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Dutta R, Xu R, Wolff DT, Badlani GH, Matthews CA. Specialty-Specific Trends in Surgery for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Post Vaginal Mesh. UROGYNECOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2024; 30:753-757. [PMID: 38624027 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Since transvaginal mesh (VM) kits for apical pelvic organ prolapse (APOP) were labeled "high-risk" in 2016 and subsequently banned in 2019 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the most common remaining surgical options include abdominal mesh-augmented sacrocolpopexy (AS) and transvaginal native tissue suspension (VN). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine temporal trends in APOP procedures for urologists and gynecologists. STUDY DESIGN Between 2011 and 2020, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for AS, VM, and VN. RESULTS There were 26,477 cases of APOP repair (32% AS, 6% VM, 62% VN) included, 9% by urologists. Urologists operated on older (65 vs 61 years) patients with more medical comorbidities. Urologists performed significantly higher proportion of AS (65% vs 29%) and VM (8% vs 6%) relative to VN (27% vs 65%) than gynecologists ( P < 0.0001). Transvaginal mesh utilization has decreased over time for both specialties ( P < 0.05); nonsignificant trends toward increasing AS ( P = 0.1646) in urologists and VN ( P = 0.0913) in gynecologists concurrently occurred. Significant independent predictors of the operating surgeon being a urologist were surgery being performed in the latter half of the cohort (2016-2020; odds ratio [OR], 1.22), non-White patient race (OR < 1 for all), a concomitant sling being placed (OR = 0.89), the surgery being VM (OR = 2.95) or AS (OR = 4.36), the patient being older (OR > 1 for each age range), and having a higher frailty index score (OR = 1.16). CONCLUSIONS Significant differences in APOP repair choices exist between specialties. Urologists operate on older, more medically complex patients while demonstrating a strong preference for mesh-augmented compared with transvaginal native tissue repairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Dutta
- From the Department of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC
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Shukla GG, Matur AV, Childress K, Tao X, Garcia-Vargas J, Mehta J, Garner RM, Gibson J, Cass D, Vorster P, Wu A, Street S, Duah HO, Motley B, Cheng J, Adogwa O. Surgeon Experience Matters: An Exact Matched Analysis of TLIF Outcomes Demonstrates No Difference in Surgical Outcomes Between Experienced Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2024; 49:772-779. [PMID: 37432901 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To compare surgical and medical complications profile between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures. BACKGROUND Studies comparing the impact of spine surgeon specialty (neurosurgery vs. orthopedic spine) on TLIF outcomes have been inconclusive and failed to control for operative learning curves and surgical maturity. Orthopedic spine surgeons perform fewer spine procedures in residency, although these differences may be attenuated by mandatory fellowship before starting practice. Any observed differences are likely attenuated with increasing surgeon experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an all-payer claims database, PearlDiver Mariner, 120 million patient records were analyzed between 2010 and 2022, to identify individuals with lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis who underwent index one- to three-level TLIF procedures. International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Edition (ICD-9), International Classification of Diseases-10th Edition (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to query the database. Only Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic spine surgeons who had performed at least 250 procedures were included in the study. Patients undergoing surgery for tumor, trauma, or infection were excluded. 1:1 exact matching was performed using demographic factors, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors which were significantly associated with all-cause surgical or medical complications in a linear regression model. RESULTS 1:1 exact matching created two equal groups of 18,195 patients without baseline differences who underwent TLIF procedures by neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons. There was no difference in all-cause surgical complications between neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons (relative risk=1.008, 95% CI: 0.850-1.195, P =0.965). All-cause medical complication rate was higher in the neurosurgery cohort (relative risk=1.144, 95% CI: 1.042-1.258, P =0.005). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that after accounting for surgical maturity, neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons have similar surgical outcomes. However, neurosurgeons have higher all-cause medical complication rates compared with orthopedic spine surgeons. Further research is warranted to validate this relationship in other spine procedures and for other outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geet G Shukla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Abhijith V Matur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kelly Childress
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Xu Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Julia Garcia-Vargas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jay Mehta
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rebecca M Garner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Justin Gibson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Daryn Cass
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Phillip Vorster
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Seth Street
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Henry O Duah
- Institute for Nursing Research & Scholarship, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Benjamin Motley
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joseph Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Owoicho Adogwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Gupta P, Hassan FM, Thomas GM, Lombardi JM, Sardar ZM. Influence of Surgeon Specialty on 30-day Outcomes Following Single-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Matched Analysis. Global Spine J 2024; 14:1257-1268. [PMID: 36350144 PMCID: PMC11289565 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221139436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, propensity-matched analysis. OBJECTIVES Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is being increasingly utilized for cervical disc generation. Surgeon specialty has been shown to influence the risk for postoperative complications in spine surgery, but this has not yet been explored for CDA. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine whether there is any difference in 30-day complications between patients undergoing single-level CDA by neurosurgeons vs by orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS A retrospective, 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was performed using the NSQIP database from 2015 to 2020. Patient demographics, operative characteristics, and postoperative complications were recorded. Independent multivariate logistic regression models were constructed using the propensity-matched dataset to assess surgical specialty influence on any complication, any site complication, any operative infection, and any medical complications. RESULTS 3179 single-level CDAs (28.8% orthopaedic surgery patients, 71.2% neurosurgery patients) were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Well-matched cohorts of 916 patients each were generated. After controlling for all possible confounders, orthopedic surgery specialty was not associated with a higher odds for any complication (OR: .87, 95% CI: .35 - 2.20, P = .7696), any site complication (OR: .32, 95% CI: .08 - 1.32, P = .1359), any operative infection (OR: .31, 95% CI: .07 - 1.34), P = .1172), nor any medical complication (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: .62 - 7.20, P = .2311) vs neurosurgery. CONCLUSION This is the first propensity-matched analysis to show that spine surgeon specialty does not influence the risk for any complication, any site complication, any operative infection, nor any medical complication following single-level CDA within the first 30 days after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fthimnir M Hassan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - George M Thomas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joseph M Lombardi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zeeshan M Sardar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Kuruba V, Cherukuri AMK, Arul S, Alzarooni A, Biju S, Hassan T, Gupta R, Alasaadi S, Sikto JT, Muppuri AC, Siddiqui HF. Specialty Impact on Patient Outcomes: Paving a Way for an Integrated Approach to Spinal Disorders. Cureus 2023; 15:e45962. [PMID: 37900519 PMCID: PMC10600402 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal surgical procedures are steadily increasing globally due to broad indications of certain techniques encompassing a wide spectrum of conditions, including degenerative spine disorders, congenital anomalies, spinal metastases, and traumatic spinal fractures. The two specialties, neurosurgery (NS) and orthopedic surgery (OS), both possess the clinical adeptness to perform these procedures. With the advancing focus on comparative effectiveness research, it is vital to compare patient outcomes in spine surgeries performed by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, given their distinct approaches and training backgrounds to guide hospital programs and physicians to consider surgeon specialty when making informed decisions. Our review of the available literature revealed no significant difference in postoperative outcomes in terms of blood loss, neurological deficit, dural injury, intraoperative complications, and postoperative wound dehiscence in procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. An increase in blood transfusion rates among patients operated by orthopedic surgeons and a longer operative time of procedures performed by neurosurgeons was a consistent finding among several studies. Other findings include a prolonged hospital stay, higher hospital readmission rates, and lower cost of procedures in patients operated on by orthopedic surgeons. A few studies revealed lower sepsis rates unplanned intubation rates and higher incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia postoperatively among patient cohorts operated by neurosurgeons. Certain limitations were identified in the studies including the use of large databases with incomplete information related to patient and surgeon demographics. Hence, it is imperative to account for these confounding variables in future studies to alleviate any biases. Nevertheless, it is essential to embrace a multidisciplinary approach integrating the surgical expertise of the two specialties and develop standardized management guidelines and techniques for spinal disorders to mitigate complications and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkataramana Kuruba
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijayawada, IND
| | | | - Subiksha Arul
- Department of Medicine, JONELTA Foundation School of Medicine, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Manila, PHL
| | | | - Sheryl Biju
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, IND
| | - Taimur Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, USA
| | - Riya Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, IND
| | - Saya Alasaadi
- Department of Medicine, University College of Dublin, Dublin, IRL
| | - Jarin Tasnim Sikto
- Department of Medicine, Jahurul Islam Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, BGD
| | - Arnav C Muppuri
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Humza F Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, PAK
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McDonald CL, Berreta RAS, Alsoof D, Homer A, Molino J, Ames CP, Shaffrey CI, Hamilton DK, Diebo BG, Kuris EO, Hart RA, Daniels AH. Treatment of adult deformity surgery by orthopedic and neurological surgeons: trends in treatment, techniques, and costs by specialty. Spine J 2023; 23:1365-1374. [PMID: 37236366 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.05.012] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Surgery to correct adult spinal deformity (ASD) is performed by both neurological surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Despite well-documented high costs and complication rates following ASD surgery, there is a dearth of research investigating trends in treatment according to surgeon subspeciality. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to perform an analysis of surgical trends, costs and complications of ASD operations by physician specialty using a large, nationwide sample. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study using an administrative claims database. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 12,929 patients were identified with ASD that underwent deformity surgery performed by neurological or orthopedic surgeons. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was surgical case volume by surgeon specialty. Secondary outcomes included costs, medical complications, surgical complications, and reoperation rates (30-day, 1-year, 5-year, and total). METHODS The PearlDiver Mariner database was queried to identify patients who underwent ASD correction from 2010 to 2019. The cohort was stratified to identify patients who were treated by either orthopedic or neurological surgeons. Surgical volume, baseline characteristics, and surgical techniques were examined between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the cost, rate of reoperation and complication according to each subspecialty while controlling for number of levels fused, rate of pelvic fixation, age, gender, region and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Alpha was set to 0.05 and a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was utilized to set the significance threshold at p ≤.000521. RESULTS A total of 12,929 ASD patients underwent deformity surgery performed by neurological or orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons performed most deformity procedures accounting for 64.57% (8,866/12,929) of all ASD operations, while the proportion treated by neurological surgeons increased 44.2% over the decade (2010: 24.39% vs 2019: 35.16%; p<.0005). Neurological surgeons more frequently operated on older patients (60.52 vs 55.18 years, p<.0005) with more medical comorbidities (CCI scores: 2.01 vs 1.47, p<.0005). Neurological surgeons also performed higher rates of arthrodesis between one and six levels (OR: 1.86, p<.0005), three column osteotomies (OR: 1.35, p<.0005) and navigated or robotic procedures (OR: 3.30, p<.0005). Procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons had significantly lower average costs as compared to neurological surgeons (orthopedic surgeons: $17,971.66 vs neurological surgeons: $22,322.64, p=.253). Adjusted logistic regression controlling for number of levels fused, pelvic fixation, age, sex, region, and comorbidities revealed that patients within neurosurgical care had similar odds of complications to orthopaedic surgery. CONCLUSIONS This investigation of over 12,000 ASD patients demonstrates orthopedic surgeons continue to perform the majority of ASD correction surgery, although neurological surgeons are performing an increasingly larger percentage over time with a 44% increase in the proportion of surgeries performed in the decade. In this cohort, neurological surgeons more frequently operated on older and more comorbid patients, utilizing shorter-segment fixation with greater use of navigation and robotic assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L McDonald
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Saad Berreta
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA
| | - Daniel Alsoof
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA
| | - Alex Homer
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA
| | - Janine Molino
- Department of Orthopedics, Biostatistics Division, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Grads Dorm Building 3rd Floor, Rhode Island Hospital 593 Eddy St, 02903, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christopher P Ames
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Eighth Floor, 400 Parnassus Ave, CA 94143, San Francisco, California
| | - Christopher I Shaffrey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - D Kojo Hamilton
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, A402 UPMC Presbyterian, PA 15213, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bassel G Diebo
- Swedish Neuroscience Institute, 550 17th Avenue, James Tower, Suite 500, 98122, Seattle, WA
| | - Eren O Kuris
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA
| | - Robert A Hart
- Swedish Neuroscience Institute, 550 17th Avenue, James Tower, Suite 500, 98122, Seattle, WA
| | - Alan H Daniels
- Department of Orthopedics, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, 1 Kettle Point Avenue, East Providence, Providence, 02914, RI, USA.
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McNeill IT, Neifert SN, Deutsch BC, Martini ML, Shuman WH, Chapman E, Price G, Hwang S, Steinberger J, Caridi JM. Comparative Analysis of Early Outcomes and Complications of PSO Among Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons. Clin Spine Surg 2023; 36:E174-E179. [PMID: 36201848 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective comparative cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in the annual number of PSOs performed, describe the patient populations associated with each cohort, and compare outcomes between specialties.Summary of Background Data:Pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO) are complex and advanced spine deformity surgical procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Though both sets of surgeons can be equally qualified and credentialed to perform a PSO, it is possible that differences in training and exposure could translate into differences in patient management and outcomes. METHODS Patients that underwent lumbar PSO from 2005 to 2014 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry were identified. Relevant demographic, preoperative comorbidity, and postoperative 30-day complications were queried and analyzed. The data was divided into 2 cohorts consisting of those patients who were treated by neurosurgeons versus orthopedic surgeons. Additional data from the Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database was queried and analyzed for comparison. RESULTS Demographic and comorbidity factors were similar between the neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery cohorts, except there were higher rates of hypertension among orthopedic surgeon-performed PSOs (65.66% vs. 48.67%, P =0.004). Except for 2012, in every year queried, orthopedic surgeons reported more PSOs than neurosurgeons. In patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery, there was a higher rate of PSOs if the surgery was performed by an orthopedic surgeon (OR 1.7824, 95% CI: 1.4017-2.2665). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis after PSOs was higher for neurosurgery compared with orthopedic surgery (8.85% vs. 1.20%, P =0.004). However, besides deep vein thrombosis, there were no salient differences in surgical complication rates between neurosurgeon-performed PSOs and orthopedic surgeon-performed PSOs. CONCLUSIONS The number of PSO procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons has increased annually. Differences in outcomes between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons suggest an opportunity for wider assessment and alignment of adult spinal deformity surgery exposure and training across specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T McNeill
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
| | - Sean N Neifert
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Langone Medical Center
| | - Brian C Deutsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - William H Shuman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Emily Chapman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Gabrielle Price
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Songhon Hwang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jeremy Steinberger
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
| | - John M Caridi
- UTHealth Neurosciences Spine Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston
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Terada R, Stewart K, Hansen S, Shettar SS, Butt A, Vallurupalli S, Martin M, Tanaka K. Temporal changes and predictors of perioperative blood transfusion in elective spine surgery: a retrospective analysis of a large surgical database. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:421-429. [PMID: 36586804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic blood transfusion used to be common in spine surgery. Patient blood management has been widely adopted, and it is important to reassess transfusion predictors in contemporary practice. METHODS A retrospective study of inpatient spine surgery was performed using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data from 2011 to 2019. The primary outcome was perioperative transfusion within 72 h of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression and recursive partitioning were used to assess up to 15 variables including patient and surgical data, surgical specialty (orthopaedic surgery vs neurosurgery), and year of surgery. RESULTS The study population included 251 971 US surgical patients; 6.9% of these patients received perioperative blood transfusion. Perioperative transfusions declined over time with the steepest decline from 2011 to 2015. The greatest reduction was seen among orthopaedic cases where the transfusion rate declined from 16.0% to 8.7% between 2011 and 2015. Eight variables were predictive factors in a reduced model: operative time, preoperative haemoglobin, vertebral level, number of vertebral levels, older age, surgeon specialty, arthrodesis, and year of surgery (area under the curve [AUC]=0.880; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.878-0.883). Overall, longer operative time (>144 min) and greater numbers of vertebral levels had greater associations with transfusion than surgical specialty after adjustments. Prevalence of anaemia (15%) has not substantially declined. CONCLUSIONS Perioperative blood transfusion rate in spine surgery has declined over the past decade. The extent and duration of surgery and preoperative haemoglobin level remain important factors associated with increased odds for perioperative blood transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Terada
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kenneth Stewart
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sandra Hansen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shashank S Shettar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Amir Butt
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santaram Vallurupalli
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael Martin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kenichi Tanaka
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Ogink PT, Groot OQ, van Steijn N, Im GH, Cha TD, Hershman SH, Bono CM, Schwab JH. Practice Variation Within a Single Institution in Management of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. Clin Spine Surg 2022; 35:E546-E550. [PMID: 35249973 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess variation in care for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) among surgeons at the same institution, to establish diagnostic and therapeutic variables contributing to this variation, and to determine whether variation in care changed over time. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Like other degenerative spinal disorders, DS is prone to practice variation due to the wide array of treatment options. Focusing on a single institution can identify more individualized drivers of practice variation by omitting geographic variability of demographics and socioeconomic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected number of office visits, imaging procedures, injections, electromyography (EMG), and surgical procedures within 1 year after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of surgery. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated to compare the variation in practice over time. RESULTS Patients had a mean 2.5 (±0.6) visits, 1.8 (±0.7) imaging procedures, and 0.16 (±0.09) injections in the first year after diagnosis. Thirty-six percent (1937/5091) of patients had physical therapy in the 3 months after diagnosis. CV was highest for EMG (95%) and lowest for office visits (22%). An additional spinal diagnosis [odds ratio (OR)=3.99, P <0.001], visiting a neurosurgery clinic (OR=1.81, P =0.016), and diagnosis post-2007 (OR=1.21, P =0.010) were independently associated with increased surgery rates. The CVs for all variables decreased after 2007, with the largest decrease seen for EMG (132% vs. 56%). CONCLUSIONS While there is variation in the management of patients diagnosed with DS between surgeons of a single institution, this variation seems to have gone down in recent years. All practice variables showed diminished variation. The largest variation and subsequent decrease of variation was seen in the use of EMG. Despite the smaller amount of variation, the rate of surgery has gone up since 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Ogink
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Q Groot
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nicole van Steijn
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Gi Hye Im
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas D Cha
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stuart H Hershman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Christopher M Bono
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph H Schwab
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Surgeon specialty effect on early outcomes of elective posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a propensity-matched analysis of 965 patients. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2022; 31:2355-2361. [PMID: 35597892 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Comparative effectiveness research plays a vital role in health care delivery. Specialty training is one of these variables; surgeons who are trained in different specialties may have different outcomes performing the same procedure. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of spine surgeon specialty (neurosurgery vs orthopedic surgery) on early perioperative outcome measures of elective posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS This is a retrospective, 1:4 propensity score-matched cohort study. 5520 AIS patients were reviewed from ACS-NSQIP pediatric database. Propensity score matching was utilized. RESULTS Patients operated on by orthopedic surgeons were more likely to have shorter operation time (263 min vs 285 min), shorter total hospital stay (95 h vs 118 h), lower rate of return to operating room within the same admission (1.2% vs 3.8%), lower discharge rates after postoperative day 4 (23.8% vs 30.9%), and lower unplanned readmission rate (1.6% vs 4.1%), (p < 0.05). On the other hand, patients operated on by neurosurgeons had lower perioperative blood transfusion rate (62.1% vs 69.8%), (p < 0.05). Other outcome measures and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study found significant differences in early perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing PSF for AIS by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Further studies are recommended to corroborate this finding which may trigger changes in the educational curriculum for neurosurgery residents.
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Warner KJ, Brown O, Bretschneider CE. The association between surgeon subspecialty training and postoperative outcomes following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:315.e1-315.e7. [PMID: 35568192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse is common and affects 25% to 35% of women worldwide. As this growing patient need is being met by surgeons from diverse training backgrounds, it is important to both characterize the differences in surgeon practice patterns and examine postoperative outcomes to ensure optimal patient care. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between surgeon specialty and postoperative outcomes following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Gynecologic reconstructive surgery targeted database between 2014 and 2018. Pelvic organ prolapse surgeries were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and surgical cases performed by urogynecologists or obstetrician-gynecologists were included for analysis. The primary outcome was any 30-day postoperative complication following prolapse surgery. The secondary outcomes were any major or minor postoperative complications, genitourinary complications, reoperation, or readmission within 30-days following surgery. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the cohort, and pairwise analyses were used to describe the differences between the cases performed by the surgeon specialties. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 3358 women underwent prolapse surgery-68% performed by urogynecologists and 32% by obstetrician-gynecologists. The 30-day postoperative complication rate was higher for surgeries performed by obstetrician-gynecologists than for surgeries performed by urogynecologists (10.7% vs 7.0%, respectively; P<.001). There was no difference in the readmission rates between the 2 groups (2.1% vs 2.0%; P=1.000). However, the reoperation rates were higher for surgeries performed by obstetrician-gynecologists (1.8% vs 1.0%; P=.040). In a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology class, smoking, and type of concomitant surgery (hysterectomy, apical suspension, other prolapse surgery, obliterative procedure, or sling), prolapse surgery performed by a urogynecologist remained associated with nearly 40% lower odds of any 30-day postoperative complication (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.80). CONCLUSION Prolapse surgery performed by a urogynecologist is associated with lower odds of any 30-day postoperative complication than that performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of surgical training across the 10 surgical specialties is to produce competent day 1 consultants. Progression through training in the UK is assessed by the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine variation in ARCP outcomes within surgical training and identify differences in outcomes between specialties. DESIGN A national cohort study using data from the UK Medical Education Database was performed. ARCP outcome was the primary outcome measure. Multilevel ordinal regression analyses were performed, with ARCP outcomes nested within trainees. PARTICIPANTS Higher surgical trainees (ST3-ST8) from nine UK surgical specialties were included (vascular surgery was excluded due to insufficient data). All surgical trainees across the UK with an ARCP outcome between 2010 and 2017 were included. RESULTS Eight thousand two hundred and twenty trainees with an ARCP outcome awarded between 2010 and 2017 were included, comprising 31 788 ARCP outcomes. There was substantial variation in the proportion of non-standard outcomes recorded across specialties with general surgery trainees having the highest proportion of non-standard outcomes (22.5%) and urology trainees the fewest (12.4%). After adjustment, general surgery trainees were 1.3 times more likely to receive a non-standard ARCP outcome compared with trainees in trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.45, p=0.001). Urology trainees were 36% less likely to receive a non-standard outcome compared with T&O trainees (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.75, p<0.001). Female trainees and older age were associated with non-standard outcomes (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.22, p=0.020; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05, p<0.001). CONCLUSION There is wide variation in the training outcome assessments across surgical specialties. General surgery has higher rates of non-standard outcomes compared with other surgical specialties. Across all specialties, female sex and older age were associated with non-standard outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Hope
- Division of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jonathan Lund
- Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - David Humes
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham University, Nottingham, UK
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Alomari S, Porras JL, Lo SFL, Theodore N, Sciubba DM, Witham T, Bydon A. Does the Specialty of the Surgeon Performing Elective Anterior/Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Spine Disease Correlate with Early Perioperative Outcomes? World Neurosurg 2021; 155:e111-e118. [PMID: 34390873 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comparative effectiveness research has a vital role in health reform and policies. Specialty training is one of these provider-side variables, and surgeons performing the same procedure who were trained in different specialties may have different outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of spine surgeon specialty (neurosurgery vs. orthopedic surgery) on early perioperative outcome measures of elective anterior/lateral lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF/LLIF) for degenerative disc diseases. METHODS In a retrospective, 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study, 9070 patients were reviewed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Propensity score matching and subgroup analysis were used. RESULTS In both groups (single-level and multilevel ALIF/LLIF), patients operated on by neurosurgeons had longer operative time (188 minutes vs. 172 minutes/239 minutes vs. 221 minutes); shorter total hospital stay (71 hours vs. 90 hours/89 hours vs. 96 hours); and lower rates of return to the operating room (2.1% vs. 4.1%/2.4% vs. 4.2%), nonhome discharge (8.7% vs. 11.1%/10.1% vs. 14.9%), discharge after postoperative day 3 (22.0% vs. 30.0%/38.0% vs. 43.9%), and perioperative blood transfusion (2.1% vs. 5.1%/5.0% vs. 9.9%) (P < 0.05). In multilevel ALIF/LLIF, patients operated on by neurosurgeons had lower readmission rates (3.9% vs. 6.9%) (P < 0.05). Other outcome measures and mortality rates were similar between the single-level and multilevel ALIF/LLIF cohorts regardless of surgeon specialty. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis found significant differences in early perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing ALIF/LLIF by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. These differences have significant clinical and cost implications for patients, physicians, program directors, payers, and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jose L Porras
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheng-Fu L Lo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel M Sciubba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy Witham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Bydon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Dambrino RJ, Zuckerman SL, Guidry BS, Domenico HJ, Thompson RC, Galloway MB, Pichert JW, Cooper WO. Do neurosurgeons receive more patient complaints than other physicians? Describing who is most at risk and how we can improve. J Neurosurg 2021; 134:1990-1997. [PMID: 32736349 DOI: 10.3171/2020.4.jns20870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The number of unsolicited patient complaints (UPCs) about surgeons correlates with surgical complications and malpractice claims. Using a large, national patient complaint database, the authors sought to do the following: 1) compare the rates of UPCs for neurosurgeons to those for other physicians, 2) analyze the risk of UPCs with individual neurosurgeon characteristics, and 3) describe the types of UPCs made about neurosurgeons. METHODS Patient and family complaint reports among 36,265 physicians, including 423 neurosurgeons, 8292 other surgeons, and 27,550 nonsurgeons who practiced at 33 medical centers (22 academic and 11 regional) from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, were coded with a previously validated Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS) algorithm. RESULTS Among 423 neurosurgeons, 93% were male, and most (71%) practiced in academic medical centers. Neurosurgical subspecialties included general practice (25%), spine (25%), tumor (16%), vascular (13%), functional (10%), and pediatrics (10%). Neurosurgeons had more average total UPCs per physician (8.68; 95% CI 7.68-9.67) than nonsurgeons (3.40; 95% CI 3.33-3.47) and other surgeons (5.01; 95% CI 4.85-5.17; p < 0.001). In addition, a significantly higher percentage of neurosurgeons received at least one UPC (71.6%; 95% CI 67.3%-75.9%) than did nonsurgeons (50.2%; 95% CI 49.6%-50.8%) and other surgeons (58.2%; 95% CI 57.1%-59.3%; p < 0.001). Factors most associated with increased average UPCs were younger age, measured as median medical school graduation year (1990.5 in the 0-UPC group vs 1993 in the 14+-UPC group, p = 0.009) and spine subspecialty (13.4 mean UPCs in spine vs 7.9 mean UPCs in other specialties, 95% CI 2.3-8.5, p < 0.001). No difference in complaints was seen in those who graduated from non-US versus US medical schools (p = 0.605). The most common complaint types were related to issues surrounding care and treatment, communication, and accessibility, each of which was significantly more common for neurosurgeons than other surgical specialties (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Neurosurgeons were more likely to generate UPCs than other surgical specialties, and almost 3 out of 4 neurosurgeons (71.6%) had at least one UPC during the study period. Prior studies have shown that feedback to physicians about behavior can result in fewer UPCs. These results suggest that neurosurgeons have opportunities to reduce complaints and potentially improve the overall quality of care delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William O Cooper
- 4Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, and
- 5Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Galivanche AR, Toombs C, Adrados M, David WB, Malpani R, Saifi C, Whang PG, Grauer JN, Varthi AG. Cement Augmentation of Vertebral Compression Fractures May Be Safely Considered in the Very Elderly. Neurospine 2021; 18:226-233. [PMID: 33819949 PMCID: PMC8021820 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040620.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of the current study was to perform a retrospective review of a national database to assess the safety of cement augmentation for vertebral compression fractures in geriatric populations in varying age categories.
Methods The 2005–2016 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases were queried to identify patients undergoing kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty in the following age categories: 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, and 90+ years old. Demographic variables, comorbidity status, procedure type, provider specialty, inpatient/outpatient status, number of procedure levels, and periprocedure complications were compared between age categories using chi-square analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions controlling for patient and procedural variables were then performed to assess the relative periprocedure risks of adverse outcomes of patients in the different age categories relative to those who were 60–69 years old.
Results For the 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, and 90+ years old cohorts, 486, 822, 937, and 215 patients were identified, respectively. After controlling for patient and procedural variables, 30-day any adverse events, serious adverse events, reoperation, readmission, and mortality were not different for the respective age categories. Cases in the 80- to 89-year-old cohort were at increased risk of minor adverse events compared to cases in the 60- to 69-year-old cohort.
Conclusion As the population ages, cement augmentation is being considered as a treatment for vertebral compression fractures in increasingly older patients. These results suggest that even the very elderly may be appropriately considered for these procedures (level of evidence: 3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoop R Galivanche
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Courtney Toombs
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Murillo Adrados
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wyatt B David
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rohil Malpani
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Comron Saifi
- Penn Orthopaedics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter G Whang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jonathan N Grauer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arya G Varthi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Elsharydah A, Duncan KL, Rosero EB, Minhajuddin A, Somasundaram A, Joshi GP. Readmission Rate After 2-level Lumbar Decompression: A Propensity-matched Cohort Study Comparing Inpatient and Outpatient Settings. Clin Spine Surg 2021; 34:E1-E6. [PMID: 32341325 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database years 2012-2015. OBJECTIVE Compare the 30-day readmission and postoperative major complications rates of 2-level lumbar decompression performed in the ambulatory and the inpatient settings. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA In recent years, there is an increasing trend toward ambulatory spine surgery. However, there remains a concern regarding risks of readmission and postoperative morbidity after discharge. METHODS The ACS-NSQIP database from 2012 to 2015 was queried for adult patients who underwent elective 2-level lumbar decompression (CPT code 63047 accompanied with code 63048). A cohort of ambulatory lumbar decompression cases was matched 1:1 with an inpatient cohort after controlling for patient demographics, comorbidities, and complexity of the procedure. The primary outcome was the 30-day readmission rate. Secondary outcomes included a composite of 30-day postoperative major complications and hospital length of stay for hospitalized patients. RESULTS A total of 7505 patients met our study criteria. The ambulatory 2-level lumbar decompression surgery rate increased significantly over the study period from 28% in 2012 to 49% in 2015 (P<0.001). In the matched sample, there was no statistically significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.04; P=0.097) between the two cohorts; however, the ambulatory cohort had a lower 30-day postoperative major complication rate (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.79; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS After 2-level lumbar decompression performed on inpatient versus outpatient basis, the 30-day readmission rate is similar. However, the 30-day postoperative complication rate is significantly lower in the ambulatory setting. The reasons for these differences need further exploration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abu Minhajuddin
- Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
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Orthopaedics and neurosurgery: Is there a difference in surgical outcomes following anterior cervical spinal fusion? J Orthop 2020; 21:278-282. [PMID: 32508432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The superiority of neurosurgical over orthopaedic spinal procedures is a point of contention. While there is the perception that neurosurgeons are more specifically trained to deal with spinal pathology, no study has directly compared outcomes of spinal surgeries performed by both groups. Methods We sought to evaluate the differences in length of surgery, hospital stay, complications, mortality, and readmission for anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) performed by neurosurgeons versus orthopaedic surgeons. Results 17,967 ACDF procedures were analyzed. Neurosurgeons performed 74.3% of the fusions with a trend towards longer operative times and significantly more patients that were discharged to extended care facilities. There was no significant difference in the length of stay, overall complications, mortality, readmission, or reoperation when comparing the two specialties. Conclusion Despite a significantly higher volume of ACDF performed by neurosurgeons, outcomes are comparable following orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures.
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Unplanned 30-Day readmission rates after spine surgery in a community-based Hospital setting. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 191:105686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hopkins BS, Yamaguchi JT, Garcia R, Kesavabhotla K, Weiss H, Hsu WK, Smith ZA, Dahdaleh NS. Using machine learning to predict 30-day readmissions after posterior lumbar fusion: an NSQIP study involving 23,264 patients. J Neurosurg Spine 2020; 32:399-406. [PMID: 31783353 DOI: 10.3171/2019.9.spine19860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unplanned preventable hospital readmissions within 30 days are a great burden to patients and the healthcare system. With an estimated $41.3 billion spent yearly, reducing such readmission rates is of the utmost importance. With the widespread adoption of big data and machine learning, clinicians can use these analytical tools to understand these complex relationships and find predictive factors that can be generalized to future patients. The object of this study was to assess the efficacy of a machine learning algorithm in the prediction of 30-day hospital readmission after posterior spinal fusion surgery. METHODS The authors analyzed the distribution of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) posterior lumbar fusions from 2011 to 2016 by using machine learning techniques to create a model predictive of hospital readmissions. A deep neural network was trained using 177 unique input variables. The model was trained and tested using cross-validation, in which the data were randomly partitioned into training (n = 17,448 [75%]) and testing (n = 5816 [25%]) data sets. In training, the 17,448 training cases were fed through a series of 7 layers, each with varying degrees of forward and backward communicating nodes (neurons). RESULTS Mean and median positive predictive values were 78.5% and 78.0%, respectively. Mean and median negative predictive values were both 97%, respectively. Mean and median areas under the curve for the model were 0.812 and 0.810, respectively. The five most heavily weighted inputs were (in order of importance) return to the operating room, septic shock, superficial surgical site infection, sepsis, and being on a ventilator for > 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS Machine learning and artificial intelligence are powerful tools with the ability to improve understanding of predictive metrics in clinical spine surgery. The authors' model was able to predict those patients who would not require readmission. Similarly, the majority of predicted readmissions (up to 60%) were predicted by the model while retaining a 0% false-positive rate. Such findings suggest a possible need for reevaluation of the current Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program penalties in spine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Hopkins
- 2Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Hannah Weiss
- 2Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Malik AT, Baek J, Alexander JH, Khan SN, Scharschmidt TJ. Orthopaedic vs. Neurosurgery - Does a surgeon's specialty have an influence on 90-day complications following surgical intervention of spinal metastases? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 192:105735. [PMID: 32078956 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal metastases are routinely managed and/or operated on by both orthopaedic surgeons and neurological surgeons. However, controversy still exists as to whether the operating surgeon's specialty has an impact on post-operative complication rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS The 2007-2017 Humana Administrative Claims database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing fusions, laminectomies or osteotomy/corpectomy for spinal metastases. Physician taxonomy codes were used to identify the operating surgeon's specialty (orthopaedic vs. neurosurgery). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess difference in 90-day complications, readmissions and mortality between the two specialties while controlling for age, gender, race, co-morbidity burden, procedural characteristics (fusion, laminectomy and/or osteotomy/corpectomy) and type of primary cancer. RESULTS A total of 887 patients undergoing surgical intervention for spinal metastases were included - out of which 204 (23.0 %) patients were operated on by orthopaedic surgeons and 683 (77.0 %) by neurosurgeons. Following adjustment for difference in patient demographics and baseline clinical characteristics, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two specialties with regards to wound complications (p = 0.992), pulmonary complications (p = 0.461), cardiac complications (p = 0.631), thrombotic complications (p = 0.177), sepsis (p = 0.463), pneumonia (p = 0.767), urinary tract infection (p = 0.916), acute renal failure (p = 0.934), hardware complications (p = 0.892), emergency department visits (p = 0.934), 90-day readmissions (p = 0.277) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.786). CONCLUSIONS Based off our findings, it appears that a surgeon's specialty has no influence on intermediate-term complications following surgical intervention for spinal metastases. The findings of the study should support the need for maintaining access of patients to both specialties for appropriate surgical consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeem Tariq Malik
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Jae Baek
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - John H Alexander
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Safdar N Khan
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Thomas J Scharschmidt
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Department of Orthopaedics, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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Trends in Ambulatory Laminectomy in the USA and Key Factors Associated with Successful Same-Day Discharge: A Retrospective Cohort Study. HSS J 2020; 16:72-80. [PMID: 32015743 PMCID: PMC6974217 DOI: 10.1007/s11420-019-09703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laminectomy is commonly used in the treatment of lumbar spine pathology. Laminectomies are increasingly being performed in outpatient settings, but patient safety concerns remain. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We aimed to describe trends in outpatient lumbar laminectomy between 2008 and 2016 and to identify factors associated with successful same-day discharge. METHODS We identified patients who underwent single-level lumbar laminectomy between 2008 and 2016 in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and divided them into two groups according to their admission status, either inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient and outpatient groups were further divided according to actual length of stay (LOS): did not remain in the hospital overnight (LOS = 0) or stayed in the hospital overnight or longer (LOS ≥ 1). We then analyzed patient characteristics and complications for significance and to identify factors associated with successful same-day discharge. RESULTS We identified 85,769 patients, 41,149 classified as outpatient status and 44,620 as inpatient status. Between 2008 and 2016, the proportion of procedures performed on an outpatient basis increased from 24.1 to 56.74%. Overall, 27.3% of all patients were discharged on the day of surgery, representing 52.8% of outpatients and 3.8% of inpatients. Older age and longer duration of surgery predicted that patients were less likely to have same-day discharge. Patients with a primary diagnosis other than intervertebral disk disorder, Hispanic ethnic background, or an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of III were less likely to achieve same-day discharge. Patients under the care of orthopedic surgeons (as opposed to neurosurgeons) were more likely to be discharged on the day of surgery. We also found an association between sex and day of discharge, with female patients being less likely to be discharged on the day of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Laminectomy is increasingly being performed in the outpatient setting. Younger, healthier non-Hispanic male patients undergoing uncomplicated surgery have a higher likelihood of successful same-day discharge.
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Standaert CJ, Li JW, Glassman SJ, Manolov NE, Thomas SA, Lee AA, Dolak MA, Stinneford MK. Costs Associated with the Treatment of Low Back Disorders: A Comparison of Surgeons and Physiatrists. PM R 2019; 12:551-562. [PMID: 31628773 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spine care is costly and subject to wide variability. Defining costs and patterns of care for different specialties is critical to improving value. OBJECTIVE Determine costs, utilization, and differences therein for nonoperative and operative specialists in treating low back disorders. We hypothesized costs associated with nonoperative specialists would be lower. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Medicare Limited Data Set (5% sample), 2011 to 2014. PARTICIPANTS A total of 170 011 patients saw a primary care provider for a low back disorder between 1 July 2011, and 1 January 2013. Excluding those seen for a low back disorder in the preceding 6 months, final cohorts totaled 11 829 patients subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist (specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation; 3183 patients) or surgeon (orthopedic or neurosurgeon; 8646 patients) within the following 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total Medicare expenditures, spine-specific costs, spine surgical rates over 24 months. RESULTS Cohorts had comparable demographics, initial diagnoses, and baseline mean per-member per-month (PMPM) total spending. Mean 2-year spine-specific spending was $3978 for the physiatrist cohort and $7387 for the surgeon cohort. Comparatively, the physiatrist cohort had lower total mean 2-year spine-specific spending (-$3409; 95% confidence interval [CI] -$3824 to -$2994), mean PMPM total spending (-$122/mo; CI -$184 to -$60), and surgical rate (7.8% vs. 18.9%, risk ratio [RR] = 0.41; CI 0.36-0.47). Surgery predominantly drove cost differential. Mean PMPM total spending for both cohorts remained elevated at 24 months compared to baseline mean spending (physiatrist: +$293; CI $447 to $138; surgeon: +$325; CI $425 to $225). CONCLUSIONS Following a new episode of a low back disorder, substantial costs were seen for those subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist or surgeon. Costs were considerably lower for those first seen by a physiatrist. Patients in both cohorts displayed long-term increases in health care costs. Our data suggest that early engagement in nonoperative care, when appropriate, may improve value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Standaert
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Stuart J Glassman
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | | | | | - Anthony A Lee
- Synergy Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Scottsdale, AR
| | - Melanie A Dolak
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, IL
| | - M Kate Stinneford
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, IL
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Hanson G, Lyons KW, Fournier DA, Lollis SS, Martin ED, Rhynhart KK, Handel WJ, McGuire KJ, Abdu WA, Pearson AM. Reducing Radiation and Lowering Costs With a Standardized Care Pathway for Nonoperative Thoracolumbar Fractures. Global Spine J 2019; 9:813-819. [PMID: 31819846 PMCID: PMC6882098 DOI: 10.1177/2192568219831687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE There is marked variation in the management of nonoperative thoracolumbar (TL) compression and burst fractures. This was a quality improvement study designed to establish a standardized care pathway for TL fractures treated with bracing, and to then evaluate differences in radiographs, length of stay (LOS), and cost before and after the pathway. METHODS A standardized pathway was established for management of nonoperative TL burst and compression fractures (AOSpine classification type A1-A4 fractures). Bracing, radiographs, costs, complications, and LOS before and after pathway adoption were analyzed. Differences between the neurosurgery and orthopedic spine services were compared. RESULTS Between 2012 and 2015, 406 nonoperative burst and compression TL fractures were identified. A total of 183 (45.1%) were braced, 60.6% with a custom-made thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) and 39.4% with an off-the-shelf TLSO. The number of radiographs significantly reduced after initiation of the pathway (3.23 vs 2.63, P = .010). A total of 98.6% of braces were custom-made before the pathway; 69.6% were off-the-shelf after the pathway. The total cost for braced patients after pathway adoption decreased from $10 462.36 to $8928.58 (P = .078). Brace-associated costs were significantly less for off-the-shelf TSLO versus custom TLSO ($1352.41 vs $3719.53, respectively, P < .001). The mean LOS and complication rate did not change significantly following pathway adoption. The orthopedic spine service braced less frequently than the neurosurgery service (40.7% vs 52.2%, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS Standardized care pathways can reduce cost and radiation exposure without increasing complication rates in nonoperative management of thoracolumbar compression and burst fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Hanson
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Keith W. Lyons
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA,Keith W. Lyons, Department of Orthopaedics, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA.
| | - Debra A. Fournier
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - S. Scott Lollis
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Eric D. Martin
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kurt K. Rhynhart
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Wanda J. Handel
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kevin J. McGuire
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - William A. Abdu
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Adam M. Pearson
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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Hu K, Liu M, Wang AJ, Zhao G, Sun Y, Yang C, Zhang Y, Hutter MM, Feng D, Sun B, Williams Z. Spine surgeon specialty differences in single-level percutaneous kyphoplasty. BMC Surg 2019; 19:163. [PMID: 31694623 PMCID: PMC6833171 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-019-0630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is a procedure performed by a spine surgeon who undergoes either orthopedic or neurosurgical training. The relationship between short-term adverse outcomes and spine specialty is presently unknown. To compare short-term adverse outcomes of single-level PKP when performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons in order to develop more concretely preventive strategies for patients under consideration for single-level PKP. Methods We evaluated patients who underwent single-level PKP from 2012 to 2014 through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). We used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to assess the association between spine surgeon specialty and short-term adverse events, including postoperative complication and unplanned readmission, and to identify different independent risk predictors between two specialties. Results Of 2248 patients who underwent single-level PKP procedure, 1229 patients (54.7%) had their operations completed by a neurosurgeon. There were no significant differences in the development of the majority of postoperative complications and the occurrence of unplanned readmission between the neurosurgical cohort (NC) and the orthopedic cohort (OC). A difference in the postoperative blood transfusion rate (0.7% NS vs. 1.7% OC, P = 0.039) was noted and may due to the differences in comorbidities between patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed different independent predictors of postoperative adverse events for the two spine specialties. Conclusions By comparing a large range of demographic feature, preoperative comorbidities, and intraoperative factors, we find that short-term adverse events in single-level PKP patients does not affect by spine surgeon specialty, except that the OC had higher postoperative blood transfusion rate. In addition, the different perioperative predictors of postoperative complications and unplanned readmissions were identified between the two specialties. These findings can lead to better evidence-based patient counseling and provide valuable information for medical evaluation and potentially devise methods to reduce patients’ risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Hu
- Center of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, China.
| | - Motao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Amy J Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Gexin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Center of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chaoqun Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yiwang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, No. 910th Hospital of The People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Quanzhou, China
| | - Matthew M Hutter
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Dehong Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuxi People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, China.
| | - Bomin Sun
- Center of Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ziv Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Lower Complication Rate Following Ankle Fracture Fixation by Orthopaedic Surgeons Versus Podiatrists. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2019; 27:607-612. [PMID: 30601371 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-18-00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased overlap in the scope of practice between orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists has led to increased podiatric treatment of foot and ankle injuries. However, a paucity of studies exists in the literature comparing orthopaedic and podiatric outcomes following ankle fracture fixation. METHODS Using an insurance claims database, 11,745 patients who underwent ankle fracture fixation between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient data were analyzed based on the provider type. Complications were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes, and revision surgeries were identified by the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Complications analyzed included malunion/nonunion, infection, deep vein thrombosis, and rates of irrigation and débridement. Risk factors for complications were compared using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS Overall, 11,115 patients were treated by orthopaedic surgeons and 630 patients were treated by podiatrists. From 2007 to 2015, the percentage of ankle fractures surgically treated by podiatrists had increased, whereas that treated by orthopaedic surgeons had decreased. Surgical treatment by podiatrists was associated with higher malunion/nonunion rates among all types of ankle fractures. No differences in complications were observed in patients with unimalleolar fractures. In patients with bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures, treatment by a podiatrist was associated with higher malunion/nonunion rates. Patients treated by orthopaedic surgeons versus podiatrists had similar comorbidity profiles. DISCUSSION Surgical treatment of ankle fractures by orthopaedic surgeons was associated with lower rates of malunion/nonunion when compared with that by podiatrists. The reasons for these differences are likely multifactorial but warrants further investigation. Our findings have important implications in patients who must choose a surgeon to surgically manage their ankle fracture, as well as policymakers who determine the scope of practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-retrospective cohort study.
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Baek J, Malik AT, Khan I, Yu E, Kim J, Khan SN. Orthopedic versus Neurosurgery-Understanding 90-Day Complications and Costs in Patients Undergoing Elective 1-Level to 2-Level Posterior Lumbar Fusions by Different Specialties. World Neurosurg 2019; 131:e447-e453. [PMID: 31415887 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.07.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar fusions are routinely performed by either orthopedic or neurologic spine surgeons. Controversy still exists as to whether a provider's specialty (orthopedic vs. neurosurgery) influences outcomes. METHODS The 2007-2015Q2 Humana Commercial Database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes (22612, 22614, 22630, 22632, 22633 and 22634) to identify patients undergoing elective 1-to-2 level posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) with active enrollment up to 90 days after procedure. Ninety-day complication rates were calculated for the 2 specialties. The surgical and 90-day resource utilization costs for the 2 groups were compared, by studying average reimbursements for acute-care and post-acute-care categories. Ninety-day complications and costs were compared using multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. RESULTS A total of 10,509 patients (5523 orthopedic and 4986 neurosurgery) underwent an elective 1-to-2 level PLF during the period. With the exception of a significantly lower odds of wound complications (odds ratio, 0.81) and a higher odds of dural tears (odds ratio, 1.29) in elective PLFs performed by orthopedic surgeons, no statistically strong differences were seen in 90-day complication rates between the 2 groups. Total 90-day costs were also similar between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, with the only exception being that surgeon reimbursement was lower for orthopedic surgery versus neurosurgery ($1202 vs. $1372; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS It seems that a provider's specialty does not largely influence 90-day surgical outcomes and costs after elective PLFs. The results of the study promote the formation and acceptance of dual training pathways for entry into spine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Baek
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Azeem Tariq Malik
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Inamullah Khan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffery Kim
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Safdar N Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Seicean A, Kumar P, Seicean S, Neuhauser D, Weil RJ. Surgeon specialty and patient outcomes in carotid endarterectomy. J Neurosurg 2019; 131:387-396. [PMID: 30095343 DOI: 10.3171/2018.2.jns173014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to compare outcomes of carotid endarterectomy performed by neurological, general, and vascular surgeons. METHODS The authors identified 80,475 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between 2006 and 2015 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a prospectively collected, national clinical database with established reproducibility and validity. Nine hundred forty-three patients were operated on by a neurosurgeon; 75,649 by a vascular surgeon; and 3734 by a general surgeon. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes were stratified by the surgeon's primary specialty. Using propensity scores, comprising pre- and intraoperative characteristics as well as procedure and diagnostic codes, the authors matched 203 neurosurgery (NS) patients to 203 vascular surgery (VS) patients and 203 NS patients to 203 general surgery (GS) patients. No pre- or intraoperative factors were significantly different between specialties in the matched sample. Regular logistic regression and conditional logistic regression were used to predict postoperative complications in the full sample and in the matched sample. RESULTS In the complete population sample, NS patients, when compared to patients of general and vascular surgeons, were less likely to be admitted from home and more likely to have carotid artery occlusion or stenosis with cerebral infarction, to be a current smoker, to have had recent chemo- or radiotherapy, to have surgery under general anesthesia, to undergo multiple procedures, and to have longer surgery times. In unadjusted analyses, NS patients were more likely to experience major complications (NS vs VS: odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6; NS vs GS: odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7); minor complications (NS vs VS: odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.1; NS vs GS: odds ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.7-4.2); intra- or postoperative transfusions (NS vs VS: odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.9; NS vs GS: odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3); prolonged hospitalization (NS vs VS: odds ratio 3.0, 95% CI 2.6-3.5; NS vs GS: odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 2.2-3.0); and discharge to skilled care facilities (NS vs VS: odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 2.3-3.4; NS vs GS: odds ratio 3.1, 95% CI 2.4-4.1). In adjusted, propensity-matched analyses, however, patients' outcome with carotid endarterectomy performed by NS was comparable with those completed by GS and VS. CONCLUSIONS Patients who undergo carotid endarterectomy performed by a neurosurgeon tend to have a greater preoperative disease burden than do those treated by a general or vascular surgeon, which contributes significantly to more morbid postoperative courses. In patients matched carefully on the basis of health status at the time of surgery and intraoperative variables that affect results, patients' outcomes after carotid endarterectomy do not appear to depend on the attending surgeon's primary specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prateek Kumar
- 2Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois; Departments of
| | | | - Duncan Neuhauser
- 4Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; and
| | - Robert J Weil
- 5National Clinical Enterprise, Catholic Health Initiatives, Englewood, Colorado
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27
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Adogwa O, Lilly DT, Khalid S, Desai SA, Vuong VD, Davison MA, Ouyang B, Bagley CA, Cheng J. Extended Length of Stay After Lumbar Spine Surgery: Sick Patients, Postoperative Complications, or Practice Style Differences Among Hospitals and Physicians? World Neurosurg 2019; 123:e734-e739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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28
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Weil IA, Kumar P, Seicean S, Neuhauser D, Seicean A. Platelet count abnormalities and peri-operative outcomes in adults undergoing elective, non-cardiac surgery. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212191. [PMID: 30742687 PMCID: PMC6370289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anemia and transfusion of blood in the peri-operative period have been shown to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality across a wide variety of non-cardiac surgeries. While tests of coagulation, including the platelet count, have frequently been used to identify patients with an increased risk of peri-operative bleeding, results have been equivocal. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of platelet level on outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively-collected clinical data from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) between 2006-2016. RESULTS We identified 3,884,400 adult patients who underwent elective, non-cardiac surgery from 2006-2016 at hospitals participating in NSQIP, a prospectively-collected, national clinical database with established reproducibility and validity. After controlling for all peri- and intraoperative factors by matching on propensity scores, patients with all levels of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis had higher odds for perioperative transfusion. All levels of thrombocytopenia were associated with higher mortality, but there was no association with complications or other morbidity after matching. On the other hand, thrombocytosis was not associated with mortality; but odds for postoperative complications and 30-day return to the operating room remained slightly increased after matching. CONCLUSIONS These findings may guide surgeons in the appropriate use and appreciation of the utility of pre-operative screening of the platelet count prior to an elective, non-cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A. Weil
- The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Prateek Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sinziana Seicean
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Duncan Neuhauser
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Andreea Seicean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Assessing Variability in In-Hospital Complication Rates Between Surgical Services for Patients Undergoing Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2019; 44:163-168. [PMID: 30005039 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study was performed including all patients who underwent posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) by an orthopedic or neurological surgeon at a single institution between January 1, 2006 and November 30, 2016, and all patients who underwent PCDF by a spine surgeon in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database between 2007 and 2015. In-hospital complications were compared between surgical specialties. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine if in-hospital complication rates differ significantly between surgical services for PCDF patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Orthopedic and neurological surgeons commonly perform PCDF, and differences in surgical opinion and management have been cited between these two specialties in recent literature. This represents a variable that should be evaluated. METHODS Cases were preliminarily identified by CPT code and confirmed using the ICD-9 code 81.03 or ICD-10 code M43.22. Cases were separated based on if the primary surgeon was an orthopedic surgeon or a neurological surgeon. The primary outcome variable was in-hospital complication rates; cohorts were compared using bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS A total of 1221 patients at a single institution and 11,116 patients within the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database underwent PCDF. Patients in the orthopedic surgery service had a higher proportion of bleeding requiring transfusion in both the institutional sample (14.5% vs. 9.08%, P = 0.003) and national sample (11.16% vs. 6.18%, P < 0.0001). In the national sample, orthopedic surgeons were 1.66 times as likely to encounter an in-hospital complication than neurological surgeons (95% CI: 1.44-1.91, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION When examining a large institutional sample and an even larger national sample, this study found that orthopedic surgeons were more likely to encounter perioperative bleeding requiring transfusion than neurological surgeons. When in-hospital complications were considered as a whole, in the national sample, orthopedic surgeons are more likely to encounter in-hospital complications than neurological surgeons when performing PCDF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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30
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Hyun SJ, Jung JM. Spinal Deformity Surgery : It Becomes an Essential Part of Neurosurgery. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2018; 61:661-668. [PMID: 30396240 PMCID: PMC6280055 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2018.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the spinal disorders, the treatment approach for spinal deformities has been discussed least among department of neurosurgery. But nowadays, more and more neurosurgeons are interested in spinal deformities as well as complex spinal disorders and are doing not a few surgeries for these kinds of disease. Nevertheless, it is mandatory to understand the course of spinal deformity, principles of treatment, and surgical outcomes and complications. Understanding of the biology, biomechanics and metallurgy of the spine and instrumentation are also required for successful spinal deformity surgery. We need senior mentors and good surgical and neurophysiologic monitoring team. Knowledge of spinal deformity may be augmented with spine fellowships and surgical experience. Step by step training such as basic knowledge, orthopedic as well as neurosurgical disciplines and surgical skills would be mandatory. Neurosurgeons can have several advantages for spinal deformity surgeries. By high-level technical ability of the spinal cord handling to preserve neurological function and familiarity with microscopic surgery, better synergistic effect could be expected. A fundamental understanding of pediatric spinal deformity and growing spine should be needed for spinal deformity surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Jae Hyun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jong-Myung Jung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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31
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Esfahani DR, Shah H, Arnone GD, Scheer JK, Mehta AI. Lumbar Discectomy Outcomes by Specialty: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of 7464 Patients from the ACS-NSQIP Database. World Neurosurg 2018; 118:e865-e870. [PMID: 30031193 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.07.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darian R Esfahani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Harsh Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gregory D Arnone
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Justin K Scheer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ankit I Mehta
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Singh S, Sparapani R, Wang MC. Variations in 30-day readmissions and length of stay among spine surgeons: a national study of elective spine surgery among US Medicare beneficiaries. J Neurosurg Spine 2018; 29:286-291. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.1.spine171064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEPay-for-performance programs are targeting hospital readmissions. These programs have an underlying assumption that readmissions are due to provider practice patterns that can be modified by a reduction in reimbursement. However, there are limited data to support the role of providers in influencing readmissions. To study this, the authors examined variations in readmission rates by spine surgeon within 30 days among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative conditions.METHODSThe authors applied validated ICD-9-CM algorithms to 2003–2007 Medicare data to select beneficiaries undergoing elective inpatient lumbar spine surgery for degenerative conditions. Mixed models, adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgery type, were used to estimate risk of 30-day readmission by the surgeon. Length of stay (LOS) was also studied using these same models.RESULTSA total of 39,884 beneficiaries were operated on by 3987 spine surgeons. The mean readmission rate was 7.2%. The mean LOS was 3.1 days. After adjusting for patient characteristics and surgery type, 1 surgeon had readmission rates significantly below the mean, and only 5 surgeons had readmission rates significantly above the mean. In contrast, for LOS, the patients of 288 surgeons (7.2%) had LOS significantly lower than the mean, and the patients of 397 surgeons (10.0%) had LOS significantly above the mean. These findings were robust to adjustments for surgeon characteristics and clustering by hospital. Similarly, hospital characteristics were not significantly associated with readmission rates, but LOS was associated with hospital for-profit status and size.CONCLUSIONSThe authors found almost no variations in readmission rates by surgeon. These findings suggest that surgeon practice patterns do not affect the risk of readmission. Likewise, no significant variation in readmission rates by hospital characteristics were found. Strategies to reduce readmissions would be better targeted at factors other than providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marjorie C. Wang
- 3Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Kang J, Hosogane N, Ames C, Schwab F, Hart R, Burton D, Shaffrey C, Smith JS, Bess S, Lafage V, Cho KJ, Ha Y. Diversity in Surgical Decision Strategies for Adult Spine Deformity Treatment: The Effects of Neurosurgery or Orthopedic Training Background and Surgical Experience. Neurospine 2018; 15:353-361. [PMID: 30157582 PMCID: PMC6347356 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1836086.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is aimed to investigate whether surgical strategies for adult spinal deformity (ASD) treatment differed among Korean physicians. METHODS This study is retrospective questionnaire-based study. ASD is challenging to manage, with a broad range of clinical and radiological presentations. To investigate possible nationality- or ethnicity-related differences in the surgical strategies adopted for ASD treatment, the International Spine Study Group surveyed physicians' responses to 16 cases of ASD. We reviewed the answers to this survey from Korean physicians. Korean orthopedic surgeons (OS) and neurosurgeons (NS) received a questionnaire containing 16 cases and response forms via email. After reviewing the cases, physicians were asked to indicate whether they would treat each case with decompression or fusion. If fusion was chosen, physicians were also asked to indicate whether they would perform 3-column osteotomy. Retrospective chi-square analyses were performed to investigate whether the answers to each question differed according to training specialty or amount of surgical experience. RESULTS Twenty-nine physicians responded to our survey, of whom 12 were OS and 17 were NS. In addition, 18 (62.1%) had more than 10 years of experience in ASD correction and were assigned to the M10 group, while 11 (37.9%) had less than 10 years of experience and were assigned to the L10 group. We found that for all cases, the surgical strategies favored did not significantly differ between OS and NS or between the M10 and L10 groups. However, for both fusion surgery and 3-column osteotomy, opinions were divided regarding the necessity of the procedures in 4 of the 16 cases. CONCLUSION The surgical strategies favored by physicians were similar for most cases regardless of their training specialty or experience. This suggests that these factors do not affect the surgical strategies selected for ASD treatment, with patient clinical and radiological characteristics having greater importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiin Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Naobumi Hosogane
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.,Keio Spine Research Group, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christopher Ames
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank Schwab
- Spine Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Hart
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Douglas Burton
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Christopher Shaffrey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Justin S Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shay Bess
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Kyu-Jung Cho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yoon Ha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine and Spinal Cord Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Bronheim RS, Cheung ZB, Phan K, White SJW, Kim JS, Cho SK. Anterior Lumbar Fusion: Differences in Patient Selection and Surgical Outcomes Between Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons. World Neurosurg 2018; 120:e221-e226. [PMID: 30121412 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anterior lumbar fusion (ALF) is performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to determine differences between the 2 surgical subspecialties in terms of patient selection and postoperative outcomes after ALF. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing ALF in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2014 was performed. Univariate analyses were performed to identify differences in baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, and 30-day postoperative outcomes between neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether surgical subspecialty was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. RESULTS The study included 3182 patients, with 1629 (51.2%) neurosurgery patients and 1553 (48.8%) orthopaedic surgery patients. A greater proportion of neurosurgery patients were >65 years old, were being treated with preoperative steroids, had cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities, and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III or higher. ALF procedures performed by neurosurgeons more frequently involved use of intervertebral devices and bone graft. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, ALF procedures performed by neurosurgeons were independently associated with a higher risk of reoperation (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.56; P = 0.042) and urinary tract infection (odds ratio = 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.68; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS In addition to differences in baseline patient demographics and comorbidities and operative characteristics, ALF performed by neurosurgeons had a higher risk of 30-day reoperation and urinary tract infection compared with ALF performed by orthopaedic surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Bronheim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zoe B Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Phan
- NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group, Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samuel J W White
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jun S Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Samuel K Cho
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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Pejrona M, Ristori G, Villafañe JH, Pregliasco FE, Berjano P. Does specialty matter? A survey on 176 Italian neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons confirms similar competency for common spinal conditions and supports multidisciplinary teams in comprehensive and complex spinal care. Spine J 2018; 18:1498-1503. [PMID: 29031873 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spine surgery is a multifaceted subspeciality requiring a breadth of knowledge and skill from different branches of medicine for the treatment of pathologies varying from degenerative to deformity, oncological, and trauma. PURPOSE The aim of the study was to investigate the self-perceived competency of spine surgeons in relation to different types of spinal procedures. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This is a survey study. METHODS We conducted a survey on 176 surgeons (orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons). The instrument used for the assessment of the perceived ability was a survey consisting of 21 items (scenarios) developed and distributed through a professional online survey service to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. A newly proposed procedure-specific rating survey was used for the evaluation. Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was used to assess validity. A p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. A Cronbach α value of >0.8 indicated reliability. RESULTS Between the respondents (101), 47.5% were orthopedic surgeons and 52.5% were neurosurgeons. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was satisfactory (Cronbach α=0.93). For common spinal conditions, the orthopedic surgeons and the neurosurgeons perceived a similar competency. The neurosurgeons felt more competent in some cervical conditions (upper cervical procedures, myelopathy) and in neurologic tumors of the spine. The orthopedic surgeons felt more competent in deformities of the spine and in pelvic trauma. CONCLUSIONS Self-perceived surgical competency for common spinal conditions is similar for orthopedic and neurosurgically trained spine surgeons. For less common conditions and clinical scenarios, the combination of both specialties seems to cover better the full spectrum of surgical care for spinal conditions. Multidisciplinary teams and comprehensive, multidisciplinary spinal surgical training should be considered to provide full coverage of spinal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pejrona
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4, 20161 Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Gabriele Ristori
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4, 20161 Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Jorge Hugo Villafañe
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi, 6, 20161 Milan (MI), Italy.
| | | | - Pedro Berjano
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4, 20161 Milan (MI), Italy
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Sollmann N, Morandell C, Albers L, Behr M, Preuss A, Dinkel A, Meyer B, Krieg SM. Association of decision-making in spinal surgery with specialty and emotional involvement-the Indications in Spinal Surgery (INDIANA) survey. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018; 160:425-438. [PMID: 29322267 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-017-3459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although recent trials provided level I evidence for the most common degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, treatment still varies widely. Thus, the Indications in Spinal Surgery (INDIANA) survey explores whether decision-making is influenced by specialty or personal emotional involvement of the treating specialist. METHOD Nationwide, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons specialized in spine surgery were asked to answer an Internet-based questionnaire with typical clinical patient cases of lumbar disc herniation (DH), lumbar spinal stenosis (SS), and lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (SL). The surgeons were assigned to counsel a patient or a close relative, thus creating emotional involvement. This was achieved by randomly allocating the surgeons to a patient group (PG) and relative group (RG). We then compared neurosurgeons to orthopedic surgeons and the PG to the RG regarding treatment decision-making. RESULTS One hundred twenty-two spine surgeons completed the questionnaire (response rate 78.7%). Regarding DH and SS, more conservative treatment among orthopedic surgeons was shown (DH: odds ratio [OR] 4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-9.7, p = 0.001; SS: OR 3.9, CI 1.8-8.2, p < 0.001). However, emotional involvement (PG vs. RG) did not affect these results for any of the three cases (DH: p = 0.213; SS: p = 0.097; SL: p = 0.924). CONCLUSIONS The high response rate indicates how important the issues raised by this study actually are for dedicated spine surgeons. Moreover, there are considerable variations in decision-making for the most common degenerative lumbar spinal disorders, although there is high-quality data from large multicenter trials available. Emotional involvement, though, did not influence treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Sollmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Morandell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Albers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Social Pediatrics and Adolescents Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Haydnstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Behr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Preuss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Dinkel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Meyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandro M Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Seicean A, Kumar P, Seicean S, Neuhauser D, Selman WR, Bambakidis NC. Impact of Resident Involvement in Neurosurgery: An American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database Analysis of 33,977 Patients. Neurospine 2018; 15:54-65. [PMID: 29656619 PMCID: PMC5944634 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1836008.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is conflicting and limited literature on the effect of intraoperative resident involvement on surgical outcomes. Our study assessed effects of resident involvement on outcomes in patients undergoing neurosurgery. METHODS We identified 33,977 adult neurosurgical cases from 374 hospitals in the 2006-2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a prospectively collected national database with established reproducibility and validity. Outcomes were compared according to resident involvement before and after 1:1 matching on procedure and perioperative risk factors. RESULTS Resident involvement was documented in 13,654 cases. We matched 10,170 resident-involved cases with 10,170 attending-alone. In the matched sample, resident involvement was associated with increased surgery duration (average, 34 minutes) and slight increases in odds for prolonged hospital stay (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.3) and complications (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3) including infections (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7). Increased risk for infections persisted after controlling for surgery duration (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5). The majority of cases were spine surgeries, and resident involvement was not associated with morbidity or mortality for malignant tumor and aneurysm patients. Training level of residents was not associated with differences in outcomes. CONCLUSION Resident involvement was more common in sicker patients undergoing complex procedures, consistent with academic centers undertaking more complex cases. After controlling for patient and intraoperative characteristics, resident involvement in neurosurgical cases continued to be associated with longer surgical duration and slightly higher infection rates. Longer surgery duration did not account for differences in infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Seicean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Prateek Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sinziana Seicean
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Duncan Neuhauser
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Warren R. Selman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Bambakidis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventral hernia repair is a common procedure and is undertaken by surgeons with varying training backgrounds. Outcomes after hernia repair depend on numerous factors, some being patient or surgeon specific. It remains unclear what the ideal roles are for general and plastic surgeons in open ventral hernia repair. We hypothesized that open ventral hernia repair by plastic surgeons is safe and comparable with general surgeons. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2007 to 2013. Patients with a primary diagnosis of ventral hernia undergoing open repair were identified. Multivariate regression modeling was performed, adjusting for surgeon specialty, patient characteristics, common concurrent procedures, and the total number of concurrent procedures. Outcomes studied were major and minor 30-day complications, operation time, readmission, unplanned reoperation, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS We identified 53,746 patients who underwent open repair, 53,282 (99.1%) by general surgeons (GS) and 464 (0.9%) by plastic surgeons (PS). There were significantly different rates of concurrent panniculectomy (12.1% PS vs 2.4% GS) and component separation (24.8% PS vs 5.3% GS), representing increased PS case complexity. 52.3% of GS and 92.9% of PS performed panniculectomy without an alternate specialty surgeon. 81.3% of GS and 97.4% of PS performed component separation without an alternate specialty surgeon. The PS patients had a significantly longer uncorrected length of stay and operation time than GS patients (all P < 0.001). Similarly, PS was positively associated with uncorrected major and minor complications (P < 0.001). However, these relationships did not persist on multivariate analysis after adjusting for demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, concurrent procedures, and total procedure load. Furthermore, PS was associated with lower odds of major complications (operating room, 0.49; P = 0.05) compared with GS. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of hernia repair by plastic surgeons are comparable with general surgeons, despite plastic surgeons being involved in many complex cases. Interestingly, we identified that general surgeons are performing adjunctive procedures to ventral hernia previously handled by plastic surgeons. Although further study is warranted, we conclude that for open ventral hernia repair, plastic surgeons provide a comparable alternative to general surgeons.
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Complications, Readmissions, and Revisions for Spine Procedures Performed by Orthopedic Surgeons Versus Neurosurgeons: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Study. Clin Spine Surg 2017; 30:E1376-E1381. [PMID: 27623297 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database analysis. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of training pathway, either neurosurgical or orthopedic, on complications, readmissions, and revisions in spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Training pathway has been shown to have an impact on outcomes in various surgical subspecialties. Although training pathway has not been shown to have a significant impact on spine surgery outcomes in the perioperative period, long-term results are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 197,682 patients receiving 1 of 3 common spine surgeries [lumbar laminectomy, lumbar fusion, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)] between 2006 and 2010 was conducted. Patient data were obtained from a large claims database. Postoperative adverse effects, all-cause readmission, revision surgery rates, and intermediary payments in these cohorts of patients were compared between spine surgeons with either neurosurgical or orthopedic backgrounds. RESULTS Patient demographics, hospital-stay characteristics, and medical comorbidities were similar between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. The risks of surgical complications, all-cause readmission, and revision surgery were also similar between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons across all procedure types assessed, with several minor exceptions: neurosurgeons had marginally higher odds of any complication for lumbar fusions [odds ratio (OR) 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.20] and ACDFs (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.15). Neurosurgeons also had slightly higher rates of revision surgery for concurrent lumbar laminectomy with fusion (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.22), and ACDFs (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14-1.28). No associations between surgeon type and any particular complication were consistently observed for all procedure groups. There were also no associations between surgeon type and 30-day all-cause readmission. Median total intermediary payments were somewhat higher for neurosurgery patients for all procedure groups assessed. CONCLUSIONS Few significant associations between surgeon type and patient outcomes exist in the context of spine surgery. Those which do are small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3.
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected clinical data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of race on outcomes in patients undergoing elective laminectomy and/or fusion spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Studies that have looked at the effect of race on spine surgery outcomes have failed to take into account baseline risk factors that may influence peri-operative outcomes. METHODS We identified 48,493 adult patients who underwent elective spine surgery consisting of elective laminectomy and/or fusion, from 2006 to 2012, at hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), a prospectively collected, national clinical database with established reproducibility and validity. Pre- and intraoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes were stratified by race. We used propensity scores to match African-American and Caucasian patients on all pre- and intraoperative factors, including by principal diagnosis leading to surgery as well as surgery performed. We used regular and conditional logistic regression to predict the effect of race on adverse postoperative outcomes in the full sample and matched sample. RESULTS Caucasians comprised 82% of our sample. We found no differences in the incidence of pre- and intraoperative factors when comparing Caucasian patients with all minority patients, and only minimal increased odds for prolonged length of length of hospitalization (LOS) and discharge with continued care. However, African-American patients, who comprised 39% of our minority sample, had more preoperative comorbidities than Caucasian patients. Even after eliminating all differences between pre- and intraoperative factors between Caucasian and African-American patients, African-American patients continued to have LOS that was, on average, one day longer than Caucasian patients. African-American patients also had higher odds for major complications [odds ratio (OR) = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-1.6], and to be discharged requiring continued care (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.8-2.8). CONCLUSION African-American race is independently associated with prolonged LOS, major complications, and a need to be discharged with continued care in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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Bernatz JT, Anderson PA. Thirty-day readmission rates in spine surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 39:E7. [DOI: 10.3171/2015.7.focus1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT
The rate of 30-day readmissions is rapidly gaining significance as a quality metric and is increasingly used to evaluate performance. An analysis of the present 30-day readmission rate in the spine literature is needed to aid the development of policies to decrease the frequency of readmissions. The authors examine 2 questions: 1) What is the 30-day readmission rate as reported in the spine literature? 2) What study factors impact the rate of 30-day readmissions?
METHODS
This study was registered with Prospera (CRD42014015319), and 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for articles. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the current 30-day readmission rate in spine surgery. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. The readmission rate as well as data source, time from enrollment, sample size, demographics, procedure type and spine level, risk factors for readmission, and causes of readmission were extrapolated from each study.
RESULTS
The pooled 30-day readmission rate was 5.5% (95% CI 4.2%–7.4%). Studies from single institutions reported the highest 30-day readmission rate at 6.6% (95% CI 3.8%–11.1%), while multicenter studies reported the lowest at 4.7% (95% CI 2.3%–9.7%). Time from enrollment had no statistically significant effect on the 30-day readmission rate. Studies including all spinal levels had a higher 30-day readmission rate (6.1%, 95% CI 4.1%–8.9%) than exclusively lumbar studies (4.6%, 95% CI 2.5%–8.2%); however, the difference between the 2 rates was not statistically significant (p = 0.43). The most frequently reported risk factors associated with an increased odds of 30-day readmission on multivariate analysis were an American Society of Anesthesiology score of 4+, operative duration, and Medicare/Medicaid insurance. The most common cause of readmission was wound complication (39.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
The 30-day readmission rate following spinal surgery is between 4.2% and 7.4%. The range, rather than the exact result, should be considered given the significant heterogeneity among studies, which indicates that there are factors such as demographics, procedure types, and individual institutional factors that are important and affect this outcome variable. The pooled analysis of risk factors and causes of readmission is limited by the lack of reporting in most of the spine literature.
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