Search Results (22)

Background/Objective: Preoperative frailty assessment before open radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is underused, and prospective data on the 5-Factor Frailty Index (5-IFi) are limited. We examined the association between the preoperative 5-IFi score and postoperative complications at a private tertiary center in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 30 adults with suspected or confirmed RCC scheduled for elective open radical nephrectomy were enrolled after ethics approval. The 5-IFi was scored preoperatively from records and medication lists. The primary outcome was any Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ II complication during the index hospitalization; secondary outcomes were length of stay and 30-day unplanned readmission. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests. Associations were estimated by Firth penalized logistic regression with profile-likelihood confidence intervals (CIs) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with bootstrapped CIs; adjusted models were exploratory given the sample size. Results: Fourteen patients (46.7%) developed a grade ≥ II complication, all grade II; nine (30.0%) were frail (5-IFi ≥ 2). The 5-IFi score was the only baseline variable significantly associated with the outcome (median 1.5 vs. 1.0; p = 0.030). Each 1-point increase was associated with higher odds (unadjusted OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16–6.80; adjusted for age and creatinine, OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.00–5.91). Discrimination was moderate but imprecise (AUC 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.88). At the ≥2 threshold, frail patients had a higher complication rate than non-frail/pre-frail patients (77.8% vs. 33.3%; Fisher’s exact p = 0.046; exact OR 6.5, 95% CI 0.92–80.65), with sensitivity 50.0% and specificity 87.5%; length of stay was marginally longer in frail patients (p = 0.035). No grade ≥ III complications or deaths occurred. Conclusions: In this small single-center cohort, a higher 5-IFi score was associated with grade ≥ II complications, consistent after limited adjustment. Given the small sample, imprecise estimates, and exclusively grade II events, these findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Multicenter validation is required before the 5-IFi can guide preoperative risk stratification or prehabilitation triage. Full article

Background and Objectives: Ketamine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) are NMDA receptor antagonists that act through distinct mechanisms. Preclinical data indicate that their analgesic interaction is sequence-dependent: ketamine administered before MgSO₄ produces synergistic antinociception, whereas the reversed sequence is antagonistic. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS 0–10, at rest and on movement) and cumulative intravenous morphine consumption over 48 h, evaluated in patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy to test the hypothesis of sequence-dependent analgesic interaction. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 208 patients scheduled for elective open radical nephrectomy received two sequential intravenous boluses intraoperatively: Drug A immediately after induction, Drug B 10 min later. Agents were ketamine 0.2 mg/kg, MgSO₄ 15 mg/kg, or placebo (0.9% NaCl) in all nine possible combinations. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (NRS 0–10, at rest and on movement) and cumulative intravenous morphine consumption, assessed at 14 time points over 48 h. Secondary outcomes included sedation, nausea, vomiting, and the presence of hallucinations. Results: The ketamine → MgSO₄ (K → Mg) sequence significantly reduced NRS pain scores compared to placebo at multiple time points, including 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 32 h postoperatively, with differences exceeding the minimum clinically important difference of 2 NRS points at the earliest assessments. The MgSO₄ → ketamine (Mg → K) sequence did not differ from placebo at any time point. Cumulative morphine consumption was comparable across groups. No hallucinations or psychomimetic events were observed. Conclusions: Intraoperative ketamine followed by MgSO₄ (K → Mg) provides clinically meaningful postoperative analgesia after open radical nephrectomy; the reversed sequence (Mg → K) offers no benefit over placebo. These findings provide the first clinical confirmation of sequence-dependent NMDA receptor antagonism and support the K → Mg protocol as a safe, simple addition to multimodal perioperative analgesia. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN83633282. Full article

Background/Objectives: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) occurs in 4–10% of patients and represents one of the most technically demanding scenarios in urologic surgery. Open radical nephrectomy with en bloc thrombectomy remains the gold standard for infradiaphragmatic disease (Mayo Levels 0–III), offering the only realistic prospect for long-term cure. This narrative review provides a technically oriented, evidence-based guide for surgical urologists managing these complex cases. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (1970–March 2025) using terms related to RCC, venous tumor thrombus, IVC thrombectomy, and perioperative management. Priority was given to prospective studies, systematic reviews, large retrospective cohorts, and current guidelines (EAU 2025, NCCN v2.2024). Original intraoperative photographs supplement procedural descriptions. Results: We detail the complete perioperative pathway: VTT classification (Mayo/AJCC), multimodal imaging, patient optimization, and level-specific open surgical techniques—ranging from Satinsky clamping for Level 0–I thrombi to full piggyback liver mobilization with hepatic vascular exclusion for Level III disease. Contemporary perioperative mortality is <2% at high-volume centers (reported in single and multicenter retrospective series from high-volume institutions), with 5-year cancer-specific survival of approximately 50–60% in non-metastatic cases. Adjuvant pembrolizumab is now a standard of care following the KEYNOTE-564 trial. Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor combinations show promising VTT downstaging rates (44–100%), though their role remains investigational. Robotic-assisted thrombectomy demonstrates favorable perioperative outcomes for Level I–II thrombi at experienced centers. Conclusions: Open surgery remains the cornerstone of curative treatment for RCC with infradiaphragmatic VTT, requiring meticulous preoperative planning and multidisciplinary collaboration at high-volume centers. Integration of perioperative systemic therapies and robotic-assisted approaches holds promise for further improving outcomes in this challenging patient population. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of female surgeons in urology has been steadily increasing. We performed a contemporary review of American Board of Urology (ABU) case logs focused on oncologic procedures and evaluated the role of female surgeons over the past two decades. Methods: Operative logs from ABU examinees from 2003 to 2023 were analyzed. We identified open-approach (OA) and minimally invasive (MIS) radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN), radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), radical prostatectomy (RP), and adrenalectomy (RA) using CPT codes. Total case volumes as well as reported fellowship training were recorded and tabulated. The counts and proportions of OA and MIS procedures were analyzed over time and by surgeon gender. Results: From 2003 to 2023, 54,972 surgical procedures were reported to ABU with only 2.1% (1127) being performed by female surgeons. Of these, 32.5% (366) were OA and 67.5% (761) were MIS. Despite the low overall composition of female-performed procedures, the number of surgeries performed by females increased over time. Among female surgeons, the proportion of MIS surgeries increased over time, from 37.5% to 71.5% in 2003–2009 to 2017–2023, respectively. Females versus males performed comparably for OA for RN and RA; however, females performed more open PN, RNU, and RP than their male counterparts. Moreover, the number of procedures performed by oncology fellowship-trained females increased significantly. Conclusions: Our analysis of over twenty years of data submitted to the ABU indicates that the surgical volume of oncologic procedures by female urologists has been increasing. These findings demonstrate the increased contributions by female surgeons to the field urologic oncology. Full article

Radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy is a technically complex procedure. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently employed for managing high-level thrombi, yet its impact on surgical outcomes remains uncertain. This study evaluated the outcomes of radical nephrectomy with level III/IV thrombectomy with or without CPB. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with renal cell carcinoma and level III/IV (Mayo classification) thrombi who underwent open radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy at our center between January 2000 and December 2023. Perioperative and survival outcomes were compared between patients in the CPB and non-CPB groups. Multivariable regression identified clinical factors associated with all-grade complications and survival. Primary and secondary outcomes were 90-day complications and overall survival. Fifty-seven patients were included: 30 (53%) in the CPB group and 27 (47%) in the non-CPB group. Within 90 days, overall complication and mortality rates were 49% and 10.5%; no statistically significant differences were observed between groups. In multivariable models, CPB was not independently associated with 90-day complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.13–2.12, p = 0.4) or overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% CI 0.65–2.78, p = 0.41). In our cohort, we did not find CPB use to independently influence perioperative complications or survival outcomes in radical nephrectomy with level III/IV IVC thrombectomy. Full article

Introduction and Objectives: Local recurrence (LR) in patients treated with surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a significant clinical challenge that requires thorough investigation. Our study aimed to identify the relative risk factors and explore the optimal clinical management of LR. Materials and Methods: We conducted a non-randomized, observational, retrospective multicentric registry involving multiple Italian urological centers. We included patients treated with surgery (either nephron-sparing or radical nephrectomy) who later developed LR, defined as recurrence in the ipsilateral kidney or renal fossa. Patients with hereditary syndromes or metastatic disease at the time of LR diagnosis were excluded. Results: We reported 135 cases of LR with the following characteristics: most primary lesions were monofocal (85.7%), with a median size of 42 mm (23–53), the median R.E.N.A.L. score was 7 (6–8), and the median Padua score was 7 (6–9). Patients were treated with robot-assisted techniques in 59% of cases, laparoscopic surgery in 32.4%, and open surgery in 8.6%. Nephron-sparing surgery was performed in 75.2% of cases. Ischemia occurred in 61% of the cases, with a median ischemia time of 21 min (15.5–24). Intraoperative complications occurred in 3.8% of cases, while postoperative complications were reported in 13.8%, all of which were grade ≤3 according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. The primary tumors were pT1a in 43.5% of cases, pT1b in 26.3%, pT2 in 14.7% and pT3 in 15.5%. Histologically, 84% of cases were clear cell, 11.3% papillary type 1 or 2, and 3.7% chromophobe. Sarcomatoid/rhabdoid variants were present in 10.5% of cases. The median rate of LR was 1.3% (range 0.2–3.6), while the median time to LR was 18 months (12–39). LR occurred in the ipsilateral kidney in 70.5% of cases and in the ipsilateral renal fossa in 29.5%. The median rate of PSM in LR cases at initial surgery was 2.4% (range 0–4.3), while the median rate of negative surgical margin (NSM) in LR cases at initial surgery was 0.1 (0–0.3). Following LR diagnosis, most patients (49.2%) underwent surgery, 29.1% received cryoablation or radiotherapy, 17.1% received systemic treatment alone, and 4.6% followed a watchful waiting/active surveillance approach. At a median follow-up of 62 months, the highest oncological control in terms of 5-year cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates was achieved in surgically treated patients. The PSM, the histological variant, and their combination were found to be independent variables correlated with the occurrence of LR, with relative risks of 3.62, 2.71, and 8.12, respectively. Conclusions: LR after nephron-sparing or radical nephrectomy represents a significant clinical dilemma. Known risk factors are not always sufficient to predict recurrence, emphasizing the necessity of consistent radiological follow-up per guideline recommendations. Early detection of recurrence and a multidisciplinary approach involving expert centers are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Full article

Robotic-assisted surgery has gradually established its role in uro-oncological cases that demand a high level of precision, optimising surgeon ergonomics and decreasing fatigue whilst maintaining optimal clinical outcomes. With the novel Hinotori surgical robot (Medicaroid Corporation (Kobe, Hyogo, Japan)) launched in Japan back in 2019, it has now demonstrated its use case across various clinical series of different surgeries. We sought to narratively synthesise the initial feasibility of the Hinotori robotic system in urology. A systematic, comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases from September 2024 to October 2024. Relevant keywords within the scope of this study were generated for a more accurate search. After exclusion and removal of duplicates, a total of nine articles were included for review. Among the included studies, one study reported data solely on radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, two studies reported on robotic-assisted nephroureterectomy for renal tumours, two studies reported on partial nephrectomy performed for renal masses, two studies reported on radical nephrectomy carried out for renal malignancies and one study reported on robotic-assisted adrenalectomy for adrenal cancer. Lastly, one study collectively reported on outcomes pertaining to partial nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, vesicourethral anastomosis and pelvic lymph node dissection in a porcine model, as well as partial nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in cadavers. The current literature supports its non-inferiority to the well-established Da Vinci system, with no major drawbacks or concerns identified when comparing parameters such as intraoperative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), perioperative events (transfusions, conversion to open surgery), length of hospital stay and major postoperative complications. Future studies involving larger cohorts and more complex surgical cases are essential to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Hinotori system. The new Hinotori robotic system offers unique three-dimensional features as a non-inferior robotic platform alternative that has proven clinically safe thus far in its use. Larger scale studies and randomised trials are eagerly awaited to assess and validate more holistically its clinical utility. Full article

Background: Oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign renal tumors that may mimic malignant lesions on imaging. With the increasing use of partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal masses, accurate preoperative characterization of these lesions is essential. This study highlights the role of partial nephrectomy as a valuable diagnostic tool in situations where imaging is inconclusive or raises concern for malignancy without definitive confirmation. In the absence of a reliable preoperative diagnosis, partial nephrectomy provides direct histologic verification with minimal perioperative morbidity. Moreover, it offers curative potential when malignancy is present. By achieving both diagnostic certainty and renal preservation, this approach is well-suited for clinical scenarios in which imaging ambiguity might otherwise result in overtreatment through radical surgery or undertreatment Material and methods: in this retrospective study, we reviewed our 5-year experience (2019–2024), 188 partial nephrectomies—including bilateral procedures and operations on solitary kidneys—using robotic and open approaches. All of these 30 tumors were solid renal masses with indeterminate imaging features or suspicious characteristics suggestive of malignancy, further underscoring the limitations of current preoperative diagnostic modalities. Results: Histopathological evaluation confirmed benign renal tumors in 30 cases, with oncocytoma diagnosed in 18 cases (16 robotic, 2 open) and AML in 12 cases (9 robotic, 3 open). Conclusions: Even when imaging raises suspicion of malignancy or remains inconclusive, many small renal masses are ultimately confirmed as benign upon histopathological examination. This study underscores the diagnostic uncertainty associated with small renal tumors and highlights the value of partial nephrectomy as a decisive diagnostic intervention. In situations where non-invasive modalities fail to provide definitive answers, partial nephrectomy offers tissue confirmation with minimal morbidity. Furthermore, when malignancy is present, this approach ensures appropriate oncologic management while preserving renal function. Our findings support the integration of this strategy into routine clinical practice, particularly when diagnostic clarity is essential for guiding safe and effective treatment. Full article

Objectives: To compare the perioperative complications between robot-assisted (RARN) and laparoscopic (LRN) radical nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Nephrectomy-Targeted database from 2019 to 2021. After using propensity score matching, we assessed the association between LRN vs. RARN and the outcomes of interest (primary outcomes of 30-day mortality, return to the operating room, myocardial infarction, and stroke; and secondary outcomes of perioperative complications and nephrectomy-specific outcomes). Results: Among the 1545 patients in the study (mean age: 62.9 ± 11.8 years), 722 underwent RARN and 823 underwent LRN. We did not observe any differences in the major complications between the two approaches. However, LRN was associated with an increased chance of surgical site infections compared with RARN (LRN 2.68% vs. RARN 1.19%, p = 0.047). LRN was also associated with a higher likelihood of a prolonged length of stay (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.06, p = 0.004) and had a 2.7 times higher chance of conversion rate to open surgery (OR 3.70, 95% CI: 3.25, 4.15, p < 0.001) relative to RARN. However, RARN was associated with a longer operative time than LRN (estimated coefficient 30.67, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found no significant difference in the major complications between RARN and LRN for patients undergoing radical nephrectomy. At the expense of a somewhat longer operative time, RARN was associated with a lower risk of SSI and a lower conversion rate to open RN. LRN and RARN should both be considered and selected on an individualized basis using tumor, patient, and physician factors. Full article

Objectives: The advent of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has marked a new era in minimally invasive surgery, establishing itself as a preferred method for managing renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, even within the same center, variations in the use of robotic arms during RAPN have been reported. In this study, we aim to explore differences in efficiency, safety, and hospital costs between three-arm and four-arm RAPN. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 91 patients who underwent RAPN in Tongji Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients in the three-arm group (with the use of three robotic arms and two assistant ports) and 41 patients in the four-arm group (with the use of four robotic arms and one assistant port). Patients’ demographics and tumor characteristics, operative outcomes, and hospital costs were recorded. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed on age, gender, body mass index, laterality, RENAL score, tumor stage, and pathological grade. We compared three-arm with four-arm RAPN groups based on operative outcomes, and hospital costs. Results: In total, 50 and 41 patients underwent three-arm and four-arm RAPN. All procedures were successfully executed without the need to convert to open surgery or radical nephrectomy. After matching, the four-arm configuration demonstrated a numerically longer total operative time compared with the three-arm approach (146.5 vs. 120.0 min, p = 0.068). Hospital costs in the four-arm group were significantly higher than those in the three-arm group (76,922.5 vs. 68,406.7 CNY, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Both the three-arm and four-arm robotic approaches demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy in RAPN procedures. Nevertheless, the four-arm approach is associated with elevated hospital costs. The preliminary findings suggest potential cost containment disadvantages for the four-arm technique in selected cases, though larger multicenter studies are essential. Full article

Background and Objective: We aimed to evaluate current trends and complications after radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy and to provide evidence on the role of the annual hospital caseload on perioperative outcomes. Methods: We used the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND), provided by the German Bureau of Statistics (2005–2022). All hospitals performing radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy were subclassified based on their annual caseload to low- (<3 cases/year), intermediate- (3–9 cases/year), and high-volume centers (≥10 cases/year). We included 3608 patients. Key Findings and Limitations: Overall, 1880 (52%) patients underwent surgery in low-, 1466 (40%) in intermediate-, and 848 (8%) in high-volume centers. Most patients (3574, 99%) underwent open surgery. The number of patients undergoing radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy has decreased in the last years. Patients undergoing surgery in low-, intermediate- and high-volume centers had similar baseline characteristics. Operation in high-volume centers, compared to low-volume centers, was associated with lower odds of intensive care unit admission (29% versus 45%, OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7, p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay by 3.9 days (95% CI: 2.2–5.6, p < 0.001). Importantly, for every additional case performed annually, hospitals improve their perioperative outcomes in terms of mortality (p = 0.032), intensive care unit admissions (p = 0.002), acute kidney disease (p = 0.029), and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Conclusions and Clinical Implications: The present real-world data demonstrate that, for every additional case performed annually, hospitals improve their perioperative outcomes in terms of major perioperative complications. Full article

Renal masses are uncommon during pregnancy; they represent the most frequently encountered urological cancer in pregnant patients and require careful surgical planning. The introduction of robotic surgical systems aims to address these challenges by simplifying intra-corporeal suturing and reducing technical complexity. Robot-assisted laparoscopic renal surgery offers potential benefits over both open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, providing greater precision and reduced invasiveness, particularly in tumor excision and suturing. Although urological tumors during pregnancy are rare, early detection significantly improves outcomes by enabling intervention before the tumor advances and while the uterus remains relatively small. The decision regarding the timing and necessity of surgery in pregnant patients requires a careful assessment of maternal health, fetal development, and the progression of the disease. Risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes should be explained, and the patient’s decision about pregnancy termination should be considered. Radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery are essential treatments for the management of renal tumors. Effective management demands close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team and the patient to ensure individualized care. The aim of this review was to evaluate the renal tumors during pregnancy in terms of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and the safety of a robot-assisted laparoscopic approach in the management of these tumors. Full article

Due to their proximity to the left renal hilum, injuries to the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk are still reported during left radical nephrectomy, whether performed via open, laparoscopic, or robotic methods. The aim of this 50-year narrative review is to emphasize the anatomical and pathophysiological bases, risk factors, and strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such injuries. Full article

Metastasis to the penis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or any other primary cancer site is unusual; when it does occur, it often involves multiple organs. A 75-year-old man presented with penile pain and swelling. Three months earlier, he had open radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy and was diagnosed with clear-cell RCC with tumor thrombosis in the inferior vena cava. The follow-up imaging indicated metastasis to the penis, prompting a total penectomy due to worsening pain. The excised mass displayed features consistent with metastatic RCC. This case underscores the need to consider rare metastatic sites, such as the metastasis of RCC to the penis, in RCC patients. Full article

No studies are currently evaluating the quality of recovery (QoR) after open radical nephrectomy (ORN) and epidural morphine analgesia. This was a randomized, prospective, and controlled study that explored the QoR on the first postoperative day after ORN. Eighty subjects were randomized into two groups. The first group received general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia with morphine and ropivacaine. The second group received general anesthesia and continuous postoperative intravenous analgesia with tramadol. Both groups received multimodal analgesia with metamizole. The primary outcome measure was the total QoR-40 score. The secondary outcome measures were QoR-15, QoR-VAS, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, anxiety, and nausea. The median difference in the QoR-40 score after 24 postoperative hours between the two groups of patients was 10 (95% CI: 15 to 5), p < 0.0001. The median score and IQR of QoR-40 during the first 24 postoperative hours in the epidural group was 180 (9.5), and in the control group, it was 170 (13). The general independence test for secondary outcomes between groups was significant (p < 0.01). QoR-VAS was correlated with QoR-40 (r = 0.63, p ≤ 0.001) and with QoR-15 (r = 0.54, p ≤ 0.001). The total QoR-40 and QoR-15 alpha coefficients with a 95% CI were 0.88 (0.85–0.92) and 0.73 (0.64–0.81), respectively. There was a significant difference in the QoR between the epidural and the control groups after ORN. The QoR-40 and QoR-15 showed good convergent validity and reliability. Full article