Partial or radical nephrectomy for complex renal mass: a comparative analysis of oncological outcomes and complications from the ROSULA (Robotic Surgery for Large Renal Mass) Collaborative Group

Purpose: To compare outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and minimally invasive radical nephrectomy (MIS-RN) for complex renal masses (CRM). Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter analysis of CRM patients who underwent MIS-RN and RAPN. CRM was defined as RENAL score 10–12. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence, and complications. Multivariable analysis (MVA) and Kaplan–Meier Analysis (KMA) were used to analyze functional and survival outcomes for RN vs. PN by pathological stage. Results: 926 patients were analyzed (MIS-RN = 437/RAPN = 489; median follow-up 24.0 months). MVA demonstrated lack of transfusion (HR = 1.63, p = 0.005), low-grade (HR = 1.18, p = 0.018) and smaller tumor size (HR = 1.05, p < 0.001) were associated with OS. Younger age (HR = 1.01, p = 0.017), high-grade (HR = 1.18, p = 0.017), smaller tumor size (HR = 1.05, p < 0.001), and lack of transfusion (HR = 1.39, p = 0.038) were associated with CSS. Increasing tumor size (HR = 1.18, p < 0.001), high-grade (HR = 3.21, p < 0.001), and increasing age (HR = 1.02, p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for recurrence. Type of surgery was not associated with major complications (p = 0.094). For KMA of MIS-RN vs. RAPN for pT1, pT2 and pT3, 5-year OS was 85% vs. 88% (p = 0.078); 82% vs. 80% (p = 0.442) and 84% vs. 83% (p = 0.863), respectively. 5-year CSS was 98% for both procedures (p = 0.473); 94% vs. 92% (p = 0.735) and 91% vs. 90% (p = 0.581). 5-year non-CSS was 87% vs. 93% (p = 0.107); 87% for pT2 (p = 0.485) and 92% for pT3 for both procedures (p = 0.403). Conclusion: RAPN in CRM is not associated with increased risk of complications or worsened oncological outcomes when compared to MIS-RN and may be preferred when clinically indicated.