Prognostic Impact of Each Item of the SARC-F Questionnaire in Patients Undergoing Major Surgery for Urologic Cancer.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the association between scores on each item of the SARC-F questionnaire and life expectancy in patients undergoing major surgery for urologic cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study included 1018 patients undergoing elective major urologic cancer surgery. All patients completed the SARC-F questionnaire preoperatively. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The primary endpoint was an association between SARC-F scores and overall survival (OS).

Results: Of the 1018 patients, the median age was 72 years and 920 (90%) were male. Multivariate analysis revealed four factors significantly and independently associated with shorter OS: assistance with walking score ≥1 (Hazard ratio: HR=2.18, P=0.044), cancer stages ≥ III (HR=7.98, P<0.001), high blood loss ≥78 ml or blood transfusion during surgery (HR=4.53, P=0.007 and HR=2.41, P=0.037, respectively).

Conclusions: This study found that among the items of the SARC-F questionnaire, assistance with walking was a strong predictor of life expectancy. Incorporating such a simple screening tool into the preoperative assessment would help to ensure more appropriate perioperative care for urologic cancer patients.