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Biomedical subjects

Thomas W Jarrett

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas W Jarrett.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Laparoscopic specimen extraction: morcellation.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with intact extraction and morecellation of nephrectomy specimen, and the advantages and disadvantages of morcellation indicated by current reports. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a previous study, 56 consecutive patients undergoing radical and simple transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively evaluated. Morcellation specimens (33) were extracted at the umbilical or lateral port sites and intact specimens (23) through an infraumbilical incision. Data were obtained on pathology, narcotic requirements, hospital stay, complications, estimated blood loss, size of renal mass based on preoperative imaging, specimen weight and extraction incision length. RESULTS: The mean incision length was 1.2 cm in the morcellation group and 7.1 cm in the intact group (P< 0.001). There were no significant differences in pain or recovery between the groups. In two cases of tumor nephrectomy, microscopic invasion of the perinephric adipose tissue in the intact specimen group were up-staged from clinical T1 to pT3a disease; there was no change in patient treatment based on this information. CONCLUSIONS: With proper technique, morcellation is safe for extracting renal tumours. The specimen can be evaluated for histology but not for pathological staging, limiting its use with transitional cell carcinoma. Port-site seeding is rare, and does not appear to be more frequent than with open nephrectomy. Although morcellation is cosmetically more desirable, there was no significant advantage in operating time, pain or duration of hospital stay. The choice od extraction method depends on the surgeon's preference and patient choice.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty: current status.

OBJECTIVE: To review current publications and report our results and long-term follow-up of laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 147 laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasties were performed between August 1993 and November 2000 (mean patient age 35.7 years, range 10-85). All patients were diagnosed with PUJ obstruction by symptoms and intravenous urography, radionuclide diuretic renography or ultrasonography. An Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty (106), Y-V plasty (28), Fenger plasty (11) and others (two) were used, according to the intraoperative findings. Twenty-five patients had secondary obstruction, having had previous surgery to the PUJ. The mean (range) follow-up was 24 (3-84) months; all patients were followed clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: The mean operative duration time was 246 (100-480) min and estimated blood loss was 158 mL. Crossing vessels were identified in 80 cases. The success rate for all, primary and secondary patients was 95%, 98% and 84%, respectively. With one exception, all failures occurred within 6 months. Twenty-one patients (22 renal units) had simultaneous laparoscopic pyeloplasty and lithotomy; they were treated successfully and all have an intact PUJ, and 20 renal units (90%) were stone-free. The overall complication rate was 8.8%. CONCLUSIONS: This series has comparable success rates to those of open pyeloplasty and the morbidity was minimal. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty may soon become the standard operation for PUJ obstruction, especially with crossing vessels.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in obese patients: outcomes and technical considerations.

OBJECTIVES: To review our technique and experience with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in the obese patient population. Obesity has been considered a potential risk factor for poor outcomes in a variety of surgical procedures and has been considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopy. Since 1996, with increased experience and technical modifications, obesity has not been considered a contraindication for laparoscopy at our institution. METHODS: Retrospective data were obtained for all patients who underwent LRN from January 1997 to December 2000. A body mass index (Quetelet's index) greater than 30 was used to define obese patients. Technical modifications included slightly greater insufflation pressures and a lateral shift in trocar sites. The obese laparoscopic group was compared with the nonobese laparoscopic group. RESULTS: Of 101 patients who underwent LRN, 69 were not obese and 32 were obese. No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed operative data between the nonobese laparoscopic group and obese laparoscopic group, including a mean operative time of 220 and 242 minutes, respectively. Other factors assessed were the time to ambulation, length of hospital stay, conversion rate to an open procedure, and complication rate, which also demonstrated no statistically significant difference. Only one conversion to an open procedure was required in both the obese and the nonobese laparoscopic groups. CONCLUSIONS: With minor technical modifications, LRN can be safely performed in obese patients. Proper trocar site selection and greater insufflation pressures were critical for success. The differences in the intraoperative and postoperative course of LRN in obese and nonobese patients were not statistically significant. Obesity should not be considered a contraindication to laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Aged↗

Complications of abdominal urologic laparoscopy: longitudinal five-year analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze complications of abdominal laparoscopic surgery of the urinary tract at a single institution during a 5-year period. METHODS: From 1996 to 2000, we identified 894 abdominal laparoscopic procedures performed at a single institution: 600 nephrectomies (live donor, simple, radical, nephroureterectomy, and partial), 112 pyeloplasties, 61 renal biopsies, 35 retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, 31 renal cyst ablations, 18 adrenalectomies, and 37 other abdominal procedures. The charts were retrospectively reviewed for complications, which were classified as operative, postoperative, or medical. Complications were correlated with patient age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test and chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 118 complications (13.2%) occurred. Two patients (0.2%) died. As a result of operative complications, the procedure of 13 patients (1.5%) was converted to an open one. As a result of postoperative complications, 13 (1.5%) underwent operative and 6 (0.7%) nonoperative intervention. The most common intraoperative complications were vascular (n = 23), adjacent organ (n = 10), and bowel (n = 9) injuries. The most common postoperative complications were neuromuscular pain (n = 12), hematoma (n = 11), urine leak (n = 7), and wound infection (n = 7). The differences in the annual complication rates for all procedures did not attain statistical significance (P = 0.5). Among all procedures, excluding live donor nephrectomy, complications of any kind correlated with a greater patient American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Rather than decreasing, the overall incidence of laparoscopic complications did not change significantly during a 5-year period at our institution. The factors contributing to this observation likely included the progression of inexperienced individual surgeons through the learning curve, the introduction of new, more sophisticated laparoscopic procedures, and stable rates of patient comorbidity. This experience may represent the average complication rate for urologic laparoscopy at a large-volume, academic training center.

Adrenalectomy↗

Evaluation of water jet morcellation as an alternative to hand morcellation of renal tissue ablation during laparoscopic nephrectomy: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of morcellation with a new prototype device that uses high-pressure water flow as a cutting/ablating tool and compare it with standard manual morcellation. METHODS: Ten porcine kidneys were morcellated with the new water jet device and ten with conventional manual morcellation. Morcellation in all cases was performed in commercially available entrapment bags. The two groups were evaluated for morcellation time, fragment size, and perforation rates (macroscopic and microscopic). RESULTS: The kidney size in both groups was similar. Morcellation was significantly (P <0.0001) faster in the water jet morcellator group than in the hand morcellation group (5.6 versus 11.9 minutes). The macroscopic evaluation after filling the entrapment bags with normal saline revealed 4 (40%) and 2 (20%) pinhole perforations in the water jet and hand morcellation groups, respectively. The microscopic evaluation revealed an 80% perforation rate in the water jet group and a 20% rate in the hand morcellator group. The size of the resulting fragments in the water jet group was not available, because the morcellated kidney was transformed in a semiliquid form. Therefore, cytology evaluation of the tissue was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Water jet technology can be used to morcellate renal porcine tissue effectively. It is faster, but the problems of safety and histologic evaluation must be solved before this promising technology can be used in a clinical setting.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic-assisted renal autotransplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy and autotransplantation for the management of a variety of conditions with significant loss of healthy ureteral tissue or ureteral length. Renal autotransplantation has been described as an effective method for addressing this problem, avoiding the need for nephrectomy or complex ureteral replacement. In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with traditional autotransplantation we elected to perform laparoscopic procurement of the kidney. METHODS: Four patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy using a transperitoneal four-port technique and subsequent autotransplantation into the iliac fossa for the treatment of proximal ureteral avulsion (2 patients), ureteral malignancy, and ureteral stricture. All patients had less than 5 cm of viable ureter. RESULTS: All procedures were performed without intraoperative complications. All renal scans on postoperative day 1 demonstrated good perfusion. None of the patients had a postoperative rise in serum creatinine. On postoperative day 1, the mean creatinine value was 0.95 mg/dL. Three patients had an uneventful postoperative course. One patient, however, had loss of the graft because of renal vein thrombosis on postoperative day 7. She was later found to have an undiagnosed thrombophilic disorder (decreased levels of antithrombin III) and to have a recent history of oral contraceptive use. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy with renal autotransplantation is a feasible minimally invasive alternative to treat patients who have significant ureteral loss. This approach avoids the need for an upper abdominal or flank incision, resulting in decreased morbidity. The initial follow-up studies indicated stable renal function. Additional long-term observation is currently under way.

Adult↗

Appendiceal cystadenoma mimicking a cystic renal mass.

We report the first case of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma associated with the kidney. A 57-year-old man with chronic renal failure presented with a right renal mass. During laparoscopic nephrectomy, frozen analysis of a tubular structure extending from the mass showed appendiceal tissue. The mass, appendix, and what was believed to be the right kidney were removed. Pathologic examination demonstrated mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. No renal tissue was identified, but the patient refused further treatment. This case demonstrates that mucinous cystadenomas arising from retroperitoneal structures might mimic renal neoplasms and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic renal masses.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with neoplasia in a solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the renal function and describe our operative experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in patients with solitary kidneys. METHODS: The medical records were analyzed to find patients with a solitary kidney and renal neoplasms who underwent LPN. Demographic, operative, pathologic, and follow-up data were obtained. RESULTS: Four patients were identified with solitary kidneys who had undergone LPN. The mean operative time was 251 minutes, mean warm ischemic time 15 minutes, mean estimated blood loss 395 mL, and mean hospitalization stay 3 days. The mean preoperative creatinine was 1.5 mg/dL and the mean peak creatinine 2.0 mg/dL. All patients returned to their baseline creatinine levels in the follow-up period. The final pathologic finding was Stage pT1 in 1, pT3a in 2, and angiomyolipoma in 1 patient. All surgical margins were negative. No cancer recurrence developed in the patients, with a mean follow-up of 17 months (range 3 to 35). CONCLUSIONS: LPN in patients with a solitary kidney is feasible and a reasonable treatment alternative to open partial nephrectomy.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

Laparoscopic-assisted nephrectomy with inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic-assisted radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma and level I IVC tumor thrombus. METHODS: The clinical, operative, and pathologic data were retrospectively obtained from patients undergoing the above-mentioned procedure for renal tumors involving the IVC. This approach involved laparoscopic dissection of the kidney and renal vasculature/IVC. After renal artery ligation, an 8 to 12-cm incision was made from the tip of the 11th rib extending anteriorly toward the midline. Through this incision, a Satinsky vascular clamp was placed on the IVC in such a way as to include all the caval thrombus. The tumor thrombus was removed en bloc with the kidney and the cavotomy repaired with a running suture. RESULTS: Four obese patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic-assisted right nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy. The mean tumor size was 9 cm (range 6 to 13), with the thrombus extending 2 cm into the IVC in all cases. Patients had a mean body mass index of 32.8 (range 30.5 to 37.2) and a mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2.8 (range 2 to 3). The mean operative time was 248 minutes (range 225 to 274). The mean estimated blood loss was 517 mL (range 250 to 900). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The mean hospital stay was 6.2 days (range 4 to 11, median 5). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy is a difficult but feasible procedure. This approach allows a smaller incision than a typical open approach. Additional studies are needed to examine the advantages of this approach over a pure open approach.

Aged↗

Pancreatic injuries during laparoscopic urologic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with pancreatic injury (PI) associated with urologic laparoscopy. PI associated with urologic laparoscopy is uncommon. METHODS: From January 1999 to April 2004, 890 laparoscopic operations for upper urinary tract pathologic findings were performed, of which 574 were left-sided procedures. We reviewed the medical records for recognized intraoperative or postoperatively documented PI and recorded the patient demographic data and intraoperative and postoperative management. RESULTS: Four PIs were identified, all associated with left-sided procedures. The overall rate of PI was 0.44%. Two injuries occurred during left radical nephrectomy (2.1%) and two during left adrenalectomy (8.6%). The mean tumor size was 6 +/- 3.4 cm. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively in 1 patient, postoperative midepigastric pain with elevated serum amylase levels was the clinical presentation in 2 patients, and the incidental finding of pancreatic tissue in the final pathologic specimen confirmed the injury in the fourth patient. A prolonged pancreatic fistula developed only in 1 case. Three patients were treated conservatively and computed tomography-guided drainage of a pancreatic collection was required in one. The mean hospital stay was 18 days (range 4 to 57). CONCLUSIONS: PI is uncommon but can result in significant morbidity. Intraoperative detection and repair can minimize sequelae. Management with conservative measures and percutaneous drainage is usually successful, although a prolonged postoperative course can be expected.

Humans↗

Urethral stricture after pancreas-kidney transplantation due to polypoid urethritis.

Urologic complications are common after pancreas-kidney transplantation using bladder drainage. We report a case of urethral stricture caused by polypoid urethritis occurring 4 years after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Endoscopic exploration revealed irregular, ragged-appearing urethral mucosa. The diagnosis of polypoid urethritis was confirmed histopathologically.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract anomalies.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients with upper urinary tract abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1994 and May 2002, 7 men and 4 women with upper urinary tract anatomical abnormalities were referred to our institution for management of symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Anomalies included horseshoe kidneys in 5 cases, pelvic kidneys in 3, a pancake kidney in 1, a malrotated kidney in 1 and a duplicated collecting system in 1. Three patients had associated renal stones that were extracted during reconstruction. Mean patient age was 37.4 years (range 25 to 60). One patient had undergone a previously unsuccessful endopyelotomy and 2 had a history of abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 195 minutes (range 85 to 403) and mean estimated blood loss was 122 cc (range 20 to 300). No patient in this series required transfusion. Average length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 5). Renal function failed to improve after surgery in 1 patient with poor renal function and severe hydronephrosis. The remaining 10 patients (91%) had durable clinical and/or radiographic success during a followup of 32.6 and 21.3 months, respectively. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an effective treatment alternative for ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

Adult↗

Tumor capacitance: electrical measurements of renal neoplasia.

PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated that biological tissues possess unique electrical properties. We evaluate the electrical properties of renal tumors using a specialized probe with the capability of measuring intra-tissue capacitance in an ex vivo model of fresh surgically excised tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electrical monitoring device was used to measure tissue capacitance at a frequency of 1 MHz on 34 ex vivo kidney specimens freshly obtained after surgical excision. Tissue capacitance was promptly measured in the excised tumor as well as surrounding normal parenchyma and fat. Dielectric permittivity in each tissue was calculated using the measured capacitance data. These data were compared and correlated to pathological findings. RESULTS: The final pathology on the 34 specimens revealed 28 renal cell carcinomas (RCC), 3 oncocytomas and 3 angiomyolipomas. In patients with RCC dielectric permittivity of tumor tissue was 1.43 +/- 0.39 times greater than that of surrounding normal parenchyma (p < 0.001). The average tumor-to-normal tissue dielectric permittivity ratio for RCC was significantly greater than that for angiomyolipoma (1.43 +/- 0.39 vs 0.73 +/- 0.77, p < 0.05) but similar to that for oncocytoma (1.43 +/- 0.39 vs 1.63 +/- 0.77, p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue capacitance measurements may be used to differentiate renal tumor from surrounding normal tissue. In vivo studies will ultimately determine the clinical use of this technology in localizing renal neoplasms and differentiating between malignant and benign tissues.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗

Necessity of ureteral catheter during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a relatively recently introduced method of treating renal tumors and, as such, surgical technique is evolving. In open series urinary fistula formation represents a common postoperative complication. In the laparoscopic approach investigators have advocated the placement of a ureteral catheter with retrograde dye injection to visualize caliceal entry to aid in closure. In this study we assessed the necessity of ureteral catheter placement during LPN in decreasing urinary leakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1998 until November 2002 laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 103 patients with renal tumors. The patients were assessed retrospectively and divided into 2 groups according to placement (group 1) or no placement (group 2) of an external ureteral catheter. Group 1 included 54 patients (mean age +/- SD 57.4 +/- 13.4 years) and group 2 included 49 patients (mean age +/- SD 57.5 +/- 10.9). Intraoperative and postoperative parameters including blood loss, operative time, ischemia time, mass size, complications and hospital stay were reviewed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between the 2 groups in mean estimated blood loss (group 1, 394.7 cc vs group 2, 291.5 cc, p = 0.07), postoperative serum creatinine (group 1, 0.95 mg/dl vs group 2, 0.89 mg/dl, p = 0.12), requirement for pain medication (group 1, 8.9 mg vs group 2, 4.9 mg morphine equivalents, p = 0.12), hospital stay (group 1, 3.1 vs group 2, 2.9, p = 0.29) and warm ischemia time (group 1, 28 minutes vs group 2, 26.5 minutes, p = 0.18). Mean total operative time was significantly longer for group 1 compared to group 2 (191.1 vs 149.4 minutes, respectively, p = 0.001). Postoperative urinary leakage requiring prolonged drainage occurred in 1 patient in group 1 and 1 in group 2. In both cases caliceal entry was identified and sutured. CONCLUSIONS: With experience caliceal entry can be identified without the need for a ureteral catheter in patients undergoing LPN for a tumor less than 4.5 cm. Urinary fistula may occur despite caliceal entry and repair. A ureteral catheter may not decrease urinary fistula in patients undergoing LPN.

Adult↗

Management of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has been established as a minimally invasive alternative to open pyeloplasty. However, little is known about the treatment of patients in whom this technique fails. We present our experience with treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1993 to September of 2003, 227 patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Of these patients 10 (4.4%), including 6 females and 4 males 24 to 62 years old (mean age 42.1), underwent secondary treatment after laparoscopic pyeloplasty failed. The type of secondary intervention varied by anatomical factors, and patient and surgeon preference. Success was defined as symptomatic relief and improved radiographic imaging at latest followup. RESULTS: Secondary interventions were repeat laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 1 patient, retrograde endoscopic balloon dilation in 2 and endopyelotomy in 7 (laser, cold knife and cutting balloon endopyelotomy in 3, 2, and 2, respectively). No postoperative complications were seen. Patients were followed for a mean of 25.5 months (range 3 to 96) after the second procedure. Seven of 10 secondary interventions (70%) were successful with no obstruction on followup imaging. Three of 10 interventions (30%) failed, namely 1 laparoscopic pyeloplasty, 1 endoscopic balloon dilation and 1 laser endopyelotomy. Failure of the second procedure occurred at a mean of 9.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: When given the choice, most patients select endoscopic management after failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty due to its minimally invasive nature and low complication rate. Success rates are 70% with repeat intervention. Some patients require a third intervention.

Adult↗

Vena caval transection during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy: report of the complication and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Major vascular injuries are uncommon but serious complications of laparoscopic surgery. Early recognition and conversion to an open procedure may be required to avoid further complications. We report 2 cases in which the vena cava was transected during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All urological laparoscopic cases from 1993 to 2002 at 2 institutions were reviewed to identify major vessel transection. Two cases of inadvertent transection of the vena cava were identified. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and pathological information to identify factors leading to this complication. A MEDLINE search was performed to identify similar reports in the literature. RESULTS: Two patients at 2 institutions were identified with vena caval transection during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. In both cases the vena cava was misidentified as a renal vein. The injury was recognized immediately in both cases and an open repair was performed by vascular surgery. Both patients recovered with no sequelae. In both cases a rotated camera on an angled laparoscope in addition to the relative lack of retroperitoneal landmarks may have contributed to a loss of orientation within the operative field. A similar report of an aortic transection was also found in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Disorientation of the operating surgeon within the surgical field secondary to rotation of the camera lens and lack of retroperitoneal landmarks may contribute to vena caval transection during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. This injury has not been found in transperitoneal nephrectomy, likely because more intra-abdominal landmarks exist, aiding in maintenance of orientation. Prompt intraoperative recognition and repair of the transection results in a favorable outcome.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: evaluation of long-term oncological outcome.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has emerged as a viable alternative to open surgery for renal tumors less than 4 cm. We present oncological followup of patients treated with laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1996 and December 2001, 48 patients who underwent LPN for clinically localized tumors were found to have pathologically proven renal cell carcinoma. Medical and operative records were reviewed for clinical characteristics, pathological findings and followup information. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 59.7 years (range 32 to 81) and mean followup was 37.7 months (range 22 to 84). Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm (range 1.0 to 4.0). Final pathological stage was pT1 in 42 patients (87.5%) and pT3a in 6 (12.5%). Histology revealed clear cell in 32 patients (66.7%), papillary in 10 (20.8%), chromophobe in 3 (6.3%), collecting duct in 1 (2.1%) and unclassified in 2 (4.2%). Intraoperative frozen section biopsies revealed negative margins in all cases. Final surgical margins were positive in 1 patient (2.1%). Followup evaluation consisting of physical examination and yearly cross-sectional imaging, which revealed no recurrences in 46 of 48 patients (95.8%). One patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease was found to have local recurrence 18 months after LPN and observation was elected. The second patient had recurrence in the same kidney away from the original tumor site approximately 4 years later. CONCLUSIONS: LPN is an effective treatment modality for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma. Oncological outcomes at a mean followup of 3 years are promising, although the durability of oncological outcomes must be determined.

Adult↗