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Rashid Z, Munir MM, Woldesenbet S, Tsilimigras DI, Khalil M, Khan MMM, Resende V, Dillhoff M, Ejaz A, Pawlik TM. Care fragmentation in hepatopancreatic surgery and postoperative outcomes. Surgery 2024; 175:1562-1569. [PMID: 38565495 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practice fragmentation in surgery may be associated with poor quality of care. We sought to define the association between fragmented practice and outcomes in hepatopancreatic surgery relative to surgeon volume and sex. METHODS Medicare beneficiaries who underwent hepatopancreatic surgery between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine provider sex-based differences in the rate of fragmented practice relative to the achievement of a textbook outcome and health care expenditures after adjusting for procedure-specific case volume. RESULTS Among 37,416 patients, almost one-half were female (n = 18,333, 49.0%) with the majority treated by male surgeons (n = 33,697, 90.8%). Female surgeons were more likely to have a greater rate of fragmented practice (females: n = 242, 84.9% vs males: n = 1,487, 78.4%, P = .003; odds ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 2.33-3.03, P < .001). Patients treated by high rate of fragmented practice surgeons had increased odds of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.54), extended length-of-stay (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.38-1.68), 90-day-mortality (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.28-1.72), and lower odds of achieving a textbook outcome (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.83). This association persisted independent of surgeon-specific volume (textbook outcome, high vs low rate of fragmented practice: high-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.91, P = .021 vs. low-volume surgeon, odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.82, P < .001). Among patients treated by male surgeons, a high rate of fragmented practice was associated with reduced odds of achieving a textbook outcome (male surgeons: odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.82, P < .001; female surgeons: odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.05, P = .110). Treatment by surgeons with higher fragmented practice was associated with higher expenditures (index expenditure: percentage difference 9.87, 95% confidence interval, 7.42-12.36; P < .05). CONCLUSION A high rate of fragmented practice adversely affected postoperative outcomes and healthcare expenditures even among high-volume surgeons with the impact varying based on surgeon sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayed Rashid
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/ZRashidMD
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/musaabmunir
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/DTsilimigras
| | - Mujtaba Khalil
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/Mujtabakhalil
| | - Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi Khan
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/Muntazirmehdik
| | - Vivian Resende
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH; Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. http://www.twitter.com/vivianresende6
| | - Mary Dillhoff
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/mary_dillhoff
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. http://www.twitter.com/AEjaz85
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH.
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Donnelly C, Or M, Toh J, Thevaraja M, Janssen A, Shaw T, Pathma-Nathan N, Harnett P, Chiew KL, Vinod S, Sundaresan P. Measurement that matters: A systematic review and modified Delphi of multidisciplinary colorectal cancer quality indicators. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2024; 20:259-274. [PMID: 36726222 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To develop a priority set of quality indicators (QIs) for use by colorectal cancer (CRC) multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). METHODS The review search strategy was executed in four databases from 2009-August 2019. Two reviewers screened abstracts/manuscripts. Candidate QIs and characteristics were extracted using a tailored abstraction tool and assessed for scientific soundness. To prioritize candidate indicators, a modified Delphi consensus process was conducted. Consensus was sought over two rounds; (1) multidisciplinary expert workshops to identify relevance to Australian CRC MDTs, and (2) an online survey to prioritize QIs by clinical importance. RESULTS A total of 93 unique QIs were extracted from 118 studies and categorized into domains of care within the CRC patient pathway. Approximately half the QIs involved more than one discipline (52.7%). One-third of QIs related to surgery of primary CRC (31.2%). QIs on supportive care (6%) and neoadjuvant therapy (6%) were limited. In the Delphi Round 1, workshop participants (n = 12) assessed 93 QIs and produced consensus on retaining 49 QIs including six new QIs. In Round 2, survey participants (n = 44) rated QIs and prioritized a final 26 QIs across all domains of care and disciplines with a concordance level > 80%. Participants represented all MDT disciplines, predominantly surgical (32%), radiation (23%) and medical (20%) oncology, and nursing (18%), across six Australian states, with an even spread of experience level. CONCLUSION This study identified a large number of existing CRC QIs and prioritized the most clinically relevant QIs for use by Australian MDTs to measure and monitor their performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Donnelly
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Michelle Or
- Radiation Oncology Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, Australia
| | - James Toh
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Anna Janssen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Tim Shaw
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | - Paul Harnett
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kim-Lin Chiew
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
- South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Division of Cancer Services, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shalini Vinod
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
- South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Puma Sundaresan
- Radiation Oncology Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Ogawa K, Ieiri S, Watanabe T, Bitoh Y, Uchida H, Yamataka A, Ohno Y, Ohta M, Inomata M, Dorofeeva E, Podurovskaya Y, Yarotskaya E, Kitano S. Encouraging Young Pediatric Surgeons and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Pediatric Endosurgery Workshop by Self-Assessment and an Objective Skill Validation System. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2022; 32:1272-1279. [PMID: 36257642 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2022.0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Japanese pediatric endosurgery experts conducted a workshop for young pediatric surgeons in Russia in collaboration with Russian expert pediatric surgeons. This study was aimed to develop a contributive workshop program and evaluate its impact on young pediatric surgeons. Methods: A 2-day pediatric endosurgery workshop was held in Moscow in February 2020. After conducting a needs assessment survey, Japanese and Russian faculties developed the workshop contents, including pre- and postworkshop skills assessments, lectures, and hands-on training. Skills assessments were performed using the objective skill validation system, the "A-Lap Mini," mimicking intestinal anastomosis. The trainees self-evaluated their knowledge and skills using a five-point scale. Results: Fifteen novice trainee participated and 14 (93.3%) completed the workshop program. The completion rate for the suturing task before and after the workshop was 40.0% (6/15) and 85.7% (12/14), respectively. The following five skill evaluation criteria, which were objectively evaluated: performance time changed from 751.6 ± 247.1 seconds to 780.0 ± 313.3 seconds (P > .05), number of full-thickness sutures improved from 1.0 ± 1.41 to 2.64 ± 0.84 (P = .003), area of wound-opening changed from 0.42 ± 0.83 mm2 to 0.53 ± 1.13 mm2 (P > .05), suture tension improved from 55.48% ± 19.51% to 61.95% ± 23.91% (P > .05), and maximum air leakage pressure improved from 3.76 ± 2.11 kPa to 8.42 ± 7.68 kPa (P > .05). Regarding the self-assessed questionnaire administered before and after the workshop, the confidence in endosurgery skills significantly improved as follows: forceps manipulation ability improved from 2.7 to 3.7 (P < .05), and suturing performance improved from 2.5 to 3.6 (P < .05). The usefulness of the workshop for clinical surgery was scored at 4.3. Conclusions: Quantitative skill evaluation with an automatic feedback function was useful for endosurgery training. Delivering feedback concerning the assessment results to the trainee helps them to determine the specific training requirements needed for clinical endosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ieiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Watanabe
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Hiratsuka, Japan
| | - Yuko Bitoh
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroo Uchida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuyuki Yamataka
- Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Ohno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Oita Children's Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohta
- Global Oita Medical Advanced Research Center for Health, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Masafumi Inomata
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Elena Dorofeeva
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Podurovskaya
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Yarotskaya
- Department of International Cooperation, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named After Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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Rivard SJ, Kemp MT, Sandhu G, Heximer AC, Hughes T, Byrnes ME. "Why would you want to do that?"Surgical Interns Reflect on Discouragement From Entering Surgical Fields. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2022; 79:1150-1158. [PMID: 35662535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decreasing numbers of medical students are choosing to pursue surgical careers. This study highlights individual experiences of surgical interns receiving discouragement from pursuing surgery as a career. METHODS We interviewed 24 incoming surgical interns from 7 institutions and 7 surgical subspecialties about their experiences with discouragement from surgery. RESULTS All surgical interns discussed experiencing discouragement from pursuing surgery as a career. Family, friends, the general public, and medical professionals, including surgeons, served as sources of discouragement. Reasons for discouragement fell into 3 main themes: The Surgeon and Surgical Culture, The Sacrifices, and The Sexism. Despite its pervasiveness, participants reconciled the discouragement received. DISCUSSION Discouragement from surgery is pervasive and centered around surgeon stereotypes and perceptions of surgical culture, significant personal sacrifices required, and traditional gender-related expectations. These results highlight the importance of individual surgeons' comments on student experience and can be used to improve the perception of surgery amongst prospective interns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael T Kemp
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gurjit Sandhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Tasha Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary E Byrnes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Schnelle C, Jones MA. The Doctors' Effect on Patients' Physical Health Outcomes Beyond the Intervention: A Methodological Review. Clin Epidemiol 2022; 14:851-870. [PMID: 35879943 PMCID: PMC9307914 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s357927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research suggests that when a treatment is delivered, patients' outcomes may vary systematically by medical practitioner. Objective To conduct a methodological review of studies reporting on the effect of doctors on patients' physical health outcomes and to provide recommendations on how this effect could be measured and reported in a consistent and appropriate way. Methods The data source was 79 included studies and randomized controlled trials from a systematic review of doctors' effects on patients' physical health. We qualitatively assessed the studies and summarized how the doctors' effect was measured and reported. Results The doctors' effects on patients' physical health outcomes were reported as fixed effects, identifying high and low outliers, or random effects, which estimate the variation in patient health outcomes due to the doctor after accounting for all available variables via the intra-class correlation coefficient. Multivariable multilevel regression is commonly used to adjust for patient risk, doctor experience and other demographics, and also to account for the clustering effect of hospitals in estimating both fixed and random effects. Conclusion This methodological review identified inconsistencies in how the doctor's effect on patients' physical health outcomes is measured and reported. For grading doctors from worst to best performances and estimating random effects, specific recommendations are given along with the specific data points to report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schnelle
- Institute of Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD, 4226, Australia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute of Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, QLD, 4226, Australia
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Association of hospital factors and socioeconomic status with the utilization of minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer over a decade. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:3750-3762. [PMID: 34462866 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08690-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical resection is a mainstay of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to have improved outcomes compared to open procedures for colorectal malignancy. While use of MIS has been increasing, there remains large variability in its implementation at the hospital and patient level. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify disparities in sex, race, location, patient income status, insurance status, hospital region, bed size and teaching status for the use of MIS in the treatment of CRC. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database. Between 2008 and 2017, there were 412,292 hospitalizations of adult patients undergoing elective colectomy for CRC. The primary outcome was use of MIS during hospitalization. RESULTS Overall, the frequency of open colectomies was higher than MIS (56.56% vs. 43.44%). Black patients were associated with decreased odds of MIS use during hospitalization compared to White patients (OR 0.921, p = 0.0011). As the county population where patients resided decreased, odds of MIS also significantly decreased as compared to central counties of metropolitan areas. As income decreased below the reference of $71,000, odds of MIS also significantly decreased. Medicaid and uninsured patients had decreased odds of MIS use during hospitalization compared to private insurance (OR 0.751, p < 0.0001 and OR 0.629, p < 0.0001 respectively). Rural and urban non-teaching hospitals were associated with decreased odds of MIS as compared to urban teaching hospitals (OR 0.523, p < 0.0001 and OR 0.837, p < 0.0001 respectively). Hospitals with a small bed size were also associated with decreased MIS during hospitalizations (OR 0.888, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Marked hospital level and socioeconomic disparities exist for utilization of MIS for colorectal cancer. Strategies targeted at reducing these gaps have the potential to improve surgical outcomes and cancer survival.
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Schnelle C, Clark J, Mascord R, Jones MA. Is There a Surgeons’ Effect on Patients’ Physical Health, Beyond the Intervention, That Requires Further Investigation? A Systematic Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2022; 18:467-490. [PMID: 35502434 PMCID: PMC9056050 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s357934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To find and review published papers researching surgeons’ effects on patients’ physical health. Clinical outcomes of surgery patients with similar prognoses cannot be fully explained by surgeon skill or experience. Just as there are “hospital” and “psychotherapist” effects, there may be “surgeons” effects that persist after controlling for known variables like patient health and operation riskiness. Methods Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of any surgical intervention, which, after multivariate adjustment, either showed proportion of variance in patients’ physical health outcomes due to surgeons (random effects) or graded surgeons from best to worst (fixed effects). Studies with <15 surgeons or only ascribing surgeons’ effects to known variables excluded. Medline, PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO were used for search until June 2020. Manual search for papers referring/referred by resulting studies. Risk of bias assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results Included studies: 52 cohort studies and three RCTs of 52,436+ surgeons covering 102 outcomes (33 unique). Studies either graded surgeons from best to worst or calculated the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), the percentage of patients’ variation due to surgeons, in diverse ways. Sixteen studies showed exceptionally good and/or bad performers with confidence intervals wholly above or below the average performance. ICCs ranged from 0 to 47%, median 4.0%. There are no well-established reporting standards; highly heterogeneous reporting, therefore no meta-analysis. Discussion Interpretation: There is a surgeons' effect on patients’ physical health for many types of surgeries and outcomes, ranging from small to substantial. Surgeons with exceptional patient outcomes appear regularly even after accounting for all known confounding variables. Many existing cohort studies and RCTs could be reanalyzed for surgeons’ effects especially after methodological reporting guidelines are published. Conclusion In terms of patient outcomes, it can matter which surgeon is chosen. Surgeons with exceptional patient outcomes are worth studying further. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/pL-eGyAGhSk
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schnelle
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
- Correspondence: Christoph Schnelle, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia, Email
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachel Mascord
- General Dentist, BMA House, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
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Yoon AP, Kane RL, Wang L, Wang L, Chung KC. Variation in Surgeon Proficiency Scores and Association With Digit Replantation Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2128765. [PMID: 34698849 PMCID: PMC8548947 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.28765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Risk-adjusted variation in surgeon outcomes has been traditionally explained by surgeon volume and hospital infrastructure, yet it is unclear how a surgeon's operative proficiency directly contributes to their patients' outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess the variation of surgeons' operative proficiency and investigate its association with surgical outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This case series was a retrospective analysis of all digit replantations and revascularizations at a single US university medical center between January 2000 and August 2020. Surgeons were assigned a proficiency score based on the expected procedure difficulty and outcomes from a sample of their cases. Surgeon proficiency scores were then used to determine associations with outcomes from subsequent cases. The expected difficulty of each case was calculated using a novel scoring system that applied pooled relative risks from a meta-analysis of risk factors for replantation and revascularization failure. EXPOSURES Digit replantation and revascularization. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Digit survival at 1-month follow up (case success) and number of complications. RESULTS A total of 145 patients and 226 digits were treated by 11 surgeons with training in hand or microsurgery (mean [SD] age, 41.9 [15.2] years; 204 [90%] men); there were 116 replantations and 110 revascularizations. Surgeon proficiency scores ranged from 1.3 to 5.7, with a mean (SD) of 3.4 (1.4). Case success rates among surgeons varied from 20.0% to 90.5%, with a mean (SD) of 64.9%. Higher proficiency scores were associated with fewer case failures: each point increase was associated with 40% decreased odds of failure (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.94). Every 3-point increase in proficiency score was associated with 1 less complication (effect estimate, -0.29; 95% CI, -0.56 to 0.02). Surgeon proficiency score had a greater association with case failure than surgeon volume (16.7% vs 12.0%). The final model's association with case failure had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.93. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Operative proficiency varied widely among practicing surgeons and accounted for 17% of estimative ability for success of digit replantation and revascularization. Greater surgeon proficiency was associated with better outcomes, indicating that the value of surgical care may be optimized by improving surgeon proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred P. Yoon
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Robert L. Kane
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Leyi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Kevin C. Chung
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
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Shabir D, Abdurahiman N, Padhan J, Trinh M, Balakrishnan S, Kurer M, Ali O, Al-Ansari A, Yaacoub E, Deng Z, Erbad A, Mohammed A, Navkar NV. Towards development of a tele-mentoring framework for minimally invasive surgeries. Int J Med Robot 2021; 17:e2305. [PMID: 34256415 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tele-mentoring facilitates the transfer of surgical knowledge. The objective of this work is to develop a tele-mentoring framework that enables a specialist surgeon to mentor an operating surgeon by transferring information in a form of surgical instruments' motion required during a minimally invasive surgery. METHOD A tele-mentoring framework is developed to transfer video stream of the surgical field, poses of the scope and port placement from the operating room to a remote location. From the remote location, the motion of virtual surgical instruments augmented onto the surgical field is sent to the operating room. RESULTS The proposed framework is suitable to be integrated with laparoscopic as well as robotic surgeries. It takes on average 1.56 s to send information from the operating room to the remote location and 0.089 s for vice versa over a local area network. CONCLUSIONS The work demonstrates a tele-mentoring framework that enables a specialist surgeon to mentor an operating surgeon during a minimally invasive surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehlela Shabir
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - May Trinh
- Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Mohamed Kurer
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar Ali
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Elias Yaacoub
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zhigang Deng
- Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aiman Erbad
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amr Mohammed
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nikhil V Navkar
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Howard R, Johnson E, Berlin NL, Fan Z, Englesbe M, Dimick JB, Telem DA. Hospital and surgeon variation in 30-day complication rates after ventral hernia repair. Am J Surg 2020; 222:417-423. [PMID: 33323274 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral hernia repair is an extremely common operation, however the variability in patient outcomes between individual hospitals and surgeons is unclear. We analyzed variability in 30-day complication rates and identified specific complications that contributed to this variability. METHODS Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 30-day complication rates following ventral hernia repair across 73 hospital and 978 surgeons between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. RESULTS Data were collected on 19,007 patients who underwent VIHR at 73 hospitals across 978 surgeons. Adjusted complication rate among hospitals was 6.2% (range 4.3%-12.8%) and among surgeons was 6.2% (range 3.5%-26.8%). Variation between lowest and highest quartile surgeons was greatest for acute kidney injury (0.12% vs. 1.71%, P < 0.001), superficial surgical site infection (0.33% vs. 3.62%, P < 0.001), sepsis (0.27% vs. 2.47%, P < 0.001), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (0.02% vs. 0.30%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION After adjusting for a number of patient-specific clinical variables, there is significant variation in 30-day complication rates after ventral hernia repair. This represents a significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Howard
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas L Berlin
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; National Clinical Scholars Program, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhaohui Fan
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Justin B Dimick
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana A Telem
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Rivard SJ, Byrn JC, Campbell DS, Hendren S. Colorectal surgery collaboratives: The Michigan experience. SEMINARS IN COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scrs.2020.100781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Fei Z, Qiu X, Li Y, Huang Y, Li M, Chen T, Li L, Huang C, Liu J, Lin X, Wang B, Chen Y, Chen C. Selection of a high-level physician may help improve outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Radiother Oncol 2020; 147:130-135. [PMID: 32294606 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the relationship between the level of clinical radiation oncologist and the prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). To our knowledge, no previous study has explicitly assessed the relationship with cancer prognosis and clinical radiation oncologists level. The effect of physicians on the prognosis has been entirely ignored. METHODS Clinical data were collected for 1140 patients with newly diagnosed NPC. Based on the 3-year overall survival, the treating physicians were classified into 3 grades: high-level group, medium-level group, and low-level group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the independent significance of different prognostic factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the influence of confounders so that difference in outcomes provides an unbiased estimate of the influence of physician. Interactive Risk Attributable Program (IRAP) was used to calculate the attribution risk of individual risk factors or a combination of multiple factors. RESULTS The 3-year OS in the high-level, medium-level, and low-level groups was 92.9%, 87.7%, and 83.5%, respectively (p = 0.003). After propensity score matching, the 3-year OS was 92.4%, 87.4%, and 82.9%, respectively (p = 0.004). IRAP was used to calculate the attribution risk of mortality risk. After multivariable adjustment, patient-related factors including tumor accounted for 90.02% [95% confidence interval (CI), 73.43-96.84%) and physician factors accounted for 17.66% (95% CI, 5.39-44.65%) of the mortalityrisk. All related factors, including patient-related factors and physician factors accounted for 92.02% (95% CI, 77.83-97.43%). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated obvious differences in the prognosis of patients treated by various clinical radiation oncologists. The largest share of prognosis risk was found to be at the patient level, while variation in prognosis was, in part, attributable to differences among physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodong Fei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiufang Qiu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Taojun Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxiong Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Wells A, Germanos GJ, Salemi JL, Mikhail E. Laparoscopic Surgeons' Perspectives on Risk Factors for and Prophylaxis of Trocar Site Hernias: A Multispecialty National Survey. JSLS 2019; 23:JSLS.2019.00013. [PMID: 31148913 PMCID: PMC6532834 DOI: 10.4293/jsls.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although trocar site hernias (TSHs) occur in only 1.5% to 1.8% of all laparoscopic procedures, TSHs can present serious postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to survey surgeons who are active members of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS) to elicit their experiences with TSHs, including fascial closure preferences. Methods: After reviewing the clinical and epidemiological literature to compile relevant questions, an anonymous survey was designed using Qualtrics web-based software. The survey link was emailed to all SLS members. Descriptive analyses included frequencies, percentages, and χ2 or Fisher's exact tests to assess statistical associations. Results: There were 659 SLS members who completed the survey: 323 general surgeons, 242 gynecologists, 45 colorectal surgeons, 25 bariatric surgeons, and 24 urologists. Nearly 7 in 10 respondents (68.4%) reported at least 1 patient developing a TSH within the previous decade. Compared with other specialties, bariatric surgeons had the smallest proportion of respondents reporting fascial closure for 10- to 12-mm trocars (68%) and the largest proportion indicating no fascial closure for trocars of any size (28%) (P < .01). Among all respondents, 86.6%, 15.3%, and 2.4% close 10- to 12-mm, 8-mm, and 5-mm ports, respectively, without differences according to surgical volume or practice setting. Approximately 6% reported no fascial closure for any size. Conclusion: Port size remains one of the main risk factors for TSH development, with most respondents closing only 10- to 12-mm ports regardless of surgical volume or practice setting. The general trend for port closure for bariatric surgeons is significantly different from that of other surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Wells
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - George J Germanos
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jason L Salemi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Emad Mikhail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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Eagle KA, McKay RE. Pre-Operative Risk Prediction: Will Better Tools Produce Better Outcomes? J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 73:3079-3081. [PMID: 31221256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Eagle
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Rachel Eshima McKay
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, PREPARE Clinic at Mission Bay Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Li J, Qiu B, Scarci M, Rocco G, Gao S. Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery could reduce postoperative thorax drainage for lung cancer patients. Thorac Cancer 2019; 10:1334-1339. [PMID: 31094077 PMCID: PMC6558522 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has undergone significant development in recent years, yet its usefulness and value in the treatment of lung cancer remains controversial. We investigated the effect of uniportal VATS surgery for reducing postoperative thorax drainage in lung cancer patients. METHODS The data of primary lung cancer patients who underwent VATS anatomical lung resection at the China National Cancer Center by a single surgeon were retrospectively collected. After propensity score matched analysis, 492 patients (246 uniportal VATS, 246 multiportal VATS) were included in the study. The clinicopathologic and surgery-related features, including drainage volume, were compared. Student's t and chi-square tests were used; all tests were two-sided. RESULTS Patients in the two groups had similar demographic and clinicopathological features. Patients who underwent uniportal VATS surgery had significantly lower postoperative thorax drainage (830.0 ± 666.0 mL vs. 1014.5 ± 616.9 mL, P = 0.002) and a comparatively lower rate of unplanned return to the operating room (0 vs. 0.8%; P = 0.156) than multiportal VATS patients. The surgical duration, blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Uniportal VATS could reduce postoperative thorax drainage and the risk of unplanned return to the operating room for lung cancer patients. This study included the largest sample by a single surgeon and our results suggest the potential value of uniportal VATS for the faster recovery of lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiagen Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Marco Scarci
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University College of London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Gaetano Rocco
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery & Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Pascale Foundation, Naples, Italy
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Hospital variation in mortality after emergent bowel resections: The role of failure-to-rescue. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 84:702-710. [PMID: 29401188 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital variation in failure-to-rescue (FTR) rates has partially explained nationwide differences in mortality after elective surgeries. To examine the role of FTR among emergency general surgery, we compared nationwide risk-adjusted mortality, complications, and FTR rates after emergent bowel resections. METHODS We identified patients who underwent emergent small or large bowel resections in the 2010 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma criteria. We then calculated risk-adjusted mortality rates for each hospital using multivariable logistic regressions and postestimation, which adjusted for patient age, sex, race and ethnicity, payer status, comorbidities, and hospital clustering. After excluding hospitals with fewer than 10 resections per year, we ranked the remaining hospitals by their risk-adjusted mortality rates and divided them into five quintiles. We compared both risk-adjusted complication rates and FTR rates between the top (lowest mortality) and bottom (highest mortality) quintiles. RESULTS We identified 21,564 emergent bowel resections, weighted to 105,925 procedures nationwide. The bottom quintile of hospitals had an overall risk-adjusted mortality rate that was 10.9 times higher than that of the top quintile of hospitals (15.3% vs. 1.4%). While risk-adjusted complication rates were similarly high for both the bottom and the top quintiles of hospitals (22.5% vs. 15.7%), the risk-adjusted FTR rates were 10.8 times higher in the bottom quintile of hospitals relative to the top quintile of hospitals (33.4% vs. 3.1%). Using larger hospital volume thresholds yielded similar findings. Furthermore, large variations existed in complication-specific FTR rates (surgical site infection [6.6%] to myocardial infarction [29.4%]). CONCLUSION Nationwide hospital variation in risk-adjusted mortality rates exist after emergent bowel resections. As complication rates were similar across hospitals, the significantly higher FTR rates at higher-mortality hospitals may drive this variation in mortality. System-level initiatives addressing the management of postoperative complications may improve patient care and reduce variation in outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological study, level IV.
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Xu T, Mehta A, Park A, Makary MA, Price DW. Association Between Board Certification, Maintenance of Certification, and Surgical Complications in the United States. Am J Med Qual 2019; 34:545-552. [PMID: 30654617 DOI: 10.1177/1062860618822752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physician credentialing processes aim to improve patient safety and quality, but little research has examined their direct relationship with surgical outcomes. Using national Medicare claims for 2009 to 2013, the authors studied the association between board certification and completion of Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements and surgeon rates of complications for 8 elective procedures. Exemplar surgeons were defined as those in the lowest decile of complication rates, and outlier surgeons were those in the highest decile. The analysis included 1.9 million procedures performed by 14 598 surgeons (64% orthopedics, 17% general surgery, 11% urology, 7% neurosurgery). Board-certified surgeons were less likely to be outliers (odds ratio 0.79 [0.66-0.94]). However, completion of MOC was not associated with differences in complication rates in orthopedic surgery or urology. Incorporating additional assessment methods into MOC, such as video evaluation of technical skills, retraining on state-of-the-art care, and peer review, may facilitate further improvements in surgical quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Xu
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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18
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Surgeon-driven variability in emergency general surgery outcomes: Does it matter who is on call? Surgery 2018; 164:1109-1116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Mehta A, Efron DT, Canner JK, Manukyan MC, Dultz L, Burns C, Stevens K, Sakran JV. Surgeon variation in operating times and charges for emergency general surgery. J Surg Res 2018; 227:101-111. [PMID: 29804841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and hospitals face significant financial burdens from emergency general surgeries (EGSs), which have been termed a public health crisis in the United States. We evaluated hospitalization charges, operating charges, and variations in operating time by surgeon volume for three common EGS procedures. METHODS Using Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission database, we performed a retrospective study of laparoscopic appendectomies, laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and open bowel resections performed by general surgeons among adult patients from July 2012 to September 2014. We compared operating charges to total hospitalization charges and quantified variations in operating time for each procedure. We then divided patients into quartiles based on their surgeon's procedure-specific case volume and used hierarchical linear regressions to calculate differences in both operating time and charges between quartiles. RESULTS We identified 3194 appendectomies, 4143 cholecystectomies, and 1478 bowel resections. Operating charges accounted for one-quarter (26.9%) of total hospitalization charges and widespread variation existed in operating time (appendectomies: median 79 min [interquartile range 66-100 min], cholecystectomies: 96 min [76-125 min], bowel resections: 155 min [117-209 min]). After adjustment, low-volume surgeons relative to high-volume surgeons did not operate statistically longer for appendectomies (+1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2% to 5%) but operated +16% (95% CI: 12%-20%) longer for cholecystectomies (+14 min) and +40% (95% CI: 30%-50%) longer for bowel resections (+59 min). Adjusted median operating charges from low-volume surgeons relative to high-volume surgeons were $554 (26.7%), $621 (22.0%), and $1801 (47.0%) greater for appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and bowel resections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Operating charges contributed substantially to total EGS hospitalization charges, where low-volume surgeons operated longer and had higher operative charges relative to high-volume surgeons. Reducing variations in operating times and charges represents an opportunity to alleviate the financial burden from EGS procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambar Mehta
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David T Efron
- Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Linda Dultz
- Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Kent Stevens
- Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland
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20
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Brauer DG, Ohman KA, Jaques DP, Woolsey CA, Wu N, Liu J, Doyle MBM, Fields RC, Chapman WC, Strasberg SM, Hawkins WG. Surgeon Variation in Intraoperative Supply Cost for Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Is Intraoperative Supply Cost Associated with Outcomes? J Am Coll Surg 2018; 226:37-45.e1. [PMID: 29056314 PMCID: PMC5742313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increased scrutiny on the quality and cost of health care, surgeons must be mindful of their outcomes and resource use. We evaluated surgeon-specific intraoperative supply cost (ISC) for pancreaticoduodenectomy and examined whether ISC was associated with patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2012 and March 2015 were included. Outcomes were tracked prospectively through postoperative day 90, and ISC was defined as the facility cost of single-use surgical items and instruments, plus facility charges for multiuse equipment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test associations between ISC and patient outcomes using repeated measures at the surgeon level. RESULTS There were 249 patients who met inclusion criteria. Median ISC was $1,882 (interquartile range [IQR] $1,497 to $2,281). Case volume for 6 surgeons ranged from 18 to 66. Median surgeon-specific ISC ranged from $1,496 to $2,371. Greater case volume was associated with decreased ISC (p < 0.001). Overall, ISC was not predictive of postoperative complications (p = 0.702) or total hospitalization expenditures (p = 0.195). At the surgeon level, surgeon-specific ISC was not associated with the surgeon-specific incidence of severe complication or any wound infection (p > 0.227 for both), but was associated with delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.004) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a single-institution cohort of 249 pancreaticoduodenectomies, high-volume surgeons tended to be low-cost surgeons. Across the cohort, ISC was not associated with outcomes. At the surgeon level, associations were noted between ISC and complications, but these may be attributable to unmeasured differences in the postoperative management of patients. These findings suggest that quality improvement efforts to restructure resource use toward more cost-effective practice may not affect patient outcomes, although prospective monitoring of safety and effectiveness must be of the utmost concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Brauer
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kerri A Ohman
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - David P Jaques
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Surgical Services, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO
| | - Cheryl A Woolsey
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ningying Wu
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jingxia Liu
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - M B Majella Doyle
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - William C Chapman
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Steven M Strasberg
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - William G Hawkins
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
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Healy MA, Regenbogen SE, Kanters AE, Suwanabol PA, Varban OA, Campbell DA, Dimick JB, Byrn JC. Surgeon Variation in Complications With Minimally Invasive and Open Colectomy: Results From the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. JAMA Surg 2017; 152:860-867. [PMID: 28614551 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.1527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Minimally invasive colectomy (MIC) is an increasingly common surgical procedure. Although case series and controlled prospective trials have found the procedure to be safe, it is unclear whether safe adaptation of this approach from open colectomy (OC) is occurring among surgeons. Objective To assess rates of complications for MIC compared with OC among surgeons. Design, Setting, and Participants We analyzed 5196 patients who underwent MIC or OC from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2015, by 97 surgeons in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, with each surgeon performing at least 10 OCs and 10 MICs. Hierarchical regression was used to assess surgeon variation in adjusted rates of complications and the association of these outcomes across approaches. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary study outcome measurements included overall 30-day complication rates, variation in complication rates among surgeons, and surgeon rank by complication rate for MIC vs OC. Results Of the 5196 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.9 [14.4] years; 2842 [54.7%] female; 4429 [85.2%] white), 3118 (60.0%) underwent MIC and 2078 (40.0%) underwent OC. Overall, 1149 patients (22.1%) experienced complications (702 [33.8%] in the OC group vs 447 [14.3%] in the MIC group; P < .001). For MIC, the rates of complications varied from 8.8% to 25.9% among surgeons. For OC, rates of complications were higher but varied less (1.7-fold) among surgeons, ranging from 25.9% to 43.8%. Among the 97 surgeons ranked, the mean change in ranking between OC and MIC was 25 positions. The top 10 surgeons ranged in rank from 6 of 97 for OC to 89 of 97 for MIC. Conclusions and Relevance Surgeon-level variation in complications was nearly twice as great for MIC than for OC among surgeons enrolled in a statewide quality collaborative. Moreover, surgeon rankings for OC outcomes differed substantially from outcomes for those same surgeons performing MIC. This finding implies a need for improved training in adoption of MIC techniques among some surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Healy
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Scott E Regenbogen
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Arielle E Kanters
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Pasithorn A Suwanabol
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Oliver A Varban
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Darrell A Campbell
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Justin B Dimick
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - John C Byrn
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Effect of Surgeon and Hospital Volume on Emergency General Surgery Outcomes. J Am Coll Surg 2017; 225:666-675.e2. [PMID: 28838870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency general surgery (EGS) contributes to half of all surgical mortality nationwide, is associated with a 50% complication rate, and has a 15% readmission rate within 30 days. We assessed associations between surgeon and hospital EGS volume with these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Using Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission database, we identified nontrauma EGS procedures performed by general surgeons among patients 20 years or older, who were admitted urgently or emergently, from July 2012 to September 2014. We created surgeon and hospital volume categories, stratified EGS procedures into simple (mortality ≤ 0.5%) and complex (>0.5%) procedures, and assessed postoperative mortality, complications, and 30-day readmissions. Multivariable logistic regressions both adjusted for clinical factors and accounted for clustering by individual surgeons. RESULTS We identified 14,753 procedures (61.5% simple EGS, 38.5% complex EGS) by 252 (73.3%) low-volume surgeons (≤25 total EGS procedures/year), 63 (18.3%) medium-volume surgeons (26 to 50/year), and 29 (8.4%) high-volume surgeons (>50/year). Low-volume surgeons operated on one-third (33.1%) of all patients. For simple procedures, the very low rate of death (0.2%) prevented a meaningful regression with mortality; however, there were no associations between low-volume surgeons and complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.07; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.41) or 30-day readmissions (aOR 0.80; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.01) relative to high-volume surgeons. Among complex procedures, low-volume surgeons were associated with greater mortality (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.41) relative to high-volume surgeons, but not complications (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.32) or 30-day readmission (aOR 0.99; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.22). Low-volume hospitals (≤125 total EGS procedures/year) relative to high-volume hospitals (>250/year) were not associated with mortality, complications, or 30-day readmissions for simple or complex procedures. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that surgeon EGS volume was associated with outcomes. Developing EGS-specific services, mentorship opportunities, and clinical pathways for less-experienced surgeons may improve outcomes.
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Hawkins AT, Ford MM, Benjamin Hopkins M, Muldoon RL, Wanderer JP, Parikh AA, Geiger TM. Barriers to laparoscopic colon resection for cancer: a national analysis. Surg Endosc 2017; 32:1035-1042. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-017-5782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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