Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to the conversion of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) to robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (RRN) based on data collected by a statewide database in Michigan. METHODS: Using the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative-Kidney mass: Identifying and Defining Necessary Evaluation and therapY (MUSIC-KIDNEY) database we identified 574 patients for whom RPN was planned. Patient and tumor characteristics were obtained including body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), RENAL nephrometry score, tumor size, and pathologic staging. Treating centers were subdivided by annualized case volume and academic status. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of these factors on the risk of conversion to RRN from RPN. RESULTS: The conversion rate of RPN to RN was 5.75% (33/574). The difference in RENAL nephrometry score, tumor stage, and size reached statistical significance on bivariate analysis (p<0.001). The tumor stage also reached statistical significance on multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR); 95%CI (8.97; 3.93-20.48) p<0.001]. The conversion rate was lower among high-volume versus low-volume practices; however, statistical significance was not reached [5.2% (27/520) vs.11% (6/54); p=0.11]. CONCLUSIONS: Patient factors such as tumor size and renal nephrometry score are likely related to the conversion of RPN to RRN decisions. The data shows that Michigan urologists appear to appropriately assess intra-operative findings and convert to RRN in cases of more advanced kidney tumors. Lower volume centers appear to trend towards a higher conversion rate. Continued quality improvement tracking analysis may further clarify this relationship.