The Harbin Medical University nephrectomy score: a quantitative system for evaluating the complexity of laparoscopic retroperitoneal simple nephrectomy

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal simple nephrectomy (LRSN) has been widely accepted as a mainstay option for benign non-functioning kidney. The complexity of the procedure, however, differs and remains a subject of controversy. Objective: To develop a standardised Harbin Medical University nephrectomy score (HMUNS) system for evaluating LRSN complexity. Subjects and methods: A total of 6 variables with different factors comprising primary diseases, history of upper urinary tract surgery, body mass index (BMI), surgeon's learning curve, kidney volume, and Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) scores were included in the HMUN score. 95 consecutive patients who underwent LRSN at our institution were divided into low (2 to 6 points) and high (7 to 17 points) complexity groups with HMUNS and investigated the differences of operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative hospitalisation time (PHT), rate of intraoperative conversion to open surgery, and the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) between both groups. Results: Longer mean operative times (193.2±69.3 min vs. 151.9±46.3 min, p <0.05), more median estimated blood loss (100.0mL vs. 50.0mL, p <0.05), and higher rates of conversion to open surgery (1.2% vs. 25%, p <0.05) were observed in the high-complexity group (n=12) than in the low-complexity group (n=83). However, there were no remarkable differences between the two groups related to the baseline characteristics, post-surgical hospitalisation times, and postoperative complications. Conclusions: The HMUNS can effectively reflect LRSN complexity, thus providing a quantitative system for risk estimation and treatment decisions. Because of some limitations, further well-designed studies are necessary to confirm our findings. Patient summary: The HMUNS, including primary diseases, history of upper urinary tract surgery, BMI, surgeon's learning curve, kidney volume, and MAP score, can provide an effective quantitative tool to evaluate the complexity of LRSN.