DCOM: a 3D virtual imaging-based nephrometry scoring system for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

The aim of this paper was to establish a new surgical difficulty scoring system of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) based on three-dimensional (3D) virtual imaging.

We collected data from the patients subjected to robot-assisted surgery. 296 presented complete demographic and clinical data including RAPN and robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN). Researchers used preoperative enhanced CT or MRI image data, and 3D image reconstruction, 4 independent variables were assessed: diameter of tumor inside kidney (D); compression of the renal segmental vessels; occupation of the renal sinus; mass exophytic rate (DCOM). DCOM score was then used to aid surgical decision-making and guide surgical strategy planning. The predictive values of DCOM score were analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression mode.

We confirmed that DCOM score as predictor of surgical outcome significantly outperformed the other common predictors used (RENAL and PADUA score).

The surgical difficulty scoring system (DCOM scoring system) of partial nephrectomy (PN) based on 3D virtual imaging-based nephrometry system could provide a basis for the formulation of preoperative surgical strategy, but further verification is needed.