Outcomes of radical cystectomy in pT4 bladder cancer frail patients: Α high-volume single center study

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of frailty in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for locally advanced bladder cancer. METHODS: In this retrospective, single center study we evaluated 51 patients with pT4 bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy between 2016-2020. Patient frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Furthermore, six separate parameters (early mortality index within 30 days after surgery, death after one year, length of stay, respiratory complications, readmission index, total hospital charges) were also evaluated. The patients were categorized on three groups (Group 1, 2, 3) based on the CFS. RESULTS: A total of 51 pT4 RC patients were included in the study. Mean age was 75.6 years. Early mortality rate at 30 days after surgery was low all the groups. One year mortality rate was higher in Group 2 (22%) and 3 (69%). The length of stay and the number of patients with respiratory complications were also higher in the frailer groups. 30 days readmission rate was 22% in Group 2 and 38% in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative frailty is associated with worse postoperative results after RC. CFS is an objective tool for patient risk stratification and can predict postoperative complications and mortality.