Organ-Preserving Surgery in Urethral Cancer (a Clinical Case)

Abstract

Background. Despite low incidence, malignant urethral neoplasms are among the most aggressive tumours. Prevalence of muscle-invasive and metastatic cancer at diagnosis, as well as a high relapse rate compel adherence to the most radical treatment. At the same time, the high incidence of urethral tumours in elderly and senile patients and high postoperative complication rates warrant the development of organ-preserving treatment.Aim. A case description to verify the organ-preserving treatment applicability in urethral cancer.Materials and methods. We report the treatment experience in a senile patient with concomitant chronic kidney disease at the Volgograd Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary’s Oncourology Unit. Accounting for the age, concomitant pathology and tumour histology factors, a minimally invasive organ-preserving surgical intervention was performed as laparoscopic urethral resection with ureterocystoneostomy.Results and discussion. Renal function was assessed in postoperative period with dynamic nephroscintigraphy and blood creatinine monitoring. Control cysto-, ureteroscopy and contrast-enhanced CT scanning in areas of interest were performed to rule out relapse and progression.Conclusion. No report of disease relapse or progression at follow-up indicates the oncological safety of organ-preserving surgery in this patient category. Th is approach also gains support from immediate and long-term outcomes of the patient’s improved renal function and sustained good quality of life.