Establishing a culture of highly reliable quality care

Reliability is the likelihood that a process will perform a required function without failure, consistent over time and personnel changes. In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, reliably delivering excellent surgical care demands a comprehensive and systematic approach. Accomplishing this task is beyond the reach of any individual clinician, administrator, or leader. The team must work together to establish a highly reliable quality care culture that serves as the foundation for safe, patient-centered practice. High reliability thus inherently relies on transdisciplinary collaboration, with every level of clinical, administrative, and regulatory team members actively communicating, supporting each other, and building trust in each other's expertise. Here, we discuss the fundamentals of establishing a highly reliable quality care culture. We outline the key principles of a highly reliable organization - preoccupation with failure, sensitivity to operations, reluctance to oversimplify, commitment to resilience, and deference to expertise - and the characteristics of teams that can effectively implement these principles. We discuss the importance of standardization, continuous process and outcome measurement, and setting collective goals. And finally, we exemplify these fundamentals through a brief case study. In outlining these foundational concepts for today's care, we also look forward to the impact of big data, artificial intelligence, and interconnectedness on our future continuous quality improvement efforts. Within the myriad complexities of surgical care, there are bound to be adverse outcomes, but by instilling a culture of highly reliable quality care, we can do our best to minimize their frequency, mitigate their harm, and optimize outcomes.

Use of Perioperative Advanced Practice Providers to Reduce Cost and Readmission in the Postoperative Hepatopancreatobiliary Population: Results of a Simulation Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative healthcare use and readmissions are common among the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) population. We evaluated the surgical volume required to sustain advanced practice providers (APPs) in the perioperative setting for cost reduction.

STUDY DESIGN

Using decision analysis modeling, we evaluated costs of employing dedicated perioperative APP navigators compared with no APPs navigators. Simulated subjects could: (1) present to an emergency department, with or without readmission, (2) present for direct readmission, (3) require additional office visits, or (4) require no additional care. We informed our model using the most current available published data and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate thresholds under which dedicated perioperative APP navigators are beneficial.

RESULTS

Subjects within the APP navigator cohort accumulated $1,270 and a readmission rate of 6.9%, compared with $2,170 and 13.5% with no APP navigators, yielding a cost savings of $905 and 48% relative reduction in readmission. Based on these estimated cost savings and national salary ranges, a perioperative APPs become financially self-sustaining with 113 to 139 annual HPB cases, equating to 2 to 3 HPB cases weekly. Sensitivity analyses revealed that perioperative APP navigators were no longer cost saving when direct readmission rates exceeded 8.9% (base case 3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that readmissions are reduced by nearly 50% with an associated cost savings of $900 when employing dedicated perioperative APPs. This position becomes financially self-sufficient with an annual HPB case load of 113 to 139 cases. High-volume HPB centers could benefit from postdischarge APP navigators to optimize outcomes, minimize high-value resource use, and ultimately save costs.

Improving Statewide Post-Operative Sepsis Performance Measurement Using Hospital Risk Adjustment Within a Surgical Collaborative

Background: The Georgia Quality Improvement Program (GQIP) surgical collaborative participating hospitals have shown consistently poor performance in the post-operative sepsis category of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data as compared with national benchmarks. We aimed to compare crude versus risk-adjusted post-operative sepsis rankings to determine high and low performers amongst GQIP hospitals. Patients and Methods: The cohort included intra-abdominal general surgery patients across 10 collaborative hospitals from 2015 to 2020. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) sepsis definition was used among all hospitals for case abstraction and NSQIP data were utilized to train and validate a multivariable risk-adjustment model with post-operative sepsis as the outcome. This model was used to rank GQIP hospitals by risk-adjusted post-operative sepsis rates. Rankings between crude and risk-adjusted post-operative sepsis rankings were compared ordinally and for changes in tertile. Results: The study included 20,314 patients with 595 cases of post-operative sepsis. Crude 30-day post-operative sepsis risk among hospitals ranged from 0.81 to 5.11. When applying the risk-adjustment model which included: age, American Society of Anesthesiology class, case complexity, pre-operative pneumonia/urinary tract infection/surgical site infection, admission status, and wound class, nine of 10 hospitals were re-ranked and four hospitals changed performance tertiles. Conclusions: Inter-collaborative risk-adjusted post-operative sepsis rankings are important to present. These metrics benchmark collaborating hospitals, which facilitates best practice exchange from high to low performers.

Generalizability of COBRA: A Parsimonious Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Model

INTRODUCTION

Standardized use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment models (RAMs) in surgical patients has been limited, in part due to the cumbersome workflow addition required to use available models. The COBRA score-capturing cancer diagnosis, (old) age, body mass index, race, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score-has been reported as a potentially automatable VTE RAM that circumvents the cumbersome workflow addition that most RAMs represent. We aimed to test the ability of the COBRA model to effectively risk-stratify patients across various populations.

METHODS

Patients were included from the 2014-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Participant Use Data File for two hospitals, representing colorectal, endocrine, breast, transplant, plastic, and general surgery services. COBRA score was calculated for each patient using preoperative characteristics. We calculated negative predictive value (NPV) for VTE outcomes and compared the COBRA score to NSQIP's expected VTE rate for all patients, between the two hospitals, and between subspecialty service lines.

RESULTS

Of the 10,711 patients included, those with COBRA <4 (31%) had projected median VTE rate of 0.21% (interquartile range, 0.09-0.68%; mean, 0.54%). Patients with higher scores (69%) had median rate of 0.88% (0.26-2.07%; 1.46%); relative rate 2.7. The median projected VTE rates for patients identified as low risk were 0.21% and 0.16% and as high risk were 0.87% and 0.89% at hospitals one and 2, respectively. The median projected VTE rates for patients identified as low risk were 0.17%, 0.61%, and 0.08% and as high risk were 0.52%, 1.43%, and 0.18% among general, colorectal, and endocrine surgery patients, respectively. COBRA had NPV of 0.995 and sensitivity of 0.871 as compared to NPV 0.997 and sensitivity 0.857 of the NSQIP model.

CONCLUSIONS

The COBRA score is concordant with the traditional gold standard NSQIP VTE RAM and demonstrates interhospital and service-specific generalizability, although performance was limited in especially low-risk patients. The model adequately risk-stratifies surgical patients preoperatively, potentially providing clinical decision support for perioperative workflows.

The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleeve gastrectomy at a major academic institution

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19- pandemic significantly impacted metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) practices due to large-scale surgery cancellations along with staff and supply shortages. We analyzed sleeve gastrectomy (SG) hospital-level financial metrics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Hospital cost-accounting software (MicroStrategy, Tysons, VA) was reviewed for revenues, costs, and profits per SG at an academic hospital (2017-2022). Actual figures were obtained, not insurance charge estimates or hospital projections. Fixed costs were obtained through surgery-specific allocation of inpatient hospital and operating-room costs. Direct variable costs were analyzed with sub-components including: (1) labor and benefits, (2) implants, (3) drug costs, and 4) medical/surgical supplies. The pre-COVID-19 period (10/2017-2/2020) and post-COVID-19 period (5/2020-9/2022) financial metrics were compared with student's t-test. Data from 3/2020 to 4/2020 were excluded due to COVID-19-related changes.

RESULTS

A total of 739 SG patients were included. Average length of stay (LOS), Center for Medicaid and Medicare Case Mix Index (CMI), and percentage of patients with commercial insurance were similar pre vs. post-COVID-19 (p > 0.05). There were more SG performed per quarter pre-COVID-19 than post-COVID-19 (36 vs. 22; p = 0.0056). Pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 financial metrics per SG differed significantly for, respectively, revenues ($19,134 vs. $20,983) total variable cost ($9457 vs. $11,235), total fixed cost ($2036 vs. $4018), total profit ($7571 vs. $5442), and labor and benefits cost ($2535 vs. $3734; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The post-COVID-19 period was characterized by significantly increased SG fixed cost (i.e., building maintenance, equipment, overhead) and labor costs (increased contract labor), resulting in precipitous profit decline that crosses the break-even in calendar year quarter (CQ) 3, 2022. Potential solutions include minimizing contract labor cost and decreasing LOS.

Does CPT Modifier 22 Appropriately Reflect a Difficult Pancreaticoduodenectomy? Retrospective Analysis of Operative Outcomes and Cost

BACKGROUND

CPT coding allows addition of a 2-digit modifier code to denote particularly difficult procedures necessitating additional reimbursement, called the modifier 22. The use of modifier 22 in relation to pancreatic surgery and outcomes, specifically pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), has not been explored.

STUDY DESIGN

All PDs performed from 2010 to 2019 at a quaternary healthcare system were analyzed for differences in preoperative characteristics, outcomes, and cost based on the use of modifier 22. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of modifier 22 use.

RESULTS

A total of 1,284 patients underwent PD between 2010 and 2019; 1,173 with complete data were included, of which 320 (27.3%) were coded with modifier 22. Patients coded with modifier 22 demonstrated a significantly longer duration of surgery (365.9 ± 168.4 vs 227 ± 97.1; p < 0.001). They also incurred significantly higher cost of index admission ($37,446 ± 34,187 vs $28,279 ± 27,980; p = 0.002). An adjusted multivariable analysis (specifically adjusted for surgeon variation) revealed duration of surgery (p < 0.001), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.039), class II obesity (p = 0.019), and chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.005) to be predictive of modifier 22 use.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the subjective nature of this CPT modifier, modifier 22 is an appropriate marker of intraoperative difficulty. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics that lead to its addition may be used to further delineate difficult PDs.

Implications of leukocytosis following distal pancreatectomy splenectomy (DPS) and association with postoperative complications

BACKGROUND

Early identification of complications after distal pancreatectomy splenectomy (DPS) poses challenges, as white blood cell count (WBC) is confounded by physiologic leukocytosis. We examined WBC patterns associated with complications after DPS.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data were collected for patients who underwent DPS in our system from 2009 to 2016. We examined WBC, temperature, platelet count (PC), and ratios of these variables as potential early indicators of patients at risk of infections or major complications (MCs).

RESULTS

348 patients met study inclusion, of whom 206 (59%) were women and the median patient age was 59 ± 15 years. Infectious and MC rates were 11% and 16%, respectively, with <1% 30-day mortality. Postoperative WBC peaks were higher in patients with infections and MCs compared with no complication (23 vs. 17, p < 0.0001). WBC peak timing occurred postoperative day (POD) 2-3 for uncomplicated cases while peaks occurred POD9 for patients with infections and MCs.

DISCUSSION

These data define patterns of leukocytosis following DPS. Although differences in infection markers were identified for patients with and without complications, no obvious thresholds were identified. Clinical suspicion for complications after DPS remains our best tool for early identification.

Georgia Quality Improvement Programs Multi-Institutional Collection of Postoperative Opioid Data Using ACS-NSQIP Abstraction

BACKGROUND

Excessive postoperative opioid prescribing contributes to opioid misuse throughout the US. The Georgia Quality Improvement Program (GQIP) is a collaboration of ACS-NSQIP participating hospitals. GQIP aimed to develop a multi-institutional opioid data collection platform as well as understand our current opioid-sparing strategy (OSS) usage and postoperative opioid prescribing patterns.

METHODS

This study was initiated 7/2019, when 4 custom NSQIP variables were developed to capture OSS usage and postoperative opioid oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). After pilot collection, our discharge opioid variable required optimization for adequate data capture and was expanded from a free text option to 4 drop-down selection variables. Data collection then continued from 2/2020-5/2021. Logistic regression was used to determine associations with OSS usage. Average OMEs were calculated for common general surgery procedures and compared to national guidelines.

RESULTS

After variable optimization, the percentage where a total discharge prescription OME could be calculated increased from 26% to 70% (P < .001). The study included 820 patients over 10 operations. There was a significant variation in OSS usage between GQIP centers. Laparoscopic cases had higher odds of OSS use (1.92 (1.38-2.66)) while OSS use had lower odds in black patients on univariate analysis (.69 (.51-.94)). On average 7 out of the 10 cases had higher OMEs prescribed compared to national guidelines recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Developing a multi-institutional opioid data collection platform through ACS-NSQIP is feasible. Preselected drop-down boxes outperform free text variables. GQIP future quality improvement targets include variation in OSS use and opioid overprescribing.

Effects of patients' hospital discharge preferences on uptake of clinical decision support

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services identified unplanned hospital readmissions as a critical healthcare quality and cost problem. Improvements in hospital discharge decision-making and post-discharge care are needed to address the problem. Utilization of clinical decision support (CDS) can improve discharge decision-making but little is known about the empirical significance of two opposing problems that can occur: (1) negligible uptake of CDS by providers or (2) over-reliance on CDS and underuse of other information. This paper reports an experiment where, in addition to electronic medical records (EMR), clinical decision-makers are provided subjective reports by standardized patients, or CDS information, or both. Subjective information, reports of being eager or reluctant for discharge, was obtained during examinations of standardized patients, who are regularly employed in medical education, and in our experiment had been given scripts for the experimental treatments. The CDS tool presents discharge recommendations obtained from econometric analysis of data from de-identified EMR of hospital patients. 38 clinical decision-makers in the experiment, who were third and fourth year medical students, discharged eight simulated patient encounters with an average length of stay 8.1 in the CDS supported group and 8.8 days in the control group. When the recommendation was “Discharge,” CDS uptake of “Discharge” recommendation was 20% higher for eager than reluctant patients. Compared to discharge decisions in the absence of patient reports: (i) odds of discharging reluctant standardized patients were 67% lower in the CDS-assisted group and 40% lower in the control (no-CDS) group; whereas (ii) odds of discharging eager standardized patients were 75% higher in the control group and similar in CDS-assisted group. These findings indicate that participants were neither ignoring nor over-relying on CDS.

A scalable tool for adjudication of time sensitive cases during COVID-19 pandemic

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritization of care and utilization of scarce resources are daily considerations in healthcare systems that have never experienced these issues before. Elective surgical cases have been largely postponed, and surgery departments are struggling to correctly and equitably determine which cases need to proceed. A resource to objectively prioritize and track time sensitive cases would be useful as an adjunct to clinical decision-making.

Methods

A multidisciplinary working group at Emory Healthcare developed and implemented an adjudication tool for the prioritization of time sensitive surgeries. The variables identified by the team to form the construct focused on the patient’s survivability according to actuarial data, potential impact on function with delay in care, and high-level biology of disease. Implementation of the prioritization was accomplished with a database design to streamline needed communication between surgeons and surgical adjudicators. All patients who underwent time sensitive surgery between 4/10/20 and 6/15/20 across 5 campuses were included.

Results

The primary outcomes of interest were calculated patient prioritization score and number of days until operation. 1767 cases were adjudicated during the specified time period. The distribution of prioritization scores was normal, such that real-time adjustment of the empiric algorithm was not required. On retrospective review, as the patient prioritization score increased, the number of days to the operating room decreased. This confirmed the functionality of the tool and provided a framework for organization across multiple campuses.

Conclusions

We developed an in-house adjudication tool to aid in the prioritization of a large cohort of canceled and time sensitive surgeries. The tool is relatively simple in its design, reproducible, and data driven which allows for an objective adjunct to clinical decision-making. The database design was instrumental in communication optimization during this chaotic period for patients and surgeons.

Development of a Novel Preoperative Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Model

INTRODUCTION

Standardization of preoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment remains challenging due to variation in risk assessment models (RAMs) and the cumbersome workflow addition that most RAMs represent. We aimed to develop a parsimonious RAM that is automatable and actionable within the preoperative workflow.

METHODS

We performed a case-controlled review of all 18 VTE cases reported over a 12-month period and 171 matched controls included in an institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) data set. We examined the predictive value of the Caprini, Padua, and NSQIP RAMs. We identified the 5 most impactful risk factors in VTE development by contribution to the known RAMs. We compared the predictive ability of cancer, age, body mass index, black race, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) score, to the Caprini, Padua, and NSQIP RAMs for VTE outcomes. Finally, we evaluated concordance between each of the models.

RESULTS

The Caprini Score was found to be 88.9% sensitive and 32.7% specific using a threshold of 5. The Padua score was found to be 61.1% sensitive and 47.4% specific using a threshold of 4. The novel 5-factor RAM was found to be 94.4% sensitive and 38.0% specific using a threshold of 4. The Caprini and Padua models were discordant in 26% of patients.

DISCUSSION

Cumbersome manual data entry contributes to the ongoing challenge of standardized VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis. Universally documented information and patient demographics can be utilized to create clinical decision support tools that can improve the efficiency of perioperative workflow and improve the quality of care.

Diabetes development after distal pancreatectomy: results of a 10 year series

BACKGROUND

Limited literature is available on the postoperative development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) following Distal Pancreatectomy (DP). We aimed to study the post-surgical clinical evolution of IGT/DM and its association with preoperative glycemic profiles of patients undergoing DP.

METHODS

Pre- and postoperative glycemic laboratories were measured in patients undergoing DP by the senior author from 2007-2017. Multivariate risk factor analysis was performed to determine risk factors for new-onset IGT/DM after DP. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for development of NODM postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of 216 included patients, n = 63, n = 68 and n = 85 were preoperatively diagnosed with no-diabetes (No-DM), pre-diabetes (Pre-DM), and diabetes (DM), respectively. At 2-year follow-up, n = 37, n = 80 and n = 99 were classified as No-DM, Pre-DM or DM, respectively. Pre-diabetics had a higher risk of developing postoperative dysglycemia (RR 2.230, 95% CI 1.732-2.870, p = 0.001). Preoperative OGTT>130, HbA1c >6.0, and chronic pancreatitis were risk factors for postoperative DM.

CONCLUSION

40% of patients undergoing DP were unaware of their dysglycemic status (pre-DM or DM) pre-operatively. At 2-year follow-up, 36% non-diabetic and 57% pre-diabetic patients had developed NODM. Appropriate pre-operative diabetic assessment is warranted for all patients undergoing pancreatic resections.

Improving Quality of Surgical Care and Outcomes: Factors Impacting Surgical Site Infection after Colorectal Resection

Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in patient morbidity and increased costs. The purpose of this study was to determine reasons underlying SSI to enable interventions addressing identified factors. Combining data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project with medical record extraction, we evaluated 365 patients who underwent colon resection from January 2009 to December 2012 at a single institution. Of the 365 patients, 84 (23%) developed SSI. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors included disseminated cancer, ileostomy, patient temperature less than 36°C for greater than 60 minutes, and higher glucose level. The median number of cases per surgeon was 36, and a case volume below the median was associated with a higher risk of SSI. On multivariate analysis, significant risks associated with SSI included disseminated cancer (odds ratio [OR], 4.31; P < .001); surgery performed by a surgeon with less than 36 cases (OR, 2.19; P = .008); higher glucose level (OR, 1.06; P 5.017); and transfusion of five units or more of blood (OR, 3.26; P 5.029). In this study we found both modifiable and unmodifiable factors associated with increased SSI. Identifying modifiable risk factors enables targeting specific areas to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.

The hidden costs of open hepatectomy: A 10-year, single institution series of right-sided hepatectomies

BACKGROUND

Incisional ventral hernias(IVH) are a common complication following open abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to uncover the hidden costs of IVH following right-sided hepatectomy.

METHODS

Outcomes and hospital billing data for patients undergoing open(ORH) and laparoscopic right-sided hepatectomies(LRH) were reviewed from 2008 to 2018.

RESULTS

Of 327 patients undergoing right-sided hepatectomies, 231 patients were included into two groups: ORH(n = 118) and LRH(n = 113). Median follow-up-times and time-to-hernia were 24.9-months(0.3-128.4 months) and 40.5-months(0.4-81.4 months), respectively. The incidence of hernias at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 6/231(2.6%), 13/231(5.6%), 15(6.5%), and 17/231(7.4%); ORH = 14, LRH = 3, p = 0.003), respectively. In terms of IVH repair(IVHR), total operative costs ($10,719.27vs.$4,441.30,p < 0.001) and overall care costs ($20,541.09vs.$7,149.21,p = 0.044) were significantly greater for patients undergoing ORH. Patients whom underwent ORHs had longer hospital stays and more complications following IVHR. Risk analysis identified ORH(RR-10.860), male gender(RR-3.558), BMI ≥30 kg/m²(RR-5.157), and previous abdominal surgery(RR-6.870) as predictors for hernia development (p < 0.030).

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of pre-operative hernia risk factors and utilization of a laparoscopic approach to right-sided hepatectomy reduces incisional ventral hernia incidence and cost when repair is needed.

Development of Diabetes after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Results of a 10-Year Series Using Prospective Endocrine Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Limited literature is available on the development of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The primary aim was to define the diabetic phenotype and correlate preoperative glycemic laboratory results to new-onset diabetes after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective study, perioperative fasting and postprandial (oral glucose tolerance test) plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and c-peptide were measured in consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy by the senior author from 2006 to 2017. American Diabetes Association definitions were used for glycemic classifications. Multivariate risk factor analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 774 identified patients, 371 diabetics were excluded and 403 patients were included: 167 and 236 were preoperatively classified as nondiabetic and prediabetic, respectively. The incidence rates of diabetes at 120 months post pancreaticoduodenectomy were 9.0% (nondiabetics), 22.0% (prediabetics), and 16.6% (overall). Patients in whom diabetes developed demonstrated a 3-fold larger difference between oral glucose tolerance test and fasting glucose (Δ), and 2-fold larger Δinsulin and Δc-peptide values. Tiered multivariate analysis identified glycated hemoglobin >5.4% with a relative risk (RR) of 2.944 (p = 0.047) as an independent predictor of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. Analysis of patients stratified by preoperative classification identified fasting glucose >95 mg/dL (nondiabetics, RR 1.925; p = 0.002), and glycated hemoglobin ≥5.4% (prediabetics, RR 3.125; p = 0.040) as independent risk factors for diabetes. Compared with nondiabetics, prediabetics classified by any laboratory results demonstrated an RR of 2.471 (p = 0.001) for diabetes developing postoperatively. There was no association between primary pathology, advancing age, or BMI and increased risk of diabetes development.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes will develop after pancreaticoduodenectomy in approximately 16.6% of patients. A preoperative glycated hemoglobin >5.4% independently predicts new-onset diabetes. Pre- and postoperative endocrine analysis remains paramount for proper patient risk stratification.

Use of Unsolicited Patient Observations to Identify Surgeons With Increased Risk for Postoperative Complications

Importance

Unsolicited patient observations are associated with risk of medical malpractice claims. Because lawsuits may be triggered by an unexpected adverse outcome superimposed on a strained patient-physician relationship, a question remains as to whether behaviors that generate patient dissatisfaction might also contribute to the genesis of adverse outcomes themselves.

Objective

To examine whether patients of surgeons with a history of higher numbers of unsolicited patient observations are at greater risk for postoperative complications than patients whose surgeons generate fewer such unsolicited patient observations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from 7 academic medical centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Vanderbilt Patient Advocacy Reporting System from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013. Patients older than 18 years included in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent inpatient or outpatient operations at 1 of the participating sites during the study period were included. Patients were excluded if the attending surgeon had less than 24 months of data in the Vanderbilt Patient Advocacy Reporting System preceding the date of the operation. Data analysis was conducted from June 1, 2015, to October 20, 2016.

Exposures

Unsolicited patient observations for the patient's surgeon in the 24 months preceding the date of the operation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Postoperative surgical or medical complications as defined by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program within 30 days of the operation of interest.

Results

Among the 32 125 patients in the cohort (13 230 men, 18 895 women; mean [SD] age, 55.8 [15.8] years), 3501 (10.9%) experienced a complication, including 1754 (5.5%) surgical and 2422 (7.5%) medical complications. Prior unsolicited patient observations for a surgeon were significantly associated with the risk of a patient having any complication (odds ratio, 1.0063; 95% CI, 1.0004-1.0123; P = .03), any surgical complication (odds ratio, 1.0104; 95% CI, 1.0022-1.0186; P = .01), any medical complication (odds ratio, 1.0079; 95% CI, 1.0009-1.0148; P = .03), and being readmitted (odds ratio, 1.0088, 95% CI, 1.0024-1.0151; P = .007). The adjusted rate of complications was 13.9% higher for patients whose surgeon was in the highest quartile of unsolicited patient observations compared with patients whose surgeon was in the lowest quartile.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients whose surgeons have large numbers of unsolicited patient observations in the 24 months prior to the patient's operation are at increased risk of surgical and medical complications. Efforts to promote patient safety and address risk of malpractice claims should continue to focus on surgeons' ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with patients and other medical professionals.

Challenge of balancing duration of stay and readmissions in children's operation

BACKGROUND

Surgeons balance competing interests of minimizing duration of stay with readmissions. Complications that occur early after discharge often result in readmissions. This study examines the relationship between duration of stay, timing of complications, and readmission risk.

METHODS

Cases from the 2012-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric were organized into 30 procedural groups. Procedures where duration of stay approximated the median day of complication were identified. A theoretical model was applied to minimize readmissions by extending duration of stay.

RESULTS

From 30 procedure groups, 3 were identified where duration of stay approximated median day of compilations: complicated appendectomy, antireflux operation, and abdominal operation without bowel resection. The complicated appendectomy readmission rate drops from 12.2% to 8.2%, increasing duration of stay from 3 to 8 days at the cost of 16,428 additional hospital days among 4,740 patients (3.5 days/patient). Readmission optimization tapers after duration of stay of 8 days. Similar findings were observed for antireflux operation and abdominal operation without bowel resection with readmission optimization at duration of stay of 5 days (2.6 days/patient) and 7 days (5.3 days/patient), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our theoretical model aimed at balancing readmissions by extending duration of stay to capture early complications results in a substantial increase in hospital days illustrating the conflict between competing quality metrics and limited resources.

Decreasing Hospital Readmission in Ileostomy Patients: Results of Novel Pilot Program

BACKGROUND

Nearly 30% of patients with newly formed ileostomies require hospital readmission from severe dehydration or associated complications. This contributes to significant morbidity and rising healthcare costs associated with this procedure. Our aim was to design and pilot a novel program to decrease readmissions in this patient population.

STUDY DESIGN

An agreement was established with Visiting Nurse Health System (VNHS) in March 2015 that incorporated regular home visits with clinical triggers to institute surgeon-supervised corrective measures aimed at preventing patient decompensation associated with hospital readmissions. Thirty-day readmission data for patients managed with and without VNHS support for 10.5 months before and after implementation of this new program were collected.

RESULTS

Of 833 patients with small bowel procedures, 162 were ileostomies with 47 in the VNHS and 115 in the non-VNHS group. Before program implementation, VNHS (n = 24) and non-VNHS patients (n = 54) had similar readmission rates (20.8% vs 16.7%). After implementation, VNHS patients (n = 23) had a 58% reduction in hospital readmission (8.7%) and non-VNHS patient hospital readmissions (n = 61) increased slightly (24.5%). Total cost of readmissions per patient in the cohort decreased by >80% in the pilot VNHS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a novel program reduced the 30-day readmission rate by 58% and cost of readmissions per patient by >80% in a high risk for readmission patient population with newly created ileostomies. Future efforts will expand this program to a greater number of patients, both institutionally and systemically, to reduce the readmission-rate and healthcare costs for this high-risk patient population.

Development and Validation of a Risk Calculator for Renal Complications after Colorectal Surgery Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files

Postoperative acute renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in colon and rectal surgery. Our objective was to identify preoperative risk factors that predispose patients to postoperative renal failure and renal insufficiency, and subsequently develop a risk calculator. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files database, all patients who underwent colorectal surgery in 2009 were selected (n = 21,720). We identified renal complications during the 30-day period after surgery. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a predictive model was developed. The overall incidence of renal complications among colorectal surgery patients was 1.6 per cent. Significant predictors include male gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.8), dependent functional status (OR: 1.5), preoperative dyspnea (OR: 1.5), hypertension (OR: 1.6), preoperative acute renal failure (OR: 2.0), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 (OR: 2.2), preoperative creatinine >1.2 mg/dL (OR: 2.8), albumin <3.5 g/dL (OR: 1.8), and emergency operation (OR: 1.5). This final model has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 and was validated with similar excellent discrimination (area under the curve: 0.76). Using this model, a risk calculator was developed with excellent predictive ability for postoperative renal complications in colorectal patients and can be used to aid clinical decision-making, patient counseling, and further research on measures to improve patient care.

Development and Validation of a Risk Calculator for Renal Complications after Colorectal Surgery Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files

Postoperative acute renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in colon and rectal surgery. Our objective was to identify preoperative risk factors that predispose patients to postoperative renal failure and renal insufficiency, and subsequently develop a risk calculator. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files database, all patients who underwent colorectal surgery in 2009 were selected (n = 21,720). We identified renal complications during the 30-day period after surgery. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a predictive model was developed. The overall incidence of renal complications among colorectal surgery patients was 1.6 per cent. Significant predictors include male gender (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.8), dependent functional status (OR: 1.5), preoperative dyspnea (OR: 1.5), hypertension (OR: 1.6), preoperative acute renal failure (OR: 2.0), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 (OR: 2.2), preoperative creatinine >1.2 mg/dL (OR: 2.8), albumin <3.5 g/dL (OR: 1.8), and emergency operation (OR: 1.5). This final model has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 and was validated with similar excellent discrimination (area under the curve: 0.76). Using this model, a risk calculator was developed with excellent predictive ability for postoperative renal complications in colorectal patients and can be used to aid clinical decision-making, patient counseling, and further research on measures to improve patient care.

Incentivizing Cost-Effective Reductions in Hospital Readmission Rates

The recent regulatory changes enacted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have identified hospital readmission rates as a critical healthcare quality metric. This research focuses on the utilization of pay-for-performance (P4P) mechanisms to cost effectively reduce hospital readmission rates and meet the regulatory standards set by CMS. Using the experimental economics laboratory we find that both of the P4P mechanisms researched, bonus and bundled payments, cost-effectively meet the performance criteria set forth by CMS. The bundled payment mechanism generates the largest reduction in patient length of stay (LOS) without altering the probability of readmission. Combined these results indicate that utilizing P4P mechanisms incentivizes cost effective reductions in hospital readmission rates.

Higher Quality and Lower Cost from Improving Hospital Discharge Decision Making

This paper reports research on improving decisions about hospital discharges - decisions that are now made by physicians based on mainly subjective evaluations of patients' discharge status. We report an experiment on uptake of our clinical decision support software (CDSS) which presents physicians with evidence-based discharge criteria that can be effectively utilized at the point of care where the discharge decision is made. One experimental treatment we report prompts physician attentiveness to the CDSS by replacing the default option of universal "opt in" to patient discharge with the alternative default option of "opt out" from the CDSS recommendations to discharge or not to discharge the patient on each day of hospital stay. We also report results from experimental treatments that implement the CDSS under varying conditions of time pressure on the subjects. The experiment was conducted using resident physicians and fourth-year medical students at a university medical school as subjects.

Discharge decision-making after complex surgery: Surgeon behaviors compared to predictive modeling to reduce surgical readmissions

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how information available at discharge affects decision-making and its effect on readmission. We sought to define the association between information used for discharge and patients' subsequent risk of readmission.

METHODS

2009-2014 patients from a tertiary academic medical center's surgical services were analyzed using a time-to-event model to identify criteria that statistically explained the timing of discharges. The data were subsequently used to develop a time-varying prediction model of unplanned hospital readmissions. These models were validated and statistically compared.

RESULTS

The predictive discharge and readmission regression models were generated from a database of 20,970 patients totaling 115,976 patient-days with 1,565 readmissions (7.5%). 22 daily clinical measures were significant in both regression models. Both models demonstrated good discrimination (C statistic = 0.8 for all models). Comparison of discharge behaviors versus the predictive readmission model suggested important discordance with certain clinical measures (e.g., demographics, laboratory values) not being accounted for to optimize discharges.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-support tools for discharge may utilize variables that are not routinely considered by healthcare providers. How providers will then respond to these atypical findings may affect implementation.

Solving the Value Equation: Assessing Surgeon Performance Using Risk-Adjusted Quality-Cost Diagrams and Surgical Outcomes

Quality-cost diagrams have been used previously to assess interventions and their cost-effectiveness. This study explores the use of risk-adjusted quality-cost diagrams to compare the value provided by surgeons by presenting cost and outcomes simultaneously. Colectomy cases from a single institution captured in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were linked to hospital cost-accounting data to determine costs per encounter. Risk adjustment models were developed and observed average cost and complication rates per surgeon were compared to expected cost and complication rates using the diagrams. Surgeons were surveyed to determine if the diagrams could provide information that would result in practice adjustment. Of 55 surgeons surveyed on the utility of the diagrams, 92% of respondents believed the diagrams were useful. The diagrams seemed intuitive to interpret, and making risk-adjusted comparisons accounted for patient differences in the evaluation.

The necessity of sociodemographic status adjustment in hospital value rankings for perforated appendicitis in children

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are increasingly focused on demonstration of high-value care for common surgical procedures. Although sociodemographic status (SDS) factors have been tied to various surgical outcomes, the impact of SDS factors on hospital value rankings has not been well explored. Our objective was to examine effects of SDS factors on high-value surgical care at the patient level, and to illustrate the importance of SDS adjustment when evaluating hospital-level performance.

METHODS

Perforated appendicitis hospitalizations were identified from the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. The primary outcome of interest was high-value care as defined by evaluation of duration of stay and cost. SDS factors included race, health insurance type, median household income, and patient location. The impact of SDS on high-value care was estimated using regression models after accounting for hospital-level variation. Risk-adjusted value rankings were compared before and after adjustment for SDS.

RESULTS

From 9,986 hospitalizations, 998 high-value encounters were identified. African Americans were less likely to experience high-value care compared with white patients after adjusting for all SDS variables. Although private insurance and living in nonmetro counties were associated independently with high-value care, the effects were attenuated in the fully adjusted models. For the 136 hospitals ranked according to risk-adjusted value status, 59 hospitals' rankings improved after adjustment and 53 hospitals' rankings declined.

CONCLUSION

After adjustment for patient and hospital factors, SDS has a small but significant impact on risk-adjusted hospital performance ranking for pediatric appendicitis. Adjustment for SDS should be considered in future comparative performance assessment.

Predicting Length of Stay Following Radical Nephrectomy Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

PURPOSE

Length of stay is frequently used to measure the quality of health care, although its predictors are not well studied in urology. We created a predictive model of length of stay after nephrectomy, focusing on preoperative variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the NSQIP database to evaluate patients older than 18 years who underwent nephrectomy without concomitant procedures from 2007 to 2011. Preoperative factors analyzed for univariate significance in relation to actual length of stay were then included in a multivariable linear regression model. Backward elimination of nonsignificant variables resulted in a final model that was validated in an institutional external patient cohort.

RESULTS

Of the 1,527 patients in the NSQIP database 864 were included in the training cohort after exclusions for concomitant procedures or lack of data. Median length of stay was 3 days in the training and validation sets. Univariate analysis revealed 27 significant variables. Backward selection left a final model including the variables age, laparoscopic vs open approach, and preoperative hematocrit and albumin. For every additional year in age, point decrease in hematocrit and point decrease in albumin the length of stay lengthened by a factor of 0.7%, 2.5% and 17.7%, respectively. If an open approach was performed, length of stay increased by 61%. The R(2) value was 0.256. The model was validated in a 427 patient external cohort, which yielded an R(2) value of 0.214.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, preoperative hematocrit, preoperative albumin and approach have significant effects on length of stay for patients undergoing nephrectomy. Similar predictive models could prove useful in patient education as well as quality assessment.

Medical students impact laparoscopic surgery case time

BACKGROUND

Medical students (MS) are increasingly assuming active roles in the operating room. Laparoscopic cases offer unique opportunities for MS participation. The aim of this study was to examine associations between the presence of MS in laparoscopic cases and operation time and postoperative complication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were linked to operative records for nonemergent, inpatient, and laparoscopic general surgery cases at our institution from January, 2009-January, 2013. Cases were grouped into eight distinct procedure categories. Hospital records provided information on the presence of MS. Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complication rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred laparoscopic cases were included. Controlling for wound class, procedure group, and surgeon, MS were associated with an additional 28 min of total operative time. The most significant increase occurred between the skin incision and skin closure. No significant association between the presence of MS and postoperative complications was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first retrospective analysis to examine the effect of MS presence during laparoscopic procedures. Increase in the operation time associated with the presence of MS should be examined further, to optimize the educational experience without incurring increased cost due to increased operation time.

Report of a Simplified Frailty Score Predictive of Short-Term Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality

BACKGROUND

Frailty is an objective method of quantifying a patient's fitness for surgery. Its clinical use is limited by the time needed to complete, as well as a lack of evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes in identified frail patients. The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the components of the Fried Frailty Criteria, among other preoperative variables, to create a simplified risk assessment amenable to a busy clinical setting, while maintaining prognostic ability for surgical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective evaluation of patients that included the 5-component Fried Frailty Criteria, traditional surgical risk assessments, biochemical laboratory values, and clinical and demographic data. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

There were 351 consecutive patients undergoing major intra-abdominal operations enrolled. Analysis demonstrated that shrinking and grip strength alone hold the same prognostic information as the full 5-component Fried Frailty Criteria for 30-day morbidity and mortality. The addition of American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score and serum hemoglobin creates a composite risk score, which facilitates easy classification of patients into discrete low (ref), intermediate (odds ratio [OR] 1.974, 95% CI 1.006 to 3.877, p = 0.048), and high (OR 4.889, 95% CI 2.220 to 10.769, p < 0.001) risk categories, with a corresponding stepwise increase in risk for 30-day postoperative complications. Internal validation by bootstrapping confirmed the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that 2 components of the Fried Frailty Criteria, shrinking and grip strength, hold the same predictive value as the full frailty assessment. When combined with American Society of Anesthesiologists score and serum hemoglobin, they form a straightforward, simple risk classification system with robust prognostic information.

Do medical students in the operating room affect patient care? An analysis of one institution's experience over the past five years

BACKGROUND

Medical students are active learners in operating rooms during medical school. This observational study seeks to investigate the effect of medical students on operative time and complications.

METHODS

Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was linked to operative records for nonemergent, inpatient general surgery cases at our institution from 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2013. Cases were grouped into 13 distinct procedure groups. Hospital records provided information on the presence of medical students. Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 2481 cases were included. Controlling for wound class, procedure group, and surgeon, medical students were associated with an additional 14 minutes of operative time. No association between medical students and postoperative complications was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The educational benefits gained by the presence of medical students do not appear to jeopardize the quality of patient care.

Cost comparison analysis of open versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

In comparison with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP), laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is associated with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, but comparative cost data for the two approaches are limited.

METHODS

Records of all distal pancreatectomies carried out from January 2009 to June 2013 were reviewed and stratified according to operative complexity. Patient factors and outcomes were recorded. Total variable costs (TVCs) were tabulated for each patient, and stratified by category [e.g. 'floor', 'operating room' (OR), 'radiology']. Costs for index admissions and 30-day readmissions were compared between LDP and ODP groups.

RESULTS

Of 153 procedures, 115 (70 LDP, 45 ODP) were selected for analysis. The TVC of the index admission was US$3420 less per patient in the LDP group (US$10 480 versus US$13 900; P = 0.06). Although OR costs were significantly greater in the LDP cohort (US$5756 versus US$4900; P = 0.02), the shorter average hospitalization in the LDP group (5.2 days versus 7.7 days; P = 0.01) resulted in a lower overall cost. The total cost of index hospitalization combined with readmission was significantly lower in the LDP cohort (US$11 106 versus US$14 803; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In appropriately selected patients, LDP is more cost-effective than ODP. The increased OR cost associated with LDP is offset by the shorter hospitalization. These data clarify targets for further cost reductions.

Association between hospital finances, payer mix, and complications after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: deficiencies in the current healthcare reimbursement system and future implications

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing implementation of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), there are little data on its financial implications. We analyzed hospital cost and reimbursement data within the context of insurance provider type and postoperative complications.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic variables, hospital costs, and reimbursement for all patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC at a single institution from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC. Median PCI score was 19, and average operative time was 550 min. Tumor histology included appendiceal (n = 40; 62 %), colorectal (n = 16; 25 %), goblet cell (n = 5; 8 %), and mesothelioma (n = 3; 5 %). Median length-of-stay was 13 days. Complications occurred in 42 patients (66 %), including 13 (20 %) with major (Clavien grade III-IV) complications. Payer mix included 42 private insurance and 22 Medicare/Medicaid. Financial data was available for 56 patients: average total hospital cost was $49,248 and reimbursement was $63,771, for a hospital profit of $14,523/patient. Despite similar costs between Medicare/Medicaid and private-insurance patients, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursed much less ($30,713 vs $80,747; p < 0.001), resulting in a net loss of $17,342 per patient. For private-insured patients, major complications were associated with increased cost and increased reimbursement, resulting in a net profit of $36,285, compared with a net loss of $54,274 in Medicare/Medicaid patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS/HIPEC is profitable in privately insured patients, even for those with major complications, but loses money in patients with Medicare/Medicaid. Under a future bundled-reimbursement system, complications will be negatively associated with profit. With these impending changes, hospitals must place emphasis on value, recalculate the reimbursement necessary for financial viability, and focus on decreasing costs and minimizing complications.

Postoperative complications in bariatric surgery using age and BMI stratification: a study using ACS-NSQIP data

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery results in long-term weight loss and significant morbidity reduction. Morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery remain low and acceptable. This study looks to define the trend of morbidity and mortality as it relates to increasing age and body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We queried the ACS/NSQIP 2010-2011 Public Use File for patients who underwent elective laparoscopic adjustable banding (LAGB), sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and gastric bypass (LGBP). Total morbidity and 30-day mortality were evaluated. Logistic regression models were created to estimate the effect of increasing age and BMI on morbidity for these bariatric procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 20,308 laparoscopic bariatric procedures were reviewed (11617 LGBP, 3069 LSG and 5622 LAGB). Overall mortality and morbidity rates were 0.11 and 3.84%, respectively. The odds of postoperative complications increased by 2% with each additional year of age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.03) and every point increase in BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03). Multiple logistic regression identified COPD, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Dyspnea as major risk factors for postoperative morbidity. Postoperative complications were three times more likely after LGBP (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.31-3.57) and two times more likely after LSG (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.57-2.72) when compared to patients undergoing LAGB.

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and mortality increase on a predictable trend with increasing age and BMI. There is increased risk of morbidity for stapling procedures when compared to gastric banding, but this must be considered in context of surgical efficacy when choosing a bariatric procedure. These data can be used in preoperative counseling and evaluation of surgical candidacy of bariatric surgical patients.

Improving quality of surgical care and outcomes: factors impacting surgical site infection after colorectal resection

Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in patient morbidity and increased costs. The purpose of this study was to determine reasons underlying SSI to enable interventions addressing identified factors. Combining data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project with medical record extraction, we evaluated 365 patients who underwent colon resection from January 2009 to December 2012 at a single institution. Of the 365 patients, 84 (23%) developed SSI. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors included disseminated cancer, ileostomy, patient temperature less than 36°C for greater than 60 minutes, and higher glucose level. The median number of cases per surgeon was 36, and a case volume below the median was associated with a higher risk of SSI. On multivariate analysis, significant risks associated with SSI included disseminated cancer (odds ratio [OR], 4.31; P < .001); surgery performed by a surgeon with less than 36 cases (OR, 2.19; P = .008); higher glucose level (OR, 1.06; P = .017); and transfusion of five units or more of blood (OR, 3.26; P = .029). In this study we found both modifiable and unmodifiable factors associated with increased SSI. Identifying modifiable risk factors enables targeting specific areas to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.

Detecting performance variance in complex surgical procedures: analysis of a step-wise technique for laparoscopic right hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) is a technically challenging operation. Our aim is to evaluate a standardized technique of LRH and determine variances in performance.

METHODS

The procedure was deconstructed into 7 major step-wise components. All LRH followed the same surgical sequence, and used the same devices and operating room set-up. Thirty randomly selected video recordings of the procedure underwent intraoperative time analysis. The variances measured by standard deviation of each step were calculated (mean in minutes ± standard deviation).

RESULTS

Mean total operative time was 114 ± 25 min. The steps with the least variance were inferior vena cava dissection (8 ± 3) and right hepatic vein ligation (9 ± 5). The longest and also the step with the greatest variance was parenchymal transection (35 ± 12).

CONCLUSIONS

LRH can be performed consistently using a standardized step-wise technique. Parenchymal transection had most variation, and this could be explained by intrinsic liver factors. Surgical performance improvement should begin with deconstructing the operation into definable steps to identify areas for change.

Association of radiographic morphology with early gastroesophageal reflux disease and satiety control after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Variable gastric morphology has been identified on routine upper gastrointestinal series after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This test might give us useful information beyond the presence of leak and obstruction. The aim of this study is to standardize a morphologic classification of gastric sleeve based on water-soluble contrast upper gastrointestinal series, and to determine possible clinical implications.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and had routine upper gastrointestinal on postoperative day 1 or 2. Images were reviewed by 4 radiologists who were blinded to outcomes, and sleeve shape was classified as upper pouch, lower pouch, tubular, or dumbbell. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. Clinical outcomes including weight loss, satiety control, and reflux symptoms were recorded. Comparisons were determined by 1-way ANOVA and t-test.

RESULTS

Mean age was 46 ± 12 years and mean BMI was 45.1 ± 6 kg/m(2). Overall inter-observer agreement level for the sleeve shape classification was 76.3%. Sleeve shapes were tubular in 37%, dumbbell in 32%, lower pouch in 22%, and upper pouch in 8%. Mean excess body weight loss at 1, 3, and 6 months was 16.8%, 29.9%, and 39.1%, respectively. Excess body weight loss was not associated with sleeve shape. Mean hunger score was 213 ± 97, and patients with dumbbell shape had higher hunger scores (p = 0.003). Mean reflux score was 5.7 ± 8. Upper pouch shape was associated with greater severity of reflux symptoms (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a standardized radiographic classification of gastric sleeve morphology. Although sleeve shape is not correlated with weight loss, gastric sleeves with retained fundus result in lower satiety control and higher severity of reflux symptoms. An adequate resection of the gastric fundus might avoid this potential complication.

Laparoscopic vs open right hepatectomy: a value-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Current literature lacks sufficient data on outcomes after extensive laparoscopic liver resections. We hypothesized that laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) is associated with better clinical outcomes and less overall hospital costs than open right hepatectomy (ORH), supporting the notion that major laparoscopic hepatic resections carry increased value when compared with the open approach.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed medical records of all patients at our institution who underwent elective LRH (n = 48) or ORH (n = 57) from May 16, 2008 to March 1, 2012. Patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Hospital billing data were collected for each case to determine the average hospital costs per case.

RESULTS

Average operative duration, estimated blood loss, intravenous fluid resuscitation requirements, high-grade postoperative complications, the need for postoperative admission to the ICU, and hospital length of stay were significantly less within the LRH cohort. Thirty-day mortality and readmission rates were equivalent between the 2 groups. Despite higher operative costs for LRH ($16,605 vs $10,411, p < 0.001), total postoperative costs were significantly less ($9,075 for LRH vs $16,341 for ORH, p < 0.001), resulting in equivalent overall costs ($25,679 for LRH vs $26,751 for ORH, p = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Although overall costs between LRH and ORH are equivalent, clinical outcomes after LRH are comparable to those after ORH, supporting the value of laparoscopy in extensive right hepatic resections. Efforts to reduce operative costs of LRH, while maintaining optimal patient outcomes, should be the focus of surgeons and hospitals moving forward.