The effect of preoperative clinical variables on the 30- and 90-day morbidity and mortality after radical cystectomy: A single-centre study

ObjectiveTo analyse the effect of preoperative clinical variables and comorbidity on the early, late and cumulative 90-day morbidity and mortality rates, as well as hospital re-admissions, after radical cystectomy (RC), in one centre.Patients and methodsAll patients undergoing RC over a period of 3 months were included. Preoperative investigations included measurements of serum albumin, a complete blood analysis, body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the age-adjusted CCI (ACCI). We recorded the length of hospital stay (LOS) and all postoperative events for 90 days, and graded them according to the five-grade modification of the original Clavien system.ResultsIn all there were 31 patients undergoing RC (mean age 58.4 years). The mean preoperative serum albumin and haemoglobin level, BMI, CCI and ACCI were 3.82 g/dL, 12.53 g/dL, 29.29 kg/m2, 3.0 and 4.58, respectively. The mean LOS was 20.03 days; seven patients needed re-admission and three died within the 90 days. There were postoperative complications in 20 patients. The age, CCI and ACCI were significantly associated with complications (P = 0.009, 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Preoperative haemoglobin, BMI and smoking had no effect on the morbidity or mortality rate. The LOS increased in older patients (P = 0.031) and those with a higher ACCI (P = 0.042). Postoperative mortality increased among patients with a lower serum albumin level (P = 0.048).ConclusionsAge, CCI and ACCI are related to early postoperative complications. Older patients and patients with a higher ACCI have a longer LOS. A low preoperative albumin level needs to be evaluated more thoroughly.