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Long‐term outcome of endoscopic biopsy and subsequent nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract tumor
Author(s) -
Minowada Shigeru,
Homma Yukio,
Takeuchi Takumi,
Kamijo Toshiyuki,
Kitamura Tadaichi
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1442-2042
pISSN - 0919-8172
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-2042.2001.00236.x
Subject(s) - medicine , biopsy , upper urinary tract , surgery , urinary system , adverse effect , urology , radiology
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.