More than ancillary records: clinical implications of renal pathology examination in tumor nephrectomy specimens

Background Nephrectomy is the management of choice for the treatment of renal tumors. Surgical pathologists primarily focus on tumor diagnosis and investigations relating to prognosis or therapy. Pathological changes in non-neoplastic tissue may, however, be relevant for further management and should be thoroughly assessed. Methods Here, we examined the non-neoplastic renal parenchyma in 206 tumor nephrectomy specimens for the presence of glomerular, tubulo-interstitial, or vascular lesions, and correlated them with clinical parameters and outcome of renal function. Results We analyzed 188 malignant and 18 benign or pseudo-tumorous lesions. The most common tumor type was clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC, n = 106) followed by papillary or urothelial carcinomas (n = 25). Renal pathology examination revealed the presence of kidney disease in 39 cases (18.9%). Glomerulonephritis was found in 15 cases (7.3%), and the most frequent was IgA nephropathy (n = 6; 2.9%). Vasculitis was found in two cases (0.9%). In 15 cases we found tubulo-interstitial nephritis, and in 9 severe diabetic or hypertensive nephropathy. Partial nephrectomy was not linked to better eGFR at follow-up. Age, vascular nephropathy, glomerular scarring and interstitial fibrosis were the leading independent negative factors influencing eGFR at time of surgery, whereas proteinuria was associated with reduced eGFR at 1 year. Conclusion Our large study population indicates a high incidence of renal diseases potentially relevant for the postoperative management of patients with renal neoplasia. Consistent and systematic reporting of non-neoplastic renal pathology in tumor nephrectomy specimens should therefore be mandatory.

LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY IN FATAL CHILDREN WITH WILMS TUMOR

Over the past decades, minimally invasive surgical procedures have been widely applied in the field of pediatric urology. However, very few cases of possible laparoscopic removal of a nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumor) in children have been reported, especially during the 1st year of life. In this study, we estimated our experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms’ tumor in young children. 5 children with unilateral Wilms’ tumor who were less than 1 year of age and underwent radical nephrectomy via laparoscopic approach were observed from 2010 to 2017. During the intervention, the average age of the patients was 7.4 months. All children who underwent the laparoscopic surgery had a favourable early perioperative period. No continuous tumor growth, tumor implantation in the perioperative wound and trocar-related injury were noted. No delayed complications were found during the 12 to 60 month control period. The observed patients had no phenomena of renal insufficiency. The survival rate was 92.9%. Laparoscopic tumor nephrectomy is feasible in infants. It can be performed when the Wilms’ tumor reaches a volume of no more than 70 cm3 at specialized pediatric hospitals that provide oncological and urological services.