Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Objective: To report our updated experience in the management of esophageal perforation resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery, and to compare two wound management approaches. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients managed for esophageal perforations resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery (2007-2020). We examine outcomes based on 2 wound management approaches: closed (closed incision over a drain) versus open (left open to heal by secondary intention). We collected data on demographics, operative management, resolution (resumption of oral intake), time to resolution, number of procedures needed for resolution, microbiology, length of stay, and neck morbidity. Results: A total of 13 patients were included (10 men). Median age was 52 years (range, 24-74 years). All patients underwent surgical drainage, repair, or attempted repair of perforation, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. Wounds were managed closed versus open (6 closed, 7 open). There were 2 early postoperative deaths due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and aspiration (open group), and 1 patient was lost to follow-up (closed group). Among the remaining 10 patients: resolution rate was 80% versus 100%, resolution in 30 days was 20% versus 100%, median number of procedures needed for resolution was 3 versus 1, and median hospital stay was 23 versus 14 days, for the closed and open groups, respectively. Conclusions: Esophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery should be managed in a multidisciplinary fashion with surgical neck drainage, primary repair when feasible, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. We advocate open neck wound management to decrease the time-to-resolution, number of procedures, and length of stay.

Trends and predictors of inflation-adjusted costs in transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement in a nationally representative sample.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has become an accepted alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. We examined the trends and predictors in inflation-adjusted costs of transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement. METHODS: National Inpatient Sample identified patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions, codes. Hospitalization costs were inflation-adjusted using the Federal Reserve's consumer price index to reflect current valuation. Outcomes of interest were unadjusted trend in annual cost for each procedure and predictors of in-patient cost. Generalized linear models with a log link function identified predictors of adjusted costs. Interaction terms determined where cost predictors were different by operation type. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2019, the mean annual inflation-adjusted cost of surgical aortic valve replacement increased from $62,853 to $63,743, in contrast to decreasing cost of transcatheter aortic valve replacement from $64,913 to $56,042 ($1,854 per year; P = .004). Significant independent predictors of patient-level cost included operation type (transcatheter aortic valve replacement associated with $9,625 increase; P < .001), incidence of in-hospital mortality ($28,836 increase; P < .001), elective status ($2,410 decrease; P < .001), Elixhauser Index ($995 increase; P < .001), and postoperative length of stay ($2,014 per day increase; P < .001). Compared to discharges with Medicare, discharges with private insurance and Medicaid paid $736 less (P = .004) and $1,863 less (P = .01), respectively. Increasing hospital volume was a significant predictor of decreasing patient level cost (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Annual cost of transcatheter aortic valve replacement has decreased significantly and has been a more cost-effective modality compared to surgical aortic valve replacement since 2017. Predictors of patient-level costs allow for mindful preparation of healthcare systems for aortic valve replacement.

A nationwide analysis of disparities in guideline-concordant care in American Indians and Alaska Natives with stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Several studies have shown racial disparities in lung cancer care in the United States in the Black and Hispanic populations but not many have included American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients. We retrospectively evaluated the factors associated with receipt of guideline-concordant care in AI/AN and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and describe the relationship between guideline-concordant care and survival outcomes in these populations. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, we identified NHW and AI/AN patients diagnosed with stage I NSCLC between 2004 and 2017. We evaluated the utilization of anatomic resection among both NHW and AI/AN and described the variables associated with anatomic resection. We also evaluated 5-year overall survival (OS) by treatment and race. We used the chi-square test, multivariable analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method for statistical analysis. Results: We identified 196,349 patients. Of these, 195,736 (99.69%) were NHW and 613 (0.31%) were AI/AN. Relative to NHW, AI/AN were more frequently diagnosed at a younger age (40% vs. 28% diagnosed at 18-64 years of age; P<0.001) and more commonly resided in rural areas (14% vs. 5%; P<0.001). In our multivariable analysis adjusting for all patient factors [age at diagnosis, sex, race, residence location, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), tumor stage, lymph node status, and treatment facility], AI/AN patients were less likely to undergo anatomic resection than NHW patients [odds ratio (OR), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.89]. In our unadjusted survival analysis, AI/AN patients had lower 5-year OS than NHW (58% vs. 56%; P=0.04). When adjusted for surgery this difference was no longer significant. Conclusions: AI/AN patients with stage I NSCLC undergo anatomic resection less frequently than do NHW, with lower 5-year OS than NHW. However, this survival difference is mitigated when AI/AN undergo anatomic resection.

Subxiphoid-subcostal versus transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy: A safe and feasible approach.

Objective: Subxiphoid-subcostal thoracoscopic thymectomy (ST) is an emerging alternative to transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy. Potential advantages of ST are the avoidance of intercostal incisions and visualization of both phrenic nerves in their entirety. We describe our experience with ST and compare our results to our previous experience with transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy. Methods: We conducted an institutional review board-exempt retrospective review of all patients who had a minimally invasive thymectomy from August 2008 to October 2021. We excluded patients with a previous sternotomy or radiological evidence of invasion into major vasculature. The ST approach involved 1 subxiphoid port for initial access, 2 subcostal ports on each side, and carbon dioxide insufflation. We used descriptive and comparative statistics on demographic, operative, and postoperative data. Results: We performed ST in 40 patients and transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy in 16 patients. The median age was higher in the ST group (58 years vs 34 years; P = .02). Operative data showed no significant differences in operative times, blood loss, or tumor characteristics. In the ST group, we had 2 emergency conversions for bleeding; 1 ministernotomy, and 1 sternotomy. Postoperative data showed that the ST group had fewer days with a chest tube (1 day vs 2.5 days; P = .02). There were no differences in median length of stay, tumor characteristics, final margins, major complication rate, and opioid requirements between the groups. There has been no incidence of diaphragmatic hernia and no phrenic nerve injuries or mortality in either group. Conclusions: ST is safe and has similar outcomes compared with transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy.

Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Thymic Carcinoma: Demographics, Treatment, and Survival.

OBJECTIVE: Although rare, thymic neuroendocrine tumors (TNET) and thymic carcinoma (TC) are the most common thymic nonthymomatous malignancies; their survival outcomes have not been thoroughly compared. We analyzed the clinical, treatment, and survival characteristics of TNET and TC. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with a histologic diagnosis of TNET or TC in the National Cancer Database (2004 to 2015). Exclusion criteria were age <18 years and unstaged tumors. Descriptive statistics, survival analysis, and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used in elucidating associations. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred eighty-nine patients were included (TNET: 19.8%). Patients with TNET were significantly younger (57 vs 62.5 years), more likely to be male (70.5% vs 60.0%), and have localized tumors (45.4% vs 32.3%). Patients with TC more frequently underwent chemotherapy (56.1% vs 34.9%), radiation (56.9% vs 39.3%), and trimodality therapy (21.3% vs 11.5%), while resection rates were similar (55.3% vs 58.3%). The 5-year survival was 62% for TNET and 52% for TC, but comparable following multivariable adjustment. Age, stage, and Charlson-Deyo score were negative predictors of survival, while surgery and trimodality therapy were positive predictors. On subanalysis, adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) improved the survival of margin-positive tumors and was an independent predictor of survival for both tumor types (hazard ratio = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of the largest series of TNET and TC showed a survival rate surpassing 50% at 5 years. These outcomes seem to be influenced by surgical resection and ART. Standardized staging and surgical protocols including lymph node sampling are still warranted to better elucidate the treatment algorithm of these tumors.

Trends in the clinical presentation, treatment, and survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We assessed trends in the clinical presentation, treatment, and survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using data from the SEER program (2004-2014). All patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma over 2 eras were included (A: 2004-2009 vs. B: 2010-2014). Outcomes of interest were the likelihood of metastatic disease at diagnosis, utilization of resection, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 62,201 patients were included in this study [Era B - 31,998 (51.4%)]. Patients diagnosed in Era B were significantly less likely to have metastatic pancreatic cancer at diagnosis, and demonstrated improved long-term survival after risk-adjustment. Similarly, patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer that were diagnosed in Era B were independently more likely to undergo resection. The observed association between era of diagnosis and survival was independent of resection status and the presence of metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: There have been significant improvements in pancreatic cancer care over the last decade, as evidenced by earlier diagnosis, increased utilization of surgery, and improvement in overall survival for both resected and un-resected patients.

The Revised 2017 MSPE: Better, But Not "Outstanding".

AIM: The medical student performance evaluation (MSPE) is relied on as an objective summary evaluation by surgical program directors. In 2017, an MSPE task force released recommendations for best practice for their format and content. The purpose of this study was to analyze US medical schools' adherence to these guidelines. METHODS: MSPEs from 113 of 147 Liaison committee on Medical Education (LCME)-accredited medical schools were analyzed for measurable attributes such as word counts, transparent clerkship grading, comparative performance data, and statements of professionalism. 2017 MSPEs were compared to a baseline group of 45 MSPEs from 2016 to measure change over time. Measurable attributes were compared using the Fisher exact and Mann Whitney-U tests. A p value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: We analyzed 113 MSPEs from 2017. The median page count decreased by one from the prior year, with a narrower range of variation. 96% of schools reported a discreet grade in surgery. We observed substantial compliance with the recommendation for a statement of professionalism, noteworthy characteristics, and comparative clerkship data. More schools were observed to report school-wide rankings. There were significant variations in the graphical depiction of student achievement. CONCLUSIONS: In response to the 2017 task force guidelines, MSPEs have become more standardized and transparent with regard to medical student evaluation. There is increased (but not ubiquitous) adherence with the recommendation for three noteworthy characteristics and statements of professionalism. Of particular importance to surgical program directors, 95.6% of 2017 MSPEs report a grade in the surgical clerkship and 85.8% include school-wide comparative clerkship performance data. Still, only 69.9% currently report school-wide summative performance data.

Hospital esophagectomy volume and postoperative length of stay: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Much attention in the volume-outcomes literature has focused on the empirical impact of surgical caseload on outcomes. However, relevant studies on the association between surgical volume and variables that potentially contribute to healthcare costs are limited. The objective of this study was to systematically elucidate a contemporary analysis of the empirical relationship between hospital esophagectomy volume and postoperative length of stay, a cost-related outcome. DATA SOURCES: OvidSP, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ISI Web of Science and OpenGrey were searched for relevant articles published from 2000 to 2016. RESULTS: High hospital esophagectomy volume was associated with reduced postoperative length of stay (mean: 3 days; 95%CI: 2.8, 3.2) and risk of prolonged length of stay (RR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.74, 0.87) in a dose-response fashion. CONCLUSIONS: Complex surgeries performed at high surgical volume centers may be associated with overall decrease in postoperative length of stay, a cost-related outcome.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical, Treatment, and Survival Characteristics of Basaloid and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of the esophagus. Even though pathologically thought to be more aggressive than SqCC, there is discrepancy in the literature regarding the outcomes of BSC compared with those of SqCC. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. All patients with a histologic diagnosis of BSC and SqCC between 2004 and 2013 were included. We compared treatment and survival characteristics of patients with BSC and SqCC. RESULTS: There were 16,158 patients included in this study; 173 patients (1.1%) had BSC. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups based on age, sex, marital status, insurance, or geographic region of diagnosis, but patients with BSC were more likely to be Caucasian (73.4% vs 64.7%; p = 0.017). Among staged patients, baseline tumor stage was similar in both groups. However, BSC tumors were more likely to be of high pathologic grade (56.8% vs 38.2%; p < 0.001). Patients with SqCC were more likely to receive radiation therapy (36.9% vs 53.9%; p < 0.001), while patients with BSC were more likely to undergo resection (32.4% vs 17.0%; p < 0.001). Median overall survival was similar in both groups (14 vs 9 months; log rank = 0.144), and this relationship persisted after stratification by treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Even though more likely to be poorly differentiated at presentation, BSC of the esophagus seems to have similar clinical features and survival outcomes when compared with SqCC. Patients with BSC and SqCC should undergo stage-specific treatment to achieve optimal outcomes.

What Can SCORE Web Portal Usage Analytics Tell Us About How Surgical Residents Learn?

PURPOSE: The Surgical Council on Resident Education (SCORE) was established in 2004 with 2 goals: to develop a standardized, competency-based curriculum for general surgery residency training; and to develop a web portal to deliver this content. By 2012, 96% of general surgery residency programs subscribed to the SCORE web portal. Surgical educators have previously described the myriad ways they have incorporated SCORE into their curricula. The aim of this study was to analyze user data to describe how and when residents use SCORE. METHODS: Using analytic software, we measured SCORE usage from July, 2013 to June, 2016. Data such as IP addresses, geo-tagging coordinates, and operating system platforms were collected. The primary outcome was the median duration of SCORE use. Secondary outcomes were the time of day and the operating system used when accessing SCORE. Descriptive statistics were performed, and a p < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 42,743 total SCORE subscribers during the study period (75% resident and 25% faculty) with a mean of 14,248 subscribers per year. The overall median duration of SCORE use was 11.9minute/session (interquartile range [IQR]: 6.8). Additionally, there was a significant increase in session length over the 3 academic years; 10.1 (IQR: 6.4), 11.9 (IQR: 7.2), and 13.2minute/session (IQR: 5.4) in 2013 to 2014, 2014 to 2015, and 2015 to 2016, respectively (p < 0.001). SCORE usage was highest in November to February at 21.0minute/session (14.2) compared to July to October and March to June (12.3 [IQR: 3.2] and 9.6minute/session [IQR: 2.2]), respectively (p < 0.001). This seasonal trend continued for all 3 years. We observed an increased number of sessions per day over the 3 years: median of 1500 sessions/d (IQR: 1115) vs 1706 (IQR: 1334) vs 1728 (IQR: 1352), p < 0.001. (Fig.). Most SCORE sessions occurred at night: 38,011 (IQR: 4532) vs 17,529 (IQR: 19,850) during the day (p < 0.001). Windows was the most frequently used operating system at 48.9% (p < 0.001 vs others). CONCLUSIONS: SCORE usage has increased significantly over the last 3 years, when measured by number of sessions per day and length of time per session. There are predictable daily, diurnal, and seasonal variations in SCORE usage. The annual in-training examination is a prominent factor stimulating SCORE usage.

Geographic disparities in surgical treatment recommendation patterns and survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have described pessimistic attitudes of physicians toward recommending surgery for early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, the impact of geographic region on recommendation patterns of surgical treatment for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer is unknown. METHODS: The SEER registry was used to identify patients with early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma (AJCC I-II) [2004-2013]. The exposure of interest was geographic region of diagnosis: Midwest, West, Southeast or Northeast. The endpoints of interest were recommendation of no surgery, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 24,408 patients were identified [Midwest - 10.6%, West - 50.1%, Southeast - 21.7% and Northeast - 17.6%]. Overall, 38% of patients had a recommendation of no surgery by their provider. On univariate analysis, the likelihood of having a recommendation of no surgery was lowest in the NE [OR: Northeast (0.8), West (1.6), Southeast (1.3), and Midwest (Ref); p < 0.05 for all]. This association persisted following risk adjustment. Geographic region was an independent predictor of mortality, irrespective of resection status. CONCLUSION: Significant disparities in surgical treatment recommendation patterns and survival for early-stage pancreatic cancer exist based on geographic location. Improved adherence to guideline-driven treatment recommendations, standardization of care processes, and regionalization may help stem the existing variability in care and outcomes.

Post-embolization syndrome as an early predictor of overall survival after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most common treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Post-embolization syndrome (PES) is a common post-TACE complication. The goal of this study was to evaluate PES as an early predictor of the long-term outcome. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of HCC patients treated with TACE at a tertiary referral centre was performed (2008-2014). Patients were categorized on the basis of PES, defined as fever with or without abdominal pain within 14 days of TACE. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression was done to examine the association between PES and OS. RESULTS: Among 144 patients, 52 (36.1%) experienced PES. The median follow-up for the cohort was 11.4 months. The median and 3-year OS rates were 16 months and 18% in the PES group versus 25 months and 41% in the non-PES group (log rank, P = 0.027). After multivariate analysis, patients with PES had a significantly increased risk of death [hazard ratio 2.0 (95%CI 1.2-3.3), P = 0.011]. CONCLUSIONS: PES is a common complication after TACE and is associated with a two-fold increased risk of death. Future studies should incorporate PES as a relevant early predictor of OS and examine the biological basis of this association.

The age effect in increasing operative mortality following delay in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Elective repair of large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is associated with the risk of significant perioperative mortality. When abdominal aneurysm repair is delayed, patients with asymptomatic large AAAs face the risk of death from rupture. In addition to the risk of rupture, the advancing age of the patients adds a future operative risk. This risk has been historically documented in age groups. However, a more accurate representation of the increasing operative risk with age is needed. METHODS: We analyzed all patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent endovascular or open repair for asymptomatic infrarenal AAA between 2005 and 2012. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of increasing age and operative delay on 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: There were 27,576 patients who underwent AAA repair during the study period (mean age 73.5 years, standard deviation 8.6, 80% male, 24% open repair). There was a linear relative increase of 5% (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.06, P < 0.001) in the odds of operative death after AAA repair with each year of operative delay irrespective of treatment approach. There was a linear relative increase of 4% for endovascular aneurysm repair (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05, P < 0.001) and 6% for open repair (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08, P < 0.001) with each year of delay in repair. CONCLUSIONS: Because of increasing age, delay in surgery is associated with uniform increase in the risk of perioperative mortality in asymptomatic patients who meet criteria for AAA repair. It is important for surgeons to incorporate this more accurate estimation of operative risk into discussions with patients who qualify for treatment yet decide to forgo surgery for the repair of their AAA.

Establishment of a Regional Virtual Tumor Board Program to Improve the Process of Care for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE) of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the current standard, often provided through a tumor board (TB) forum; this standard is limited by oncology workforce shortages and lack of a TB at every institution. Virtual TBs (VTBs) may help overcome these limitations. Our study aim was to assess the impact of a regional VTB on the MDE process for patients with HCC. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients with HCC referred to a tertiary cancer center from regional facilities (2009 to 2013). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared based on the referral mechanism: VTB versus subspecialty consultation (non-VTB). The primary outcome was comprehensive MDE (all required specialists present and key topics discussed). Secondary outcomes included timeliness of MDE and travel burden to complete MDE. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the association of a VTB with comprehensive MDE. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included in the study; 48 (41.4%) were evaluated through the VTB. A higher proportion of VTB patients received comprehensive MDE (91.7% v 64.7%; P = .001); the VTB was independently associated with higher odds of accomplishing comprehensive MDE (odds ratio, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 29.9; P = .02). VTB patients completed MDE significantly faster (median, 23 v 39 days; P < .001), with lower travel burden (median, 0 v 683 miles traveled; P < .001). CONCLUSION: This VTB program positively affected the process of care for patients with HCC by improving the quality and timeliness of the MDE process, while avoiding the burden arising from travel needs. Future studies should focus on implementation of VTB programs on a wider scale.

The effect of a regional hepatopancreaticobiliary surgical program on clinical volume, quality of cancer care, and outcomes in the Veterans Affairs system.

IMPORTANCE: Malignant neoplasms of the hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) system constitute a significant public health problem worldwide. Treatment coordination for these tumors is challenging and can result in substandard care. Referral centers for HPB disease have been used as a strategy to improve postoperative outcomes, but their effect on accomplishing regionalization of care and improving quality of cancer care is not well known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of implementing a multidisciplinary HPB surgical program (HPB-SP) on regionalization of care, the quality of cancer care, and surgical outcomes within an integrated health care system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We designed a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center within an 8-state designated VA health care region from November 23, 2005, through December 31, 2013. We compared patients with HPB tumors undergoing evaluation by the surgical oncology service before and after implementation of the HPB-SP on November 1, 2008. EXPOSURES: Implementation of the HPB-SP to improve access to specialized, multidisciplinary cancer care for veterans across the region. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Clinical and surgical volume, proportion of patients undergoing a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, and postoperative adverse events included as a composite outcome defined by occurrence of postoperative mortality, severe complications, and/or reoperation. RESULTS: We identified 516 patients referred to the surgical oncology service. Establishment of the HPB-SP resulted in significant increases in regional referrals (17.3% vs 44.4%; P < .001), median monthly clinic visits (5 vs 20; P < .001), and median number of HPB surgical procedures (3 vs 9; P = .003) per quarter. Multidisciplinary assessment increased from 52.6% to 70.0% (P < .001). When we compared patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before (n = 55) and after (n = 131) implementation, more patients received any treatment (35 [63.6%] vs 109 [83.2%]; P = .004) with increased use of liver resection (0 vs 20 [15.3%]; P = .002), percutaneous ablation (0 vs 15 [11.5%]; P = .009), and oncosurgical strategies (0 vs 16 [12.2%]; P = .007) after implementation. Among patients with colorectal liver metastases (29 before vs 76 after implementation), a significant shift occurred from use of ablations (5 [17.2%] vs 3 [3.9]%; P = .02) to resections (6 [20.7%] vs 40 [52.6%]; P = .003), and use of perioperative chemotherapy increased (5 of 11 [45.5%] vs 33 of 43 [76.7%]; P = .01). The HPB-SP was associated with lower odds of postoperative adverse events, even after adjusting for important covariates (odds ratio, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.12-0.68]; P = .005), and a high rate of margin-negative liver (94.6%) and pancreatic (90.0%) resections. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The development of an HPB-SP led to regionalization of care and improved quality of cancer care and surgical outcomes. Establishment of regional programs within the VA system can help improve the quality of care for patients presenting with complex cancers requiring subspecialized care.