Diagnosing upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A review of the role of diagnostic ureteroscopy and novel developments over last two decades

Objective: The role of ureteroscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is yet to be fully determined. We aimed to provide an up to date evaluation of its role and the emerging technologies in the field.Methods: A literature search of the last two decades (from 24th May, 2001 to 24th May, 2021) was carried out identifying 147 papers for potential inclusion within this narrative review.Results: Diagnostic ureteroscopy is undeniably useful in its ability to visualise and biopsy indeterminate lesions, and to risk stratify malignant lesions that may be suitable for kidney sparing surgery. However, an increased risk of intravesical recurrence following nephroureterectomy when a prior diagnostic ureteroscopy has been performed, inadequate sampling at biopsy, complications from the procedure, and difficult ureteric access are all potential drawbacks. Furthermore, whilst generally an accurate diagnostic procedure, it risks missing carcinoma in-situ lesions. Despite this, evidence shows that routine use of ureteroscopy changes the management of patients in a large proportion of cases, preventing unnecessary surgery or facilitating kidney sparing surgery. The overall rate of complications is low, and improved biopsy techniques and the use of tissue biomarkers for improved staging and grading are encouraging. The risks of delays to definitive management and post-ureteroscopy intravesical recurrence do not seem to affect survival, and trials are in progress to determine whether intravesical therapy can mitigate the latter. Further promising techniques are being investigated to improve shortcomings, particularly in relation to improved diagnosis of carcinoma in situ and preoperative staging.Conclusion: Ureteroscopy has a role in the diagnosis of upper tract malignancy, though whether it should be used routinely is yet to be determined.

Percutaneous resection of upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma:When,how,and is it safe?

Introduction:In the management of upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma(UTUC)endoscopic,nephron sparing procedures like ureterorenoscopy(URS)or percutaneous tumour resection(PCTR)still play a very limited role.This could lead to possible unnecessary radical nephroureterectomies(RNU),still being the gold standard treatment.The risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)later in life is important.In this study we present the results of 24-year experience with PCTR in a single institution.Methods:We identified 44 patients who underwent PCTR between 1992 and 2015.Radical resection was achieved in 40 patients who were included in this study.Demographic and clinical data,including tumour recurrence,progression to RNU,tumour grade and overall survival(OS)were retrospectively acquired.An outcome analysis was conducted.Results:Median age at diagnosis was 68 years(range 42-94 years).Low grade tumours were found in 37 patients(92.5%)and high grade tumours in three patients(7.5%).Median followup was 53 months during which 20 patients developed upper tract recurrences(50.0%).The longest time to recurrence was 97 months.At follow-up 11 patients(27.5%)underwent an RNU and two patients died from UTUC.RNU could be avoided in 29 patients(72.5%).In this study we found that multifocality is a significant risk factor for recurrence,but not for stage progression to RNU.Conclusion:PCTR is a surgically and oncologically safe procedure.Renal preservation in patients with UTUC who are eligible for percutaneous resection can be achieved in the majority of patients.Selection criteria for PCTR should be further refined,leading to a wider application of PCTR in the future.Follow-up needs invasive procedures and should be long term.

Oncological impact of different distal ureter managements during radical nephroureterectomy for primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND The current standard surgical treatment for non-metastatic upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC)is radical nephroureterectomy(RNU)with bladder cuff excision(BCE).Typically,BCE techniques are classified in one of the following three categories:An open technique described as intrasvesical incision of the bladder cuff,a transurethral incision of the bladder cuff(TUBC),and an extravesical incision of the bladder cuff(EVBC)method.Even though each of these management techniques are widely used,there is no consensus about which surgical intervention is superior,with the best oncologic outcomes.AIM To investigate the oncological outcomes of three BCE methods during RNU for primary UTUC patients.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 248 primary UTUC patients,who underwent RNU with BCE between January 2004 to December 2018.Patients were analyzed according to each BCE method.Data extracted included patient demographics,perioperative parameters,and oncological outcomes.Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and log-rank tests.The Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized to identify independent predictors.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Of the 248 participants,39.9%(n=99)underwent intrasvesical incision of the bladder cuff,38.7%(n=96)EVBC,and 21.4%(n=53)TUBC.At a median followup of 44.2 mo,bladder recurrence developed in 17.2%,12.5%,and 13.2%of the cases,respectively.Cancer-specific deaths occurred in 11.1%,5.2%,and 7.5%of patients,respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival curves with a log-rank test highlighted no significant differences in intravesical recurrence-free survival,cancer-specific survival,and overall survival among these approaches with P values of 0.987,0.825,and 0.497,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that the lower ureter location appears to have inferior intravesical recurrence-free survival(P=0.042).However,cancer-specific survival and overall survival were independently influenced by tumor stage(hazard ratio[HR]=8.439;95%con
dence interval:2.424-29.377;P=0.001)and lymph node status(HR=14.343;95%CI:5.176-39.745;P<0.001).CONCLUSION All three techniques had comparable outcomes;although,EVBC and TUBC are minimally invasive.While based upon rather limited data,these findings will support urologists in blending experience with evidence to inform patient choices.However,larger,rigorously designed,multicenter studies with long term outcomes are still required.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: A systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas(LELCs)are rare,malignant epithelial tumors,generally considered a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma.LELCs are undifferentiated and can occur in multiple tissues,although LELCs in the urinary tract are extremely rare.As such,evidence does not provide clinicians with guidelines for the best practices.Even though this is a rare disease,it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Therefore,we must learn to differentiate LELC types and identify risk factors for early identification.AIM To develop an evidence base to guide clinicians treating primary LELCs of the upper urinary tract(UUT-LELC).METHODS We performed a systematic review of all reports on UUT-LELC from the first published case in 1998 until October 2019,according to the PRISMA.A database was then developed by extracting data from previously published reports in order to analyze interactions between clinical characteristics,pathological features,interventions and outcomes.Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates,which were compared using log rank tests.RESULTS A total of 28 previously published cases were identified for inclusion.The median age was 72 years with a male to female ratio of 4:3.Pure type LELCs were most common with 48.3%(n=14),followed by 37.9%(n=11)predominant LELCs and 3.4%(n=1)focal LELCs.Epstein-Barr virus testing was negative in all cases.Fourteen patients received radical nephroureterectomy(RNU)-based intervention.Twenty-three patients survived with no evidence of further metastasis,although six died before the median 18 mo follow-up point.Survival analysis suggests pure histological subtypes,and patients who receive complete tumor resection have more favorable prognoses.As always in cancer care,early identification generally increases the probability of interventional success.CONCLUSION The most effective treatment for UUT-LELC is RNU-based therapy.Since cases are few in number,case reporting must be enhanced and publishing encouraged to both save and prolong lives.

Contemporary management of upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma(UTUCC),formerly known as transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract,is a rare oncologic disease in Western countries.Thus its disease process and its management are not as well defined as other urologic cancers. We are reviewing the current evidence based literature available to develop a plan for the treatment of UTUCC. A Pub Med search was completed using the key words "upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma","epidemiology","risk factor","treatment" and "prognosis". Six hundred fifty two articles were found. We narrowed our search to articles published between January 2004 and June 2016 for a more contemporary review of the topic. Four hundred seventy articles were then available for review. Further detailed search was performed for relevance on the topic and hundred one articles were selected for the review. Many risk factors have been found to be associated with the development of UTUCC,including tobacco use. Patients are often asymptomatic and may only present with microscopic or gross hematuria. Tumor grade and stage are pivotal in determining the treatment options for UTUCC. Advancements in endoscopic techniques have aided in the diagnosis,grading and treatment of this disease. Treatment options include topical therapy,with combinations of methotrexate,vinblastine,doxorubicin and cisplatin or gemcitibine or cisplatin,endoscopic resection,segmental ureterectomy and ureteral implantation,and nephroureterectomy,including bladder cuff. Treatment recommendations depend on tumor grade and stage,renal function,tumor location and the patient's prognosis. There are currently no tissue or blood-based biomarkers available to accurately monitor the disease. Further studies of gene expression and biomarkers may hopefully improve the management of this disease. Although rare in many countries,UTUCC is becoming more prevalent due to exposure to carcinogenic herbal remedies and other identifiable risk factors. Numerous treatment modalities,both surgical and chemotherapeutic,have been utilized to treat both low and high grade UTUCC tumors. Additional clinical trials are necessary to further develop methods for screening,treatment,and surveillance to improve management.

Segmental ureteroileal conduit resection for the treatment of distal upper urinary tract recurrence of bladder cancer fol lowing cystectomy

Segmental ureterectomy is less invasive than radical nephroureterectomy and results in nephron preservation and satisfactory tumor control.This study was to determine the feasibility of segmental ureteroileal conduit resection(SUICR) for patients with distal upper urinary tract recurrence of bladder cancer following radical cystectomy.Four patients with high-grade distal upper urinary tract recurrence underwent SUICR 15-108 months after radical cystectomy.The surgical technique details of SUICR,operative results,and follow-up outcomes are reported.The median operation time was 280 min,and estimated blood loss was less than 100 ml One patient suffered from ileus 5 days after surgery and was managed conservatively.Histopathologic evaluation showed high-grade stages pTa-pT1 diseases for these patients,and ureteral margins were all negative.No patient suffered from tumor recurrence,with a median follow-up of 39 months.SUICR preserved the ipsilateral renal unit and conformed to oncological principles during surgery.The oncological outcome was satisfactory for these properly selected patients.This technique provides a valid alternative to nephroureterectomy for patients with imperative indications and high-grade upper urinary tract recurrence of bladder cancer following radical cystectomy.

Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma-Update

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas(UTUCs)are uncommon and account for only 5%e10%of urothelial carcinomas.Pyelocaliceal tumors are about twice as common as ureteral tumors.Sixty percent of UTUCs are invasive at diagnosis.Radical nephroureterectomy,including the excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff is standard of care for treatment of localized UTUCs,because of the high potential for recurrence,multifocality,and progression.Since first laparoscopic nephroureterectomy(LNU)was introduced by Clayman et al.in 1991 and improvement of laparoscopic technique and equipment,LNU has been reported to be equivalent to conventional open method.We reviewed the current literature of patients with UTUCs treated by LNU focusing on technical aspects,peri-operative and oncological outcomes.Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy offers the advantages of minimally invasive surgery without deteriorating the oncological outcome for treatment of UTUCs.Indications tend to increase as operator skills increase.Indications for laparoscopic or open nephroureterectomy are in principle the same.The basic requirement for laparoscopic surgery in UTUCs is to achieve benefits of minimal invasive surgery and maintain oncologic principles.

Poor visualization of renal collecting system in intravenous urography as an indicator of invasive transitional cell carcinoma in the upper urinary tract

Background Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract （UUT-TCC） accounts for 5% to 10% of all renal tumours and 5% to 6% of all urothelial tumours all over the world. In China, the proportion of UUT-TCC to all urothelial tumours may be 26%, which is higher than that in the western world. The early diagnosis of UUT-TCC is difficult and the present study elucidates the diagnostic value of poor or nonvisualization （PNV） in intravenous urography in patients with UUT-TCC and its correlations with pathological findings and clinical characteristics. Methods The data of 172 consecutive patients between January 1997 and January 2005 with UUT-TCC who underwent nephroureterectomy in our departments were selected and analyzed retrospectively. Results Of our sample, 144 cases presented with gross haematuria （83.7%） and 12 with microscopic haematuria （7.0%）. Forty-six cases （26.7%） were detectable by cytology. Filling defect identified 36 positive cases of 172 patients （20.9%）, PNV was present in the images of 105 of 172 patients （61.0%）. The detection rate by PNV （61.0%） was significantly different from that by cytology （26.7%） or by filling defect （20.9%） （P=-0.031, P=-0.001, respectively）. Univariate logistic regression analysis for PNV showed that tumour stage, grade and size were significant predictors （P=0.028; P=-0.031; P=-0.006, respectively）. Tumour stage and size were identified as independent risk factors in the multivariate logistic regression model （P=-0.042; P=-0.014）.Conclusions Except for suspected urolithiasis, urinary tuberculosis or congenital abnormalities, UUT-TCC should be considered if PNV exists in intravenous urography especially of old patients. The value of PNV is much more significant than filling defect in intravenous urography in the diagnosis of UUT-TCC. It is supposed that PNV carries more risk of higher stage and larger tumour size in UTT-TCC.

Rare primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the renal pelvis

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma(LELC)is a rare,malignant epithelial tumour which can arise within the upper urinary tract.This letter adds to a previous systematic review and cumulative analysis of 28 published upper urinary tract-LELC cases which provided insight into this disease;however,the current evidence does not provide clinicians with clear guidelines due to its rarity.Therefore,the aim was to report a new case of renal pelvis LELC presented in our hospital.In this instance,we were able to report treatment experience and longterm follow-up results.This patient presented with hypertension and haemturia which initiated further investigation.While ultrasound identified an hypechoic mass,no malignant cells were detected using cytological testing.Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging identified a slightly enhanced mass in the left renal pelvis with no evidence of lymph node metastasis.Ureteroscopic tumor biopsy suggested the existence of urothelial carcinoma,hence,laparoscopic radical left nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision was performed.Through patientpractitioner consultations,we decided to adopt a"watch and wait"approach after radical nephroureterectomy rather than administering chemotherapy.Although,we would encourage clinicians to record and publish cases to garner insight into this type of malignant disease.

Clipping the extremity of ureter prior to nephroureterectomy is effective in preventing subsequent bladder recurrence after upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Background Bladder recurrent disease is still a challenge in the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma （UTUC）. This controlled study aims to investigate the efficacy of early clipping of the distal ureter prior to nephroureterectomy （NU） to prevent bladder recurrence after UTUC.

Metachronous urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis,bladder,and urethra:A case report

BACKGROUND Urothelial carcinoma(UC)is a common malignancy of the urinary system that can occur anywhere from the renal pelvis to the proximal urethra.Most UCs are in the bladder and have multifocal growth.Upper urinary tract UC(UTUC),which occurs in the renal pelvis or ureter,accounts for only 5%to 10%of UCs.CASE SUMMARY In March 2015,a 70-year-old male who initially presented to a local hospital with a complaint of painless hematuria was diagnosed with UTUC of the right renal pelvis.The doctors administered radical nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision.Although the doctors recommended intravesical chemotherapy and regular follow-up,he rejected this advice.In December 2016,the patient presented at our hospital with dysuria.We identified UC in the residual bladder and administered radical cystectomy and left cutaneous ureterostomy.In November 2021,he presented again with urethral bleeding.We detected urethral UC as the cause of urethral orifice bleeding and administered radical urethrectomy.Since then,he has visited regularly for 6-mo follow-ups,and was in stable condition as of December 2022.CONCLUSION UTUC is prone to seeding and recurrence.Adjuvant instillation therapy and intense surveillance are crucial for these patients.

Follow-Up Upper Tract Imaging Post-Nephroureterectomy for TCC: Need for a Protocol Driven Approach?

Objectives: We present a retrospective analysis of follow-up strategy adapted by different clinician in managing UTUC cases. Methods: Case notes of 83 patients undergoing nephroureterectomy for UTUC at our institute were selected. Their follow-up pattern and any imaging protocols for upper tract surveillance were studied retrospectively. Results: Our study highlighted diversity in clinicians’ overall approach at a time when no approved guidelines or standardised protocols were available. Conclusions: This study clearly highlighted the need for a protocol driven approach;which has lately been addressed with the introduction of EAU guidelines on this subject matter and majority of practising Urologists will adhere to it.

The interplay of cell cycle and DNA repair gene alterations in upper tract urothelial carcinoma:predictive and prognostic implications

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC)is rare but can occur sporadically outside the context of Lynch syndrome.In these cases,knowing whether non-mismatch repair(MMR),DNA damage response and repair(DDR),and cell cycle gene alterationsmay predict responses to chemotherapy orimmunotherapy and survival is of clinical importance.This study examined the germline and somatic mutational landscape of two UTUC patients with differential responses to programmed death 1(PD-1)/PD-ligand 1(PD-L1)immune checkpoint inhibitors and queried three independent UTUC cohort studies for co-occurrence of key cell cycle and DDR genes,as well as for their associations with overall survival(OS).TP53 and RB1 emerged as potential determinants of shorter OS in UTUC cohort patients,regardless of concurrent DDR alterations,and if prospectively assessed in larger studies they might also explain resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade despite PD-L1 expression.

1.9 μm Thulium Laser Treats Ureteral Carcinoma via Rigid-ureteroscopy

RADICAL nephroureterectomy is the gold standardtreatment for patients with upper urinary tracturothelial cell carcinomas.1 However, ureteroscopehas enabled urologists to easily approach theupper urinary tract and resect tumor.2 Patients for whomendoscopic tumor resection is recommended includedthose with a solitary kidney, renal insufficiency, bilateraltransitional cell carcinoma （TCC） of the upper urinary tract。

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour with extension to vesicoureteric junction

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour(MEST)is an uncommon renal tumour with a tendency to protrude into the collecting system.We present a 50-year-old woman with a renal tumour extending up to the vesicoureteric junction(VUJ)who was suspected to have an upper tract transitional cell carcinoma for which a nephroureterectomy was performed.Histopathologic examination revealed a MEST arising from the kidney and extending up to the VUJ.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of a renal MEST with extension to the VUJ.

Potential of metastin and metastin receptor as biomarkers for urological cancers

AIM: To investigate the current state of the research of metastin and metastin receptor in the urological cancer field.METHODS: For analyzing the value of metastin and metastin receptor as molecular biomarkers for the patients with urological cancer, MEDLINE database searches were performed using these terms: metastin, KISS1, kisspeptin, renal(cell) carcinoma(RCC), kidney cancer or urothelial cancer or bladder cancer or prostate cancer or testicular cancer(tumor). Since the articles were evaluated by the validity of the articlesbased on plausibility, credibility, and evidence levels, the articles were graded according to their level of evidence, using the grading system defined by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. RESULTS: A total of six clinical studies published by individual institutions between 2003 and 2013 were included in this review. The article numbers for each of the evidence levels 2a and 2b were three(50%) and three(50%), respectively. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using tumor tissues were performed to analyze in five articles(83%) and in one article(17%). The value of metastin and/or metastin receptor as molecular biomarkers in clear cell RCC, upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and bladder cancer was evaluated by multivariate analysis. Low expression of metastin receptor in clear cell RCC and low expression of metastin in upper tract urothelial carcinoma were significant risk factors for metastasis, and low metastin expression was an independent prognostic factor in bladder cancer. CONCLUSION: Metastin and metastin receptor have potential as suitable molecular biomarkers for urological cancers. However, future studies of metastin and metastin receptor should undergo external validation to ensure consistency across different patient series, since individual institutional studies lack generalization.

两种肾输尿管切除术中输尿管末端处理方式对比分析

目的通过回顾性研究评估经过后腹腔镜根治性肾输尿管切除术治疗的肾盂癌及上段输尿管癌患者,比较术中两种不同输尿管末端处理方式(下腹部小切口与经尿道电切)的临床疗效、安全性及预后。方法选取2012年1月至2022年12月期间于新疆医科大学第一附属医院术后病理诊断为肾盂癌或上段输尿管癌并行肾输尿管切除术治疗的108例患者资料,根据术中输尿管末端处理方式的不同,将患者分为下腹部小切口组(开放组n=58)与经尿道电切组(电切组n=50),其中开放组患者行后腹腔镜肾输尿管切除联合下腹部小切口输尿管末端切除术,电切组患者行后腹腔镜肾输尿管切除联合经尿道电切输尿管末端切除术。比较两组手术出血量、术后住院持续时间、复发情况、并发症状况。结果开放组手术时间(171±54)min,尿道组手术时间(141±37)min、两组手术持续时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术中出血量、术后的住院持续时间、复发率、术后并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论无论是治疗肾盂癌还是上段输尿管癌,使用两种输尿管末端治疗技术都是安全有效的,经尿道电切术手术时间更短,两种方式均可选择。

Transitional cell carcinoma associated with aristolochic acid nephropathy： most common cancer in chronic hemodialysis patients in China

Background The research of cancer in patients on hemodialysis （HD） in China has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histological features and outcomes of cancer in Chinese HD patients. Methods The study subjects were 49 cancer patients （1.4%） out of 3448 end stage renal disease （ESRD） patients maintained on HD at China-Japan Friendship Hospital from October 1997 to July 2011. Results Urinary tract cancer （74%） was the most common followed by gastrointestinal tract cancer （12%）, breast cancer （6%）, lung cancer （4%）, thyroid cancer （2%）, and hematologic cancer （2%）. Thirty-three patients （67%） had urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma （TCC） and 29 of them had aristolochic acid nephropathy （AAN） as underlying disease. Death occurred in eight patients out of 49, and the survival rate of HD patients with cancer was similar to those without cancer （P=0.120）. Conclusion The urinary tract TCC is the most common cancer in HD patients with AAN in one of the centers of northern China.

UTUC腹腔镜下根治性切除术联合LND的回顾性分析

目的探讨经腹一体位腹腔镜下肾盂输尿管根治性切除术联合区域淋巴结清扫术(lymph node dissectio,LND)的临床有效性。方法选取2018年1月至2023年1月在锦州医科大学附属第一医院确诊且行手术治的42例输尿管癌患者作为研究对象。对所有患者行腹腔镜肾盂输尿管切除术联合膀胱袖状切除术,对术前符合淋巴结清扫术指征的患者行淋巴结清扫术。收集患者的人口学特征、围术期结果、术后并发症等。结果患者中位年龄63岁(55~70岁),42例患者均顺利完成手术,术中无病例转为开放式手术,其中14例患者术中更改体位,23例患者行LND,围术期无病例死亡,中位手术时间220 min(199~245 min),中位术中出血量128 mL(101~157 mL),术后引流管引流量62 mL(51~97 mL),术后放置引流管中位时间3 d,术后出现并发症8例。经过术后平均两年时间随访,患者均存活,无转移或复发病例。结论经腹一体位腹腔镜下治疗上尿路尿路上皮癌较传统术式具有手术时间短、方式简洁、术后康复快等优点,值得进一步推广,联合淋巴结清扫术可明确病理分期,但未行淋巴结清扫术(nolymph node dissection,NLND)组的部分围术期指标优于LND组。

改良Trocar布局的单一体位技术在机器人辅助腹腔镜上尿路尿路上皮癌治疗中的有效性和安全性分析

目的:探索改良Trocar布局的经腹部入路机器人辅助单一体位技术在上尿路尿路上皮癌(UTUC)治疗中的疗效和安全性。方法:回顾性收集并分析2020年6月—2022年4月本院泌尿外科收治的75例UTUC患者临床资料。按照手术方式将其分为传统腹腔镜组和改良机器人辅助组,分别记录患者的基线特征、围手术期结果以及病理结果,同时记录术后短期并发症,随访观察患者总生存期和影像学无进展生存期。结果:两组患者手术均顺利完成,无中转开放或改变手术方式。改良机器人辅助组和传统腹腔镜组比较,两组患者基线资料之间无显著统计学差异。与传统腹腔镜组相比,改良机器人辅助组手术时间、术后住院时间更短。而在术中输血人数、术中出血量、术后管道留置时间、切缘阳性率、淋巴结阳性个数以及短期并发症方面两组无显著差异。短期随访结果同样提示改良机器人辅助组在总生存率和影像学无进展生存期方面与传统腹腔镜组一致,不存在显著差异。结论:改良Trocar布局的机器人辅助腹腔镜单一体位治疗UTUC短期疗效显著,并发症少,安全可靠,是一种可选择的手术方式。