Clinical and prognostic value of preoperative hydronephrosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background. Epidemiological studies have reported various results relating preoperative hydronephrosis to upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the clinical significance and prognostic value of preoperative hydronephrosis in UTUC remains controversial. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of the extent of the possible association between preoperative hydronephrosis and the risk of UTUC. Methods. We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase to identify eligible studies written in English. Summary odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Results. Nineteen relevant studies, which had a total of 5,782 UTUC patients enrolled, were selected for statis

SUBMITTER: Tian Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4924132 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature