negative correlations between both preoperative and postoperative increased NLRs and oncological outcomes, including nonurothelial tract recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.65, P=0.017; HR: 2.12, P=0.014, respectively). This is the first study to evaluate the association between peri-operative changes in the NLR and the outcomes of patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. Patients with elevated NLRs at both time points experienced considerably worse outcomes. Further research should explore whether increases in the NLR during long-term follow-up could indicate impending disease recurrence.

Perioperative management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in the Nordic countries

BackgroundUpper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare malignancy, with typically only few new cases annually per urological department. Adherence to European association of urology (EAU) guidelines on UTUC in the Nordic countries is unknown. The objective of this survey was to examine the implementation of EAU guidelines, the perioperative management and organization of the treatment of UTUC in the Nordic countries.MethodsThe electronic survey was distributed to 93 hospitals in the Nordic countries performing radical nephroureterectomy (NU). The survey consisted of 57 main questions and data was collected between December 1st, 2021 and April 23rd, 2022.ResultsOverall response rate was 47/93 (67%) with a completion rate of 98%. Five out of the 6 examined subjects on diagnostic practice are applied by ≥ 72% of the participating centers. NU as treatment for high-risk UTUC is performed by 37/47 (79%), and 91% include a bladder cuff excision.ConclusionsAdherence to EAU guidelines is high on diagnostic practice in the Nordic countries, whereas disease management is less coherent.

Violation of onco-surgical principles is associated with survival outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinomas after radical nephroureterectomy.

Disease recurrence, particularly intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), is common. We investigated whether violations of onco-surgical principles before or during RNU, collectively referred to as surgical violation (SV), were associated with survival outcomes. Material and methods: Data from a consecutive series of patients who underwent RNU for UTUC 2001-2012 at Skåne University Hospital Lund/Malmö were collected. Preoperative insertion of a nephrostomy tube, opening the urinary tract during surgery or refraining from excising the distal ureter were considered as SVs. Survival outcomes in patients with and without SV (IVR-free [IVRFS], disease-specific [DSS] and overall survival [OS]) were assessed using multivariate Cox regression analyses (adjusted for tumour stage group, prior or concomitant bladder cancer, comorbidity and preoperative urinary cytology). Of 150 patients, 47 (31%) were subjected to at least one SV. Overall, SV was not associated with IVRFS (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.4-1.6) but with worse DSS (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.7) and OS (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3) in multivariable analysis. Additional analyses with a broader definition of SV including also preoperative instrumentation of the upper urinary tract (ureteroscopy and/or double J stenting) showed similar outcomes for DSS (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.3). Worse survival outcomes, despite no difference in IVR, for patients that were subjected to the violation of sound onco-surgical principles before or during RNU for UTUC strengthen the notion that adhering to such principles is a cornerstone in upper tract urothelial cancer surgery.

Adoption of robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy permits a minimally invasive option for management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in geriatric patients: comparison with non-geriatric patients with intermediate-term oncologic follow-up

To assess the oncologic efficacy and safety of robot-assisted approach to radical nephroureterectomy (RARNU) in geriatric versus younger patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2009 to 2022 of 145 patients (two cohorts: < 75 and ≥ 75 years old) with non-metastatic UTUC who underwent RARNU. Primary endpoint was UTUC-related recurrence of disease during surveillance (bladder-specific and metastatic). Safety was assessed according to 30-day, modified Clavien–Dindo (CD) classifications (Major: C.D. III–V). Survival estimates were performed using Kaplan–Meier method. There were 89 patients < 75 years (median 65 years) and 56 patients ≥ 75 years (median 81 years). Comparing the young versus geriatric cohorts: median follow-up 38 vs 24 months (p = 0.03, respectively) with similar 3-year bladder-specific recurrence survival (60% vs 67%, HR 0.70, 95% CI [0.35, 1.40], p = 0.31) and metastasis-free survival (79% vs 70%, HR 0.71, 95% CI [0.30, 1.70], p = 0.44). Expectedly, the younger cohort had a significant deviation in overall survival compared to the geriatric cohort at 1-year (89% vs 76%) and 3-years (72% vs 41%; HR 3.29, 95% CI [1.88, 5.78], p < 0.01). The 30-day major (1% vs 0) and minor complications (8% vs 14%, p = 0.87). Limitations include retrospective study design of a high-volume, single-surgeon experience. Compared to younger patients with UTUC, geriatric patients undergoing RARNU have similar oncologic outcomes at intermediate-term follow-up with no increased risk of 30-day perioperative complications. Thus, age alone should not be used to disqualify patients from definitive surgical management of UTUC with RARNU.

Kidney-Sparing Surgery Has Equivalent Oncological Outcomes to Radical Nephroureterectomy for Ureteral Urothelial Carcinoma.

Introduction and Objective: Kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) for upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) has gained increasing interest recently. However, there is limited contemporary data regarding the role of KSS in ureteral urothelial carcinoma. Therefore, we investigated the survival outcomes of ureteral urothelial carcinoma after KSS from a large, prospective international UTUC registry. Methods: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society-Urothelial Carcinomas of the Upper Tract (CROES-UTUC) Registry included patients with UTUC who received KSS or radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) between 2014 and 2019. In this study, we included patients with ureteral UTUC only. Study outcomes included overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), upper tract recurrence-free survival (RFS), intravesical RFS, progression-free survival (PFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the tumor features' differences between groups. Results: Of the 391 patients with ureteral UTUC, 309 (79.0%) received RNU and 82 (21.0%) received KSS by ureteroscopy with laser ablation (n = 28) or segmental resection (n = 54). After PSM, there were no differences in OS (p = 0.525), CSS (p = 0.487), upper tract RFS (p = 0.147), intravesical RFS (p = 0.989), PFS (p = 0.617), and MFS (p = 0.336) between KSS and RNU. There were no significant differences between ureteroscopic ablation and segmental resection in OS, CSS, intravesical RFS, PFS, and MFS with RNU. Proximal ureteral UTUC had worse OS and CSS outcomes than other tumor locations following segmental resection. Conclusions: In patients with ureteral UTUC, no significant differences in long-term survival outcomes were observed between KSS and RNU. Proximal ureteral UTUC had worse survival outcomes over other tumor locations following segmental resection.

Intraperitoneal laparoscopic single-site lymph node dissection in modified supine position during laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy.

Technique modifications that aim to improve ergonomics of the surgical procedure without repositioning the upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients remain a challenge to urologists. We offer a novel technique to perform intraperitoneal laparoscopic single-site radical nephroureterectomy and pelvic lymph nodes dissection/retroperitoneal lymph nodes dissection in a supine position. Our novel technique is feasible and offers a significant improvement in operative efficiency, particularly in patients with locally advanced disease.

Changes in Renal Function After Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer in Elderly Patients.

Introduction Decreased renal function after radical nephroureterectomy is one of the most important complications because it contributes to the decision to initiate adjuvant chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate clinical factors associated with changes in renal function after radical nephroureterectomy in elderly patients. Methodology A total of 145 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma were evaluated. The renal function was calculated preoperatively, postoperatively, and one month postoperatively, and the long-term change in renal function was investigated once a year. The association between clinical factors and changes in renal function following radical nephroureterectomy in univariate and multivariate analyses was stratified by age ≥75 years and <75 years. Results The median age of the patients was 71 years, with 94 patients (65%) aged <75 years and 51 patients (35%) aged ≥75 years. The median estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were 57.1 (21.8-100) preoperatively, 36.1 (9.1-100) postoperatively, and 42.4 (19.5-100) in one month after radical nephroureterectomy. The median eGFRs in elderly patients were 50.8 (21.8-85.4) preoperatively. In the elderly group, only 8% had an eGFR of ≥50 as cisplatin-eligible at one month postoperatively. The long-term renal function in the elderly may decline further than during the stable postoperative periods. In the multivariate analysis, hydronephrosis (HN) was a significant predictor of decreased renal function in patients aged ≥75 years between the pre- and postoperative periods. Conclusions Elderly patients with HN who have upper tract urothelial carcinoma have a lower risk of decreased renal function after radical nephroureterectomy. This result may be useful in determining adjuvant therapy.