Standardized assessment of complications in a contemporary series of European patients undergoing radical cystectomy

Objectives: To examine postoperative complications in a contemporary series of patients after radical cystectomy using a standardized reporting system, and to identify readily available preoperative risk factors. Methods: Using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification, we assessed the 90-day postoperative clinical course of 535 bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (ileal conduit n = 349, ileal neobladder n = 186) between June 2003 and February 2012 at a single institution. All Martin criteria for standardized reporting of complications were met. Uni- and multivariable analyses for prediction of complications were carried out; covariates included body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists Score, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prior abdominal or pelvic surgery, localized tumor and urinary diversion type. Results: The 90-day rates for overall (Clavien-Dindo classification I-V) and high-grade complications (Clavien-Dindo classification III-V), as well as mortality (Clavien-Dindo classification V), were 56.4, 18.7 and 3.9%, respectively. Infections (16.4%), bleeding (14.2%) and gastrointestinal complications (10.7%) were the most common adverse outcomes. Independent risk factors for overall complications were body mass index (odds ratio 1.08) and Charlson Comorbidity Index >= 3 (odds ratio 1.93). Risk factors for high-grade complications were Charlson Comorbidity Index >= 3 (odds ratio 1.86), American Society of Anesthesiologists Score >= 3 (odds ratio 1.92) and body mass index (odds ratio 1.07, all P < 0.03). Conclusions: Radical cystectomy is associated with significant morbidity; nevertheless, the majority of complications are minor. Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Score and body mass index might help to identify patients at risk for high-grade complications after radical cystectomy.