Preoperative anemia increases postoperative morbidity in elective cranial neurosurgery

Exploring the Impact of Preoperative Laboratory Values on Short-Term Outcomes in Complex Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery

Background: The present study analyzes the effects of preoperative serum albumin, hematocrit, and creatinine on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression surgery. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2011 to 2020. Albumin, hematocrit, and creatinine were collected for each patient, alongside covariates. Outcomes included 30-day medical complications, 30-day wound complications, return to the operating room, nonhome discharge, and extended postoperative length of stay. Bivariate t-tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. For any outcome-laboratory value pairs with significance on regression, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were constructed. Results: A total of 1440 patients with albumin, 3138 patients with hematocrit, and 3159 patients with creatinine levels were identified. Increased serum albumin was associated with lower odds of medical complications (aOR: 0.479, p=0.035). An overall cohort cutoff of ≤ 3.5 g/dL (AUC: 0.79, p < 0.001) was predictive of medical complications. On multivariate logistic regression, increased hematocrit reduced the odds of medical complications (aOR: 0.889, p < 0.001). Predictive hematocrit cutoffs of ≤ 39.7% (AUC: 0.77, p < 0.001) and ≤ 36.6% (AUC: 0.74, p < 0.001) were identified for medical complications amongst male and female patients, respectively. Similarly, increased serum creatinine was associated with greater odds of medical complications (aOR: 1.684, p=0.006). Creatinine cutoffs of ≥ 1.2 mg/dL (AUC: 0.58, p=0.033) and ≥ 1.0 mg/dL (AUC: 0.59, p=0.039) were identified for medical complications amongst male and female patients, respectively. Conclusions: Multiple preoperative serum values were predictive of postoperative medical complications, and laboratory value thresholds were identified in this carpal tunnel decompression cohort to aid in risk stratification.

Hemoglobin Drop is Associated with Early Post-operative Stroke Following Revascularization Surgery for Moyamoya Disease

BACKGROUND

Postoperative stroke is a potentially devastating neurological complication following surgical revascularization for Moyamoya disease. We sought to evaluate whether peri-operative hemoglobin levels were associated with the risk of early post-operative stroke following revascularization surgery in adult Moyamoya patients.

METHODS

Adult patients having revascularization surgeries for Moyamoya disease between 1999-2022 were identified through single institutional retrospective review. Logistic regression analysis was used to test for the association between hemoglobin drop and early postoperative stroke.

RESULTS

In all, 106 revascularization surgeries were included in the study. A stroke occurred within 7 days after surgery in 9.4% of cases. There were no significant associations between the occurrence of an early postoperative stroke and patient age, gender, or race. Mean postoperative hemoglobin drop was greater in patients who suffered an early postoperative stroke compared with patients who did not (2.3±1.1 g/dL vs. 1.3±1.1 g/dL, respectively; P=0.034). Patients who experienced a hemoglobin drop post-operatively had 2.03 times greater odds (95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.23; P=0.040) of having a stroke than those whose hemoglobin levels were stable. Early postoperative stroke was also associated with an increase in length of hospital stay (P<0.001), discharge to a rehabilitation facility (P=0.014), and worse modified Rankin scale at 1 month (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study found a significant association between hemoglobin drop and early postoperative stroke following revascularization surgery in adult patients with Moyamoya disease. Based on our findings, it may be prudent to avoid hemoglobin drops in Moyamoya patients undergoing surgical revascularization.

Incidence, risk factors and impact of anemia after elective neurosurgery: A retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Anemia after surgery is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the incidence and risk factors for postoperative anemia is important to reduce anemia-related complications and blood transfusion. There is lack of data regarding postoperative anemia and its contributing factors in neurosurgery. This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of postoperative anemia, and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a single centre, retrospective study of patients who underwent elective neurosurgery over seven months. Data regarding age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, diagnosis, surgery, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, dose of tranexamic acid, intraoperative fluid balance, years of surgeon's experience, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative RBC transfusion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital discharge, and duration of postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of postoperative anemia.

Results

The incidence of postoperative anemia was 11.3% (116/1025). On univariate analysis; age, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, gender, ASA grade, surgery type, and surgeon's experience were associated with postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin (p<0.001) and non-tumor surgery (p<0.001) were predictive of postoperative anemia on multivariate analysis. Postoperative anemia resulted in increased RBC transfusion (p<0.001) and lower GCS score at discharge (p=0.012).

Conclusions

Atleast one in ten patients undergoing elective neurosurgery develop postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and non-tumor surgery predict anemia. Anemia results in increased RBC transfusion and lower discharge GCS score.

Postoperative Outcomes for Spinal Fusion Procedures in Pediatric Patients with Anemia: A Retrospective and Multivariate Analysis

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anemia is known to be associated with perioperative complications in many surgical interventions. Here, we examine the effects of preoperative anemia on peri-operative complications and postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was conducted using the American College of Surgeons Pediatric National Surgery Quality Improvement Program Database between 2012-2020. Current Procedural Terminology codes 22800, 22,802, 22,804, 22,840, 22,842, 22,843, and 22,844 were included to represent all primary spinal fusion procedures performed. Patients without preoperative hematocrit (HCT) levels were excluded. Classification of anemia was determined via age- and sex-adjusted HCT levels. Patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities and risk factors, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 cohorts using univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine if anemia severity was independently associated with worse postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 30,243 pediatric patients were included in this study, with 26,621 not having preoperative anemia and 3622 having preoperative anemia. Pediatric patients with anemia have increased length of stay (LOS) (6.7 ± 9.6 vs. 5 ± 6, P < 0.001), 30-day unplanned reoperation rate (4% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.001), and total blood transfused (489.9 ± 497.8 vs. 423.4 ± 452.6, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis supported anemia and degree of its severity as an independent predictor of increased length of stay (LOS), reoperation rate, and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative anemia leads to worse outcomes in pediatric spinal fusion procedures. Utilizing HCT recordings could be factored into the equation for optimal patient selection and prevention of post-operative complications.

Can Preoperative Laboratory Values Predict Short-term Postoperative Complications and Health Utilization in Patients Undergoing Cranioplasty?

BACKGROUND

Low hematocrit, low albumin, and high creatinine levels have been associated with postoperative morbidity. The present study intends to analyze the effects of preoperative laboratories on medical complications and postoperative health resource utilization in patients undergoing cranioplasty.

METHODS

Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, demographic, clinical, and intraoperative characteristics were collected for each patient who had recorded albumin, hematocrit, or creatinine laboratory values within 90 days of the index cranioplasty. Outcomes analyzed were ≥1 medical complication, ≥1 wound complication, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, and extended hospital stay (>30 d). Outcomes significant on bivariate analyses were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Significant outcomes on multivariate analyses were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

The 3 separate cohorts included 1349 patients with albumin, 2201 patients with hematocrit, and 2182 patients with creatinine levels. Upon multivariate analysis, increases in albumin and hematocrit were independently associated with decreased odds of medical complications and extended length of stay. Increases in creatinine were independently associated with increased odds of medical complications. Discriminative cutoff values were identified for albumin and hematocrit.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative laboratory values were independent predictors of medical complications and health utilization following cranioplasty in this study. Surgical teams can use these findings to optimize preoperative risk stratification.

Preoperative hematocrit levels and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors

Background

Abnormal hematocrit values, including anemia and polycythemia, are common in patients undergoing craniotomy, but the extent to which preoperative anemia or polycythemia independently increases the risk of mortality is unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between preoperative anemia and polycythemia and postoperative mortality in patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 12,170 patients diagnosed with a brain tumor who underwent cranial surgery at West China Hospital between January 2011 and March 2021. The preoperative hematocrit value was defined as the last hematocrit value within 7 days before the operation, and patients were grouped according to the severity of their anemia or polycythemia. We assessed the primary outcome of 30-day postoperative mortality using logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analysis reported that the 30-day mortality risk was raised with increasing severity of both anemia and polycythemia. Odds ratios for mild, moderate, and severe anemia were 1.12 (95% CI: 0.79-1.60), 1.66 (95% CI: 1.06-2.58), and 2.24 (95% CI: 0.99-5.06), respectively. Odds ratios for mild, moderate, and severe polycythemia were 1.40 (95% CI: 0.95-2.07), 2.81 (95% CI: 1.32-5.99), and 14.32 (95% CI: 3.84-53.44), respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that moderate to severe anemia and polycythemia are independently associated with increased postoperative mortality in patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor resection. These findings underscore the importance of identifying and managing abnormal hematocrit values before craniotomy surgery.

Baseline labs predict adverse postoperative outcomes following metastatic brain tumor resection: Analysis of 5943 patients from a prospective surgical registry (2015-2019)

INTRODUCTION

The present study sought to evaluate the predictive accuracy of preoperative lab values (PLV) on postoperative metastatic brain tumor resection (MBTR) outcomes using data queried from a large prospective international surgical registry, representing over 700 hospitals in 11 countries.

METHODS

Adult metastatic brain tumor patients (N = 5943) were queried from the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, from 2015 to 2019, using diagnostic and procedural coding. The relationship between preoperative lab values and key indicators of adverse postoperative outcomes following metastatic brain tumor resection were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Adverse postoperative outcomes of interest included: 30-day mortality, Clavien-Dindo Grade IV (CDIV) complications, extended length of stay (eLOS), and discharge to non-home destination (NHD), as well as secondary outcomes: non-Clavien-Dindo Grade IV complications, unplanned reoperation, and unplanned readmission.

RESULTS

Independent PLV most strongly associated with 30-day mortality were hypernatremia, increased serum creatinine, and thrombocytopenia. Significant predictors of CDIV complications were hypoalbuminemia and thrombocytopenia. eLOS was associated with hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and hyponatremia. The strongest independent predictors of NHD were anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoalbuminemia.

CONCLUSION

Several pre-operative lab values independently predicted worse outcomes for metastatic brain tumor resection patients. Hypoalbuminemia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia had the strongest association with the study's adverse postoperative outcomes. These baseline lab values may be considered for preoperative risk stratification of metastatic brain tumor patients.

Clinically predictive baseline labs for post-operative outcomes of brain tumors using NSQIP database

PURPOSE

This study was performed to assess the effect of baseline Preoperative Laboratory Values (PLV) on post-operative Brain Tumor Resection (BTR) outcomes in a large national registry.

METHODS

We extracted data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for BTR patients 2015-2019 (n = 3 0,951). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed for PLV and key surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

The most significant PLV predictors of 30-day mortality after BTR included hypernatremia (odds ratio, OR 4.184, 95% CI, 2.384-7.343, p < 0.001), high serum creatinine (OR 2.244, 95% CI 1.502-3.352, p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.997, 95% CI 1.438, 2.772, p < 0.001), and leukocytosis (OR 1.635, 95% CI 1.264, 2.116, p < 0.001). The most significant predictors of Clavien IV complications were increased INR (OR 2.653, 95% CI 1.444, 4.875, p < 0.01), thrombocytopenia (OR 1.514, 95% CI 1.280, 1.792, p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.480, 95% CI 1.274, 1.719, p < 0.001), and leukocytosis (OR 1.467, 95% CI 1.306, 1.647, p < 0.001). The most robust predictors of eLOS were increased INR (OR 1.941, 95% CI 1.231, 3.060, p < 0.01) and hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.993, 95% CI 1.823, 2.179, p < 0.001), and those for non-routine discharge included increased INR (OR 1.897, 95% CI 1.196, 3.008, p < 0.01) and hypernatremia (OR 1.565, 95% CI 1.217, 2.012, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Several PLV independently predicted worse outcomes in BTR patients. Baseline labs should be routinely used for the pre-operative risk stratification of these patients.

Clinical Outcome and Risk Factors of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Elective Primary Meningioma Resection

Simple Summary

The transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) in patients undergoing major elective cranial surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study sought to identify the clinical outcome of RBC transfusions in skull base and non-skull base meningioma patients including the identification of risk factors for RBC transfusion. Data underline that preoperative anaemia rate was significantly higher in transfused patients (17.7%) compared to patients without RBC transfusion (6.2%). We could further show that RBC transfusion was associated with increased postoperative complications and increased hospital length of stay. After multivariate analyses, risk factors for RBC transfusion were preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score, tumor size, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss. We concluded that blood loss due to large tumors or localization near large vessels are the main triggers for RBC transfusion in meningioma patients paired with a potential preselection that masks the effect of preoperative anaemia in multivariate analysis. So far, this has not been investigated in a large cohort (n = 423) of skull base and non-skull base meningioma patients.

Abstract

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) in patients undergoing major elective cranial surgery is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS). This retrospective single center study aims to identify the clinical outcome of RBC transfusions on skull base and non-skull base meningioma patients including the identification of risk factors for RBC transfusion. Between October 2009 and October 2016, 423 patients underwent primary meningioma resection. Of these, 68 (16.1%) received RBC transfusion and 355 (83.9%) did not receive RBC units. Preoperative anaemia rate was significantly higher in transfused patients (17.7%) compared to patients without RBC transfusion (6.2%; p = 0.0015). In transfused patients, postoperative complications as well as hospital LOS was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to non-transfused patients. After multivariate analyses, risk factors for RBC transfusion were preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score (p = 0.0247), tumor size (p = 0.0006), surgical time (p = 0.0018) and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed significant influence on overall survival by preoperative anaemia, RBC transfusion, smoking, cardiovascular disease, preoperative KPS ≤ 60% and age (elderly ≥ 75 years). We concluded that blood loss due to large tumors or localization near large vessels are the main triggers for RBC transfusion in meningioma patients paired with a potential preselection that masks the effect of preoperative anaemia in multivariate analysis. Further studies evaluating the impact of preoperative anaemia management for reduction of RBC transfusion are needed to improve the clinical outcome of meningioma patients.

Real-world results of the implementation of preoperative anaemia clinic with intravenous iron therapy for treating iron-deficiency anaemia: a propensity-matched case-control study

Background

Preoperative anaemia is associated with blood transfusion and longer hospital length of stay. Preoperative iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can be treated with oral or intravenous (IV) iron. IV iron can raise haemoglobin faster compared with oral iron. However, its ability to reduce blood transfusion and length of stay in clinical trials is inconclusive. This study aims to compare blood transfusion and hospital length of stay between anemic patients who received preoperative IV iron versus standard care, after implementation of a protocol in 2017 to screen patients for preoperative IDA, and its treatment with IV iron.

Methods

Retrospective before-after cohort study comparing 89 patients who received IV iron preoperatively in 2017, with historic patients who received oral iron therapy (selected by propensity score matching (PSM) from historic cohort of 7,542 patients who underwent surgery in 2016). Propensity score was calculated using ASA status, age, gender, surgical discipline, surgical risk and preoperative haemoglobin concentration. Both 1:1 and 1:2 matching were performed as sensitivity analysis.

Results

After PSM, there was no statistically significant difference in distribution of preoperative clinical variables. There was no significant difference in proportion of cases requiring transfusion nor a difference in average units transfused per patient. IV iron cohort stayed in hospital on average 8.0 days compared to non-IV iron cohort 14.1–15.1 days (P=0.006, P=0.013 respectively). Average time from IV iron therapy to surgery was 10.5 days.

Conclusions

Preoperative IV iron therapy for patients with IDA undergoing elective surgery may not reduce perioperative blood transfusion, but this could be due to the short time between therapy and surgery. Implementation of IV iron therapy may reduce hospital length of stay compared to standard care for anemic patients, although this may be enhanced by concomitant improvement in perioperative care.

South African Society of Anaesthesiologists Perioperative Patient Blood Management Guidelines 2020

Anaesthesiologists regularly request and administer blood components to their patients, a potentially life-saving intervention. All anaesthesiologists must be familiar with the indications and appropriate use of blood and blood components and their alternatives, but close liaison with haematologists and their local haematology blood sciences laboratory is encouraged. In the last decade, there have been considerable changes in approaches to optimal use of blood components, together with the use of alternative products, with a need to update previous guidelines and adapt them for anaesthesiologists working throughout the hospital system.

The effect of anemia severity on postoperative morbidity among patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications

INTRODUCTION

One-third of non-pregnant women worldwide are anemic.¹ Anemia is a known independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity.² Given that the vast majority of hysterectomies are not performed in the emergency setting, we designed this study to evaluate the effect of preoperative anemia on postoperative morbidity following laparoscopic hysterectomy performed for benign indications. Our main goal is to encourage surgeons to use anemia-corrective measures before surgery when feasible.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 98 813 patients who underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy between 2005 and 2016 for benign indications identified through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Anemia was examined as a function of hematocrit and was analyzed as an ordinal variable stratified by anemia severity as mild, moderate or severe. Associations between preoperative anemia and patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities and postoperative outcomes were evaluated using univariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent associations between hematocrit level and postoperative outcomes after adjusting for confounding covariates. At the multivariable logistic regression level, anemia severity was analyzed using hematocrit as a continuous variable to assess the independent association between each 5% decrease in hematocrit level and several postoperative morbidities.

RESULTS

Of the 98 813 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19.5% were anemic. A lower preoperative hematocrit was associated with higher body mass index, younger age, Black or African American race, longer operative times, and multiple other medical comorbidities. After appropriate regression modeling, anemia was identified as an independent risk factor for extended length of stay, readmission and composite morbidity after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative anemia is common among patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Preoperative anemia increases patients' risk for multiple postoperative comorbidities. Given that most hysterectomies are performed in the elective setting, gynecologic surgeons should consider the use of anemia-corrective measures to minimize postoperative morbidity.

Reporting Methodology of Neurosurgical Studies Utilizing the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

BACKGROUND

Use of large databases such as the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) has become increasingly common in neurosurgical research.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a critical appraisal and evaluation of the methodological reporting for studies in neurosurgical literature that utilize the ACS-NSQIP database.

METHODS

We queried Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases for all neurosurgical studies utilizing the ACS-NSQIP. We assessed each study according to number of criteria fulfilled with respect to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement, REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected Health Data (RECORD) Statement, and Journal of American Medical Association–Surgical Section (JAMA-Surgery) Checklist. A separate analysis was conducted among papers published in core and noncore journals in neurosurgery according to Bradford's law.

RESULTS

A total of 117 studies were included. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) scores for number of fulfilled criteria for STROBE Statement, RECORD Statement, and JAMA-Surgery Checklist were 20 (IQR:19-21), 9 (IQR:8-9), and 6 (IQR:5-6), respectively. For STROBE Statement, RECORD Statement, and JAMA-Surgery Checklist, item 9 (potential sources of bias), item 13 (supplemental information), and item 9 (missing data/sensitivity analysis) had the highest number of studies with no fulfillment among all studies (56, 68, 50%), respectively. When comparing core journals vs noncore journals, no significant difference was found (STROBE, P = .94; RECORD, P = .24; JAMA-Surgery checklist, P = .60).

CONCLUSION

While we observed an overall satisfactory reporting of methodology, most studies lacked mention of potential sources of bias, data cleaning methods, supplemental information, and external validity. Given the pervasive role of national databases and registries for research and health care policy, the surgical community needs to ensure the credibility and quality of such studies that ultimately aim to improve the value of surgical care delivery to patients.

Patient Blood Management: Recommendations From the 2018 Frankfurt Consensus Conference

IMPORTANCE

Blood transfusion is one of the most frequently used therapies worldwide and is associated with benefits, risks, and costs.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a set of evidence-based recommendations for patient blood management (PBM) and for research.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

The scientific committee developed 17 Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) questions for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in adult patients in 3 areas: preoperative anemia (3 questions), RBC transfusion thresholds (11 questions), and implementation of PBM programs (3 questions). These questions guided the literature search in 4 biomedical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Transfusion Evidence Library), searched from inception to January 2018. Meta-analyses were conducted with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology and the Evidence-to-Decision framework by 3 panels including clinical and scientific experts, nurses, patient representatives, and methodologists, to develop clinical recommendations during a consensus conference in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, in April 2018.

FINDINGS

From 17 607 literature citations associated with the 17 PICO questions, 145 studies, including 63 randomized clinical trials with 23 143 patients and 82 observational studies with more than 4 million patients, were analyzed. For preoperative anemia, 4 clinical and 3 research recommendations were developed, including the strong recommendation to detect and manage anemia sufficiently early before major elective surgery. For RBC transfusion thresholds, 4 clinical and 6 research recommendations were developed, including 2 strong clinical recommendations for critically ill but clinically stable intensive care patients with or without septic shock (recommended threshold for RBC transfusion, hemoglobin concentration <7 g/dL) as well as for patients undergoing cardiac surgery (recommended threshold for RBC transfusion, hemoglobin concentration <7.5 g/dL). For implementation of PBM programs, 2 clinical and 3 research recommendations were developed, including recommendations to implement comprehensive PBM programs and to use electronic decision support systems (both conditional recommendations) to improve appropriate RBC utilization.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The 2018 PBM International Consensus Conference defined the current status of the PBM evidence base for practice and research purposes and established 10 clinical recommendations and 12 research recommendations for preoperative anemia, RBC transfusion thresholds for adults, and implementation of PBM programs. The relative paucity of strong evidence to answer many of the PICO questions supports the need for additional research and an international consensus for accepted definitions and hemoglobin thresholds, as well as clinically meaningful end points for multicenter trials.

Predicting Readmission and Reoperation for Benign Cranial Nerve Neoplasms: A Nationwide Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Readmission and reoperation are risks in the resection of benign cranial nerve tumors (BCNTs). This report analyzes the impact of patient-level and surgical factors on these adverse outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort review comprised patients with a diagnosis of BCNT enrolled in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry from 2011 to 2015. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the impact of select medical and operative factors on the primary outcomes of readmission and reoperation within 30 days, adjusted for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

We identified 996 patients who underwent resection of a BCNT. The most frequent major complications were readmission (11%), reoperation (8%), surgical site infections (2.6%), and venous thromboembolism (1.5%). The most frequent indications for readmission were management of infection (2.5%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (2.3%), and hydrocephalus (0.5%). Repair of cranial and meningeal defects (3.0%), correction of lagophthalmos (1.2%), and repair of middle ear defects (1.0%) were the most common indications for reoperation. Logistic regression revealed that extremes of age were associated with readmission, whereas preoperative steroid usage, long operative time, and postoperative length of stay >3 days were associated with reoperation (P < 0.05). Obesity trended toward an association with readmission and reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Extremes of age were associated with readmission; preoperative steroid use, long operative time, and postoperative length of stay >3 days were associated with reoperation. Surgeons should consider these factors when assessing risk of postoperative complications for BCNTs.

Transfusion in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Pedicled Flap Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Blood product utilization is monitored to prevent unnecessary transfusions. Head-and-neck pedicled flap reconstruction transfusion-related outcomes were assessed.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six pedicled flap patients were reviewed: 64 supraclavicular artery island flaps (SCAIF), 57 pectoralis major (PM) flaps, and 15 submental (SM) flaps. Outcome parameters included flap-related complications, medical complications, length of stay (LOS), and flap survival. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for relevant pre- and perioperative factors.

RESULTS

Of all head-and-neck pedicled flap patients included in our analyses (n = 136), 40 (29.4%) received blood transfusions. The average pretransfusion hematocrit (Hct) was 24.3% ± 0.5%, with 2.65 ± 0.33 units transfused and a posttransfusion Hct increase of 5.0% ± 0.6%. Transfusion rates differed with PM (47.4%), SCAIF (17.2%), and SM (13.3%) flaps (P < 0.005). Patients undergoing PM reconstruction trended toward higher transfusion requirements (PM 2.89 ± 0.47 units, SC 2.18 ± 0.28 units, and SM 2.00 ± 0.0 units), with transfusion occurring later in the postoperative course (4.9 ± 1.3 days vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 days for all other flaps; P = 0.08). Infection, dehiscence, fistula, or medical complications were not different. Transfusion thresholds of Hct < 21 versus Hct < 27 exhibited no difference in LOS, flap-survival, or medical/flap-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion is not associated with surgical or medical morbidity following head and neck pedicled flap reconstruction. There were no differences in outcomes between transfusion triggers of Hct < 21 versus Hct < 27, suggesting that a more conservative transfusion trigger may not precipitate adverse patient complications. Our data recapitulate findings in free flap patients and warrant further investigation of transfusion practices in head and neck flap reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:E409-E415, 2018.

Unplanned Reoperation After Craniotomy for Tumor: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis

BACKGROUND

Reoperation has been increasingly utilized as a metric evaluating quality of care.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of, reasons for, and predictors of unplanned reoperation after craniotomy for tumor in a nationally accrued population.

METHODS

Patients who underwent cranial tumor resection were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry (2012-2014). Multivariate logistic regression examined predictors of unplanned cranial reoperation. Predictors screened included patient age, sex, tumor location and histology, functional status, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, operative urgency, and time.

RESULTS

Of the 11 462 patients included, 3.1% (n = 350) underwent an unplanned cranial reoperation. The most common reasons for cranial reoperation were intracranial hematoma evacuation (22.5%), superficial or intracranial surgical site infections (11.9%), re-resection of tumor (8.4%), decompressive craniectomy (6.1%), and repair of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (5.6%). The strongest predictor of any cranial reoperation was preoperative thrombocytopenia (less than 100 000/μL, odds ratio [OR] = 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-5.10, P = .01). Thrombocytopenia, hypertension, emergent surgery, and longer operative time were predictors of reoperation for hematoma (P ≤ .004), while dependent functional status, morbid obesity, leukocytosis, and longer operative time were predictors of reoperation for infection (P < .05). Although any unplanned cranial reoperation was not associated with differential odds of mortality (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 0.94-3.00, P = .08), hematoma evacuation was significantly associated with thirty-day death (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

In this national analysis, unplanned cranial reoperation was primarily associated with operative indices, rather than preoperative characteristics, suggesting that reoperation may have some utility as a quality indicator. However, hypertension and thrombocytopenia were potentially modifiable predictors of reoperation.

A nationwide analysis of 30-day adverse events, unplanned readmission, and length of hospital stay after peripheral nerve surgery in extremities and the brachial plexus

Background

Little is known on adverse events and their timing after peripheral nerve surgery in extremities. The aim of this study is to identify predictors and typical timing of complications, unplanned readmission, and length of hospital stay for patients undergoing peripheral nerve surgery in the extremities.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry from 2005 to 2015. Adult patients undergoing peripheral nerve surgery in the extremities were included. A subgroup analysis was performed for brachial plexus operations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of any complication, surgical site infection, unplanned readmission, and reoperation.

Results

A total of 2,840 patients were identified; 628 were brachial plexus operations. Overall complications were 4.4% and 7.0%, respectively. Median time for occurrence of any complication was 8 days. The most common complications were wound‐related (1.7%), which occurred at a median of 15 days postoperatively. Reoperation occurred in 1.8% of all cases; most commonly for musculoskeletal repair (16.7%). Unplanned readmissions occurred in 2.3% and were most often due to wound‐related problems (24.1%). Preoperatively contaminated wounds, inpatient procedures, and longer operative time seemed to have the most influence on all adverse events. In brachial plexus pathology, insulin‐dependent diabetes and emergency cases also negatively affected outcomes.

Conclusions

Complications usually occur one to two weeks postoperatively. Preoperatively contaminated wounds, inpatient procedures, and longer operative times influence outcome. Anatomical level of operation results in significantly different lengths of hospital stay; brachial plexus pathology has the longest length of stay.

Reoperation and readmission after clipping of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although reoperation and readmission have been used as quality metrics, there are limited data evaluating the rate of, reasons for, and predictors of reoperation and readmission after microsurgical clipping of unruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent craniotomy for clipping of an unruptured aneurysm electively were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry (2011–2014). Multivariable logistic regression and recursive partitioning analysis evaluated the independent predictors of nonroutine hospital discharge, unplanned 30-day reoperation, and readmission. Predictors screened included patient age, sex, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, functional status, aneurysm location, preoperative laboratory values, operative time, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 460 patients evaluated, 4.2% underwent any reoperation at a median of 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2–17 days) postoperatively, and 1.1% required a cranial reoperation. The most common reoperation was ventricular shunt placement (23.5%); other reoperations were tracheostomy, craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, and decompressive hemicraniectomy. Independent predictors of any unplanned reoperation were age greater than 51 years and longer operative time (p ≤ 0.04). Readmission occurred in 6.3% of patients at a median of 6 days (IQR 5–13 days) after discharge from the surgical hospitalization; 59.1% of patients were readmitted within 1 week and 86.4% within 2 weeks of discharge. The most common reason for readmission was seizure (26.7%); other causes of readmission included hydrocephalus, cerebrovascular accidents, and headache. Unplanned readmission was independently associated with age greater than 65 years, Class II or III obesity (body mass index > 35 kg/m2), preoperative hyponatremia, and preoperative anemia (p ≤ 0.04). Readmission was not associated with operative time, complications during the surgical hospitalization, length of stay, or discharge disposition. Recursive partitioning analysis identified the same 4 variables, as well as ASA classification, as associated with unplanned readmission. The most potent predictors of nonroutine hospital discharge (16.7%) were postoperative neurological and cardiopulmonary complications; other predictors were age greater than 51 years, preoperative hyponatremia, African American and Asian race, and a complex vertebrobasilar circulation aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national analysis, patient age greater than 65 years, Class II or III obesity, preoperative hyponatremia, and anemia were associated with adverse events, highlighting patients who may be at risk for complications after clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The preponderance of early readmissions highlights the importance of early surveillance and follow-up after discharge; the frequency of readmission for seizure emphasizes the need for additional data evaluating the utility and duration of postcraniotomy seizure prophylaxis. Moreover, readmission was primarily associated with preoperative characteristics rather than metrics of perioperative care, suggesting that readmission may be a suboptimal indicator of the quality of care received during the surgical hospitalization in this patient population.

Platelet to white blood cell ratio predicts 30-day postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal malignancy

INTRODUCTION

We sought to examine the relationship between preoperative platelet to white blood cell ratio (PLT/WBC), a hematological marker of the systemic inflammatory response, and postoperative infectious complications following radical nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with radical nephrectomy for localized kidney cancer between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014 (n=6235) using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between PLT/WBC ratio and 30-day infectious complications, including surgical site infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and sepsis. Secondarily, we examined major complications and bleeding requiring transfusion.

RESULTS

A lower PLT/WBC ratio was associated with an increased risk of sepsis, pneumonia, and UTI rates (p<0.05 for all). Furthermore, there was a significant trend of decreasing rates of sepsis and pneumonia with increasing PLT/WBC ratio across quintiles (p<0.05 for all). On multivariate analysis, patients with the lowest PLT/WBC ratios (Quintile 1) had a two-fold risk of having a postoperative infectious complication compared to patients in the highest quintile (odds ratio [OR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-2.86; p<0.0001). Patients in Quintile 5 had a higher risk of requiring blood transfusion than those in Quintiles 2-4 (p<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The PLT/WBC ratio represents a widely available and novel index to predict risk of infectious and bleeding complications in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy. External validation is required and the biological underpinning of this phenomenon requires further study.

Effect of Preoperative Anemia on the Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative anemia has been associated with an increased need for blood transfusions and postoperative complications. The effects of anemia on the outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have not been explored. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative anemia and 30-day complications following ACDF surgery.

METHODS

Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2012) was used. Preoperative anemia was defined as hematocrit <39% for males and <36% for females. A bivariate analysis was performed on demographic and perioperative variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for patient variables, to identify independent risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 3500 patients were included of which 444 (12.7%) were anemic patients. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify the predictive power of anemia on key postoperative outcomes, while controlling for the other statistically significant. Preoperative anemia was found to be a statistically significant predictor of any complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.853; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-2.934; P = .0086), pulmonary complications (OR = 3.269; 95% CI = 1.745-6.126; P = .0002), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 4.364; 95% CI = 1.48-12.866; P = 0.0076), return to operating theatre (OR = 2.655; 95% CI = 1.539-4.582; P = .0005), and length of hospital stay more than 5 days (OR = 2.151; 95% CI = 1.499-3.085; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative anemia appears to be a significant predictor of perioperative complications, reoperation, and extended length of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective ACDF. Future studies should explore outcomes of treatment of preoperative anemia prior to surgery to determine the optimal management strategy.

Emergency Reoperations in Cranial Neurosurgery

BACKGROUND

Complications after neurosurgical procedures that lead to reoperation are associated with poor outcome and economic costs. Therefore the aim of our study was to establish predictors of reoperation due to complications after cranial neurosurgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 875 patients who underwent a cranial neurosurgical procedure. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the possible predictors of reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 78 (8.91%) patients underwent emergency reoperation. Those patients more often were operated due to brain tumor (50.65% vs. 38.43%; P = 0.036) and least often due to head trauma (22.08% vs. 32.99%; P = 0.049). Reoperated patients more often underwent frontal craniotomy (26.47% vs. 13.46%; P < 0.01) and least often had burr hole surgery (7.35% vs. 19.21%; P = 0.016). Patients who did not require reoperation were more often operated during a weekend (5.29% vs. 16.99%; P < 0.01). After adjustment for confounders, weekend surgeries (OR: 0.309; 95% CI: 0.111-0.861; P = 0.025) remained independently associated with reduced risk of reoperation and frontal craniotomy (OR: 1.355; 95% CI: 1.005-1.354; P = 0.046) and lower mean cell hemaglobin concentration (OR: 2.227; 95% CI: 1.230-4.033; P < 0.01) remained independently associated with higher risk of reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Brain tumor surgery and frontal craniotomy are associated with a higher risk of emergency reoperation. Patients with head trauma, operated on during a weekend, and those who underwent burr hole surgery are less likely to be reoperated. Frontal craniotomy and lower mean cell hemoglobin concentration are independently associated with a higher risk of reoperation and operation during a weekend with lower risk of reoperation.

Readmission After Craniotomy for Tumor: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis

BACKGROUND: Although readmission has become a common quality indicator, few national studies have examined this metric in patients undergoing cranial surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To utilize the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2011-2013 registry to evaluate the predictors of unplanned 30-d readmission and postdischarge mortality after cranial tumor resection.

METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression was applied to screen predictors, which included patient age, sex, tumor location and histology, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, comorbidities, and complications from the index hospitalization.

RESULTS: Of the 9565 patients included, 10.7% (n = 1026) had an unplanned readmission. Independent predictors of unplanned readmission were male sex, infratentorial location, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 designation, dependent functional status, a bleeding disorder, and morbid obesity (all P ≤ .03). Readmission was not associated with operative time, length of hospitalization, discharge disposition, or complications from the index admission. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections (17.0%), infectious complications (11.0%), venous thromboembolism (10.0%), and seizures (9.4%). The 30-d mortality rate was 3.2% (n = 367), of which the majority (69.7%, n = 223) occurred postdischarge. Independent predictors of postdischarge mortality were greater age, metastatic histology, dependent functional status, hypertension, discharge to institutional care, and postdischarge neurological or cardiopulmonary complications (all P &lt; .05).

CONCLUSION: Readmissions were common after cranial tumor resection and often attributable to new postdischarge complications rather than exacerbations of complications from the initial hospitalization. Moreover, the majority of 30-d deaths occurred after discharge from the index hospitalization. The preponderance of postdischarge mortality and complications requiring readmission highlights the importance of posthospitalization management.

Impact of operative length on post-operative complications in meningioma surgery: a NSQIP analysis

Many studies have implicated operative length as a predictor of post-operative complications, including venous thromboembolism [deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)]. We analyzed the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2014, to evaluate whether length of operation had a statistically significant effect on post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgical resection of meningioma. Patients were included for this study if they had a post-operative diagnosis of meningioma. Patient demographics, pre-operative comorbidities, and post-operative 30-day complications were analyzed. Of 3743 patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma, 13.6 % experienced any complication. The most common complications and their median time to occurrence were urinary tract infection (2.6 %) at 10 days postoperatively (IQR 7-15), unplanned intubation (2.5 %) at 3 days (IQR 1-7), failure to wean from ventilator (2.4 %) at 2.0 days (IQR 2-4), and DVT (2.4 %) at 6 days (IQR 11-19). Postoperatively, 3.6 % developed VTE; 2.4 % developed DVT and 1.7 % developed PE. Multivariable analysis identified older age (third and upper quartile), obesity, preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative steroid use, anemia, and longer operative time as significant risk factors for VTE. Separate multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated longer operative time as a significant risk factor for VTE, all complications, major complications, and minor complications. Meningioma resection is associated with various post-operative complications that increase patient morbidity and mortality risk. this large, multi-institutional patient sample, longer operative length was associated with increased risk for postoperative venous thromboembolisms, as well as major and minor complications.

Noradrenaline and dobutamine effects on the volume expansion with normal saline in rabbits subjected to hemorrhage

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the effects of dobutamine (DB), noradrenaline (NA), and their combination (NADB), on volume retention in rabbits submitted to hemorrhage.

METHODS:

Thirty six rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: SHAM, Control, Saline, DB, NA, DB+NA. All the animals, except for SHAM, were subjected to hemorrhage of 25% of the calculated blood volume. Control animals were replaced with their own blood. The other groups received NSS 3 times the volume withdrawn. The intravascular retention, hematocrit, diuresis, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, NGAL, dry-to-wet lung weight ratio (DTWR) and the lung and kidney histology were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Replacement with NSS and NA, DB or NA+DB did not produce differences in the intravascular retention. After hemorrhage, the animals presented a significant decrease in the MAP and CVP, which were maintained until volume replacement. Regarding NGAL, dry-to-wet-lung-weight ratio, lung and kidney histology, there were no statistical differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

The use of noradrenaline, dobutamine or their combination did not increase the intravascular retention of volume after normal saline infusion.

Thirty-day readmission and reoperation after surgery for spinal tumors: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to use a large national registry to evaluate the 30-day cumulative incidence and predictors of adverse events, readmissions, and reoperations after surgery for primary and secondary spinal tumors.

METHODS

Data from adult patients who underwent surgery for spinal tumors (2011–2014) were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of reoperation, readmission, and major complications (death, neurological, cardiopulmonary, venous thromboembolism [VTE], surgical site infection [SSI], and sepsis). Variables screened included patient age, sex, tumor location, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification, preoperative functional status, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, case urgency, and operative time. Additional variables that were evaluated when analyzing readmission included complications during the surgical hospitalization, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

Among the 2207 patients evaluated, 51.4% had extradural tumors, 36.4% had intradural extramedullary tumors, and 12.3% had intramedullary tumors. By spinal level, 20.7% were cervical lesions, 47.4% were thoracic lesions, 29.1% were lumbar lesions, and 2.8% were sacral lesions. Readmission occurred in 10.2% of patients at a median of 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 12–23 days); the most common reasons for readmission were SSIs (23.7%), systemic infections (17.8%), VTE (12.7%), and CNS complications (11.9%). Predictors of readmission were comorbidities (dyspnea, hypertension, and anemia), disseminated cancer, preoperative steroid use, and an extended hospitalization. Reoperation occurred in 5.3% of patients at a median of 13 days (IQR 8–20 days) postoperatively and was associated with preoperative steroid use and ASA Class 4–5 designation. Major complications occurred in 14.4% of patients: the most common complications and their median time to occurrence were VTE (4.5%) at 9 days (IQR 4–19 days) postoperatively, SSIs (3.6%) at 18 days (IQR 14–25 days), and sepsis (2.9%) at 13 days (IQR 7–21 days). Predictors of major complications included dependent functional status, emergency case status, male sex, comorbidities (dyspnea, bleeding disorders, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, preoperative leukocytosis), and ASA Class 3–5 designation (p < 0.05). The median hospital LOS was 5 days (IQR 3–9 days), the 30-day mortality rate was 3.3%, and the median time to death was 20 days (IQR 12.5–26 days).

CONCLUSIONS

In this NSQIP analysis, 10.2% of patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors were readmitted within 30 days, 5.3% underwent a reoperation, and 14.4% experienced a major complication. The most common complications were SSIs, systemic infections, and VTE, which often occurred late (after discharge from the surgical hospitalization). Patients were primarily readmitted for new complications that developed following discharge rather than exacerbation of complications from the surgical hospital stay. The strongest predictors of adverse events were comorbidities, preoperative steroid use, and higher ASA classification. These models can be used by surgeons to risk-stratify patients preoperatively and identify those who may benefit from increased surveillance following hospital discharge.

Increased Operative Time for Benign Cranial Nerve Tumor Resection Correlates with Increased Morbidity Postoperatively

OBJECTIVES

Operative time, previously identified as a risk factor for postoperative morbidity, is examined in patients undergoing benign cranial nerve tumor resection.

DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort analysis included patients enrolled in the ACS-NSQIP registry from 2007 through 2013 with a diagnosis of a benign cranial nerve neoplasm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes included postoperative morbidity and mortality. Readmission and reoperation served as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 565 patients were identified. Mean (median) operative time was 398 (370) minutes. The 30-day complication, readmission, and return to the operating room rates were 9.9%, 9.9%, and 7.3%, respectively, on unadjusted analyses. CSF leak requiring reoperation or readmission occurred at a rate of 3.1%. On multivariable regression analysis, operations greater than 413 minutes were associated with an increased odds of overall complication (OR 4.26, 95% CI 2.08-8.72), return to the operating room (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.23-5.67), and increased length of stay(1.6 days, 95% CI 0.94-2.23 days). Each additional minute of operative time was associated with an increased odds of overall complication (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.002-1.006) and increased length of stay (0.006 days, 95% CI 0.004-0.008).

CONCLUSION

Increased operative time in patients undergoing surgical resection of a benign cranial nerve neoplasm was associated with an increased rate of complications.

Length of hospital stay after craniotomy for tumor: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

OBJECT

Although the length of hospital stay is often used as a measure of quality of care, data evaluating the predictors of extended hospital stay after craniotomy for tumor are limited. The goals of this study were to use multivariate regression to examine which preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications predict a prolonged hospital stay and to assess the impact of length of stay on unplanned hospital readmission.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2013. Patients who underwent craniotomy for resection of a brain tumor were included. Stratification was based on length of hospital stay, which was dichotomized by the upper quartile of the interquartile range (IQR) for the entire population. Covariates included patient age, sex, race, tumor histology, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, functional status, preoperative laboratory values, preoperative neurological deficits, operative time, and postoperative complications. Multivariate logistic regression with forward prediction was used to evaluate independent predictors of extended hospitalization. Thereafter, hierarchical multivariate logistic regression assessed the impact of length of stay on unplanned readmission.

RESULTS

The study included 11,510 patients. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-8 days), and 27.7% (n = 3185) had a hospital stay of at least 8 days. Independent predictors of extended hospital stay included age greater than 70 years (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28%-1.83%, p < 0.001); African American (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.44%-2.14%, p < 0.001) and Hispanic (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.36%-2.08%) race or ethnicity; ASA class 3 (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34%-1.73%) or 4-5 (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.82%-2.62%) designation; partially (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.61%-2.35%) or totally dependent (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.95%-5.55%) functional status; insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.16%-1.84%); hematological comorbidities (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.25%-2.24%); and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.51%-2.09%, all p ≤ 0.009). Several postoperative complications were additional independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization including pulmonary emboli (OR 13.75, 95% CI 4.73%-39.99%), pneumonia (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.89%-10.07%), and urinary tract infections (OR 11.87, 95% CI 7.09%-19.87%, all p < 0.001). The C-statistic of the model based on preoperative characteristics was 0.79, which increased to 0.83 after the addition of postoperative complications. A length of stay after craniotomy for tumor score was created based on preoperative factors significant in regression models, with a moderate correlation with length of stay (p = 0.43, p < 0.001). Extended hospital stay was not associated with differential odds of an unplanned hospital readmission (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89%-1.06%, p = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

In this NSQIP analysis that evaluated patients who underwent craniotomy for tumor, much of the variance in hospital stay was attributable to baseline patient characteristics, suggesting length of stay may be an imperfect proxy for quality. Additionally, longer hospitalizations were not found to be associated with differential rates of unplanned readmission.

Predictive Factors of Ventilator Dependency after Colon and Rectal Surgery

There is limited data analyzing ventilator dependency by operative diagnoses and types of the procedures performed in colorectal surgery. We sought to identify predictive factors of ventilator dependency in colorectal surgery and investigate complication rates across various colorectal procedures. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to examine the clinical data of patients with ventilator dependency for more than 48 hours after colorectal resection during 2005–2013. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of ventilator dependency. A total of 219,716 patients who underwent colorectal resection were identified. The rate of ventilator dependency was 3.9 per cent. The rate varied significantly based on patient diagnosis; with the highest rate seen in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (25.9%). The highest risk of ventilator dependency according to the patients indication of surgery, type of the procedure, and preoperative factors exist in lower gastrointestinal bleeding [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 77.44, P < 0.01], total colectomy (AOR: 1.58, P = 0.04), and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of three or greater (AOR: 2.52, P < 0.01). Also, serum albumin level (AOR: 0.67, P < 0.01) seems to be associated with ventilator dependency. The overall rate of ventilator dependency is 3.9 per cent in colorectal surgery. However, depending on the indication for surgery, rates can be as high as 25.9 per cent. American Society of Anesthesiologist score can predict the risk of postoperative ventilator dependency in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Serum albumin level is reversely associated with postoperative ventilator dependency.

Perioperative Complications and Length of Stay After Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database

Goals of this study were (1) to determine the 30-day complications after aseptic revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) and aseptic revision knee arthroplasty (RKA) and (2) to identify patient-related risk factors predicting major complications and prolonged hospital stay beyond 7 days. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients with RHA (n=2643) or RKA (n=2425) from 2011 to 2012. The 30-day mortality rates for RHA and RKA were 1.0% and 0.1% (P<0.001) and the overall complication rates were 7.4% and 4.7% (P<0.001) for RHA and RKA, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative anemia is the most important modifiable independent predictor for both major complications and prolonged hospital stay after RHA and RKA.