Head to Head Impact of Margin, Ischemia, Complications, Score Versus a Novel Trifecta Score on Oncologic and Functional Outcomes After Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Results of a Multicenter Series

Background: There is a paucity of data describing the ability of margin, ischemia, complications, score (MIC) and trifecta in predicting long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Objective: To compare a novel trifecta (negative margins, no significant complications, and perioperative estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decrease ≤30%) versus standard MIC as predictors of oncologic and functional results in a large series of RAPNs. Design, setting, and participants:: Between 2009 and 2019, a multicenter dataset was queried for patients with nonmetastatic renal masses who underwent RAPN at eight participating institutions. Intervention: RAPN. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: MIC and trifecta achievement were determined for the overall cohort and a subgroup undergoing off-clamp RAPN (ocRAPN), respectively. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and new onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD; defined as eGFR <30 ml/min) probabilities were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of OS, RFS, and ESRD. For all analyses, two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results and limitations: Out of 1807 patients, MIC and trifecta were achieved in 71.1% (n = 1285) and 82.6% (n = 1492), respectively, and once restricted to the ocRAPN cohort, in 95.6% (n = 625) and 81.6% (n = 534), respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, both MIC and trifecta achievement predicted higher OS and lower ESRD probabilities (all p < 0.014), while only trifecta achievement was a predictor of RFS probabilities (p = 0.009). On multivariable Cox regression, MIC did not predict any of the endpoints independently, while trifecta achievement was an independent predictor of higher OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.86; p = 0.019) and lower ESRD development probabilities (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15–0.72; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Trifecta, initially described as comprehensive measures of perioperative outcomes, needs to stand the test of time. Compared with MIC, the recent trifecta was an independent predictor of clinically significant endpoints, namely, survival and ESRD development probabilities. Patient summary: Our novel trifecta represents a reliable method for estimating survival and development of end-stage renal disease after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy.