Nationwide trends in laparoscopic colectomy from 2000 to 2004

National trends and outcomes of robotic emergency general surgery in the United States

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted surgery has seen exponential adoption over the last decade. Although the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery in the elective setting have been demonstrated, data regarding robotic emergency general surgery remains sparse.

METHODS

All adults undergoing non-elective appendectomy, cholecystectomy, small or large bowel resection, perforated ulcer repair, or lysis of adhesions were identified in the 2008 to 2020 National Inpatient Sample. Temporal trends were analyzed using a rank-based, non-parametric test developed by Cuzick (nptrend). Using laparoscopy as a reference, multivariable regressions were used to evaluate the association between robotic techniques and in-hospital mortality, major complications, and resource use for each emergency general surgery operation.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 4,040,555 patients undergoing emergency general surgery, 65,853 (1.6%) were performed using robotic techniques. The robotic proportion of minimally invasive emergency general surgery increased significantly overall, with the largest growth seen in robot-assisted large bowel resections and perforated ulcer repairs. After adjustment for various patient and hospital-level factors, robot-assisted large bowel resection (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.58-0.91) and cholecystectomy (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.81) were associated with significantly reduced odds of perioperative blood transfusion compared to traditional laparoscopy. Although robotic techniques were associated with modest reductions in postoperative length of stay, costs were uniformly higher by increments of up to $4,900.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to laparoscopy in minimally invasive emergency general surgery, although comparable cost-effectiveness has yet to be realized. Increasing use of robotic techniques in emergency general surgery may be attributable in part to reduced complications, including blood loss, in certain operative contexts.

The Not-So-Distant Future or Just Hype? Utilizing Machine Learning to Predict 30-Day Post-Operative Complications in Laparoscopic Colectomy Patients

BACKGROUND

Complex machine learning (ML) models have revolutionized predictions in clinical care. However, for laparoscopic colectomy (LC), prediction of morbidity by ML has not been adequately analyzed nor compared against traditional logistic regression (LR) models.

METHODS

All LC patients, between 2017 and 2019, in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) were identified. A composite outcome of 17 variables defined any post-operative morbidity. Seven of the most common complications were additionally analyzed. Three ML models (Random Forests, XGBoost, and L1-L2-RFE) were compared with LR.

RESULTS

Random Forests, XGBoost, and L1-L2-RFE predicted 30-day post-operative morbidity with average area under the curve (AUC): .709, .712, and .712, respectively. LR predicted morbidity with AUC = .712. Septic shock was predicted with AUC ≤ .9, by ML and LR.

CONCLUSION

There was negligible difference in the predictive ability of ML and LR in post-LC morbidity prediction. Possibly, the computational power of ML cannot be realized in limited datasets.

Trends in performance of hospital outpatient procedures and associated 30-day costs among Medicare beneficiaries from 2011 to 2018

BACKGROUND

United States healthcare has increasingly transitioned to outpatient care delivery. The degree to which Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) have been able to shift surgical procedures from inpatient to outpatient settings despite higher patient complexity is unknown.

METHODS

This observational study used a 20% sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older undergoing eight elective procedures from 2011 to 2018 to model trends in procedure site (hospital outpatient vs. inpatient) and 30-day standardized Medicare costs, overall and by hospital teaching status.

RESULTS

Of the 1,222,845 procedures, 15.9% occurred at AMCs. There was a 2.42% per-year adjusted increase (95% CI 2.39%-2.45%; p < .001) in proportion of outpatient hospital procedures, from 68.9% in 2011 to 85.4% in 2018. Adjusted 30-day standardized costs declined from $18,122 to $14,353, (-$560/year, 95% CI -$573 to -$547; p < .001). Patients at AMCs had more chronic conditions and higher predicted annual mortality. AMCs had a lower proportion of outpatient procedures in all years compared to non-AMCs, a difference that was statistically significant but small in magnitude. AMCs had higher costs compared to non-AMCs and a lesser decline over time (p < .001 for the interaction). AMCs and non-AMCs saw a similar decline in 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a substantial shift toward outpatient procedures among Medicare beneficiaries with a decrease in total 30-day Medicare spending as well as 30-day mortality. Despite a higher complexity population, AMCs shifted procedures to the outpatient hospital setting at a similar rate as non-AMCs.

IMPLICATIONS

The trend toward outpatient procedural care and lower spending has been observed broadly across AMCs and non-AMCs, suggesting that Medicare beneficiaries have benefited from more efficient delivery of procedural care across academic and community hospitals.

Comparison of Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Open Right Hemicolectomy for Colon Cancer

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Colorectal cancer is still among the most common malignancies in the world.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> This retrospective study included 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the surgical technique: laparoscopic (46 cases) and open (41 cases). Patient characteristics and clinicopathological findings, surgical findings, short- and long-term results were included in the evaluation parameters. Patients with pathological diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma, distant metastases, and incomplete file datas were excluded from the study.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Forty-six (52.9%) patients underwent laparoscopic and 41 (47.1%) patients underwent open right hemicolectomy. The operation time of the laparoscopic group was found to be significantly higher (P<0.001). The amount of blood loss was significantly higher in the open group (P < 0.001). The incidence of post-operative complications in the open group (26.8%) was higher than in the laparoscopic group (6.5%) (P = 0.010). The rate of anastomotic leakage (9.8%) was higher in patients who underwent open surgery compared to laparoscopic group (0%) (P = 0.045). It was found that the laparoscopic group had a shorter hospital stay (P = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of overall overall survival (OS) rate (P = 0.400) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate (P = 0.781).</br> <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer is a feasible and reliable method with lower postoperative morbidity and similar long-term results to the open method.</br>

Potential considerations in decision making on laparoscopic colorectal resections in Hungary based on administrative data

Background

Laparoscopic colorectal surgeries offer numerous advantages over their open counterparts. To compare these measurable short-time outcomes of open and laparoscopic resections in Hungary, data of colorectal surgeries were collected and analysed. The study focused on identifying patients’ characteristics that can influence the decision on laparoscopic colorectal resections and on comparing efficiency of Hungarian colorectal operations with international data.

Methods

Using patients’ data of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery performed in 2015 and 2016 from the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary, a countrywide retrospective comparative analysis was done. Logistic regression was used to explore main influencing factors for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Results

A total of 17,876 colorectal surgical cases, including 14,876 open and 3,000 laparoscopic resections were selected and analysed. Laparoscopy was used only in 16.78% of all cases. Comparison of age groups showed that odds ratio (OR) of laparoscopic colorectal resections was significantly lower in over 40 years than in younger patients (18–39 years). In university institutes patients had higher odds (OR: 2.23 p<0.0001) for laparoscopic colorectal resections. Presence of comorbidity codes and preoperative treatment in internal medicine department decreased odds for laparoscopic colorectal operations.

Conclusions

Patients’ age, comorbidities and hospital type influenced the likelihood of decision on laparoscopic colorectal resection. Selection of patients contributed to improved laparoscopic outcomes.

Role of Simulation-Based Training in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Properly performing minimally invasive colorectal procedures requires specific skills. With a focus on patient safety, the training of surgeons on patients is only accepted under exceptionally controlled, expensive, and challenging conditions. Moreover, many new techniques in colorectal surgery have been developed. Therefore, undertaking minimally invasive colorectal surgery in modern times requires specific psychomotor skills that trainee surgeons must gather in less time. In addition, there are not enough proctors with sufficient expertise for such an expressive number of new different techniques likes transanal and robotic procedures. Studies that have demonstrated an improvement in minimally invasive surgery skills to the actual operating room in general surgery and a stepwise approach to surgical simulation with a combination of various training methods appears to be useful in colorectal surgery training programs. However, the scientific evidence on the transfer of skills specifically for colorectal surgery is extremely scarce and very variable. Thus, the evaluation of the results remains quite difficult. In this review, we present the best available evidence on the types of training based on simulation, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and finally the results available on their adoption. Nevertheless, scientific evidence about the benefit of simulation training in minimally invasive colorectal surgery is limited and there is a need to build more robust evidence.

Multidimensional analysis of the learning curve for laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a regional hospital: the implementation of a standardized surgical procedure counterbalances the lack of experience

Background

Although a larger proportion of colorectal surgeries have been performed laparoscopically in the last few years, a steep learning curve prevents us from considering laparoscopic colorectal surgery as the gold standard technique for treating disease entities in the colon and rectum. The purpose of this single centre study was to determine, using various parameters and following a well-structured and standardized surgical procedure, the adequate number of cases after which a single surgeon qualified in open surgery but with no previous experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and without supervision, can acquire proficiency in this technique.

Methods

From 2012 to 2019, 112 patients with pathology in the rectum and colon underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection by a team led by the same surgeon. The patients were divided into two groups (group A:50 – group B:62) and their case records and histopathology reports were examined for predefined parameters, statistically analysed and compared between groups.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups in the distribution of conversions (p = 0.635) and complications (p = 0.637). Patients in both groups underwent surgery for the same median number of lymph nodes (p = 0.145) and stayed the same number of days in the hospital (p = 0.109). A statistically important difference was found in operation duration both for the total (p = 0.006) and for each different type of colectomy (sigmoidectomy: p = 0.026, right colectomy: p = 0.013, extralevator abdominoperineal resection: p = 0.050, low anterior resection: p = 0.083).

Conclusions

Taking into consideration all the parameters, it is our belief that a surgeon acquires proficiency in laparoscopic colorectal surgery after performing at least 50 diverse cases with a well structured and standardized surgical procedure.

Inequalities in access to minimally invasive general surgery: a comprehensive nationwide analysis across 20 years

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has profoundly changed standards of care and lowered perioperative morbidity, but its temporal implementation and factors favoring MIS access remain elusive. We aimed to comprehensibly investigate MIS adoption across different surgical procedures over 20 years, identify predictors for MIS amenability and compare propensity score-matched outcomes among MIS and open surgery.

Methods

Nationwide retrospective analysis of all hospitalizations in Switzerland between 1998 and 2017. Appendectomies (n = 186,929), cholecystectomies (n = 57,788), oncological right (n = 9138) and left hemicolectomies (n = 21,580), rectal resections (n = 13,989) and gastrectomies for carcinoma (n = 6606) were included. Endpoints were assessment of temporal MIS implementation, identification of predictors for MIS access and comparison of propensity score-matched outcomes among MIS and open surgery.

Results

The rates of MIS increased for all procedures during the study period (p ≤ 0.001). While half of all appendectomies were performed laparoscopically by 2005, minimally invasive oncological colorectal resections reached 50% only by 2016. Multivariate analyses identified older age (p ≤ 0.02, except gastrectomy), higher comorbidities (p ≤ 0.001, except rectal resections), lack of private insurance (p ≤ 0.01) as well as rural residence (p ≤ 0.01) with impaired access to MIS. Rural residence correlated with low income regions (p ≤ 0.001), which themselves were associated with decreased MIS access. Geographical mapping confirmed strong disparities for rural and low-income areas in MIS access. Matched outcome analyses revealed benefits of MIS for length of stay, decreased surgical site infection rates for MIS appendectomies and cholecystectomies and higher mortality for open cholecystectomies. No consistent morbidity or mortality benefit for MIS compared to open colorectal resections was observed.

Conclusion

Unequal access to MIS exists in disfavor of older and more comorbid patients and those lacking private insurance, living in rural areas, and having lower income. Efforts should be made to ensure equal MIS access regardless of socioeconomic or geographical factors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-020-08123-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acquiring Advanced Laparoscopic Colectomy Skills - The Issues

Colorectal surgery has been revolutionised towards minimally invasive surgery with the emergence of enhanced recovery protocol after surgery initiatives. However, laparoscopic colectomy has yet to be widely adopted, due mainly to the steep learning curve. We aim to review and discuss the methods of overcoming these learning curves by accelerating the competency level of the trainees without compromising patient safety. To provide this mini review, we assessed 70 articles in PubMed that were found through a search comprised the keywords laparoscopic colectomy, minimal invasive colectomy, learning curve and surgical education. We found England's Laparoscopic Colorectal National Training Programme (LAPCO-NTP) England to be by far the most structured programme established for colorectal surgeons, which involves pre-clinical and clinical phases that end with an assessment. For budding colorectal trainees, learning may be accelerated by simulator-based training to achieve laparoscopic dexterity coupled with an in-theatre proctorship by field experts. Task-specific checklists and video recordings are essential adjuncts to gauge progress and performance. As competency is established, careful case selections with the proctor are essential to maintain motivation and ensure safe performances. A structured programme to establish competency is vital to help both the proctor and trainee gauge real-time progress and performance. However, training systems both inside and outside the operating theatre (OT) are equally useful to achieve the desired performance.

Utilization of Laparoscopic Colon Surgery in the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File (PUDF)

Background:

Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard of care for the most common surgical procedures performed. However, laparoscopic techniques have not reached this same penetrance in colorectal surgery. We wanted to determine the percentage of colon operations performed in Texas that were done via laparoscopic, robotic and open techniques.

Methods:

The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File (PUDF) was queried using ICD-9-CM diagnostic and procedure codes to determine overall utilization of laparoscopic colectomies (LC) in Texas between 2013-14 for reporting facilities. We specifically looked at cost and the length of stay for LC, open colectomy (OC) and robotic assisted colectomy (RAC).

Results:

In the state of Texas between 2013-14 there were 20,454 colectomies performed. Of these 12,328 (60.3%) were OC, 7,536 (36.8%) were LC, and 590 (3.9%) were RAC. Average total cost was $117,113 for OC, $75,741.9 for LC, and $81,996.2 for RAC. Average length of stay for each technique was 10.6 days for OC, 6.1 days for LC, and 5.1 days for RAC. The risk of a postoperative complication occurring was higher in the open procedure than a laparoscopic procedure.

Conclusions:

LC accounted for only 36.8% of all colectomies performed in Texas between 2013-14. OC costs twice as much as LC and increased the length of stay by nearly 4 d. LC and RAC are both associated with significantly less cost and length of stay for patients undergoing surgery, while lowering perioperative complications.

Disclosures:

None of the authors have any relevant disclosures.

SICE national survey: current state on the adoption of laparoscopic approach to the treatment of colorectal disease in Italy

The real diffusion of laparoscopy for the treatment of colorectal diseases in Italy is largely unknown. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate among surgeons dedicated to minimally invasive surgery, the volume of laparoscopic colorectal procedures, the type of operation performed in comparison to traditional approach, the indication for surgery (benign and malignant) and to evaluate the different types of technologies used. A structured questionnaire was developed in collaboration with an international market research institute and the survey was published online; invitation to participate to the survey was issued among the members of the Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery (SICE). 211 surgeons working in 57 surgical departments in Italy fulfilled and answered the online survey. A total of 6357 colorectal procedures were recorded during the year 2015 of which 4104 (64.1%) were performed using a minimally invasive approach. Colon and rectal cancer were the most common indications for laparoscopic approach (83.1%). Left colectomy was the operation most commonly performed (41.8%), while rectal resection accounted for 23.5% of the cases. Overall conversion rate was 5.9% (242/4104). Full HD standard technology was available and routinely used in all the responders' centers. The proportion of colorectal resections that are carried out laparoscopically in dedicated centers has now reached valuable levels with a low conversion rate.

Achieving high quality standards in laparoscopic colon resection for cancer: A Delphi consensus-based position paper

AIM

To investigate the rate of laparoscopic colectomies for colon cancer using registries and population-based studies. To provide a position paper on mini-invasive (MIS) colon cancer surgery based on the opinion of experts leader in this field.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines for the rate of laparoscopy in colon cancer. Moreover, Delphi methodology was used to reach consensus among 35 international experts in four study rounds. Consensus was defined as an agreement ≥75.0%. Domains of interest included nosology, essential technical/oncological requirements, outcomes and MIS training.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies from 42 articles were reviewed. Although it is still sub-optimal, the rate of MIS for colon cancer increased over the years and it is currently >50% in Korea, Netherlands, UK and Australia. The remaining European countries are un-investigated and presented lower rates with highest variations, ranging 7-35%. Using Delphi methodology, a laparoscopic colectomy was defined as a "colon resection performed using key-hole surgery independently from the type of anastomosis". The panel defined also the oncological requirements recognized essential for the procedure and agreed that when performed by experienced surgeons, it should be marked as best practice in guidelines, given the principles of oncologic surgery be respected (R0 procedure, vessel ligation and mesocolon integrity).

CONCLUSION

The rate of MIS colectomies for cancer in Europe should be further investigated. A panel of leaders in this field defined laparoscopic colectomy as a best practice procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon respecting the standards of surgical oncology.

The Adoption of Surgical Innovations at Academic Versus Nonacademic Health Centers

PURPOSE

The value of the health care services provided by academic health centers (AHCs) in the United States increasingly is being questioned. AHCs play a prominent role in developing new surgical innovations, including new minimally invasive techniques, which are costly up front but can lead to significant benefits like decreased morbidity and lengths of stays. This study explored the role of AHCs in the adoption of these surgical innovations as a novel measure of their value.

METHOD

The authors combined data from the American Hospital Association and the State Inpatient Databases from California, Florida, Washington State, and New York. They compared the number and percentage of patients who received four new, innovative surgical procedures (vs. those who received the traditional procedures) at Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) hospitals to those at non-COTH hospitals from 2009 to 2011.

RESULTS

Overall, 61.1% (27,175) of the procedures performed at COTH hospitals used new techniques, compared with 47.2% (41,680) at non-COTH hospitals, across all years (P < .0001). The number and percentage of procedures using the new techniques increased in all years and for all procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Not only do AHCs play a role in developing surgical innovations but they also adopt these new techniques more quickly than other hospitals, and thereby they provide additional benefits to patients. These findings provide an important and understudied perspective on the value of AHCs.

Assessment of a new kind of surgical simulator. The physical surgical simulator

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether the use of the physical surgical simulator may benefit the development of laparoscopic skills.

METHODS

Ten medical students were divided into two groups: the first one performed ten weekly training sessions with a physical surgical simulator - ETX A2 LAP and, afterwards, one laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine model, while the second group performed only a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Both groups were compared regarding bleeding, total surgical time, time to perform each surgical step and qualitative parameters, based on a previously validated tool.

RESULTS

There was no difference in any of the evaluated parameters.

CONCLUSION

We did not find any evidence of benefit in the use of the physical simulator for surgical performance in medical students.

An Instrumental Variable Analysis Comparing Medicare Expenditures for Laparoscopic vs Open Colectomy

Importance

Numerous study findings suggest that the use of laparoscopy is associated with lower health care costs for many operations, including colectomy. The extent to which these differences are due to the laparoscopic approach itself or selection bias from healthier patients undergoing the less invasive procedure is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the differences in Medicare expenditures for laparoscopic and open colectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A population-based study was conducted of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing laparoscopic or open colectomy between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012. The dates of the analysis were November 13 to December 10, 2016. Using instrumental variable methods to account for selection bias, actual Medicare payments after each procedure were evaluated. To identify the mechanisms of potential cost savings, the frequency and amount of physician, readmission, and postacute care payments were evaluated. Several sensitivity analyses were performed restricting the study population by patient demographic or surgeon specialty.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Actual Medicare expenditures up to 1 year after the index operation.

Results

The study population included 428 799 patients (mean [SD] age, 74 [10] years; 57.0% female). When using standard methods, patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (vs open) had lower total Medicare expenditures (mean, -$5547; 95% CI, -$5408 to -$5684; P < .01). When using instrumental variable methods, which account for potentially unmeasured patient characteristics, patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (vs open) still had lower Medicare expenditures (mean, -$3676; 95% CI, -$2444 to -$4907; P < .01), although the magnitude of the association was reduced. When examining the root causes of the difference in costs between patients who underwent laparoscopic and open colectomy, the key drivers were a reduction in costs from readmissions (mean, -$1102; 95% CI, -$1373 to -$831) and postacute care (mean, -$1446; 95% CI, -$1988 to -$935; P < .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

This population-based study demonstrates the influence of selection bias on cost estimates in comparative effectiveness research. While the use of laparoscopy reduced total episode payments, the source of savings is in the postacute care period, not the index hospitalization.

Patient, Hospital, and Geographic Disparities in Laparoscopic Surgery Use Among Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Patients With Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for colon cancer, but use of laparoscopic approaches varies widely despite demonstrated short- and long-term benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with laparoscopic colon cancer resection and to quantify variation based on patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics.

DESIGN

Bayesian cross-classified, multilevel logistic models calculated adjusted ORs and CIs for patient, surgeon, hospital, and geographic characteristics and unexplained variability (predicted vs. observed values) using adjusted median odds ratios for hospitals and counties.

SETTINGS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare claims database (2008-2011) supplemented with county-level American Community Survey (2008-2012) demographic data was used.

PATIENTS

A total of 10,618 patients ≥66 years old who underwent colon cancer resection were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Nonurgent/nonemergent resections for colon cancer patients ≥66 years old were classified as laparoscopic or open procedures.

RESULTS

Patients resided in 579 counties and used 950 hospitals; 47% of patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Medicare/Medicaid dual enrollment, age ≥85 years, and higher tumor stage and grade were negatively associated with laparoscopic surgery receipt; proximal tumors and increasing hospital size and surgeon caseload were positively associated. Significant unexplained variability at the hospital (adjusted median OR = 3.31; p < 0.001) and county levels (adjusted median OR = 1.28; p < 0.05) remained after adjustment.

LIMITATIONS

This was an observational study lacking generalizability to younger patients without Medicare or those with Health Maintenance Organization coverage and data set did not reflect national hospital studies or hospital volume. In addition, we were unable to account for specific types of comorbidities, such as obesity, and had broad categories for surgeon caseload.

CONCLUSIONS

Determining sources of hospital-level variation among poor insured patients may help increase laparoscopic resection to maximize health outcomes and reduce cost. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A363.

Insurance Status, Not Race, is Associated With Use of Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Rectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of race and insurance on use of minimally invasive (MIS) compared with open techniques for rectal cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND

Race and socioeconomic status have been implicated in disparities of rectal cancer treatment.

METHODS

Adults undergoing MIS (laparoscopic or robotic) or open rectal resections for stage I to III rectal adenocarcinoma were included from the National Cancer Database (2010-2012). Multivariate analyses were employed to examine the adjusted association of race and insurance with use of MIS versus open surgery.

RESULTS

Among 23,274 patients, 39% underwent MIS and 61% open surgery. Overall, 86% were white, 8% black, and 3% Asian. Factors associated with use of open versus MIS were black race, Medicare/Medicaid insurance, and lack of insurance. However, after adjustment for patient demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, black race was not associated with use of MIS versus open surgery [odds ratio [OR] 0.90, P = 0.07). Compared with privately insured patients, uninsured patients (OR 0.52, P < 0.01) and those with Medicare/Medicaid (OR 0.79, P < 0.01) were less likely to receive minimally invasive resections. Lack of insurance was significantly associated with less use of MIS in black (OR 0.59, P = 0.02) or white patients (OR 0.51, P < 0.01). However, among uninsured patients, black race was not associated with lower use of MIS (OR 0.96, P = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Insurance status, not race, is associated with utilization of minimally invasive techniques for oncologic rectal resections. Due to the short-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques, hospitals may need to improve access to these techniques, especially for uninsured patients.

Neighborhood Variation in the Utilization of Laparoscopy for the Treatment of Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

The rates of laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer have steadily increased since its inception. Laparoscopic colectomy currently accounts for a third of colectomy procedures in the United States, but little is known regarding the spatial pattern of the utilization of laparoscopy for colon cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the utilization of laparoscopy for colon cancer at the neighborhood level in Ontario.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed.

SETTING

This study was conducted at all hospitals in the province of Ontario.

PATIENTS

This population-based study included all patients aged ≥18 who received an elective colectomy for colon cancer from April 2008 until March 2012 in the province of Ontario.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the neighborhood rates of laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Overall, 9,969 patients underwent surgery, and the cluster analysis identified 74 cold-spot neighborhoods, representing 1.8 million people, or 14% of the population. In the multivariate analysis, patients from rural neighborhoods were less than half as likely to receive laparoscopy, OR 0.44 (95% CI, 0.24-0.84; p = 0.012). Additionally, having a minimally invasive surgery fellowship training facility within the same administrative health region as the neighborhood made it more than 23 times as likely to be a hot spot, OR 25.88 (95% CI, 12.15-55.11; p < 0.001). Neighborhood socioeconomic status was not associated with variation in the utilization of laparoscopy.

LIMITATIONS

Patient case mix could affect laparoscopy use.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

This study identified an unequal utilization of laparoscopy for colon cancer within Ontario with rural neighborhoods experiencing low rates of laparoscopic colectomy, whereas neighborhoods in the same administrative region as minimally invasive surgery training centers experienced increased utilization. Further study into the causes of this variation in resource allocation is needed to identify ways to improve more efficient spread of knowledge and technical skills advancement.

Comparison of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Colectomies Using a Large National Database: Outcomes and Trends Related to Surgery Center Volume

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that high-volume centers and laparoscopic techniques improve outcomes of colectomy. These evidence-based measures have been slow to be accepted, and current trends are unknown. In addition, the current rates and outcomes of robotic surgery are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine current national trends in the use of minimally invasive surgery and to evaluate hospital volume trends over time.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in patients undergoing elective open, laparoscopic, and robotic colectomies from 2009 to 2012. Patient and institutional characteristics were evaluated and outcomes compared between groups using multivariate hierarchical-logistic regression and nonparametric tests. The National Inpatient Sample includes patient and hospital demographics, admission and treating diagnoses, inpatient procedures, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and discharge status.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications of surgery were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 509,029 patients underwent elective colectomy from 2009 to 2012. Of those 266,263 (52.3%) were open, 235,080 (46.2%) laparoscopic, and 7686 (1.5%) robotic colectomies. The majority of minimal access surgery is still being performed at high-volume compared with low-volume centers (37.5% vs 28.0% and 44.0% vs 23.0%; p < 0.001). A total of 36% of colectomies were for cancer. The number of robotic colectomies has quadrupled from 702 in 2009 to 3390 (1.1%) in 2012. After adjustment, the rate of iatrogenic complications was higher for robotic surgery (OR = 1.73 (95% CI, 1.20-2.47)), and the median cost of robotic surgery was higher, at $15,649 (interquartile range, $11,840-$20,183) vs $12,071 (interquartile range, $9338-$16,203; p < 0.001 for laparoscopic).

LIMITATIONS

This study may be limited by selection bias by surgeons regarding the choice of patient management. In addition, there are limitations in the measures of disease severity and, because the database relies on billing codes, there may be inaccuracies such as underreporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the majority of colectomies in the United States are still performed open, although rates of laparoscopy continue to increase. There is a trend toward increased volume of laparoscopic procedures at specialty centers. The role of robotics is still being defined, in light of higher cost, lack of clinical benefit, and increased iatrogenic complications, albeit comparable overall complications, as compared with laparoscopic colectomy.

Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Europe: Implementation and Outcomes

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) was first introduced over 20 years ago and recently has gained increasing acceptance and usage beyond clinical trials. However, data on dissemination of the method across countries and on long-term outcomes are still sparse.In the context of a European collaborative study, a total of 112,023 CRC cases from 3 population-based (N = 109,695) and 4 institute-based clinical cancer registries (N = 2328) were studied and compared on the utilization of MIS versus open surgery. Cox regression models were applied to study associations between surgery type and survival of patients from the population-based registries. The study considered adjustment for potential confounders.The percentage of CRC patients undergoing MIS differed substantially between centers and generally increased over time. MIS was significantly less often used in stage II to IV colon cancer compared with stage I in most centers. MIS tended to be less often used in older (70+) than in younger colon cancer patients. MIS tended to be more often used in women than in men with rectal cancer. MIS was associated with significantly reduced mortality among colon cancer patients in the Netherlands (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.63-0.69), Sweden (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.76), and Norway (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.67-0.79). Likewise, MIS was associated with reduced mortality of rectal cancer patients in the Netherlands (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.80) and Sweden (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.90).Utilization of MIS in CRC resection is increasing, but large variation between European countries and clinical centers prevails. Our results support association of MIS with substantially enhanced survival among colon cancer patients. Further studies controlling for selection bias and residual confounding are needed to establish role of MIS in survival of patients.

Provider Experience and the Comparative Safety of Laparoscopic and Open Colectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comparative safety of laparoscopic and open colectomy across surgeons varying in experience with laparoscopy.

DATA SOURCES

National Medicare data (2008-2010) for beneficiaries undergoing laparoscopic or open colectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Using instrumental variable methods to address selection bias, we evaluated outcomes of laparoscopic and open colectomy. Our instrument was the regional use of laparoscopy in the year prior to a patient's operation. We then evaluated outcomes stratified by surgeons' annual volume of laparoscopic colectomy.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Laparoscopic colectomy was associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.75, 95 percent CI: 0.70-0.78) and fewer complications than open surgery (OR: 0.82, 95 percent CI: 0.79-0.85). Increasing surgeon volume was associated with better outcomes for both procedures, but the relationship was stronger for laparoscopy. The comparative safety depended on surgeon volume. High-volume surgeons had 40 percent lower mortality (OR: 0.60, 95 percent CI: 0.55-0.65) and 30 percent fewer complications (OR: 0.70, 95 percent CI: 0.67-0.74) with laparoscopy. Conversely, low-volume surgeons had 7 percent higher mortality (OR: 1.07, 95 percent CI: 1.02-1.13) and 18 percent more complications (OR: 1.18, 95 percent CI: 1.12-1.24) with laparoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based study demonstrates that the comparative safety of laparoscopic and open colectomy is influenced by surgeon volume. Laparoscopic colectomy is only safer for patients whose surgeons have sufficient experience.

Minimally invasive surgery in gastrointestinal cancer: benefits, challenges, and solutions for underutilization

Background and Objectives:

After the widespread application of minimally invasive surgery for benign diseases and given its proven safety and efficacy, minimally invasive surgery for gastrointestinal cancer has gained substantial attention in the past several years. Despite the large number of publications on the topic and level I evidence to support its use in colon cancer, minimally invasive surgery for most gastrointestinal malignancies is still underused.

Methods:

We explore some of the challenges that face the fusion of minimally invasive surgery technology in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies and propose solutions that may help increase the utilization in the future. These solutions are based on extensive literature review, observation of current trends and practices in this field, and discussion made with experts in the field.

Results:

We propose 4 different solutions to increase the use of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies: collaboration between surgical oncologists/hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons and minimally invasive surgeons at the same institution; a single surgeon performing 2 fellowships in surgical oncology/hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and minimally invasive surgery; establishing centers of excellence in minimally invasive gastrointestinal cancer management; and finally, using robotic technology to help with complex laparoscopic skills.

Conclusions:

Multiple studies have confirmed the utility of minimally invasive surgery techniques in dealing with patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. However, training continues to be the most important challenge that faces the use of minimally invasive surgery in the management of gastrointestinal malignancy; implementation of our proposed solutions may help increase the rate of adoption in the future.

Ureteral injury after laparoscopic versus open colectomy

Background and Objectives:

Ureteral injury is an infrequent but potentially lethal complication of colectomy. We aimed to determine the incidence of intraoperative ureteral injury after laparoscopic and open colectomy and to determine the independent morbidity and mortality rates associated with ureteral injury.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for the years 2005–2010. All patients undergoing colectomy for benign, neoplastic, or inflammatory conditions were selected. Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy versus open colectomy were matched on disease severity and clinical and demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and coarsened exact matching were used to determine the independent difference in the incidence of ureteral injury between the 2 groups. Multivariate models were also used to determine the independent association between postoperative complications associated with ureteral injury.

Results:

Of a total of 94 526 colectomies, 33 092 (35%) were completed laparoscopically. Ureteral injury occurred in a total of 585 patients (0.6%). The crude incidence in the open group was higher than that in the laparoscopic group (0.66% versus 0.53%, P = .016). CEM produced 14 630 matching pairs. Matched analysis showed the likelihood of ureteral injury after laparoscopic colectomy to be 30% less than after open colectomy (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.96). Patients with ureteral injury were independently more likely to have septic complications and have longer lengths of hospital stay than those without ureteral injury.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a lower incidence of intraoperative ureteral injury when compared with open procedures. Ureteral injury leads to significant postoperative morbidity even if identified and repaired during the colectomy.

Laparoscopy Versus Robotic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Single-Center Initial Experience

Background Minimally invasive approach has gained interest in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences between laparoscopy and robotics for colorectal cancer in terms of oncologic and clinical outcomes in an initial experience of a single center. Materials and Methods Clinico-pathological data of 100 patients surgically treated for colorectal cancer from March 2008 to April 2014 with laparoscopy and robotics were analyzed. The procedures were right colonic, left colonic, and rectal resections. A comparison between the laparoscopic and robotic resections was made and an analysis of the first and the last procedures in the 2 groups was performed. Results Forty-two patients underwent robotic resection and 58 underwent laparoscopic resection. The postoperative mortality was 1%. The number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in robotics. The conversion rate was 7.1% for robotics and 3.4% for laparoscopy. The operative time was lower in laparoscopy for all the procedures. No differences were found between the first and the last procedures in the 2 groups. Conclusions This initial experience has shown that robotic surgery for the treatment of colorectal adenocarcinoma is a feasible and safe procedure in terms of oncologic and clinical outcomes, although an appropriate learning curve is necessary. Further investigation is needed to demonstrate real advantages of robotics over laparoscopy.

Current State of Laparoscopic Colonic Surgery in Austria: A National Survey

PURPOSE

Several studies have demonstrated that laparoscopic colonic resection has significant benefits in comparison with open approaches in patients with benign and malignant disease. The proportion of colonic and rectal resections conducted laparoscopically in Austria is not currently known; the aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of laparoscopic colonic surgery in Austria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to all general surgical departments in Austria. In collaboration with IMAS, an Austrian market research institute, an online survey was used to identify laparoscopic and open colorectal resections performed in 2013. The results were compared with data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD), in which administrative in-patient data were also collected from all general surgical departments in Austria in 2013.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of 99 surgical departments in Austria responded (53.5%); 4335 colonic and rectal resections were carried out in the participating departments, representing 50.5% of all NHMD-recorded colorectal resections (n = 8576) in Austria in 2013. Of these 4335 colonic and rectal resections, 2597 (59.9%) were carried out using an open approach, 1674 (38.6%) were laparoscopic, and an exact classification was not available for 64 (1.5%). Among the NHMD-recorded colonic and rectal resections, 6342 (73.9%) were carried out with an open approach, and 2234 (26.1%) were laparoscopic.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of colorectal resections that are carried out laparoscopically is low (26.1%). Technical challenges and a learning curve with a significant number of cases may be reasons for the slow adoption of laparoscopic colonic surgery.

Need for simulation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery training

The dissemination of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) has been slow despite increasing evidence for the clinical benefits, with a prolonged learning curve being one of the main restrictions for a prompt uptake. Performing advanced laparoscopic procedures requires dedicated surgical skills and new simulation methods designed precisely for LCS have been established: These include virtual reality simulators, box trainers, animal and human tissue and synthetic materials. Studies have even demonstrated an improvement in trainees’ laparoscopic skills in the actual operating room and a staged approach to surgical simulation with a combination of various training methods should be mandatory in every colorectal training program. The learning curve for LCS could be reduced through practice and skills development in a riskfree setting.

Comparison of clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy: a nationwide study

Background

This study aimed to compare clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy.

Methods

The data were sourced from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. This study included 14,320 and 1313 patients who underwent open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomies, respectively. The study outcome included “intensive care unit (ICU) admission,” “over 2 h of general anesthesia,” “use of mechanical ventilation,” “acute respiratory failure,” “in-hospital death,” and “hospitalization for pneumonia.” Separate conditional logistic regressions were performed for each clinical outcome.

Results

The results showed that patients who underwent an open right hemicolectomy had significantly higher likelihood of ICU admission (31.4 vs. 13.4 %, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (3.6 vs. 0.8 %, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (12.8 vs. 4.1 %, p < 0.001), in-hospital death (3.7 vs. 0.9 %, p < 0.001), over 2 h of general anesthesia (4.6 vs. 1.2 %, p < 0.001), and hospitalization for pneumonia (5.8 vs. 3.1 %, p < 0.001) than patients who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Adjusted conditional logistic regression analyses revealed that patients who underwent an open right hemicolectomy were 2.96, 4.98, 3.41, 4.01, 3.44, and 1.78 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, to have acute respiratory failure, the use of mechanical ventilation, in-hospital death, over 2 h of general anesthesia, and hospitalization for pneumonia, respectively, than patients who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy reduced risk of post-operative pulmonary complications.

National disparities in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Social and racial disparities have been identified as factors contributing to differences in access to care and oncologic outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate national disparities in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), both laparoscopic and robotic, across different racial, socioeconomic and geographic populations of patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS

We utilized the American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database to identify patients with rectal cancer from 2004 to 2011 who had undergone definitive surgical procedures through either an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach. Inclusion criteria included only one malignancy and no adjuvant therapy. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate differences in age, gender, race, income, education, insurance coverage, geographic setting and hospital type in relation to the surgical approach.

RESULTS

A total of 8633 patients were identified. The initial surgical approach included 46.5% open (4016), 50.9% laparoscopic (4393) and 2.6% robotic (224). In evaluating type of insurance coverage, patients with private insurance were most likely to undergo laparoscopic surgery [OR (odds ratio) 1.637, 95% CI 1.178-2.275], although there was a less statistically significant association with robotic surgery (OR 2.167, 95% CI 0.663-7.087). Patients who had incomes greater than $46,000 and received treatment at an academic center were more likely to undergo MIS (either laparoscopic or robotic). Race, education and geographic setting were not statistically significant characteristics for surgical approach in patients with rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive approaches for rectal cancer comprise approximately 53% of surgical procedures in patients not treated with adjuvant therapy. Robotics is associated with patients who have higher incomes and private insurance and undergo surgery in academic centers.

Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery in the United States: a nationwide analysis of trends and outcomes

BACKGROUND

While robotic-assisted colorectal surgery (RACS) is becoming increasingly popular, data comparing its outcomes to other established techniques remain limited to small case series. Moreover, there are no large studies evaluating the trends of RACS at the national level.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009-2010 was retrospectively reviewed for robotic-assisted and laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed for cancer, benign polyps, and diverticular disease. Trends in different settings, indications, and demographics were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare selected outcomes between RACS and conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS).

RESULTS

An estimated 128,288 colorectal procedures were performed through minimally invasive techniques over the study period, and RACS was used in 2.78 % of cases. From 2009 to 2010, the use of robotics increased in all hospital settings but was still more common in large, urban, and teaching hospitals. Rectal cancer was the most common indication for RACS, with a tendency toward its selective use in male patients. On multivariate analysis, robotic surgery was associated with higher hospital charges in colonic ($11,601.39; 95 % CI 6,921.82-16,280.97) and rectal cases ($12,964.90; 95 % CI 6,534.79-19,395.01), and higher rates of postoperative bleeding in colonic cases (OR = 2.15; 95 % CI 1.27- 3.65). RACS was similar to CLS with respect to length of hospital stay, morbidity, anastomotic leak, and ileus. Conversion to open surgery was significantly lower in robotic colonic and rectal procedures (0.41; 95 % CI 0.25-0.67) and (0.10; 95 % CI 0.06-0.16), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of RACS is still limited in the United States. However, its use increased over the study period despite higher associated charges and no real advantages over laparoscopy in terms of outcome. The one advantage is lower conversion rates.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery in the Emergency Setting: Trends in the Province of Ontario

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine the adoption trends of emergency laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the province of Ontario.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective time-series analysis examining rates of emergency colorectal surgery among 10.5 million adults in Ontario, Canada from April 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. We linked administrative claims databases and the Ontario Cancer Registry to assess procedure rates over time. Procedure trends were assessed using time-series analysis.

RESULTS

Over the 8-year period, 29,676 emergency colorectal procedures were identified. A total of 2582 (8.7%) were performed laparoscopically and 27,094 (91.3%) were open. Open and laparoscopic patients were similar with respect age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The proportion of surgery for benign (63.8% of open cases vs. 65.6% laparoscopic, standardized difference=0.04) and malignant disease (36.2% open vs. 34.4% laparoscopic, standardized difference=0.04) was equal between groups. The percentage of emergency colorectal surgery performed laparoscopically increased from 5.7% in 2002 to 12.0% in 2009 (P<0.01). The use of laparoscopy increased for both benign and malignant disease. Statistically significant upward trends in laparoscopic surgery were seen for inflammatory bowel disease (P<0.01), obstruction (P<0.01), and colon cancer (P<0.01). From 2002 to 2009, annual procedure rates increased at a greater rate in nonacademic centers (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic emergency colorectal surgery has increased significantly between 2002 and 2009 for both benign and malignant disease and for a wide range of diagnoses. This was driven in part by steadily rising usage of laparoscopy in nonacademic centers.

Reduced perioperative death following laparoscopic colorectal resection: results of an international observational study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic approaches to colorectal surgery are known to accelerate recovery but the effect on postoperative mortality is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in postoperative mortality between patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in a group of international healthcare institutions.

METHODS

Administrative data from 30 worldwide institutions were searched for patients who underwent elective colorectal surgical resection between January 2007 and December 2011. The primary outcome measure was 30-day-in-hospital mortality rate. Secondary outcome measures were 30-day readmission rate, length of stay, and 30-day reoperation rate.

RESULTS

There were 30,369 (20,641 colonic and 9728 rectal) resections recorded over the 5 years. Eight thousand eighty-six were laparoscopic (26.6%) and 22,283 (73.4%) were open. Following propensity-score matching of the laparoscopic and open cohorts, mortality was 0.5% following laparoscopic colectomy and 1.2% after conventional surgery (P < 0.001). After adjusting for differences in preoperative risk factors including gender, age, comorbidity, type of surgery and diagnosis, by matching on propensity score, laparoscopic surgery was a strong determinant of reduced 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.44; 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.62; P < 0.001), reduced hospital stay (odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.45; P < 0.001), reduced readmission (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.86; P < 0.001) and reduced re-operation (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.76; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality when compared with conventional techniques. This finding is consistent across international healthcare institutions and supports efforts to disseminate laparoscopic skills.

Incidence of minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery at National Comprehensive Cancer Network centers

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic colectomy has been shown to have equivalent oncologic outcomes to open colectomy for the management of colon cancer, but its adoption nationally has been slow. This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with laparoscopic colorectal resection at National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) centers.

METHODS

Data on patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer at NCCN centers from 2005 to 2010 were obtained from chart review of medical records for the NCCN Outcomes Project and included information on socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, comorbidity, and physician-reported Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. Associations between receipt of minimally invasive surgery and patient and clinical variables were analyzed with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

A total of 4032 patients, diagnosed between September 2005 and December 2010, underwent elective colon or rectal resection for cancer at NCCN centers. Median age of colon cancer patients was 62.6 years, and 49% were men. The percent of colon cancer patients treated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) increased from 35% in 2006 to 51% in 2010 across all centers but varied statistically significantly between centers. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with minimally invasive surgery for colon cancer patients who had surgery at an NCCN institution were older age (P = .02), male sex (P = .006), fewer comorbidities (P ≤ .001), lower final T-stage (P < .001), median household income greater than or equal to $80000 (P < .001), ECOG performance status = 0 (P = .02), and NCCN institution (P ≤ .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MIS increased at NCCN centers. However, there was statistically significant variation in adoption of MIS technique among centers.

Single-session baseline virtual reality simulator scores predict technical performance for laparoscopic colectomy: a study in the swine model

OBJECTIVE

Virtual reality (VR) simulation helps reducing the learning curve of laparoscopic colectomy. Moreover, it may be used to ascertain surgeons' pretraining skills. It was aimed to establish predictive validity of specific parameters gathered during VR simulation training on sigmoid colectomy and whether simulator parameters correlate with technical performance during the same operation in a swine model.

DESIGN

Surgeons novice to laparoscopic colectomy underwent a single VR simulation session on sigmoid colectomy. Next, all participants performed a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in the swine. Operations were recorded. Performance evaluation was conducted by 2 board-certified colorectal surgeons blinded to surgeons' simulator scores using an instrument specific to laparoscopic colectomy. For each participant, a mean score of specific skills was calculated. Linear regression analysis was used to identify simulator parameters that were best related to the score. The stepwise method was used to select parameters. The magnitude of the regression model was measured by the coefficient of determination (R(2)) value.

SETTING

The University of Sao Paulo Medical Center is a high-volume, public practice, university-affiliated hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 14 first-year residents in digestive tract surgery were included.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance demonstrated that the regression model was significant (p = 0.0001), and an association between simulation scores and specific skills was confirmed. The R(2) value was 99%. The VR simulator parameters that strongly correlated with specific skills during laparoscopic colectomy in the swine were safe use of electrosurgery/energy device and safety of medial-to-lateral dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

A single VR simulation session for novice surgeons in the sigmoid colectomy module generates baseline scores that highly correlated with performance of specific skills during a laparoscopic colectomy in the swine. This information may be useful in an attempt to tailor VR simulator practice according to a surgeon's needs.

Rural residence and cancer outcomes in the United States: issues and challenges

"Neighborhoods and health" research has shown that area social factors are associated with the health outcomes that patients with cancer experience across the cancer control continuum. To date, most of this research has been focused on the attributes of urban areas that are associated with residents' poor cancer outcomes with less focused on attributes of rural areas that may be associated with the same. Perhaps because there is not yet a consensus in the United States regarding how to define "rural," there is not yet an accepted analytic convention for studying issues of how patients' cancer outcomes may vary according to "rural" as a contextual attribute. The research that exists reports disparate findings and generally treats rural residence as a patient attribute rather than a contextual factor, making it difficult to understand what factors (e.g., unmeasured individual poverty, area social deprivation, area health care scarcity) may be mediating the poor outcomes associated with rural (or non-rural) residence. Here, we review literature regarding the potential importance of rural residence on cancer patients' outcomes in the United States with an eye towards identifying research conventions (i.e., spatial and analytic) that may be useful for future research in this important area.

The animal model in advanced laparoscopy resident training

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Laparoscopic surgery is recognized as an established technique for several abdominal disorders. Aim of the present investigation was to assess the level of expertise of senior residents and to evaluate the role of the animal model on advanced laparoscopic training.

METHODS

Overall, 60 residents underwent a training session on a porcine model under the guidance of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Of these, 30 residents underwent a box-trainer preparation before starting the surgical procedure on the animal model, while a group of 20 repeated the course 3 months after the first session. Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) was used to evaluate technical proficiency.

RESULTS

Senior residents presented low mean scores for all the GOALS domains for both for the minor and major surgical procedure. The box-trainer led to an improvement in suturing skills (P<0.001). Comparison of the mean GOALS scores from the first to the second laparoscopic session demonstrated a significant improvement on the duration of the procedures (P<0.05), onset of major complications (P=0.01), need of the tutor (P=0.08), and confidence in treating intraoperative bleeding (P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

National Resident Training Programs should take into consideration the present quality of training and attempt to develop alternative methods of training for laparoscopic surgery, such as, the animal model laboratory.

Cost savings for elective laparoscopic resection compared with open resection for colorectal cancer in a region of high uptake

BACKGROUND

Previous cost analyses of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) reported slightly higher or similar costs to those of open resection. These analyses were based on randomised controlled trials when the laparoscopic approach was newly adopted. This study compared costs for laparoscopic versus open resection in a region of high uptake where adoption is mature.

METHODS

Hospital cost data were obtained for elective resections for CRC that occurred between June 2009 and June 2011 in public hospitals in Queensland, Australia. The primary outcome was total cost and secondary outcomes were length-of-stay, operating time, and ICU admission. Multivariate least-squares regression was used to adjust for potential confounders: age, sex, comorbidities, procedure, and hospital volume.

RESULTS

The crude mean cost for laparoscopic resection was euro 20,036 compared with that for open resection of euro 22,780 (difference = euro 2,744). Patients who underwent laparoscopic resection (744/1,397; 53 %) were slightly younger and had fewer comorbidities (decreasing costs) but more had rectal surgery (increasing costs). The adjusted mean cost for laparoscopic resection was euro 20,396 compared with euro 22,442 for open resection (difference = euro 2,054). Compared with open resection, when adjusted for potential confounders, laparoscopic resection resulted in similar operating time (216 vs. 214 min), shorter length-of-stay (difference = -1.1 days, 95 % CI -1.9, -0.3), and shorter admission to ICU (difference = -7.3 h, 95 % CI -11.9, -2.7).

CONCLUSIONS

This non-randomised study in a region of high uptake found a similar operating time and lower cost for laparoscopic resection for CRC compared with those of open resection due to a shorter length-of-stay and shorter time in ICU. Laparoscopic resection for CRC saves money when the procedure is widely adopted and surgeons are experienced in the technique.

Laparoscopic versus robotic rectal resection for rectal cancer in a veteran population

BACKGROUND

Robotic rectal cancer resection remains controversial. We compared the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic vs robotic rectal cancer resection in a high-risk Veterans Health Administration population.

METHODS

Patients who underwent minimally invasive rectal cancer resection were identified from an institutional colorectal cancer database. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between robotic and laparoscopic groups.

RESULTS

The robotic group (n = 13) did not differ significantly from the laparoscopic group (n = 59) with respect to baseline characteristics except for a higher rate of previous abdominal surgery. Robotic patients had significantly lower tumors, more advanced disease, a higher rate of preoperative chemoradiation, and were more likely to undergo abdominoperineal resection. Robotic rectal resection was associated with longer operative time. There were no differences in blood loss, conversion rates, postoperative morbidity, lymph nodes harvested, margin positivity, or specimen quality between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The robotic approach for rectal cancer resection is safe with similar postoperative and oncologic outcomes compared with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic colon resection: is it being utilized?

Since its inception, the use of laparoscopy for colon surgery has slowly increased, albeit at a slower rate than for cholecystectomy. Initial concerns about the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy have been addressed, and it is now known to have several potential short-term and long-term benefits for the patient. Early studies likely underestimated use of laparoscopy because of coding error. Currently, 40% to 50% of colectomies in the United States are performed laparoscopically, with a 10% to 20% rate of conversion to an open operation. The definitions oflaparoscopy and conversion to open remain at the discretion of the surgeons and their coders. Disparities still exist among use based on several patient, hospital, and surgeon factors. In the future, we will likely see a continuing increase in use as the new generation of surgeons enters practice, and there will be an increasing role for laparoscopy in rectal surgery. The benefit and extent of robotic surgery, natural orifice surgery, and single-incision surgery for minimally invasive colectomies are yet to be defined.

Changing trends in rectal cancer surgery in Ontario: 2002-2009

AIM

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer have been demonstrated in large, multicentre clinical trials. The study aimed to determine the use of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in Ontario over a 7-year period.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective study examining rates of elective rectal cancer surgery among 10.5 million adults in Ontario, Canada, from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2009. We linked the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database, the Registered Persons Database and the database of the Ontario Cancer Registry to assess procedures used over the period. Data on demographics were collected. Trends were assessed using time series analysis.

RESULTS

Over the 7-year period, 8189 open and 1079 laparoscopic elective operations for rectal cancer were identified. The annual rate of laparoscopic rectal cancer procedures increased from 0.60 per 100,000 population in 2003 to 2.24 per 100,000 population in 2008 (P < 0.01). Laparoscopic patients were similar to open with respect to age (66.5 ± 11.8 vs 66.2 ± 12.1 years; standardized difference 0.02), gender (63.2%vs 59.4%; standardized difference 0.08), Charlson Comorbidity Index score (standardized difference < 0.1) and socioeconomic status (standardized difference < 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery rates are increasing in Ontario. Ongoing research regarding the long-term safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer surgeries may lead to greater increases in its utilization.

Outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009

BACKGROUND

Specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes for laparoscopic procedures introduced in 2008 allow a more accurate evaluation of laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009, a retrospective analysis of surgical colorectal cancer and diverticulitis patients was conducted. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic, open, and converted surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 121,910 patients underwent resection for cancer and diverticulitis, 35.41% of whom underwent laparoscopic surgery. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery had lower postoperative complication rates, lower mortality, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery independently decreased mortality, postoperative anastomotic leak, urinary tract infection, ileus or obstruction, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and wound infection. Converted surgery was independently associated with anastomotic leak, wound infection, ileus or obstruction, and urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has lower postoperative complications, lower mortality, lower costs, and shorter hospital stays. Conversion had higher complications compared with laparoscopy. The use of laparoscopy should increase with efforts to minimize conversion.

Feasibility and economic impact of same-day discharge for women who undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

We examined the use, safety, and economic impact of same-day discharge for women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified women in the Perspective database who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy from 2000 through 2010. Discharge was classified as same-day, 1 day, and ≥2 days. Multivariable models were used to examine predictors of same-day discharge, reevaluation, and cost.

RESULTS

Among 128,634 women, 34,070 (26.5%) were discharged on the day of surgery. Same-day discharge increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 46.0% by 2010 (P < .0001). The rate of reevaluation within 60 days was 4.0% for those discharged same day, 3.6% after a 1-day stay, and 5.1% for patients whose stay was ≥2 days (P < .0001). In a multivariable model, patients discharged on postoperative day 1 were less likely to require reevaluation (risk ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.96), but costs were $207 (95% confidence interval, $179-234) greater.

CONCLUSION

Same-day discharge after laparoscopic hysterectomy is safe and associated with decreased cost.

Laparoscopic colon resection trends in utilization and rate of conversion to open procedure: a national database review of academic medical centers

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine trends of utilization and rates of conversion to open procedure for patients undergoing laparoscopic colon resections (LCR).

METHODS

This study is a national database review of academic medical centers and a retrospective analysis utilizing the University HealthSystem Consortium administrative database-an alliance of more than 300 academic and affiliate hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 85,712 patients underwent colon resections between October 2008 and December 2011. LCR was attempted in 36,228 patients (42.2%), with 5751 patients (15.8%) requiring conversion to an open procedure. There was a trend toward increasing utilization of LCR from 37.5% in 2008 to 44.1% in 2011. Attempted laparoscopic transverse colectomy had the highest rate of conversion (20.8%), followed by left (20.7%), right (15.6%), and sigmoid (14.3%) colon resections. The rate of utilization was highest in the Mid-Atlantic region (50.5%) and in medium- to large-sized hospitals (47.0%-49.0%).Multivariate logistic regression has shown that increasing age [odds ratio (OR) = 4.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.6-6.4], male sex (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.3), open as compared with laparoscopic approach (OR = 2.6, 95%, CI = 2.3-3.1), and greater severity of illness category (OR = 27.1, 95% CI = 23.0-31.9) were all associated with increased mortality and morbidity and prolonged length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a trend of increasing utilization of LCR, with acceptable conversion rates, across hospitals in the United States over the recent years. When feasible, attempted LCR had better outcomes than open colectomy in the immediate perioperative period.

Use and benefits of laparoscopic hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer among medicare beneficiaries

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and earlier resumption of activity. We analyzed predictors of access to laparoscopy and compared the outcomes of laparoscopic and open hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Using the SEER-Medicare database we examined women 65 years of age with stage I endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy between 1997 and 2005. The associations of patient, tumor, and physician-related factors with use of laparoscopic hysterectomy were analyzed. Surgical quality, morbidity, and survival were compared.

RESULTS

We identified 8,545 patients, including 8,018 (93.8%) who underwent abdominal hysterectomy and 527 (6.2%) who had a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Performance of laparoscopic hysterectomy increased from 3.9% in 1997 to 8.5% in 2005. More recent year of diagnosis, younger age, white race, fewer comorbidities, higher socioeconomic status, lower tumor grade and stage, and residence in a metropolitan area were associated with use of laparoscopy (P < .05 for each). Physician characteristics associated with performance of laparoscopy included training in the United States, specialization in gynecologic oncology, academic practice, and later year of graduation (P < .05 for all). Surgical site complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.71) and medical complications (OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.95) were less common in patients who underwent laparoscopy. The route of hysterectomy had no effect on cancer-specific survival (OR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.44).

CONCLUSION

Despite the fact that laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer results in fewer complications, uptake has been slow.