Disparities in access to hospitals with robotic surgery for patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy

Advancing minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: barriers to adoption and equitable access

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing body of literature supporting the safety of robotic hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) procedures, the adoption of minimally invasive techniques in HPB surgery has been slow compared to other specialties. We aimed to identify barriers to implementing robotic assisted surgery (RAS) in HPB and present a framework that highlights opportunities to improve adoption.

METHODS

A modified nominal group technique guided by a 13-question framework was utilized. The meeting session was guided by senior authors, and field notes were also collected. Results were reviewed and free text responses were analyzed for major themes. A follow-up priority setting survey was distributed to all participants based on meeting results.

RESULTS

Twenty three surgeons with varying robotic HPB experience from different practice settings participated in the discussion. The majority of surgeons identified operating room efficiency, having a dedicated operating room team, and the overall hospital culture and openness to innovation as important facilitators of implementing a RAS program. In contrast, cost, capacity building, disparities/risk of regionalization, lack of evidence, and time/effort were identified as the most significant barriers. When asked to prioritize the most important issues to be addressed, participants noted access and availability of the robot as the most important issue, followed by institutional support, cost, quality of supporting evidence, and need for robotic training.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports surgeons' perceptions of major barriers to equitable access and increased implementation of robotic HPB surgery. To overcome such barriers, defining key resources, adopting innovative solutions, and developing better methods of collecting long term data should be the top priorities.

Open versus minimally invasive nephroureterectomy in octogenarians: An analysis of surgical approach trends, outcomes, and survival analysis with propensity matching

INTRODUCTION

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease accounting only for 5%-10% of urothelial carcinoma (UC). For localized high-risk disease, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the standard of care. While minimally invasive (MIS) RNU has not been shown to decisively improve overall survival (OS) compared to open surgery, MIS RNU has been associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion requirements and improved recovery, which are important considerations when treating older patients. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in surgical approach selection and outcomes of open vs. MIS RNU in patients aged ≥80 years.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients aged ≥80 years who underwent open or MIS (either robotic or laparoscopic) RNU were identified from 2010 to 2019. Demographic, patient-related, and disease-specific factors associated with either open or MIS RNU were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was utilized to adjust for confounding variables. Survival analysis was also conducted on the IPTW adjusted cohort using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

5,687 patients were identified, with 1,431 (25.2%) and 4,256 (74.8%) patients undergoing open and MIS RNU respectively. The proportion of RNU performed robotically has increased from 12.5% in 2010 to 50.4% in 2019. MIS was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (4.7 days versus 5.9 days, SMD 23.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that MIS was associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality (OR: 0.571; 95%CI: 0.34-0.96, P = 0.033) and improved median OS (53.8 months [95%CI: 50.9-56.9] vs 42.35 months [95%CI: 38.6-46.8], P < 0.001) compared to open surgery. IPTW-adjusted survival analysis revealed improved median OS with MIS when compared to open surgery, with a survival benefit of 46.1 months (95%CI: 40.2-52.4 months) versus 37.7 months (95%CI: 32.6-46.5 months, P = 0.0034) respectively. IPTW-adjusted cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that MIS was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.87, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In octogenarians undergoing RNU, MIS is associated with improved median OS and 90-day mortality.

Racial and ethnic disparities in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: testing the physician-level segregated and differential treatment hypotheses

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms underlying racial and ethnic disparities in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) vs open radical prostatectomy (ORP) are unclear. We sought to test 2 physician-level hypotheses: 1) Segregated Treatment and 2) Differential Treatment.

METHODS

This observational study used the New York State Cancer Registry linked to discharge records and included patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. For hypothesis 1, we examined the association between patient race and ethnicity and treating surgeon RARP use (high-use surgeons, low-use surgeons, and surgeons at non-RARP facilities). For hypothesis 2, we determined the association between patient race and ethnicity and receipt of RARP when matching on treating surgeon, age, year of procedure, and Gleason group. We explored the role of insurance in both analyses.

RESULTS

This study included 18 926 patients (8.0% Hispanic, 16.9% non-Hispanic Black, 75.1% non-Hispanic White), with a mean age of 60.4 ± 7.1 years. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients had higher odds of being treated by low-RARP-use surgeons (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20 to 3.88; OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.94, respectively) and by surgeons at non-RARP facilities (OR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.18 to 8.07; OR = 4.60, 95% CI = 2.58 to 8.23, respectively). In the matched cohorts, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely to receive RARP than non-Hispanic White patients (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.98; OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.00, respectively). These associations were partially attenuated after accounting for insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic disparities in RARP use are related to patients being treated by different surgeons and treated differently by the same surgeons. Identifying and addressing multilevel barriers to equitable surgical treatment is needed to reduce disparities among prostate cancer patients.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Use of Robot-Assisted Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery in Pelvic Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

Surgical innovations for cancer treatment may penetrate differentially across racial and ethnic groups and contribute to disparities in health and health care quality. We summarized the current evidence of racial and ethnic disparities in robot-assisted surgery (RAS) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) use in four major pelvic cancer treatments. We identified studies related to racial and ethnic disparities in RAS and/or MIS use in the treatment of prostate, endometrial, bladder, and rectal cancers during 2001 to 2022 from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database. Twenty-eight studies were selected (prostate = 7, endometrial = 14, bladder = 1, rectal = 5, multiple cancers = 1) and all were retrospective. Thirteen and 23 studies examined racial and ethnic differences in individual patients' receipt of RAS and MIS, respectively. Black patients were less likely to receive RAS/MIS than White patients in most studies. Hispanic patients were less likely to receive RAS/MIS than White patients in just over half of the studies. Studies of Asian patients were few and reported mixed results. Three studies examined disparities on the center level and found that racial and ethnic minority prostate cancer patients were less likely to be treated at RAS-performing or high-technology facilities. More work is needed to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying racial and ethnic disparities in RAS and MIS use and their impact on disparities in health outcomes.

Racial differences in knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information about germline cancer genetic testing in the U.S.A.: An analysis of the health information National Trends Survey System

PURPOSE

To understand racial disparities in germline cancer genetic testing and the role of prior knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5) was conducted between February 24th and June 15th, 2020. The study aimed to investigate knowledge and receipt of genetic testing, attitudes toward the importance of genetic testing in preventing, detecting, and treating cancer, and information sources of genetic testing in the United States of America.

RESULTS

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic race/ethnicity were associated with lower odds of being informed about genetic testing, whereas those of NHB race were more likely to endorse the importance of genetic testing in cancer prevention and treatment. Regarding sources of information about genetic testing: Non-Hispanic Asians were less likely to be informed about genetic testing from television (Mean Predicted Probability (MPP) 0.38 95%CI; 0.21-0.55, (Adjusted Risk Difference) ARD vs. Non-Hispanic White (NHW); -0.228, p = 0.01), NHB were less likely to report being informed about genetic testing from social media (MPP 0.27 95%CI; 0.20-0.34, ARD vs. NHW; -0.139, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NHB and Hispanic groups face unequal access to information about genetic testing. There are significant race-based differences in information sources. These differences could be used to promote equitable access to cancer genetic testing.

Impact of open and minimally invasive surgery on postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing prostate surgery: A meta-analysis

In this article, we analysed the therapeutic efficacy of open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) after operation for the treatment of post-operation complications. In summary, because of the broad methodology of the available trials and the low number of trials, the data were limited. The investigators combined the results of six of the 211 original studies. We looked up 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. A total of six publications were selected. The main result was the rate of post-operation wound complications. Secondary results were the time of operation and the duration of hospitalization. Our findings indicate that the minimal invasive operation can decrease the incidence of wound infections (OR, 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42,0.90, p = 0.01), bleeding (MD, -293.09; 95% CI: -431.48, -154.71, p < 0.0001), and length of stay in the hospital compared with open surgery (MD, -1.85; 95% CI: -3.52, -0.17, p = 0.03), but minimally invasive surgery increased patient operative time (MD, 51.45; 95% CI: 40.99, 61.92, p < 0.0001). Compared with the open operation, the microinvasive operation has the superiority in the treatment of the wound complications following the operation of radical prostatic carcinoma. But the operation time of the microinvasive operation is much longer. Furthermore, there is a certain amount of bias among the various studies, so it is important to be cautious in interpretation of the findings.

Advancements in Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Utilizations and Upcoming Frontiers

Robotic surgery, a groundbreaking advancement in medical technology, has redefined the landscape of surgical procedures. This comprehensive overview explores the multifaceted world of robotic surgery, encompassing its definition, historical development, current applications, clinical outcomes, benefits, emerging frontiers, challenges, and future implications. We delve into the fundamentals of robotic surgical systems, examining their components and advantages. From general and gynecological surgery to urology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and beyond, we highlight the diverse specialties where robotic surgery is making a significant impact. The many benefits discussed include improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, faster recovery times, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced surgeon experiences. The outlook reveals a healthcare landscape where robotic surgery is increasingly vital, enabling personalized medicine, bridging healthcare disparities, and advancing surgical precision. However, challenges such as cost, surgeon training, technical issues, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain relevant. In conclusion, robotic surgery is poised to continue shaping the future of health care, offering transformative possibilities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ethical governance.

Disparities in access to robotic technology and perioperative outcomes among patients treated with radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

Most radical prostatectomies are completed with robotic assistance. While studies have previously evaluated perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), this study investigates disparities in access and clinical outcomes of RARP.

STUDY DESIGN

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify patients who received radical prostatectomy for cancer between 2010 and 2017 with outcomes through 2018. RARP was compared to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Odds of receiving RARP were evaluated while adjusting for covariates. Overall survival was evaluated using a propensity-score matched cohort.

RESULTS

Overall, 354 752 patients were included with 297 676 (83.9%) receiving RARP. Patients who were non-Hispanic Black (82.8%) or Hispanic (81.3%) had lower rates of RARP than non-Hispanic White (84.0%) or Asian patients (87.7%, p < 0.001). Medicaid or uninsured patients were less likely to receive RARP (75.5%) compared to patients with Medicare or private insurance (84.4%, p < 0.001). Medicaid or uninsured status was associated with decreased odds of RARP in adjusted multivariable analysis (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.49-0.76). RARP was associated with decreased perioperative mortality and improved overall survival compared to ORP.

CONCLUSION

Patients who were underinsured were less likely to receive RARP. Improved access to RARP may lead to decreased disparities in perioperative outcomes for prostate cancer.

Effect of type of definitive treatment on race-based differences in prostate cancer-specific survival

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) mortality are partially mediated by inequities in quality of care. Intermediate- and high-risk PCa can be treated with either surgery or radiation, therefore we designed a study to assess the magnitude of race-based differences in cancer-specific survival between these two treatment modalities.

METHODS

Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) men with localized intermediate- and high-risk PCa, treated with surgery or radiation between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were included in the study and followed until December 2018. Unadjusted and adjusted survival analyses were employed to compare cancer-specific survival by race and treatment modality. A model with an interaction term between race and treatment was used to assess whether the type of treatment amplified or attenuated the effect of race/ethnicity on prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM).

RESULTS

15,178 (20.1%) NHB and 60,225 (79.9%) NHW men were included in the study. NHB men had a higher cumulative incidence of PCSM (p = 0.005) and were significantly more likely to be treated with radiation than NHW men (aOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.81-1.97, p < 0.001). In the adjusted models, NHB men were significantly more likely to die from PCa compared with NHW men (aHR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.35, p = 0.014), and radiation was associated with a significantly higher odds of PCSM (aHR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.85-2.38, p < 0.001) compared with surgery. Finally, the interaction between race and treatment on PCSM was not significant, meaning that no race-based differences in PCSM were found within each treatment modality.

CONCLUSIONS

NHB men with intermediate- and high-risk PCa had a higher rate of PCSM than NWH men in a large national cancer registry, though NHB and NHW men managed with the same treatment achieved similar PCa survival outcomes. The higher tendency for NHB men to receive radiation was similar in magnitude to the difference in cancer survival between racial and ethnic groups.

Time from biopsy to radical prostatectomy by race in an equal-access healthcare system: Results from the SEARCH cohort

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that within an equal-access health system, race was not associated with the time between prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis and radical prostatectomy (RP). However, in the more recent time-period of the study (2003-2007), Black men had significantly longer times to RP. We sought to revisit the question in a larger study population with more contemporary patients. We hypothesized that time from diagnosis to treatment would not differ by race, even after accounting for active surveillance (AS) and the exclusion of men at very low to low risk of PC progression.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 5885 men undergoing RP from 1988 to 2017 at eight Veterans Affairs Hospitals from SEARCH. Multiple linear regression was used to compare time from biopsy to RP and to examine the risk of delays (>90 and >180 days) between races. In sensitivity analyses we excluded men deemed to have initially chosen AS based on having >365 days from biopsy to RP and men at very low to low PC risk for progression according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines.

RESULTS

At biopsy, Black men (n = 1959) were younger, had lower body mass index, and higher prostate specific antigen levels, (all p < 0.02), compared to White men (n = 3926). Time from biopsy to RP was longer in Black men (mean days: 98 vs. 92; adjusted ratio of mean number of days, 1.07 [95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.11], p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in delays >90 or >180 days after adjusting for confounders (all p ≥ 0.286). Results were similar following the exclusion of men potentially under on AS and at very low and low risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In an equal-access healthcare system, we did not find evidence of clinically relevant differences in time from biopsy to RP in Black versus White men.

Exploring the complexity and spectrum of racial/ethnic disparities in colon cancer management

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across U.S. racial/ethnic groups. Existing studies often focus on a particular race/ethnicity or single domain within the care continuum. Granular exploration of disparities among different racial/ethnic groups across the entire colon cancer care continuum is needed. We aimed to characterize differences in colon cancer outcomes by race/ethnicity across each stage of the care continuum.

METHODS

We used the 2010-2017 National Cancer Database to examine differences in outcomes by race/ethnicity across six domains: clinical stage at presentation; timing of surgery; access to minimally invasive surgery; post-operative outcomes; utilization of chemotherapy; and cumulative incidence of death. Analysis was via multivariable logistic or median regression, with select demographics, hospital factors, and treatment details as covariates.

RESULTS

326,003 patients (49.6% female, 24.0% non-White, including 12.7% Black, 6.1% Hispanic/Spanish, 1.3% East Asian, 0.9% Southeast Asian, 0.4% South Asian, 0.3% AIAE, and 0.2% NHOPI) met inclusion criteria. Relative to non-Hispanic White patients: Southeast Asian (OR 1.39, p < 0.01), Hispanic/Spanish (OR 1.11 p < 0.01), and Black (OR 1.09, p < 0.01) patients had increased odds of presenting with advanced clinical stage. Southeast Asian (OR 1.37, p < 0.01), East Asian (OR 1.27, p = 0.05), Hispanic/Spanish (OR 1.05 p = 0.02), and Black (OR 1.05, p < 0.01) patients had increased odds of advanced pathologic stage. Black patients had increased odds of experiencing a surgical delay (OR 1.33, p < 0.01); receiving non-robotic surgery (OR 1.12, p < 0.01); having post-surgical complications (OR 1.29, p < 0.01); initiating chemotherapy more than 90 days post-surgery (OR 1.24, p < 0.01); and omitting chemotherapy altogether (OR 1.12, p = 0.05). Black patients had significantly higher cumulative incidence of death at every pathologic stage relative to non-Hispanic White patients when adjusting for non-modifiable patient factors (p < 0.05, all stages), but these differences were no longer statistically significant when also adjusting for modifiable factors such as insurance status and income.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-White patients disproportionately experience advanced stage at presentation. Disparities for Black patients are seen across the entire colon cancer care continuum. Targeted interventions may be appropriate for some groups; however, major system-level transformation is needed to address disparities experienced by Black patients.

Did ethno-racial disparities in access to transcatheter aortic valve replacement change over time?

Objective

In this study we sought to evaluate whether disparate use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) among non-White patients has decreased over time, and if unequal access to TAVR is driven by unequal access to high-volume hospitals.

Methods

From 2013 to 2017, we used the State Inpatient Database across 8 states (Ariz, Colo, Fla, Md, NC, NM, Nev, Wash) to identify 51,232 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent TAVR versus surgical aortic valve replacement. Hospitals were categorized as low- (<50 per year), medium- (50-100 per year), or high-volume (>100 per year) according to total valve procedures (TAVR + surgical aortic valve replacement). Multivariable logistic regression models with interactions were performed to determine the effect of race, time, and hospital volume on the utilization of TAVR.

Results

Non-White patients were less likely to receive TAVR than White patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.83). However, utilization of TAVR increased over time (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.73-1.80) for the total population, with non-White patients' TAVR use growing faster than for White patients (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.12), time × race interaction, P = .034. Further, an adjusted volume-stratified time trend analysis showed that utilization of TAVR at high volume hospitals increased faster for non-White patients versus White patients by 8.6% per year (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.16) whereas use at low- and medium-volume hospitals did not contribute to any decreasing utilization gap.

Conclusions

This analysis shows initial low rates of TAVR utilization among non-White patients followed by accelerated use over time, relative to White patients. This narrowing gap was driven by increased TAVR utilization by non-White patients at high-volume hospitals.

Are there disparities in access to robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery among pediatric urology patients? US institutional experience

Objective

Literature suggests access to robotic surgery varies by race and payer status. We seek to investigate whether disparities exist in robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery among the pediatric urology population at our tertiary academic medical center and, if so, to find plausible reasons why.

Methods

Retrospective analysis identified patients who underwent open or robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center between 2008 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the relationship of patient demographic and socioeconomic factors to procedure approach.

Results

Among 356 patients, race, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and year of surgery were significant by univariate analysis. Insurance status was not significant (P = 0.066). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and year of surgery were statistically significant (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, P < 0.001). By multivariate logistic regression, Black and Hispanic patient race were not significant with an odds ratio of 0.60 (0.35–1.02) (P = 0.061). In 60.2% of open cases, open approach selection was attributable to complex pathology, limitations of robotic approach, and surgeon's robot‐assisted laparoscopic learning curve.

Conclusions

Optimal procedure approach was determined by case complexity and surgeon's robot‐assisted laparoscopic learning curve and was independent of patient race and payer status. This study did not find racial or socioeconomic disparities in robotic surgery within pediatric urology at our tertiary medical center, inconsistent with previous literature.

Understanding the Current Role of Robotic-Assisted Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

The role of robotic surgery in bariatrics remains controversial. Patient selection for robotic surgery is not well-studied. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with robotic surgery and its temporal trends.

METHODS

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database from 2015 to 2018 was used. Adult patients undergoing primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using the laparoscopic or robotic approach were identified. Revisional, hybrid, or those with concomitant procedures were excluded. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with undergoing robotic-assisted surgery.

RESULTS

Among 211,568 patients who underwent SG, 9.1% underwent a robotic SG; among 76,805 patients who underwent RYGB, 7.9% of patients underwent a robotic RYGB. During 2015-2018, robotics increased from 7.1 to 11.3% for SG and 7.4 to 8.6% for RYGB. After controlling for patient characteristics, there was still an increasing trend in the use of robotic surgery: SG (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.17-1.20) and RYGB (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.08). For both robotic SG and RYGB, functional status and African American race were associated with undergoing robotic surgery, while races other than White or African American and Hispanic ethnicity were not. Pre-operative IVC filter was associated with robotic SG, while the presence of GERD, diabetes, and COPD were associated with robotic RYGB.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic bariatric surgery has increased over time. Our findings identified factors associated with the receipt of robotic surgery. Reasons for these factors require further investigation to better delineate indications for this technology.

Access denied: The relationship between patient insurance status and access to high-volume hospitals

BACKGROUND

Underinsured patients face significant barriers in accessing high-quality care. Evidence of whether access to high-volume surgical care is mediated by disparities in health insurance coverage remains wanting.

METHODS

The authors used the National Cancer Data Base to identify all adult patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer during 2004 through 2016. The odds of receiving surgical care at a high-volume hospital were estimated according to the type of insurance using multivariable logistic regression analyses for each malignancy. Then, the interactions between study period and insurance status were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 1,279,738 patients were included in the study. Of these, patients with breast cancer who were insured by Medicare (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; P < .001), Medicaid (OR, 0.55; P < .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.50; P < .001); patients with prostate cancer who were insured by Medicare (OR, 0.87; P = .003), Medicaid (OR, 0.58; P = .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.36; P < .001); and patients with lung cancer who were insured by Medicare (OR, 0.84; P = .020), Medicaid (OR, 0.74; P = .001), or uninsured (OR, 0.48; P < .001) were less likely to receive surgical care at high-volume hospitals compared with patients who had private insurance. For patients with colorectal cancer, the effect of insurance differed by study period, and improved since 2011. For those on Medicaid, the odds of receiving care at a high-volume hospital were 0.51 during 2004 through 2007 and 0.99 during 2014 through 2016 (P for interaction = .001); for uninsured patients, the odds were 0.45 during 2004 through 2007 and 1.19 during 2014 through 2016 (P for interaction < .001) compared with patients who had private insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Uninsured, Medicare-insured, and Medicaid-insured patients are less likely to receive surgical care at high-volume hospitals. For uninsured and Medicaid-insured patients with colorectal cancer, the odds of receiving care at high-volume hospitals have improved since implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Association of State-Level Medicaid Expansion With Treatment of Patients With Higher-Risk Prostate Cancer

IMPORTANCE

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act broadened insurance coverage, partially through voluntary state-based Medicaid expansion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether patients with higher-risk prostate cancer residing in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to receive treatment after expansion compared with patients in states electing not to pursue Medicaid expansion.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based cohort study included 15 332 patients diagnosed with higher-risk prostate cancer (ie, grade group >2; grade group 2 with prostate-specific antigen levels >10 ng/mL; or grade group 1 with prostate-specific antigen levels >20 ng/mL) from January 2010 to December 2016 aged 50 to 64 years who were candidates for definitive treatment. Patients residing in states that partially expanded Medicaid coverage before 2010 (ie, California and Connecticut) and those with diagnosis not confirmed by histology were excluded. Data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Data were analyzed between August and December 2019.

EXPOSURE

State-level Medicaid expansion status.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Insurance status before and after expansion, treatment with prostatectomy or radiation therapy (including brachytherapy), treatment trends over time.

RESULTS

Of 15 332 patients, 7811 (50.9%) lived in expansion states (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [3.8] years; 5532 [71.9%] non-Hispanic White), and 7521 (49.1%) lived in nonexpansion states (mean [SD] age, 59.0 [3.9] years; 3912 [52.1%] non-Hispanic White). Residence in an expansion state was associated with higher pre-expansion levels of Medicaid coverage (292 [8.1%] vs 161 [3.8%]; odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% CI, 1.78 to 2.53) and lower likelihood of being uninsured (136 [3.2%] vs 38 [1.1%]; OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.54). After expansion, there was no difference in trends in treatment receipt between expansion and nonexpansion states (change, -0.39%; 95% CI, -0.11% to 0.28%; P = .25). Patients with private or Medicare coverage were more likely to receive treatment vs those with Medicaid or no coverage across racial/ethnic groups (eg, Black patients with coverage: OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.68 to 3.10; Black patients with no coverage: OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.00; P < .001). Medicaid patients were not more likely to be treated compared with those without insurance (737 [78.8%] vs 435 [79.5%]; OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.25).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, state-level expansion of Medicaid was associated with increased Medicaid coverage for men with higher-risk prostate tumors but did not appear to affect treatment patterns at a population level. This may be related to the finding that Medicaid coverage was not associated with increased treatment rates compared with those without insurance.

Population demographics in geographic proximity to hospitals with robotic platforms do not correlate with disparities in access to robotic surgery

BACKGROUND

Disparities in access to robotic surgery have been shown on the local, regional, and national level. This study aims to see if the location of hospitals with robotic platforms (HWR) correlates with population trends to explain the disparity in access to robotic surgery.

METHODS

Hospitals with da Vinci surgical systems were identified by compiling data from the publicly available da Vinci surgeon locator website. Demographic, and economic data were compiled. Multivariate logistic regression and place-based analysis were used to determine population characteristics associated with geographic proximity to HWR.

RESULTS

The United States has 1971 HWR (5.93 hospitals with robots per 1 million people). The states with the most HWR are Texas (203), California (175), and Florida (162). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of Texas counties determined population (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.40-3.38) education level (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.07-3.21), and urban designation (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.31) remained significantly associated with HWR. When applied to a national level, population remained associated with higher numbers of HWR (R = 0.945), however level of education and urbanization were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study of population-level data, disparities in access to robotic surgery seen in prior literature cannot be explained exclusively by sociodemographic factors related to the geographic proximity of HWR. This suggests other biases are involved in the lack of robotic procedures performed among minority and underprivileged populations.

Trends in the diffusion of robotic surgery in prostate, uterus, and colorectal procedures: a retrospective population-based study

This study aimed to propose quantifiable metrics on the adoption lifecycle of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) within and across prostate, hysterectomy, and colorectal procedures. This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of commonly performed RAS procedures in the US conducted from July 2001 to July 2015. The patients were identified from the Premier Hospital Database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes denoting prostate, uterus, and colorectal procedures. The Diffusion of Innovations theory was applied to percent RAS utilization to determine discrete eras of technology adoption. Overall and by-era patient baseline characteristics were compared between robotic and non-robotic groups. This study included a total of 2,098,440 RAS procedures comprising prostate (n = 155,342), uterus (n = 1,300,046), and colorectal (n = 643,052) procedures. Prostate (76.7%) and uterus (28.9%) procedures had the highest robotic utilization by the end of the study period and appear to be in the last adoption era (Laggard). However, robotic utilization in colorectal procedures (7.5%) was low and remained in the first era (Innovator) for a longer time (15 vs 60 vs 135 months). Whites, privately insured, patients with fewer comorbidities, and those admitted in large teaching hospitals were more likely to undergo RAS in the early study period. AS-associated patient and hospital profiles changed over time, suggesting that selected patient cohorts should be contextualized by overall adoption of a novel medical technology. The time-discretized analysis may also inform patient selection criteria and appropriate timing for clinical study stages proposed by the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study-Devices framework.

Inequity in selective referral to high-volume hospitals for genitourinary malignancies

INTRODUCTION

Compared to low-volume hospitals, high-volume hospitals are associated with lower rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, access to high-volume hospitals is unequal. We investigated racial and socioeconomic disparities among patients undergoing surgery for genitourinary malignancies at high-volume hospitals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database from 2004-2015 to identify patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, and nephrectomy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer, and kidney cancer, respectively. Hospitals were ranked based on their annual volume for the given procedure. The endpoint of our study was receipt of treatment at a high-volume hospital. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of treatment at a high-volume hospital.

RESULTS

Our final cohort consisted of 397,242 prostate cancer patients, 39,480 bladder cancer patients, and 292,095 kidney cancer patients. For prostate and bladder cancer, Black race was associated with lower odds of treatment at a high-volume hospital (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.87 and 0.71, 95%CI 0.58-0.87; reference: White). Higher education level and private insurance status were associated with greater odds of treatment across all 3 procedures (strongest effect for prostate cancer; higher education level: OR 1.63 [1.58-1.68]; private insurance 1.86 [1.77-1.97]). Moreover, an interaction was found between race and study period for all cancers examined (P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that Black patients were more likely to undergo radical prostatectomy at high-volume hospitals in 2013-2015 (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.94-1.02) compared to 2004-2006 (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.79-0.87).

CONCLUSION

Across all procedures, patients with lower education status and lack of insurance were less likely to be treated at high-volume hospitals. For prostate cancer and bladder cancer, Black race was a negative predictor of treatment at high-volume hospitals. Further studies are needed to understand the root causes for this inequity.

Undertreatment of High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer in the California Latino Population

Background: The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology recommend definitive therapy for all men with high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) who have a life expectancy >5 years or who are symptomatic. However, the application of these guidelines may vary among ethnic groups. We compared receipt of guideline-concordant treatment between Latino and non-Latino white men in California. Methods: California Cancer Registry data were used to identify 2,421 Latino and 8,636 non-Latino white men diagnosed with high-risk localized PCa from 2010 through 2014. The association of clinical and sociodemographic factors with definitive treatment was examined using logistic regression, overall and by ethnicity. Results: Latinos were less likely than non-Latino whites to receive definitive treatment before (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.88) and after adjusting for age and tumor characteristics (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.95). Additional adjustment for sociodemographic factors eliminated the disparity. However, the association with treatment differed by ethnicity for several factors. Latino men with no health insurance were considerably less likely to receive definitive treatment relative to insured Latino men (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23-0.49), an association that was more pronounced than among non-Latino whites (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.83). Intermediate-versus high-grade disease was associated with lower odds of definitive treatment in Latinos (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.97) but not non-Latino whites. Younger age and care at NCI-designated Cancer Centers were significantly associated with receipt of definitive treatment in non-Latino whites but not in Latinos. Conclusions: California Latino men diagnosed with localized high-risk PCa are at increased risk for undertreatment. The observed treatment disparity is largely explained by sociodemographic factors, suggesting it may be ameliorated through targeted outreach, such as that aimed at younger and underinsured Latino men.

The comparative effectiveness of decision aids in diverse populations with early stage prostate cancer: a study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial in the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), Alliance A191402CD

Background

Treatments for localized prostate cancer present challenging tradeoffs in the face of uncertain treatment benefits. These options are best weighed in a process of shared decision-making with the patient’s healthcare team. Minority men experience disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, possibly due in part to a lack of optimal communication during treatment selection. Decision aids facilitate shared decision-making, improve knowledge of treatment options, may increase satisfaction with treatment choice, and likely facilitate long-term quality of life.

Methods/design

This study will compare the effect of two evidence-based decision aids on patient knowledge and on quality of life measured one year after treatment, oversampling minority men. One decision aid will be administered prior to specialist consultation, preparing patients for a treatment discussion. The other decision aid will be administered within the consultation to facilitate transparent, preference-sensitive, and evidence-informed deliberations. The study will utilize a four-arm, block-randomized design to test whether each decision aid alone (Arms 1 and 2) or in combination (Arm 3) can improve patient knowledge and quality of life compared to usual care (Arm 4). The study, funded by the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), will be deployed within select institutions that have demonstrated capacity to recruit minority populations into urologic oncology trials.

Discussion

Upon completion of the trial, we will have 1) tested the effectiveness of two evidence-based decision aids in enhancing patients’ knowledge of options for prostate cancer therapy and 2) estimated whether decision aids may improve patient quality of life one year after initial treatment choice.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03103321. The trial registration date (on ClinicalTrials.gov) was April 6, 2017.

Facility-level analysis of robot utilization across disciplines in the National Cancer Database

To evaluate trends in contemporary robotic surgery across multiple organ sites as they relate to robotic prostatectomy volume. We queried the National Cancer Database for patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2013 for prostate, kidney, bladder, corpus uteri, uterus, cervix, colon, sigmoid, rectum, lung and bronchus. The trend between volumes of robotic surgery for each organ site was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Multivariable models were then created to determine independent predictors of robotic surgery within each organ site by calculating the odds ratio with 95% CI. Among the 566,399 surgical cases analyzed, 35.1% were performed using robot assistance. Institutions whose robotic prostatectomy volume was in the top 75 percentile compared to the bottom 25 percentile performed a larger percentage of robotic surgery on the following sites: kidney 32.6 vs. 28.8%, bladder 23.6 vs. 18.6%, uterus 52.5 vs. 47.7%, cervix 43.5 vs. 39.2%, colon 3.2 vs. 2.9%, rectum 10.7 vs. 8.9%, and lung 7.3 vs. 6.8% (all p < 0.0001). It appears that increased trends toward robotic surgery in urology have lead to increased robotic utilization within other surgical fields. Future analysis in benign utilizations of robotic surgery as well as outcome data comparing robotic to open approaches are needed to better understand the ever-evolving nature of minimally invasive surgery within the United States.

Risk factors involved in treatment delays and differences in treatment type for patients with prostate cancer by risk category in an academic safety net hospital

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the drivers of delays from diagnosis to treatment can elucidate how to reduce the time to treatment (TTT) in patients with prostate cancer. In addition, the available treatments depending on the stage of cancer can vary widely for many reasons. This study investigated the relationship of TTT and treatment choice with sociodemographic factors in patients with prostate cancer who underwent external beam radiation therapy (RT), radical prostatectomy (RP), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or active surveillance (AS) at a safety-net academic medical center.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective review was performed on 1088 patients who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between January 2005 and December 2013. Demographic data as well as data on TTT, initial treatment choice, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk categories were collected. Analyses of variance and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to analyze the relationship of these factors with treatment choice and TTT.

RESULTS

Age, race, and marital status were significantly related to treatment choice. Patients who were nonwhite and older than 60 years were less likely to undergo RP. Black patients were 3.8 times more likely to undergo RT compared with white patients. The median TTT was 75 days. Longer time delays were significant in patients of older age, nonwhite race/ethnicity, non-English speakers, those with noncommercial insurance, and those with non-married status. The average TTT of high-risk patients was 25 days longer than that of low-risk patients. Patients who underwent RT had an average TTT that was 34 days longer than that of RP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment choice and TTT of patients with prostate cancer are affected by demographic factors such as age, race, marital status, and insurance, as well as clinical factors including stage and risk category of disease.

Trends in Utilization of Robotic and Open Partial Nephrectomy for Management of cT1 Renal Masses

BACKGROUND

Partial nephrectomy is widely used for surgical management of small renal masses. Use of robotic (RPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among various populations is not well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze trends in utilization of RPN and disparities that may be associated with this procedure for management of cT1 renal masses in the USA.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent RPN or OPN for clinical stage T1N0M0 renal masses in the USA from 2010 to 2013 were identified in the National Cancer Data Base. A total of 23 154 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate differences in receiving RPN or OPN across various patient groups.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Utilization of RPN increased from 41% in 2010 to 63% in 2013. Black patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-0.98) and Hispanic patients (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.95) were less likely to undergo RPN. RPN was less likely to be performed in rural counties (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.98) and in patients with no insurance (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.61) or patients covered by Medicaid (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.90). There was no significant difference in RPN utilization between academic and non-academic facilities. Patients with higher clinical stage (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.55-0.62) and comorbidities (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.88) were also less likely to undergo RPN.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of RPN has continued to increase over time; however, there are significant disparities in its utilization according to race and socioeconomic status. Black and Hispanic patients and patients in rural communities and with limited insurance were more likely to be treated with OPN instead of RPN.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The use of robotic surgery in partial nephrectomy for management of small renal masses has increased over time. We found a significant disparity across different racial and socioeconomic groups in use of robotic partial nephrectomy compared to open surgery. Patients living in rural areas, with limited insurance, and multiple medical comorbidities were more likely to undergo open than robotic partial nephrectomy.

Change, Connectivity, and Challenge: Exploring the Role of Health Technology in Shaping Health Care for Aging Populations in Asia Pacific

Aflthough the rapid increase in population aging observed across the globe poses significant challenges to the sustainability of health systems it has been paralleled by an exponential growth in health technologies. This article reviews the literature surrounding health technologies and explores how the future of aging and health care could be shaped by health technologies, with a particular focus on the Asia Pacific region. It shows that the field is wide in scope. The current expansion of information and communication technologies have brought a growing capacity to support health care, while future technology applications, such as robotics and 3D printing, offer a range of potential benefits to elderly populations. However, the uptake and level of development of health technologies varies widely throughout the region. Governments have begun developing frameworks to guide the implementation and monitoring of health technologies. However, a dearth of robust, evaluative studies, combined with the rapidly evolving nature of health technologies, present policy makers with a range of policy and implementation challenges, including issues surrounding infrastructure, funding, and the acceptability of technologies among older users. As health technologies play an increasingly pivotal part in health systems, there is a need to create robust mechanisms for ongoing assessment of health technology development.

Treatment of men with high-risk prostate cancer based on race, insurance coverage, and access to advanced technology

PURPOSE

We characterized factors related to nondefinitive management (NDM) of patients with high-risk prostate cancer and assessed impact from race, insurance status, and facility-level volume of technologically advanced prostate cancer treatments (i.e., intensity-modulated radiation therapy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy) on this outcome.

METHODS

We identified men with high-risk localized prostate cancer (based on D׳Amico criteria) in the National Cancer Database (2010-2012). Primary outcome was NDM (i.e., delayed/no treatment with prostatectomy/radiation therapy or androgen-deprivation monotherapy). Treating facilities were classified by quartiles of proportions of patients treated with advanced technology. Multivariable regression estimated odds of primary outcome based on race, insurance status, and facility-level technology use, and evaluated for interactions between these covariates.

RESULTS

Among 60,300 patients, 9,265 (15.4%) received NDM. This was more common among non-White men (P<0.001), Medicaid/uninsured patients (P<0.001), and those managed at facilities in the lowest quartile of technology use (25.1% vs. 11.0% highest, P<0.001). Though NDM was common among non-White men with Medicaid/no insurance treated at low-technology centers (43% vs. 10% White, private/Medicare, high-tech facility; adjusted odds ratios = 7.18, P<0.001), this was less likely if this group was managed at a high-tech hospital (22% vs. 43% low-tech, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Technology use at a facility correlates with high-quality prostate cancer care and is associated with diminished disparities based on insurance status and patient race. More research is required to characterize other facility-level factors explaining these findings.

Examination of Racial Disparities in the Receipt of Minimally Invasive Surgery Among a National Cohort of Adult Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in outcomes are well described among surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to identify any racial disparities in the receipt of a minimally invasive approach for colorectal surgery.

DESIGN

Adults undergoing colorectal surgery were studied using the University HealthSystem Consortium. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors for the receipt of a minimally invasive approach.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at academic hospitals and their affiliates.

PATIENTS

Adults ≥18 years of age who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, IBD, or benign colorectal tumor between 2008 and 2011 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The receipt of a minimally invasive surgical approach was the main measured outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 82,474 adult patients met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 69,664 (84%) were white, 10,874 (13%) were black, and 1936 (2%) were Asian. Blacks were younger, with higher rates of public insurance and higher comorbidity burden and baseline severity of illness compared with white and Asian patients. Black patients were less likely (adjusted OR = 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79-0.87)) and Asian patients more likely (adjusted OR = 1.34 (95% CI, 1.21-1.49)) than whites to receive minimally invasive surgery. This association did not change with stratification by insurance type (public or private). Black patients had higher rates of intensive care unit admission and nonhome discharge, as well as an increased length of stay compared with white and Asian patients. No differences in complications, readmission, or mortality rates were observed with minimally invasive surgery, but black patients were more likely to be readmitted or to die with open surgery.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by the retrospective nature of its data.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified racial differences in the receipt of a minimally invasive approach for colorectal surgery, regardless of insurance status, as well as improved outcomes for minority races who underwent a minimally invasive technique compared with open surgery. The improved outcomes associated with minimally invasive surgery should prompt efforts to increase rates of its use among black patients.

Robotic prostatectomy is associated with increased patient travel and treatment delay

INTRODUCTION

New technologies may limit access to treatment. We investigated radical prostatectomy (RP) access over time since robotic introduction and the impact of robotic use on RP access relative to other approaches in the modern era.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Data Base, RPs performed during the eras of early (2004-2005) and late (2010-2011) robotic dissemination were identified. The primary endpoints, patient travel distance and treatment delay, were compared by era, and for 2010-2011, by surgical approach. Analyses included multivariable and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

138 476 cases were identified, 32% from 2004-2005 and 68% from 2010-2011. In 2010-2011, 74%, 21%, and 4.3% of RPs were robotic, open, and laparoscopic, respectively. Treatment in 2010-2011 and robotic approach were independently associated with increased patient travel distance and longer treatment delay (p<0.001). Men treated robotically had 1.1-1.2 times higher odds of traveling medium-to-long-range distances and 1.2-1.3 higher odds of delays 90 days or greater compared to those treated open (p<0.001). Laparoscopic approach was associated with increased patient travel and treatment delay, but to a lesser extent than the robotic approach (p<0.001). In high-risk patients, treatment delays remained significantly longer for minimally invasive approaches (p<0.001). Other factors associated with the robotic approach included referral from an outside facility, treatment at an academic or high-volume hospital, higher income, and private insurance. Potential limitations include the retrospective observational design and lack of external validation of the primary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The robotic approach is associated with increased travel burden and treatment delay, potentially limiting access to surgical care.

Disparities in Treatment of Patients With High-risk Prostate Cancer: Results From a Population-based Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To assess the variation in primary treatment of high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) by different hospital characteristics in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the National Cancer Data Base to identify patients diagnosed with pretreatment high-risk PCa from 2004 to 2011. The primary outcomes were different forms of primary therapy or watchful waiting (WW) across different types of hospitals (community, comprehensive cancer community, and academic hospitals). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences in treatment by hospital type.

RESULTS

During the study period, we identified 102,701 men diagnosed with high-risk PCa. Overall, the most common treatment was radical prostatectomy (37.0%) followed by radiation therapy (33.2%) and WW (8.5%). Compared with white men with high-risk PCa, black men had lower adjusted odds ratios (OR) for surgery at comprehensive community (OR: 0.64; P <.001) and academic (OR: 0.62; P <.001) hospitals. Similarly, black men were also more likely to be managed with WW at community (OR: 1.49; P <.001), comprehensive cancer community (OR: 1.24; P <.001), and academic (OR: 1.55; P <.001) hospitals, as well as with radiation therapy at comprehensive cancer community (OR: 1.27; P <.001) and academic hospitals (OR: 1.23; P <.001).

CONCLUSION

Disparities in the use of WW and different primary treatments among patients with high-risk PCa persisted across different types of hospitals and over time. Our findings highlight a significant racial disparity in the use of curative therapy for high-risk PCa that should be urgently addressed to ensure that all men with PCa receive appropriate care across all racial groups and cancer care facilities.

Impact of delay on telesurgical performance: study on the robotic simulator dV-Trainer

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of communication latency on telesurgical performance using the robotic simulator dV-Trainer®.

METHODS

Surgeons were enrolled during three robotic congresses. They were randomly assigned to a delay group (ranging from 100 to 1000 ms). Each group performed three times a set of four exercises on the simulator: the first attempt without delay (Base) and the last two attempts with delay (Warm-up and Test). The impact of different levels of latency was evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven surgeons were involved. The different latency groups achieved similar baseline performance with a mean task completion time of 207.2 s (p > 0.05). In the Test stage, the task duration increased gradually from 156.4 to 310.7 s as latency increased from 100 to 500 ms. In separate groups, the task duration deteriorated from Base for latency stages at delays ≥300 ms, and the errors increased at 500 ms and above (p < 0.05). The subjects' performance tended to improve from the Warm-up to the Test period. Few subjects completed the tasks with a delay higher than 700 ms.

CONCLUSION

Gradually increasing latency has a growing impact on performances. Measurable deterioration of performance begins at 300 ms. Delays higher than 700 ms are difficult to manage especially in more complex tasks. Surgeons showed the potential to adapt to delay and may be trained to improve their telesurgical performance at lower-latency levels.

Trends in Mesh Use for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair From the Medicare Database

OBJECTIVE

To investigate recent trends in mesh use for pelvic organ prolapse (POP)-related reconstruction procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the 2001-2011 5% Medicare claims database, we identified POP diagnoses and related procedures. Transvaginal mesh use and sacrocolpopexy were first reported in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 613,160 cases of vaginal and abdominal POP repair procedures were identified. The majority of procedures involved multiple compartments. The rate of mesh use increased dramatically from 2% of repairs in 2005 to 35% by 2008. After the Food and Drug Administration warning in 2008, mesh use plateaued and then decreased in 2011. Mesh was used more commonly in younger (odds ratio [OR] 0.722, P < .001), white (OR 0.712-0.791 for other races, P < .001) women in the South (OR 0.741-0.848 for non-South regions, P < .001). Starting in 2008, the rate of sacrocolpopexy procedures almost doubled yearly until 2011. Sacrocolpopexy was more common in younger patients (49% in women <70 years) and in white women (88%); the majority of sacrocolpopexies were performed in the South (60%) and laparoscopically (83%-98%).

CONCLUSION

The treatment of POP has changed over time. The use of mesh increased significantly until 2008, after which it plateaued following the Food and Drug Administration warning regarding mesh-related complications. Concurrently, the number of sacrocolpopexy procedures increased significantly starting in 2008 as the use of laparoscopic and/or robotic technique and concern regarding transvaginal mesh increased.

Usability evaluation and adaptation of the e-health Personal Patient Profile-Prostate decision aid for Spanish-speaking Latino men

BACKGROUND

The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate (P3P), a web-based decision aid, was demonstrated to reduce decisional conflict in English-speaking men with localized prostate cancer early after initial diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to explore and enhance usability and cultural appropriateness of a Spanish P3P by Latino men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

METHODS

P3P was translated to Spanish and back-translated by three native Spanish-speaking translators working independently. Spanish-speaking Latino men with a diagnosis of localized prostate cancer, who had made treatment decisions in the past 24 months, were recruited from two urban clinical care sites. Individual cognitive interviews were conducted by two bilingual research assistants as each participant used the Spanish P3P. Notes of user behavior, feedback, and answers to direct questions about comprehension, usability and perceived usefulness were analyzed and categorized.

RESULTS

Seven participants with a range of education levels identified 25 unique usability issues in navigation, content comprehension and completeness, sociocultural appropriateness, and methodology. Revisions were prioritized to refine the usability and cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the decision aid.

CONCLUSIONS

Usability issues were discovered that are potential barriers to effective decision support. Successful use of decision aids requires adaptation and testing beyond translation. Our findings led to revisions further refining the usability and linguistic and cultural appropriateness of Spanish P3P.

Racial disparities in the use of SBRT for treating early-stage lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have shown that the surgical resection rate for black patients with early-stage lung cancer is significantly lower than that of white patients, which may partially explain the worse outcomes observed in this group. Over the past decade, however, there has been increasing utilization of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as an alternative to surgical resection for inoperable patients. We undertook a population-based study to evaluate potential racial disparities in the use of SBRT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, black and white patients with Stage I NSCLC between 2003 and 2011 were identified. Patients were categorized based on primary treatment modality. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify demographic predictors of SBRT utilization in the non-operative population.

RESULTS

A total of 113,312 patients met the inclusion criteria. When compared to white patients, black patients were less likely to receive surgical intervention (66% vs. 58%, P<0.001) or SBRT (6.1% vs. 5.5%, P<0.001), and more likely to receive standard fractionated external beam radiation (EBRT) or no treatment. When confined to the non-operative cohort, multivariable logistic regression confirmed black race to be negatively associated with SBRT use compared to less aggressive therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this national dataset, we confirmed prior observations that black patients are less likely to receive surgery than white patients, and also found that black patients are less likely to receive SBRT. This suggests that even with emerging utilization of SBRT for inoperable candidates, black patients continue to receive less aggressive therapy.

Disparities in the receipt of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: between-hospital and within-hospital analysis using 2009-2011 California inpatient data

OBJECTIVES

Despite the rapid proliferation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), little attention has been paid to patient utilisation of this newest surgical innovation and barriers that may result in disparities in access to RARP. The goal of this study is to identify demographic and economic factors that decrease the likelihood of patients with prostate cancer (PC) receiving RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective, pooled, cross-sectional study was conducted using 2009-2011 California State Inpatient Data and American Hospital Association data. Patients who were diagnosed with PC and underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) from 225 hospitals in California were identified, using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients' likelihood of receiving RARP was associated with patient and hospital characteristics using the two models: (1) between-hospital and (2) within-hospital models. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was used for both models. The first model predicted patient access to RARP-performing hospitals versus non-RARP-performing hospitals, after adjusting for patient and hospital-level covariates (between-hospital variation). The second model examined the likelihood of patients receiving RARP within RARP-performing hospitals (within-hospital variation).

RESULTS

Among 20,411 patients who received RP, 13,750 (67.4%) received RARP, while 6661 (32.6%) received non-RARP. This study found significant differences in access to RARP-performing hospitals when race/ethnicity, income and insurance status were compared, after controlling for selected confounding factors (all p<0.001). For example, Hispanic, Medicare and Medicaid patients were more likely to be treated at non-RARP-performing hospitals versus RARP-performing hospitals. Within RARP-performing hospitals, Medicaid patients had 58% lower odds of receiving RARP versus non-RARP (adjusted OR 0.42, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences by race/ethnicity or income within RARP-performing hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences exist by race/ethnicity and payer status in accessing RARP-performing hospitals. Furthermore, payer status continues to be an important predictor of receiving RARP within RARP-performing hospitals.

The centralization of robotic surgery in high-volume centers for endometrial cancer patients--a study of 6560 cases in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hospital and patient factors associated with robotic surgery for endometrial cancer in the United States.

METHODS

Data was obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the year 2010. Chi-squared and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 6560 endometrial cancer patients who underwent surgery, the median age was 62 (range: 22 to 99). 1647 (25%) underwent robotic surgery, 820 (13%) laparoscopic, and 4093 (62%) had open surgery. The majority was White (65%). Hospitals with 76 or more hysterectomy cases for endometrial cancer patients per year (4% of hospitals in the study) performed 31% of all hysterectomies and 40% of all robotic hysterectomies (p<0.01). 29% of Whites had robotic surgery compared to 15% of Hispanics, 12% of Blacks, and 11% of Asians (p<0.01). Patients with upper-middle and high incomes underwent robotic surgery more than patients with low or middle incomes (p<0.01). 27% of Medicare patients and 26% of patients with private insurance had robotic surgery compared to only 14% of Medicaid patients and 12% of uninsured patients (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of robotic surgeries for endometrial cancer were performed at a small number of high-volume hospitals in the United States. Socioeconomic status, insurance type, and race were also important predictors for the use of RS. Further studies are warranted to better understand the barriers to receiving minimally invasive surgery.

A Contemporary Analysis of Surgical Trends in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx from 1998 to 2012: A Report from the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

This study examined surgical trends for oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) from 1998 to 2012, with a post-2009 focus coinciding with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Data Base, the study analyzed 84,449 patients with stage I-IVB OPC. χ (2) tests and logistic regression models were used to examine surgical trends.

RESULTS

The use of surgery decreased from 41.4 % in 1998 to 30.4 % in 2009 (p < 0.001). The surgical trends reversed and in 2012 increased to 34.8 % (p < 0.001). There was much variation in surgery in 2012 between American Joint Committee on Cancer stages, with 80.2 % of stage I patients receiving surgery compared with 54.0 % of stage II patients, 36.8 % of stage III patients, and 28.5 % of stage IV patients (p < 0.001). Black patients with high socioeconomic status (SES) showed lower use of surgery (25.3 %) compared to low SES white (32.3 %) and low SES Hispanic patients (27.3 %) (p < 0.001). The highest surgical rates were noted in the West North Central region and lowest rates were observed in the New England and South Atlantic regions. Between 2009 and 2012, independent predictors of surgical treatment included young age, female gender, white or Hispanic race, high SES, private insurance, academic hospitals, hospitals in the West North Central region, residence more than 75 miles from the hospital, increasing comorbidities, stage I disease, and tonsil origin (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Since FDA approval of TORS in 2009, surgical rates have increased with multiple socioeconomic and regional factors affecting patient selection. This study provides a basis for further investigation into factors involved in decision making for OPC patients.

Perioperative outcomes and hospital reimbursement by type of radical prostatectomy: results from a privately insured patient population

BACKGROUND

With the increasing use of robotic surgery in the United States, the comparative effectiveness and differences in reimbursement of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) and open prostatectomy (ORP) in privately insured patients are unknown. Therefore, we sought to assess the differences in perioperative outcomes and hospital reimbursement in a privately insured patient population who were surgically treated for prostate cancer.

METHODS

Using a large private insurance database, we identified 17,610 prostate cancer patients who underwent either MIRP or ORP from 2003 to 2010. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications, 90-day readmissions rates and hospital reimbursement. Multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate for differences in primary outcomes across surgical approaches.

RESULTS

Overall, 8981 (51.0%) and 8629 (49.0%) surgically treated prostate cancer patients underwent MIRP and ORP, respectively. The proportion of patients undergoing MIRP markedly rose from 11.9% in 2003 to 72.5% in 2010 (P<0.001 for trend). Relative to ORP, MIRP was associated with a shorter median LOS (1.0 day vs 3.0 days; P<0.001) and lower adjusted odds ratio of perioperative complications (OR: 0.82; P<0.001). However, the 90-day readmission rates of MIRP and ORP were similar (OR: 0.99; P=0.76). MIRP provided higher adjusted mean hospital reimbursement compared with ORP (US $19,292 vs. US $17,347; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among privately insured patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, robotic surgery rapidly disseminated with over 70% of patients undergoing MIRP by 2009-2010. Although MIRP was associated with shorter LOS and modestly better perioperative outcomes, hospitals received higher reimbursement for MIRP compared with ORP.