Impact of COVID-19 on postoperative complications in minimal invasive radical cystectomy: a comprehensive complication index-based analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications following minimally invasive radical cystectomy with ileal conduit (RCIC) performed under an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) and the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Methods: An ambispective study (2018?2022) was conducted, collecting demographic, perioperative and postoperative data, with a focus on complications among patients treated during and outside the COVID-19 period. Results were compared between surgeries conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the first wave, and those performed in a non-COVID period. Results: Among these 90 patients, 49 underwent surgery during the complete COVID-19 period, compared with 41 patients in the pre-and post-pandemic control period. Additionally, 15 of the cases occurred during the first wave of the pandemic. The COVID-19 group showed a higher rate of pN0 staging (87.8% vs 67.5%, p = 0.021) and fewer pN1 cases (2% vs 20%, p = 0.005) than the control group. The most common complications were genitourinary (71, 78.9%), infectious (59, 65.6%) and gastrointestinal (54, 60%). Median CCI increased significantly with each ascending CDC (r = 0.934, p < 0.001). Notably, 20.3% of patients in CDC ?3a were reclassified to severe morbidity (CCI -33.7), with elevated rates during COVID-19 periods (46.7% and 42.9% vs 34.1%). CCI showed a more consistent correlation with length of stay than CDC (r = 0.551, p < 0.001 vs r = 0.460, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Minimally invasive RCIC during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Compared with RCIC, the CCI provides a more accurate estimation of morbidity burden and should be incorporated into standard surgical outcome reporting.