What is it about?

This study looks at how a scoring system based on kidney tumor size and location helps doctors in Sudan decide the best surgery and prevent problems for kidney cancer patients. The scoring system is called R.E.N.A.L score and it classifies tumors into low, moderate, and high complexity. The study finds that most patients have moderate complexity tumors and need to remove the whole kidney. High complexity tumors are linked to more problems during and after surgery.

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Why is it important?

Kidney cancer is a serious health problem in Sudan, where it accounts for 8.4% of all cancers. However, there is a lack of resources and expertise to treat kidney cancer effectively in Sudan. The R.E.N.A.L score is a simple and reliable tool that can help doctors assess the complexity of kidney tumors and choose the most appropriate surgery. By using the R.E.N.A.L score, doctors can avoid unnecessary removal of the whole kidney, which can lead to chronic kidney disease and reduced quality of life. The R.E.N.A.L score can also help doctors identify high-risk patients who may need more intensive care and follow-up after surgery. Therefore, this research is important for improving the outcomes and well-being of kidney cancer patients in Sudan.

Perspectives

As a urologist who has witnessed the challenges and hardships of kidney cancer patients in Sudan, I was deeply moved by this research that shows how a simple scoring system can improve their outcomes and well-being. The R.E.N.A.L score is a tool that I wish every urologist in Sudan could use to assess the complexity of kidney tumors and choose the best surgery for each patient. I have seen many cases where patients had to undergo radical nephrectomy, which means removing the whole kidney, even when it was not necessary. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of death. I have also seen cases where patients with high complexity tumors suffered from complications during and after surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and organ failure. These patients often lack the resources and expertise to receive adequate care and follow-up. The R.E.N.A.L score can help urologists to avoid these problems by providing a reliable and easy way to classify tumors into low, moderate, and high complexity. By using the R.E.N.A.L score, we can preserve as much kidney function as possible, reduce the morbidity and mortality of surgery, and identify the patients who need more attention and support. This research is important for me because it gives me hope that kidney cancer patients in Sudan can have a better chance of survival and recovery. It also inspires me to learn more about the R.E.N.A.L score and how to apply it in my future practice. I believe that this research can make a difference for the kidney cancer patients in Sudan and their families.

Dr. Muzafr Shakir Ali Yousif
Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Application of R.E.N.A.L Nephrometry Score in Planning Type of Surgery and Predicting Complications in RCC Patients in Gezira Hospital, Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences, December 2023, Knowledge E,
DOI: 10.18502/sjms.v18i4.14738.
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