The role of RENAL score in predicting complications after robotic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between tumor complexity based on RENAL nephrometry score and complications. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 2555 patients who underwent RPN for renal cell carcinoma. Major complication was defined as Clavien Grade ≥3. The relationship between baseline demographic, clinical characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, and tumor complexity were assessed using χ2 test of independence, Fisher's Exact Test and Kruskal Wallis Test. An unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between major complication and demographic, clinical characteristics, and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between tumor complexity and WIT (P<0.001), operative time (P<0.001), estimated blood loss (P<0.001), and major complication (P=0.019). However, there was no relationship with overall complications (P=0.237) and length of stay (LOS) (P=0.085). In the unadjusted model, higher tumor complexity was associated with major complication (P=0.009). Controlling for other variables, there was no significant difference between major complication and tumor complexity (low vs. moderate, P=0.142 and high, P=0.204). LOS (P<0.001) and operative time (P=0.025) remained a significant predictor of major complication in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor complexity is not associated with an increase in overall or major complication rate after RPN. Experience in high-volume centers is demonstrating a standardization of low complications rates after RPN independent of tumor complexity.

Association between chronic kidney disease and COVID-19-related mortality in New York.

PURPOSE: To evaluate mortality risk of CKD patients infected with COVID-19, and assess shared characteristics associated with health disparities in CKD outcome. METHODS: We extracted the data from a case series of 7624 patients presented at Mount Sinai Health System, in New York for testing between 3/28/2020 and 4/16/2020. De-identified patient data set is being produced by the Scientific Computing department and made available to the Mount Sinai research community at the following website: https://msdw.mountsinai.org/ . RESULTS: Of 7624 COVID-19 patients, 7.8% (n = 597) had CKD on hospital admission, and 11.2% (n = 856) died of COVID-19 infection. CKD patients were older, more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were current or former smokers, had a longer time to discharge, and had worse survival compared to non-CKD patients (p < 0.05). COVID-19 mortality rate was significantly higher in CKD patients (23.1% vs 10.2%) with a 1.51 greater odds of dying (95% CI: 1.19-1.90). Controlling for demographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, the logistic regression analysis showed significant and consistent effects of CKD, older age, male gender, and hypertension with mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CKD was a significant independent predictor of COVID-19 mortality, along with older age, male gender, and hypertension. Future research will investigate the effects of COVID-19 on long-term renal function.

Should a Drain Be Routinely Required After Transperitoneal Robotic Partial Nephrectomy?

Introduction: Closed drains have traditionally been placed after partial nephrectomy because of risks of bleeding and urine leak. We sought to study the safety of a nonroutine drain (NRD) approach after transperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Patients and Methods: From a multi-institutional database, we have analyzed the data of 904 patients who underwent RPN. Five hundred forty-six (60.40%) patients underwent RPN by a surgeon who routinely placed drains. Three hundred fifty-eight (39.60%) patients underwent RPN by a surgeon who did not routinely placed drains. Perioperative outcomes, length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates were compared between the two groups. Baseline characteristics, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: Patients in the NRD group were more likely to have higher body mass index (30.10 kg/m2vs 28.07 kg/m2; P < 0.001), higher tumor size (3.0 cm vs 2.5 cm; P = 0.001), and higher renal score (8 vs 7; P < 0.001). Rate of transfusion (0.00% NRD vs 0.56% RD; P = 0.157) and overall complication (7.33% NRD vs 7.82% RD; P = 0.782) were comparable. Median hospital stay is 1 day for both groups. Readmission rate was also similar (0.55% NRD vs 1.40% RD; P = 0.279). In a multivariable analysis, NRD approach was associated with shorter length of hospital stay (incidence rate ratio [IRR] - 0.72, P < 0.001). Conclusion: An NRD approach for RPN yielded a decreased LOS and similar perioperative outcomes. Placement of surgical drains should be based on individual circumstances, and not required on a routine basis.