Surgical resident involvement differentially affects patient outcomes in laparoscopic and open colectomy for malignancy

A propensity score matching analysis: Impact of senior resident versus fellow participation on outcomes of complex surgical oncology

BACKGROUND

Teaching hospitals that train both general surgery residents and fellows in complex general surgical oncology have become more common. This study investigates whether participation of a senior resident versus a fellow has an impact on outcomes of patients undergoing complex cancer surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent esophagectomy, gastrectomy, hepatectomy, or pancreatectomy between 2007 and 2012 with assistance from a senior resident (post-graduate years 4-5) or a fellow (post-graduate years 6-8) were identified from the ACS NSQIP. Based on age, sex, body mass index, ASA classification, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and smoking status, propensity-scores were created for odds of undergoing the operation assisted by a fellow. Patients were matched 1:1 based on propensity score. Postoperative outcomes including risk of major complication were compared after matching.

RESULTS

In total, 6934 esophagectomies, 13,152 gastrectomies, 4927 hepatectomies, and 8040 pancreatectomies were performed with assistance of a senior resident or fellow. After matching, overall rates of major complications were equivalent across all four anatomic locations between cases performed with the participation of a senior resident versus a surgical fellow: esophagectomy (37.0%% vs 31.6%, p = 0.10), gastrectomy (22.6% vs 22.3%, p = 0.93), hepatectomy (15.8% v 16.0%, p = 0.91), and pancreatectomy (23.9% vs 25.2%, p = 0.48). Operative time was shorter for gastrectomy (212 vs. 232 min; p = 0.004) involving a resident compared to a fellow, but comparable for esophagectomy (330 vs. 336 min; p = 0.41), hepatectomy (217 vs. 219 min; p = 0.85), and pancreatectomy (320 vs. 330 min; p = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Senior resident participation in complex cancer operations does not appear to negatively impact operative time or postoperative outcomes. Future research is needed to further assess this domain of surgical practice and education, particularly with regard to case selection and operative complexity.

Impact of fellow compared to resident assistance on outcomes of minimally invasive surgery

INTRODUCTION

As fellowship training after general surgery residency has become increasingly common, the impact on resident education must be considered. Patient safety and procedure outcomes are often used as justification by attendings who favor fellows over residents in certain minimally invasive surgery (MIS) operations. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of trainee level on the outcomes of selected MIS operations to determine if giving preference to fellows on grounds of outcomes is warranted.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), or laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) with assistance of a general surgery chief resident or fellow were identified from the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2007-2012). Patients were matched 1:1 based on propensity score for the odds of undergoing operations assisted by a fellow.

RESULTS

5145 patients underwent LHHR, 1396 LSG, 9656 LRYGB, 863 LS, 13,434 LC, and 3069 LVHR. Fellows assisted in 41.7% of LHHR, 49.2% of LSG, 56.4% of LRYGB, 25.7% of LS, 17.1% of LC, and 27.0% of LVHR cases. After matching, overall and severe complication rates were comparable between cases performed with assistance of a fellow or chief resident. Median operative time was longer for LSG, LRYGB, and LC when a fellow assisted.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical outcomes were similar between fellow and chief resident assistance in MIS operations, arguing that increased resident participation in basic and complex laparoscopic operations is appropriate without compromising patient safety.

Emergent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for perforated diverticulitis: can it be safely performed by residents?

AIM

Outcomes after resident involvement in emergent colectomies have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for Hinchey III diverticulitis performed by residents.

METHOD

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis. The sample was divided into two groups: patients operated on by a supervised resident (SR) or a senior surgeon (SS). Supervising surgeons and SSs could be general surgeons (GSs) or colorectal surgeons (CSs). A SR was considered the first surgeon if he/she completed at least three of five defined steps of the procedure. The primary end-points included length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and 30-day mortality. A sub-analysis of patients operated on by a SR assisted by either a CS or GS was performed.

RESULTS

Supervised residents and SSs operated on 59 and 42 patients, respectively. The presence of a CS was more frequent in the SS group (SR 41% vs SS 81%, P < 0.001). LOS (SR 9.4 days vs SS 6.4 days, P = 0.04) was higher in the SR group. Overall morbidity (SR 39% vs SS 43%, P = 0.69) and 30-day mortality (SR 5% vs SS 5%, P = 0.94) were also comparable among the groups. Procedures performed by SRs and supervised by a CS were associated with lower morbidity (GS 48% vs CS 25%, P = 0.06) and mortality (GS 8% vs CS 0%, P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for Hinchey III diverticulitis has comparable outcomes when performed by a supervised SR or a SS. Procedures performed by residents assisted by a CS seem to have better outcomes than those assisted by a GS.

Trainee performance in radical gastrectomy and its effect on outcomes

Background

This study aimed to determine whether trainee involvement in D2 gastrectomies was associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods

Data from a prospectively created database of consecutive patients undergoing open D2 total (TG) or subtotal (STG) gastrectomy with curative intent between January 2009 and January 2014 were reviewed. Short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes were compared in patients operated on by consultants and those treated by trainees under consultant supervision.

Results

A total of 272 D2 open gastrectomies were performed, 123 (45·2 per cent) by trainees. There was no significant difference between consultants and trainees in median duration of surgery (TG: 240 (range 102–505) versus 240 (170–375) min respectively, P = 0·452; STG: 225 (150–580) versus 212 (125–380) min, P = 0·192), number of resected nodes (TG: 30 (13–101) versus 30 (11–102), P = 0·681; STG: 26 (5–103) versus 25 (1–63), P = 0·171), length of hospital stay (TG: 15 (7–78) versus 15 (8–65) days, P = 0·981; STG: 10 (6–197) versus 14 (7–85) days, P = 0·242), overall morbidity (TG: 44 versus 49 per cent, P = 0·314; STG: 34 versus 25 per cent, P = 0·113) or mortality (TG: 4 versus 2 per cent; P = 0·293). No difference in predicted 5‐year overall survival was noted between the two cohorts (TG: 68 per cent for consultants versus 77 per cent for trainees, P = 0·254; STG: 70 versus 75 per cent respectively, P = 0·512). The trainee cohort had lower median blood loss for both TG (360 (range 90–1200) ml versus 600 (70–2350) ml for consultants; P = 0·042) and STG (235 (50–1000) versus 360 (50–3000) ml respectively; P = 0·053).

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes were not compromised by supervised trainee involvement in D2 open gastrectomy.

Resident involvement in minimally-invasive vs. open procedures

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of resident involvement on surgical outcomes in laparoscopic compared to open procedures.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2007-2012 was queried for open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (VHR), inguinal hernia repair (IHR), splenectomy, colectomy, or cholecystectomy (CCY). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of resident involvement on surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 88,337 VHR, 20,586 IHR, 59,254 colectomies, 3301 splenectomies, and 95,900 CCY were identified. Resident involvement was predictive for major complication during open VHR (AOR, 1.29; p < 0.001), but not during any other procedure. Resident participation significantly prolonged operative time for open, as well as laparoscopic VHR, IHR, colectomy, splenectomy, and CCY (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that resident participation has a similar impact on surgical outcomes during laparoscopic and open surgery, and is generally safe.

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) to Perform Clinical Research in Colon and Rectal Surgery

The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) is probably the most well-known surgical database in North American and worldwide. This clinical database was first proposed by Dr. Clifford Ko, a colorectal surgeon, to the ACS, and NSQIP first started collecting data ca. 2005 with the intent of comparing hospitals (benchmarking) and for hospital-level quality improvement projects. Since then, its popularity has grown from just a few participating hospitals in the United States to more than 708 participating hospitals worldwide, and collaboration allows regional or disease-specific data sharing. Importantly, from a methodological perspective, as the number of hospitals has grown so has the hospital heterogeneity and thus generalizability of the results and conclusions of the individual studies. In this article, we will first briefly present the structure of the database (aka the Participant User File) and other important methodological considerations specific to performing clinical research. We will then briefly review and summarize the approximately 60 published colectomy articles and 30 published articles on proctectomy. We will conclude with future directions relevant to colorectal clinical research.

The Presence of an Advanced Gastrointestinal (GI)/Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Fellowship Program Does Not Impact Short-Term Patient Outcomes Following Fundoplication or Esophagomyotomy

INTRODUCTION

The current surgical landscape reflects a continual trend towards sub-specialization, evidenced by an increasing number of US surgeons who pursue fellowship training after residency. Despite this growing trend, however, the effect of advanced gastrointestinal (GI)/minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship programs on patient outcomes following foregut/esophageal operations remains unclear. This study looks at two representative foregut surgeries (laparoscopic fundoplication and esophagomyotomy) performed in New York State (NYS), comparing hospitals which do and do not possess a GI/MIS fellowship program, to examine the effect of such a program on perioperative outcomes. We also aimed to identify any patient or hospital factors which might influence perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

The SPARCS database was examined for all patients who underwent a foregut procedure (specifically, either an esophagomyotomy or a laparoscopic fundoplication) between 2012 and 2014. We compared the following outcomes between institutions with and without a GI/MIS fellowship program: 30-day readmission, hospital length of stay (LOS), and development of any major complication.

RESULTS

There were 3175 foregut procedures recorded from 2012 to 2014. Just below one third (n = 1041; 32.8%) were performed in hospitals possessing a GI/MIS fellowship program. Among our entire included study population, 154 patients (4.85%) had a single 30-day readmission, with no observed difference in readmission between hospitals with and without a GI/MIS fellowship program, even after controlling for potential confounding factors (p = 0.6406 and p = 0.2511, respectively). Additionally, when controlling for potential confounders, the presence/absence of a GI/MIS fellowship program was found to have no association with risk of having a major complication (p = 0.1163) or LOS (p = 0.7562). Our study revealed that postoperative outcomes were significantly influenced by patient race and payment method. Asians and Medicare patients had the highest risk of suffering a severe complication (10.00 and 7.44%; p = 0.0311 and p = 0.0036, respectively)-with race retaining significance even after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.0276). Asians and uninsured patients demonstrated the highest readmission rates (15.00 and 12.50%; p = 0.0129 and p = 0.0012, respectively)-with both race and payment method retaining significance after adjustment (p = 0.0362 and p = 0.0257, respectively). Lastly, payment method was significantly associated with postoperative LOS (p < 0.0001), with Medicaid patients experiencing the longest LOS (mean 3.99 days) and those with commercial insurance experiencing the shortest (mean 1.66 days), a relationship which retained significance even after adjusting for potential confounders (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of a GI/MIS fellowship program does not impact short-term patient outcomes following laparoscopic fundoplication or esophagomyotomy (two representative foregut procedures). Presence of such a fellowship should not play a role in choosing a surgeon. Additionally, in these foregut procedures, patient race (particularly Asian race) and payment method were found to be independently associated with postoperative outcomes, including postoperative LOS.

NSQIP Analysis of Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Rates for Breast Cancer: Implications for Resident and Fellow Participation

INTRODUCTION

Management of the axilla in invasive breast cancer (IBC) has shifted away from more radical surgery such as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), towards less invasive procedures, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy. Because of this shift, we hypothesize that there has been a national downward trend in ALND procedures, subsequently impacting surgical trainee exposure to this procedure using the ACS-NSQIP database to evaluate this.

METHODS

Women with IBC were identified in the ACS-NSQIP database from 2007 to 2014. Procedures including ALND were identified using CPT codes. This number was divided by total cases, given a varying number of participating institutions each year. Next, cases involving resident participation were identified and divided by training level: junior (post graduate year-[PGY] 1-2), senior (PGY 3-5) and fellow (PGY ≥ 6). Two tailed z tests were used to compare proportions, with significance determined when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 128,372 women were identified with IBC with 36,844 ALND. ALND rates decreased by an average of 2.43% yearly from 2007 to 2014. Resident participation significantly drops in 2011, from 49.3% before to 29.4% after (p < 0.01). Junior residents experienced a significant decrease in participation rate (43.3%-32.2%, p < 0.05). Senior residents and fellows experienced an upward trend in their participation, although not significant (51.2%-56.3%, p = 0.35, and 5.6%-11.6%, p = 0.056, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the ACS-NSQIP database, we demonstrate the downward trend in rate of ALND for IBC with subsequent decrease in resident participation. Junior residents experienced a significant decrease in their participation with no significant change for senior or fellow-level trainees. Awareness of this trend is important when creating future surgical curriculum changes for general surgery and fellowship training programs.

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.

What have we learned in minimally invasive colorectal surgery from NSQIP and NIS large databases? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

"Big data" refers to large amount of dataset. Those large databases are useful in many areas, including healthcare. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) are big databases that were developed in the USA in order to record surgical outcomes. The aim of the present systematic review is to evaluate the type and clinical impact of the information retrieved through NISQP and NIS big database articles focused on laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using The Meta-Analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. The research was carried out on PubMed database and revealed 350 published papers. Outcomes of articles in which laparoscopic colorectal surgery was the primary aim were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-five studies, published between 2007 and February 2017, were included. Articles included were categorized in groups according to the main topic as: outcomes related to surgical technique comparisons, morbidity and perioperatory results, specific disease-related outcomes, sociodemographic disparities, and academic training impact.

CONCLUSIONS

NSQIP and NIS databases are just the tip of the iceberg for the potential application of Big Data technology and analysis in MIS. Information obtained through big data is useful and could be considered as external validation in those situations where a significant evidence-based medicine exists; also, those databases establish benchmarks to measure the quality of patient care. Data retrieved helps to inform decision-making and improve healthcare delivery.

Trainee-associated outcomes in laparoscopic colectomy for cancer: propensity score analysis accounting for operative time, procedure complexity and patient comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Surgical trainee association with operative outcomes is controversial. Studies are conflicting, possibly due to insufficient control of confounding variables such as operative time, case complexity, and heterogeneous patient populations. As operative complications worsen long-term outcomes in oncologic patients, understanding effect of trainee involvement during laparoscopic colectomy for cancer is of utmost importance. Here, we hypothesized that resident involvement was associated with worsened 30-day mortality and 30-day overall morbidity in this patient population.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for oncologic diagnosis from 2005 to 2012 were assessed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset. Propensity score matching accounted for demographics, comorbidities, case complexity, and operative time. Attending only cases were compared to junior, middle, chief resident, and fellow level cohorts to assess primary outcomes of 30-day mortality and 30-day overall morbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 13,211 patients met inclusion criteria, with 4075 (30.8%) cases lacking trainee involvement and 9136 (69.2%) involving a trainee. Following propensity matching, junior (PGY 1-2) and middle level (PGY 3-4) resident involvement was not associated with worsened outcomes. Chief (PGY 5) resident involvement was associated with worsened 30-day overall morbidity (15.5 vs. 18.6%, p = 0.01). Fellow (PGY > 5) involvement was associated with worsened 30-day overall morbidity (16.0 vs. 21.0%, p < 0.001), serious morbidity (9.3 vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001), minor morbidity (9.8 vs. 13.1%, p = 0.002), and surgical site infection (7.9 vs. 10.5%, p = 0.006). No differences were seen in 30-day mortality for any resident level.

CONCLUSION

Following propensity-matched analysis of cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy, chief residents, and fellows were associated with worsened operative outcomes compared to attending along cases, while junior and mid-level resident outcomes were no different. Further study is necessary to determine what effect the PGY surgical trainee level has on post-operative morbidity in cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy in the context of multiple collinear factors.

Elucidating Trainee Effect on Outcomes for General, Gynecologic, and Urologic Oncology Procedures

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Surgical complications delay adjuvant therapy in oncology patients. Current literature remains unclear regarding resident effect on postoperative outcomes, with inappropriate coverage possibly endangering patients in spite of attending oversight. We assessed resident postgraduate year (PGY) effect on 30-day overall morbidity in cancer patients undergoing major intra-abdominal and non-abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing non-emergent major intra- and extra-abdominal operations from 2005-2012 were queried using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Attending alone and resident PGY cohorts were compared for demographics, 30-day overall morbidity, mortality, and relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 156,941 cancer patients undergoing major intra-abdominal (n = 76,385) or major non-abdominal (n = 80,556) procedures were captured. Demographics were clinically similar across attending and PGY levels. Rates of overall morbidity increased significantly with PGY level, along with operative time and length of stay. For major intra-abdominal procedures, all resident levels except PGY2 level adversely affected overall morbidity. Above PGY4 level, resident involvement had a stronger association with adverse outcome than preoperative comorbidities and preoperative chemotherapy. Interestingly, gastric, gall bladder, liver, pancreas, esophageal, and thyroid procedures demonstrated no effect of resident involvement on overall morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Resident PGY is independently associated with increased overall morbidity in patients undergoing selected major surgical procedures. Understanding surgical procedures affected by resident involvement will maximize outcomes.