Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted...

Malnutrition is a common condition among elderly cancer patients. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple screening tool used to predict the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative GNRI as a marker for predicting 90-day postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

We retrospectively evaluated 385 patients who underwent RARC at four affiliated institutes of Tokushima University between 2014 and 2023. Patient background characteristics, pathological findings, and 90-day postoperative complications were analyzed. Preoperative GNRI was calculated using serum albumin and body mass index, with an abnormal nutritional status defined as GNRI < 92.

A total of 166 patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent RARC were included in the study. Among these, 26 patients (15.7%) had an abnormal GNRI. Eighty-four patients (50.6%) experienced complications within 90 days postoperatively, including 29 patients (17.5%) with major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ 3). The 90-day postoperative mortality rate was 3.0% (five patients). Patients with an abnormal GNRI had a significantly higher rate of 90-day postoperative complications (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified abnormal GNRI as a significant predictor of 90-day postoperative complications (odds ratio: 9.963; 95% confidence interval: 2.125-46.718; p = 0.004).

Poor nutritional status is associated with a higher rate of 90-day postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing RARC. Preoperative GNRI may be a useful tool for assessing the risk of complications in this patient population.