National utilization trends of partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a case of underutilization?
The national use of partial nephrectomy has increased but remains lower than expected in certain settings, suggesting underuse or selective referral. Subjects with kidney cancer are more likely to be treated with partial nephrectomy at teaching institutions with high surgical volumes. The practice patterns of physicians at institutions more commonly using partial nephrectomy may reflect a better quality of care, although additional work in delineating the disparate utilization rates is warranted.
PD for the treatment of significant paravalvular leak proved to be a feasible treatment allowing a significant increase in valve size and decrease in PVL without increase in stroke rates. This promising approach needs further confirmation.