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Wang H, Luu V, Jiang E, Kirkland O, Kabir S, Davis SS, Hugh TJ. Evaluation of a modified emergency surgical acuity score in predicting operative and non-operative mortality and morbidity in an acute surgical unit. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:2297-2302. [PMID: 37296520 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency general surgery (EGS) patients have an increased risk of mortality and morbidity compared to other surgical patients. Limited risk assessment tools exist for use in both operative and non-operative EGS patients. We assessed the accuracy of a modified Emergency Surgical Acuity Score (mESAS) in EGS patients at our institution. METHODS A retrospective cohort study from an acute surgical unit at a tertiary referral hospital was performed. Primary endpoints assessed included death before discharge, length of stay (LOS) >5 days and unplanned readmission within 28 days. Operative and non-operative patients were analysed separately. Validation was performed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), Brier score and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULTS A total of 1763 admissions between March 2018 and June 2021 were included for analysis. The mESAS was an accurate predictor of both death before discharge (AUROC 0.979, Brier score 0.007, Hosmer-Lemeshow P = 0.981) and LOS >5 days (0.787, 0.104, and 0.253, respectively). The mESAS was less accurate in predicting readmission within 28 days (0.639, 0.040, and 0.887, respectively). The mESAS retained its predictive ability for death before discharge and LOS >5 days in the split cohort analysis. CONCLUSION This study is the first to validate a modified ESAS in a non-operatively managed EGS population internationally and the first to validate the mESAS in Australia. The mESAS accurately predicts death before discharge and prolonged LOS for all EGS patients, providing a highly useful tool for surgeons and EGS units worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hogan Wang
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Veronica Luu
- Data Analysis and Surgical Outcomes Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Jiang
- Surgical Education Research and Training Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivia Kirkland
- Acute Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shahrir Kabir
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Acute Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean S Davis
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Acute Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hugh
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Surgical Education Research and Training Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Acute Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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O'Brien P, Thuraisingam S, Bunzli S, Lin I, Bessarab D, Coffin J, Choong PFM, Dowsey MM. Total joint replacement may be a valuable treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with osteoarthritis, but uptake is low. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:2676-2682. [PMID: 36054270 PMCID: PMC9804414 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite bearing a higher burden of osteoarthritis, little research has examined disparities in the access, utilisation and surgical outcomes associated with total joint replacement (TJR) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal patients who underwent primary hip and knee replacement at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne between 1996 and 2019. RESULTS A total of 10 277 primary total knee or hip replacements were performed in the 1996-2019 study period, of which 49 (0.5%) patients identified as either Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients were younger (61.7 ± 11.8 vs. 68.3 ± 10.3 years; P < 0.001), recorded higher Body Mass Index scores (median (IQR), 36.0 (29.5-41.4) vs. 30.8 (27.0-35.3); P < 0.001) and were more likely to experience multiple co-morbidities at the time of surgery. Despite these findings, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients did not experience higher complication rates and experienced comparable, clinically meaningful quality of life improvements 12-months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS TJR appears to be a valuable treatment option for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with end-stage osteoarthritis. Our study was limited by the small number of procedures conducted in patients who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Further research is needed to understand why uptake of TJR by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny O'Brien
- The University of Melbourne, Department of SurgerySt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sharmala Thuraisingam
- The University of Melbourne, Department of SurgerySt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Samantha Bunzli
- The University of Melbourne, Department of SurgerySt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ivan Lin
- The University of Western AustraliaWestern Australian Centre for Rural HealthGeraldtonWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Dawn Bessarab
- The University of Western AustraliaCentre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental HealthPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Juli Coffin
- Telethon Kids InstituteBroomeWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Peter F. M. Choong
- The University of Melbourne, Department of SurgerySt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michelle M. Dowsey
- The University of Melbourne, Department of SurgerySt Vincent's Hospital MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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de Jager E, Gunnarsson R, Ho YH. Disparities in surgical outcomes for low socioeconomic status patients in Australia. ANZ J Surg 2022; 92:1026-1032. [PMID: 35388595 PMCID: PMC9322460 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background There are disparities in surgical outcomes for patients of low socioeconomic status globally, including in countries with universal healthcare systems. There is limited data on the impact of low socioeconomic status on surgical outcomes in Australia. This study examines surgical outcomes by both self‐reported unemployment and neighbourhood level socioeconomic status in Australia. Methods A retrospective administrative data review was conducted at a tertiary care centre over a 10‐year period (2008–2018) including all adult surgical patients. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for year, age, sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index was performed. Results 106 197 patients underwent a surgical procedure in the decade examined. The overall adverse event rates were mortality (1.13%), total postoperative complications (10.9%), failure to rescue (0.75%) and return to theatre (4.31%). Following multivariable testing, unemployed and low socioeconomic patients had a higher risk of postoperative mortality (OR 2.06 (1.50–2.82), OR 1.37 (1.15–1.64)), all complications (OR 1.43 (1.31–1.56), OR 1.21 (1.14–1.28)), failure to rescue (OR 2.03 (1.39–2.95), OR 1.38 (1.11–1.72)) and return to theatre (OR 1.42 (1.27–1.59), OR 1.24 (1.14–1.36)) (P < 0.005 for all). Conclusions Despite universal healthcare, there are disparities in surgical adverse events for patients of low socioeconomic status in Australia. Disparities in surgical outcomes can stem from three facets: a patient's access to healthcare (the severity of disease at the time of presentation), variation in perioperative care delivery, and social determinants of health. Further work is required to pinpoint why these disparities are present and to evaluate the impact of strategies that aim to reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzerie de Jager
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, The James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ronny Gunnarsson
- General Practice/Family medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden.,Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.,Primary Health Care Clinic for Homeless people, Närhälsan, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Yik-Hong Ho
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, The James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Townsville Clinical School, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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O'Brien P, Bunzli S, Lin I, Bessarab D, Coffin J, Dowsey MM, Choong PFM. Addressing surgical inequity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia's universal health care system: a call to action. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:238-244. [PMID: 33506978 DOI: 10.1111/ans.16557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience health inequity within the Australian health care system. Little research has examined how disparities in surgical care access and outcomes contribute to Aboriginal health. In this narrative review and call to action, we discuss five care points along the journey to high-quality surgical care: health care seeking, primary health care services, specialist services, surgery and surgical outcomes. We highlight barriers and disparities that exist along this journey, drawing examples from the field of joint replacement surgery. Finally, we present opportunities for change at the health system, health service and clinician level, calling upon researchers, clinicians and policy makers to confront the surgical disparities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny O'Brien
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Bunzli
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ivan Lin
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dawn Bessarab
- Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Juli Coffin
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Aboriginal Young People, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle M Dowsey
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter F M Choong
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Fagan G, Barazanchi A, Coulter G, Leeman M, Hill AG, Eglinton TW. New Zealand and Australia emergency laparotomy mortality rates compare favourably to international outcomes: a systematic review. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:2583-2591. [PMID: 33506977 DOI: 10.1111/ans.16563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Almost 20 000 people undergo an emergency laparotomy each year in New Zealand and Australia. Common indications include small and large bowel obstruction, and intestinal perforation. Considered a high-risk procedure, emergency laparotomy is associated with significantly high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to identify and compare 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality rates following emergency laparotomy in New Zealand and Australia. METHODS A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Electronic searches were performed in Medline, Embase, PubMed and Scopus in April 2020. RESULTS Thirty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. Studies ranged in size from 58 to 75 280 patients. Weighted mean 30-day mortality was 8.40% (8.39-8.41). Mortality rates increased with longer postoperative follow up with 90-day weighted mortality rate of 14.14% (14.13-14.15) and the weighted mortality rate at 1 year of 24.60% (24.56-24.66). There was significant variability in mortality rates between countries. CONCLUSION There is a wide variability of 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality rates internationally. Lowering postoperative mortality rates following emergency laparotomy through quality improvement initiatives could result in up to 120 lives in New Zealand and over 250 lives in Australia being saved each year. The continued work of the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Laparotomy Audit - Quality Improvement is crucial to improving emergency laparotomy mortality rates further in New Zealand and Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Fagan
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ahmed Barazanchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Grant Coulter
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Leeman
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew G Hill
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tim W Eglinton
- Department of Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
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