BACKGROUND: Upper urinary tract tumors can be biopsied using a flexible ureterorenoscope. This study examined retrospectively possible adverse effects of this procedure on patient outcome. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 16 consecutive patients with renal pelvic tumor (n = 13) and upper ureteral tumor (n = 3). All subjects underwent endoscopic biopsy of their tumor and subsequent total nephroureterectomy between 1989 and 1995. The follow-up period ranged from 4.1 to 9.5 (mean 5.2) years. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate was 87.0%, being 100% in 12 patients with tumors of grade 1 or 2. In contrast, of four patients with grade 3 tumor, three (75%) developed systemic lymphogenous and/or multiple lung metastases within 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent patient outcomes deny any adverse effect of endoscopic biopsy on patients with grade 1 or 2 tumor. However, the endoscopic procedure should be performed prudently when a high grade tumor is suspected.
BACKGROUND: Upper urinary tract tumors can be biopsied using a flexible ureterorenoscope. This study examined retrospectively possible adverse effects of this procedure on patient outcome. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 16 consecutive patients with renal pelvic tumor (n = 13) and upper ureteral tumor (n = 3). All subjects underwent endoscopic biopsy of their tumor and subsequent total nephroureterectomy between 1989 and 1995. The follow-up period ranged from 4.1 to 9.5 (mean 5.2) years. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate was 87.0%, being 100% in 12 patients with tumors of grade 1 or 2. In contrast, of four patients with grade 3 tumor, three (75%) developed systemic lymphogenous and/or multiple lung metastases within 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent patient outcomes deny any adverse effect of endoscopic biopsy on patients with grade 1 or 2 tumor. However, the endoscopic procedure should be performed prudently when a high grade tumor is suspected.
Authors: G Carrafiello; F Fontana; M Mangini; A M Ierardi; E Cotta; F Piacentino; M De Chiara; C Floridi; A Di Massa; A M Marconi; C Fugazzola Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2012-02-10 Impact factor: 3.469