Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy: A case series

TL;DR

This study examines a complex surgical procedure combining radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy for advanced bladder cancer and kidney dysfunction.

Contribution

The study provides clinical outcomes and surgical approach details for a rare combined procedure in treating multifocal urothelial cancer.

Findings

Combined RCNU was performed in 8 male patients with high-grade urothelial carcinoma and kidney dysfunction.

Mean overall survival was 21.8 months with 62.5% of patients having incidental prostate cancer.

The procedure was effective for panurothelial cancer and MIBC with upper tract dysfunction.

Abstract

Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy (RCNU) is a complex procedure. Although performed infrequently, RCNU may be indicated in certain cases of multifocal high grade urothelial carcinoma (UC) or muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with an obstructed and atrophic kidney. The aim of this study was to review the indications, operative approach and outcomes for patients undergoing RCNU in our institution.

A single-centre, retrospective review was performed. Cases were identified by reviewing theatre logbooks. Chart reviews were conducted and clinicopathological outcomes were recorded and analysed.

Eight patients were identified between 2015–2024. All were male and had a mean age of 66.4 ± 4.7 years. All patients underwent RCNU with ileal conduit formation. The surgical approach for the nephroureterectomy was laparoscopic in four cases and open in the remaining four. The mean post-operative length of stay was 11.6 ± 1.75 days. All patients had high grade UC, seven patients had MIBC at presentation. Only two patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, one of whom achieved a complete pathological response. In total, 62.5% (n=5) had T3/4 disease while 50% (n=4) had node positive disease. Two patients had synchronous upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) on final histology. The remaining cases had chronically obstructed and atrophic kidneys. Incidental primary prostate cancer was found in 62.5% (n=5). The mean follow-up was 31.6 ± 7 months, during which time there were four recurrences with three patients dying from metastatic disease. The mean overall survival was 21.8 ± 11.8 months and the mean disease-free survival was 19.3 ± 12.3 months.

The results from this study demonstrate that combined laparoscopic and open RCNU is an effective treatment for both panurothelial cancer and MIBC with severe upper tract dysfunction.