Nephrometry scores: Interobserver reproducibility and perioperative factors prediction

Objectives To validate the relation of the nephrometry scores in a series of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy with perioperative parameters and the urologist–radiologist reproducibility. Materials and methods A retrospective study of open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients performed between 2005 and 2012 registered in prospective filled out database. An urologist and a radiologist calculated the RENAL, PADUA and C-index for 86 patients. We carried out a comparative study of the results using the Spearman and Pearson correlation indexes. Results Distribution according to the complexity of the tumors with the RENAL calculation was: 42 (49%) low, 35 (41%) moderated and 9 (11%) high complexity. According to PADUA: 35 (41%) low complexity, 32 (37%) intermediate and 19 (22%) high. No statistically significant correlation was found for the appearance of operative complications and the pathology results in case of RENAL and PADUA. A correlation was found in the case of PADUA in relation to the warm ischemia time. Positive correlation according to Spearman's index was found in RENAL, PADUA and C-index between urologist and radiologist evaluations. Conclusions Nephrometry scores can be a useful tool to plan the surgical technique or approach. However, it is not clear if they are really predictors of surgical or pathologic parameters. The correlation between the urologist and radiologist seems to be sufficient to recommend their use by both specialties.