Huerta CT, Cobler-Lichter MD, Lynn R, Ramsey WA, Delamater JM, Alligood DM, Parreco JP, Sola JE, Perez EA, Thorson CM. Outcomes After Pectus Excavatum Repair: Center Volume Matters.
J Pediatr Surg 2024;
59:935-940. [PMID:
38360451 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.01.020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Pectus excavatum (Pectus) repair may be offered for those with significant cardiopulmonary compromise or severe cosmetic defects. The influence of hospital center volume on postoperative outcomes in children is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of children undergoing Pectus repair, stratified by hospital surgical volume.
METHODS
The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried (2016-2020) for patients with Pectus (Q67.6). Patients were stratified into those who received repair at high-volume centers (HVCs; ≥20 repairs annually) versus low-volume centers (LVCs; <20 repairs annually). Demographics and outcomes were analyzed using standard statistical tests.
RESULTS
A total of 9414 patients with Pectus underwent repair during the study period, with 69% treated at HVCs and 31% at LVCs. Patients at LVCs experienced higher rates of complications during index admission, including pneumothorax (23% vs. 15%), chest tube placement (5% vs. 2%), and overall perioperative complications (28% vs. 24%) compared to those treated at HVCs, all p < 0.001. Patients treated at LVCs had higher readmission rates within 30 days (3.8% vs. 2.8% HVCs) and overall readmission (6.8% vs. 4.7% HVCs), both p < 0.010. Among readmitted patients (n = 547), the most frequent complications during readmission for those initially treated at LVCs included pneumothorax/hemothorax (21% vs. 8%), bar dislodgment (21% vs. 12%), and electrolyte disorders (15% vs. 9%) compared to those treated at HVCs.
CONCLUSION
Pediatric Pectus repair performed at high-volume centers was associated with fewer index complications and readmissions compared to lower-volume centers. Patients and surgeons should consider this hospital volume-outcome relationship.
TYPE OF STUDY
Retrospective Comparative.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
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