The Treatment of Bilateral Synchronous Renal Pelvic Tumors with Bench Surgery

Abstract

Bilateral nephrectomy, renal perfusion and bench surgery have been used in the management of synchronous bilateral renal pelvic tumors in a 35-year-old man. The possibility of bilateral nephrectomy followed by hemodialysis and eventual transplantation was considered but was not done because we believe for the present time that the nature of the immune response and its importance in the pathogenesis of cancer are complicated and poorly defined. It is likely that immunosuppression may tip the balance toward the tumor. Bench surgery allowed us to perform radical resection of these urothelial tumors yet preserve enough renal tissue to sustain life. This patient is now enjoying an active life and has a blood urea nitrogen of 30 mg. per cent and a serum creatinine of 1.2 mg. per cent from the functioning third of the former right kidney.