Acute care surgery: a means for providing cost-effective, quality care for gallstone pancreatitis

Effect analysis of applying high-quality service model to surgical nursing

BACKGROUND

Surgical care of the hand plays a crucial role in the medical field, as problems with the hand can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life and function. In order to meet the needs of patients, improve patient satisfaction and improve treatment outcomes, high-quality service models have been introduced in the field of nursing.

AIM

To explore the effect analysis of applying high-quality service model to surgical nursing.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent hand surgery at our hospital between 2019 and 2022, using a quality service model that included improved patient education, pain management, care team collaboration, and effective communication. Another group of patients received traditional care as a control group. We compared postoperative recovery, satisfaction, complication rate, and length of hospital stay between the two groups. Inferential statistics were used to compare the difference between the two groups by independent sample t test, Chi-square test and other methods to evaluate the effect of intervention measures.

RESULTS

Postoperative recovery time decreased from 17.8 ± 2.3 d to 14.5 ± 2.1 d, pain score decreased from 4.7 ± 1.9 to 3.2 ± 1.4, and hand function score increased from 78.4 ± 7.1 to 88.5 ± 6.2. In terms of patient satisfaction, the quality service model group scored 87.3 ± 5.6 points, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional care group (74.6 ± 6.3 points). At the same time, patients' understanding of medical information also improved from 6.9 ± 1.4 to 8.6 ± 1.2. In terms of postoperative complications, the application of the quality service model reduced the incidence of postoperative complications from 26% to 10%, the incidence of infection from 12% to 5%, and the incidence of bleeding from 10% to 3%. The reduction in these data indicates that the quality service model plays a positive role in reducing the risk of complications. In addition, the average hospital stay of patients in the quality service model group was shortened from 6.8 ± 1.5 d to 5.2 ± 1.3 d, and the hospitalization cost was also reduced from 2800 ± 600 yuan to 2500 ± 500 yuan.

CONCLUSION

Applying a quality service model to hand surgery care can significantly improve patient clinical outcomes, including faster recovery, less pain, greater satisfaction, and reduced complication rates.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Single-Use Duodenoscope Applied to Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

Secondary infections due to transmission via the duodenoscope have been reported in up to 3% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies. The use of single-use duodenoscopes has been suggested. We investigate the cost-effectiveness of these duodenoscopes use in cholangiopancreatography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis was implemented to compare the performance of cholangiopancreatographies with reusable duodenoscopes versus single-use duodenoscopes. Effectiveness was analyzed by calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALY) from the perspective of the National Health System. Possibility of crossover from single-use to reusable duodenoscopes was considered. A willingness-to-pay of €25,000/QALY was set, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated, and deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Considering cholangiopancreatographies with single-use and reusable duodenoscopes at a cost of €2900 and €1333, respectively, and a 10% rate of single-use duodenoscopes, ICER was greater than €3,000,000/QALY. A lower single-use duodenoscope cost of €1211 resulted in an ICER of €23,583/QALY. When the unit cost of the single-use duodenoscope was €1211, a crossover rate of more than 9.5% made the use of the single-use duodenoscope inefficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-use duodenoscopes are cost-effective in a proportion of cholangiopancreatographies if its cost is reduced. Increased crossover rate makes single-use duodenoscope use not cost-effective.

Cholecystectomy following endoscopic clearance of common bile duct during the same admission

BACKGROUND

The recurrence of common bile duct stones and other biliary events after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequent. Despite recommendations for early cholecystectomy, intervention during the same admission is carried out inconsistently.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients who underwent ERCP for gallstone disease and common bile duct clearance followed by cholecystectomy between July 2012 and June 2022. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the index group underwent cholecystectomy during the same admission and the delayed group was discharged and had their cholecystectomy postponed. Data on demographics and prognosis factors were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The study population was composed of 268 patients, with 71 (26.6%) having undergone cholecystectomy during the same admission after common bile duct clearance with ERCP. A greater proportion of patients aged 80 years and older were in the index group than in the delayed group. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score was significantly higher in the index group. There was no significant difference between groups regarding surgical complications, open cholecystectomy and death. The operative time was significantly longer in the delayed group. Among patients with delayed cholecystectomy, 18.3% had at least 1 recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) and 38.6% had recurrence of any gallstone-related events before cholecystectomy. None of these events occurred in the the index group. There was no difference in the recurrence of CBDS and other biliary events after initial diagnosis associated with stone disease.

CONCLUSION

Cholecystectomy during the same admission after common bile duct clearance is safe, even in older adults with comorbidities. Compared with delayed cholecystectomy, it was not associated with adverse outcomes and may have prevented recurrence of biliary events.

The snapshot audit methodology: design, implementation and analysis of prospective observational cohort studies in surgery

PURPOSE

For some surgical conditionns and scientific questions, the "real world" effectiveness of surgical patient care may be better explored using a multi-institutional time-bound observational cohort assessment approach (termed a "snapshot audit") than by retrospective review of administrative datasets or by prospective randomized control trials. We discuss when this might be the case, and present the key features of developing, deploying, and assessing snapshot audit outcomes data.

METHODS

A narrative review of snapshot audit methodology was generated using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guideline. Manuscripts were selected from domains including: audit design and deployment, statistical analysis, surgical therapy and technique, surgical outcomes, diagnostic testing, critical care management, concomitant non-surgical disease, implementation science, and guideline compliance.

RESULTS

Snapshot audits all conform to a similar structure: being time-bound, non-interventional, and multi-institutional. A successful diverse steering committee will leverage expertise that includes clinical care and data science, coupled with librarian services. Pre-published protocols (with specified aims and analyses) greatly helps site recruitment. Mentored trainee involvement at collaborating sites should be encouraged through manuscript contributorship. Current funding principally flows from medical professional organizations.

CONCLUSION

The snapshot audit approach to assessing current care provides insights into care delivery, outcomes, and guideline compliance while generating testable hypotheses.

The role of acute care surgeons in treating rib fractures-a retrospective cohort study from a single level I trauma center

BACKGROUND

Rib fractures are the most common thoracic injury in patients who sustained blunt trauma, and potentially life-threatening associated injuries are prevalent. Multi-disciplinary work-up is crucial to achieving a comprehensive understanding of these patients. The present study demonstrated the experience of an acute care surgery (ACS) model for rib fracture management from a single level I trauma center over 13 years.

METHODS

Data from patients diagnosed with acute rib fractures from January 2008 to December 2020 were collected from the trauma registry of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). Information, including patient age, sex, injury mechanism, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) in different anatomic regions, injury severity score (ISS), index admission department, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), total admission LOS, mortality, and other characteristics of multiple rib fracture, were analyzed. Patients who received surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) were analyzed separately, and basic demographics and clinical outcomes were compared between acute care and thoracic surgeons.

RESULTS

A total of 5103 patients diagnosed with acute rib fracture were admitted via the emergency department (ED) of CGMH in the 13-year study period. The Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (TR) received the most patients (70.8%), and the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTS) received only 3.1% of the total patients. SSRF was initiated in 2017, and TR performed fixation for 141 patients, while CTS operated for 16 patients. The basic demographics were similar between the two groups, and no significant differences were noted in the outcomes, including LOS, LCU LOS, length of indwelling chest tube, or complications. There was only one mortality in all SSRF patients, and the patient was from the CTS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute care surgeons provided good-quality care to rib fracture patients, whether SSRF or non-SSRF. Acute care surgeons also safely performed SSRF. Therefore, we propose that the ACS model may be an option for rib fracture management, depending on the deployment of staff in each institute.

Quality of Care for Gallstone Pancreatitis-the Impact of the Acute Care Surgery Model and Hospital-Level Operative Resources

BACKGROUND

Index cholecystectomy is the standard of care for gallstone pancreatitis. Hospital-level operative resources and implementation of an acute care surgery (ACS) model may impact the ability to perform index cholecystectomy. We aimed to determine the influence of structure and process measures related to operating room access on achieving index cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis.

METHODS

In 2015, we surveyed 2811 US hospitals on ACS practices, including infrastructure for operative access. A total of 1690 hospitals (60%) responded. We anonymously linked survey data to 2015 State Inpatient Databases from 17 states using American Hospital Association identifiers. We identified patients ≥ 18 years who were admitted with gallstone pancreatitis. Patients transferred from another facility were excluded. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses, clustered by hospital and adjusted for patient factors, were performed to examine multiple structure and process variables related to achieving an index cholecystectomy rate of ≥ 75% (high performers).

RESULTS

Over the study period, 5656 patients were admitted with gallstone pancreatitis and 70% had an index cholecystectomy. High-performing hospitals achieved an index cholecystectomy rate of 84.1% compared to 58.5% at low-performing hospitals. On multivariable regression analysis, only teaching vs. non-teaching hospital (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.11-7.70) and access to dedicated, daytime operative resources (i.e., block time) vs. no/little access (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.11-3.37) were associated with high-performing hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to dedicated, daytime operative resources is associated with high quality of care for gallstone pancreatitis. Health systems should consider the addition of dedicated, daytime operative resources for acute care surgery service lines to improve patient care.

Cholecystectomy 7 days vs 4 weeks after mild biliary pancreatitis; looking a decrease the incidence of persistent choledocholithiasis and ERCP: A multicentric randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) requires definitive treatment of the cholelithiasis to avoid recurrent biliary events. Recent publications recommend performing early surgery to prevent readmissions. However, an exceedingly early cholecystectomy could imply missing the presence of persistent choledocholithiasis or requiring a significant number of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCP). This multicentre randomized clinical trial compares early surgery performed a week after MABP with delayed surgery (at 4 weeks), to compare readmission rates for recurrent biliary events and the incidence of residual choledocholithiasis between the two groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 198 patients with a first episode of MABP defined by the Atlanta 2012 criteria were enrolled. Randomization was done by a central study coordinator: 98 to early surgery and 100 to delayed surgery. All of them had preoperative or intraoperative imaging to exclude persistent choledocholithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed by dedicated teams of experienced surgeons.

RESULTS

Early surgery reduced the rate of readmissions for biliary events before cholecystectomy by half (7.2% vs 15.8%, p = 0,058). There were no differences in the type of surgery, postoperative stay, or complications compared with delayed surgery. Choledocholithiasis was observed in 9.0% of patients in the early group and 7.7% in the delayed group (p 0,719). The preoperative or intraoperative imaging study avoided unnecessary ERCP, which was performed in only 6 (3%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Early cholecystectomy performed seven days after resolution of MABP had a low incidence of recurrent biliary events and complications, and was not associated with an increase in residual choledocholithiasis or need for unnecessary ERCP.

Acute pancreatitis: an opportunity for gastroenterology hospitalists?

Due to the heterogeneous character of acute pancreatitis and its high incidence, it is imperative to follow clinical guidelines to avoid readmissions or recurrences. Implementing new hospital structures such as hospitalists in gastroenterology offer new possibilities to provide patient-centred value.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis Prophylaxis in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common adverse event after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and is responsible for substantial morbidity and health care expenditures of at least $200 million. Therapies for PEP prevention include pancreatic stent placement (PSP), rectal indomethacin, sublingual nitrates, and aggressive lactated Ringer's hydration. Our objective was to determine which PEP prophylactic strategies are cost effective.

METHODS

We developed 2 separate decision trees to evaluate PEP prophylactic strategies. The first, in high-risk patients, compared rectal indomethacin, PSP, PSP with indomethacin, sublingual nitrates, aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's, and no prophylaxis. The second, in average-risk patients, compared rectal indomethacin, sublingual nitrates, aggressive hydration, and no prophylaxis. We used incidence rates, transition probabilities, and costs from publications and public data sources. Outcome measures were reported as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

RESULTS

Compared with no prophylaxis, all strategies were cost effective at a WTP of $100,000 in preventing PEP in high-risk patients. When directly compared with each other, rectal indomethacin was the cost-effective strategy in high-risk patients ($31,589/QALYs). In average-risk patients, indomethacin and sublingual nitrates were cost effective at a WTP of $100,000/QALYs compared with no prophylaxis. When directly compared with each other, rectal indomethacin was the cost-effective strategy ($53,016/QALYs).

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal indomethacin was the cost-effective strategy for preventing PEP in both average-risk and high-risk patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All strategies were cost effective when compared with no prophylaxis in high-risk patients, whereas all strategies except for aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's were cost effective in average-risk patients. Further studies are needed to improve the utilization of PEP prevention strategies.

The acute surgical unit: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review comparative studies on the acute surgical unit (ASU) model.

METHODS

Searches were performed of Cochrane, Embase, Medline and grey literature. Eligible articles were comparative studies of the Acute Surgical Unit (ASU) model published 01/01/2000-12/03/2020. Amongst patients with any diagnosis, primary outcomes were length of stay, after-hours operating, complications and cost. Secondary outcomes were time to surgical review, time to theatre, mortality and re-admission for patients with any diagnosis, and cholecystectomy during index admission for patients with biliary disease. Additional analyses were planned for specific cohorts, such as patients with appendicitis or cholecystitis.

RESULTS

Searches returned 9,677 results from which 77 eligible publications were identified, representing 150,981 unique patients. Cohorts were adequately homogenous for meta-analysis of all outcomes except cost. For patients with any diagnosis, compared with the Traditional model, the introduction of an ASU model was associated with reduced length of stay (mean difference [MD] 0.68 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.98), after-hours operating rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.56; 95% CI 0.46-0.69) and complications (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33-0.70). Regarding cost, two studies reported savings following ASU introduction, while one found no difference. Amongst secondary outcomes, for patients with any diagnosis, ASU commencement was associated with reduced time to surgical review, time to theatre and mortality. Re-admissions were unchanged. For patients with biliary disease, ASU establishment was associated with superior rates of index cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the Traditional structure, the ASU model is superior for most metrics. ASU introduction should be promoted in policy for widespread benefit.

Same-day endoscopic ultrasound, retrograde cholangiopancreatography and stone extraction, followed by cholecystectomy: A case report and literature review

•

The risk of recurrence or complications is high after a common bile duct stone related event.

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Cholecystectomy should be carried out soon after extraction of a common bile duct stone.

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Same-day investigation, endoscopic stone extraction and cholecystectomy is feasible and safe.

Introduction

Common bile duct stone-related events and their recurrence are frequent even after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and stone extraction. Cholecystectomy should be carried out as soon as possible after the initial episode to prevent complications.

Case presentation

We present a case of a patient who underwent endoscopic ultrasound, cholangiopancreatography with stone extraction and cholecystectomy on the same day.

Discussion

After a common bile duct stone-related event, investigation, and stone extraction, cholecystectomy should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid high rates of recurrence and complications. Rise in health care costs nowadays mandate such an approach as a pre-emptive measure to prevent health complications while lowering health costs.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of common bile duct stone followed by extraction with endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and cholecystectomy on the same day is feasible, safe, and has many potential advantages.

Index cholecystectomy rates in mild gallstone pancreatitis: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) has evidence-based guidelines regarding management. Both the International Association of Pancreatology/American Pancreatology Association and American College of Gastroenterology recommend index admission cholecystectomy (IAC) in patients presenting with mild GSP. The aim of this study was to examine guideline adherence and GSP recurrence rate when IAC was not performed. A comparison between admitting specialty was also performed to examine the difference in compliance rates.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who presented to the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service with GSP from December 2013 to December 2016. Patient demographics, timing of surgery, admitting specialty, laboratory and imaging results were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients were identified with a first presentation of mild GSP during the study period. Of whom, 66 (69.5%) underwent IAC and 29 (30.5%) were discharged prior to cholecystectomy with 10 of those patients receiving index admission endoscopic sphincterotomy. Five patients (17%) who did not receive IAC were readmitted with gallstone-related complications with the mean time to re-presentation of 12.8 days (range 7-21 days). Patients were more likely to receive IAC when admitted under surgery compared with gastroenterology (76% versus 20%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Two out of three patients presenting with mild GSP underwent IAC in accordance with evidence-based management guidelines. Patients should be admitted under a surgical service to prevent delay in definitive management.

Surgeon attitudes toward point of care ultrasound for biliary disease: a nationwide Canadian survey

Summary

Multiple studies confirm that point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) has a high sensitivity and specificity for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. However, there is poor perceived reliability of biliary PoCUS by surgeons. This survey was performed to assess surgeons’ opinions on using PoCUS in gallstone disease and barriers that exist for its institution. The majority (60.3%) of respondents reported a total lack of confidence in PoCUS for the diagnosis of biliary disease. Most felt the sensitivity of PoCUS was poor and had concerns about the user-dependent nature of the test and the lack of imaging details provided. If offered ideal clinical/laboratory findings with PoCUS results, only 4.7% of surgeons would definitely operate for unremitting biliary colic and 5.4% for cholecystitis. The ability to replicate findings independently increased confidence in clinical decision-making. Our findings suggest there is substantial distrust in biliary PoCUS but that specific ultrasound training for the surgical workforce may prove tremendously beneficial for its utilization.

A patient with severe acute pancreatitis who was successfully rescued by multiple disciplinary teams: a case report

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a type of acute abdominal disease. SAP has a high incidence, rapid progression, many complications, high mortality rate (as high as 30%–50%), and is difficult to treat, accounting for approximately 5% to 10% cases of acute pancreatitis. We report diagnosis and treatment of a case of SAP, including a combination of the relevant guidelines and our experience. The patient, who was a 42-year-old woman, was admitted to our hospital after suffering from abdominal pain in the upper abdomen for 1 day. The results of a computed tomography scan in the upper abdomen showed changes in the pancreas accompanied by acute fluid accumulation. The blood amylase level was 1150 U/L. The patient was treated at our Gastroenterology Department for 5.5 months, and received 22 blood transfusions (including red blood cell suspension, plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets), four surgical operations, three angiographic interventions, and two times of embolization for hemostasis. We successfully rescued this patient with SAP using minimally invasive, staged, multidisciplinary, and diversified treatment modalities.

Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of early versus delayed cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Gallstones account for 30-50 per cent of all presentations of acute pancreatitis. While the management of acute pancreatitis is usually supportive, definitive treatment of gallstone pancreatitis is cholecystectomy. Guidelines from the British Society of Gastroenterology suggest definitive treatment on index admission or within 2 weeks of discharge, whereas joint recommendations from the International Association of Pancreatology and the American Pancreatic Association recommend definitive treatment on index admission. Evidence suggests that uptake of these guidelines is low.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs investigating early versus delayed cholecystectomy in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mild gallstone pancreatitis. The pooled synthesis was undertaken using a random-effects meta-analysis of the primary outcome of recurrent biliary complications causing hospital readmission. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, and total length of hospital stay (LOS). All analyses were performed using RevMan5 software.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were identified, which included 629 patients (318 in the early cholecystectomy (EC) group and 311 in the delayed cholecystectomy (DC) group). Recurrent biliary events that required readmission were reduced in patients undergoing EC compared with the number in patients having DC (odds ratio (OR) 0·17, 95 per cent c.i. 0·09 to 0·33). There was no difference in the rate of intraoperative (OR 0·58, 0·17 to 1·92) or postoperative (OR 0·78, 0·38 to 1·62) complications.

CONCLUSION

EC following mild gallstone pancreatitis does not increase the risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications, but reduces the readmission rate for recurrent biliary complications.

Emergency general surgeons, subspeciality surgeons and the future management of emergency surgery: results of a national survey

AIM

This study aimed to survey consultants' experience of working as or with emergency general surgery (EGS) surgeons and to investigate the role they fulfil in the management of general and subspeciality emergencies.

METHOD

An electronic survey, designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative data, was piloted and then circulated to members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-two responses were received from 848 recipients (a 29% response rate) covering 104 of 135 (77%) acute NHS Trusts in England. EGS surgeons were in post in 43/141 (30%) hospitals overall and 12/24 (50%) of hospitals in London. Most respondents working in units with EGS surgeons found them to be advantageous (46/63, 73%). Consultants working with EGS surgeons were significantly more likely to support their use (49/63, 78%) than those without them (83/178, 47%) (χ²  = 16.9, P < 0.001). EGS surgeons were considered to improve the delivery of EGS (78%), create time for subspecialists (70%) and provide service (73%). However, there were concerns about the quality of surgery (43%), an insufficient standard of specialist care (54%) and compromise in the training of juniors (25%). Respondents commented on a lack of job structure with a high attrition rate (21%), the insufficient quality of applicants (18%) and that subspecialization and split on-call was preferable (17%).

CONCLUSION

Respondents were supportive of the ability of EGS surgeons to relieve pressure on subspecialists; however, there were significant concerns about the sustainability and quality of the EGS surgeon role. Emergency colorectal resections should have the input of a surgeon who performs elective colorectal resections.

Staplers vs. loop-ligature: a cost analysis from the hospital payer perspective

BACKGROUND

Presently, there is equipoise regarding the surgical technique used to manage the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The purpose of this research was to determine whether the routine use of loop ligature, compared to stapling, is cost effective from a hospital payer perspective.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis at two major academic hospitals. In order to eliminate possible systematic bias arising from one technique being preferentially employed with more complex presentations, patients were divided into study groups based on the technique routinely employed by their surgeon, loop ligature (LLA) versus stapler (LSA). Pediatric patients and open appendectomies were excluded. Costs were determined using a previously published model derived from publicly available data from the Ontario Case Costing Initiative, in conjunction with local cost data for disposable procurement. Secondary outcomes included operating room time, length of stay, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Between Jan 1, 2014 and Dec 31, 2015, 567 adult patients had an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. In comparing surgeons who routinely employed LLA to LSA, there was a significant decrease in total mean hospital cost with LLA ($1988 ± $143 vs. $2253 ± $99, p = 0.002). In addition, mean disposable cost was reduced for surgeons using LLA ($310 ± $27 vs. $668 ± $26, p < 0.001). This reduction in cost was not associated with a difference in length of stay (1.5 vs. 1.4 days, p = 0.28) or complication rates (8% vs. 10%, p = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that surgeons who routinely use loop ligature to secure the appendiceal base during emergency laparoscopic appendectomy offer more cost-effective care compared to stapler users, saving their institution more than $200 per case with no clear disadvantages. A shift from routine use of staplers to loop ligature should result in significant overall cost savings to the hospital.

Efficiency of care and cost for common emergency general surgery conditions: Comparison by surgeon training and practice

BACKGROUND

Our institutional emergency general surgery service is staffed by both trauma and critical care-trained surgeons and other boarded general surgeons and subspecialists. We compared efficiency of care for common emergency general surgery conditions between trauma and critical care-trained surgeons and boarded general surgeons and subspecialists.

METHODS

Adults admitted between February 2014 and May 2017 with acute appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction, incarcerated hernia, or other acute abdominal diagnoses seen by emergency general surgery service were included. Demographic characteristics, consulting surgeon, operations, outcomes, and cost data were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 1,363 patients were included: 384 (28.2%) with acute appendicitis, 477 (35.0%) with acute cholecystitis, 406 (29.8%) with intestinal obstruction, 22 (1.6%) with incarcerated hernia, and 74 (5.4%) with other acute abdominal diagnoses. Trauma and critical care-trained surgeons saw 836 (61.3%) patients. There was no difference in operative management between the two groups, however, trauma and critical care-trained surgeons had significantly less time to the operative room (7.0 vs 12.9 hours; P < .001), without a difference in duration of stay or costs. The subgroups of acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis when treated by trauma and critical care-trained surgeons had less time to the operative room (8.4 vs 17.4 hours; P < .001), shorter hospital stay (2.5 vs 2.8 days; P = .021), and less emergency department cost ($822 vs $876; P = .012).

CONCLUSION

Compared with boarded general surgeons and subspecialists, trauma and critical care-trained surgeons provide more efficient care for common emergency general surgery conditions, with less time from consultation to the operative room.

Acute pancreatitis: A 7 year retrospective cohort study of the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome from a tertiary hospital in Jamaica

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant cause of acute abdominal pain, morbidity and hospitalisation. There was previously a dearth of studies exploring the incidence, risk factors and outcome of AP in the Caribbean region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of AP admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed. The epidemiological profile, risk factors, clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with AP were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

There were 70 females and 21 males with a median age of 44 years (range 2-86). The median age of males was significantly higher than that of females (p = 0.041). The incidence of AP was 74 per 100,000 admissions per year. Vomiting and abdominal tenderness were noted in the majority of patients. The most common aetiology was biliary disease (71.4%), idiopathic (12%), post-ERCP (6.6%) and alcohol (5.5%). Alcoholic pancreatitis was only seen in males whereas idiopathic and post-ERCP pancreatitis only occurred in females. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 9.51 ± 8.28 days. Disease severity was mild in 61.1%, moderately severe in 26.7%, and severe in 12.2% of patients. Factors associated with more severe disease included overweight/obesity, idiopathic aetiology and post-ERCP status. The case fatality rate was 2%.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AP was 74/100,000 hospital admissions annually. There was an unusual female preponderance, with biliary pancreatitis being the most common type occurring at an equal frequency among males and females. Only 12.2% of the total cases seen were severe. The case fatality rate was 2%. Local health policy should target timely interventions for biliary pancreatitis and should also address the local factors affecting disease severity.