Subtotal cholecystectomy with omental pedicle plug for the challenging gallbladder: A case report and review of the literature.

If patient anatomy or disease does not allow for a traditional or partial cholecystectomy, an omental pedicle plug may be a viable option to limit the risk of postoperative uncontrolled bile leak from the cystic duct and to control patient symptoms.

Bowel Preparation Before Nonelective Sigmoidectomy for Sigmoid Volvulus: Highly Beneficial but Vastly Underused.

BACKGROUND: Although strong evidence exists for combined mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation before elective colorectal resection, the utility of preoperative bowel preparation for patients undergoing sigmoid resection after endoscopic decompression of sigmoid volvulus has not been previously examined. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between bowel preparation and postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing semielective, same-admission sigmoid resection for acute volvulus. STUDY DESIGN: Patients from the 2012 to 2019 Colectomy-Targeted American College of Surgeons NSQIP dataset who underwent sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis after admission for sigmoid volvulus were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the risk-adjusted 30-day postoperative outcomes of patients who received combined preoperative bowel preparation with those of patients who received either partial (mechanical or oral antibiotic alone) or incomplete bowel preparation. Effort was made to exclude patients whose urgency of clinical condition at hospital admission precluded an attempt at preoperative decompression and subsequent bowel preparation. RESULTS: Included were 2,429 patients, 322 (13.3%) of whom underwent complete bowel preparation and 2,107 (86.7%) of whom underwent partial or incomplete bowel preparation. Complete bowel preparation was protective against several postoperative complications (including anastomotic leak), mortality, and prolonged postoperative hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant benefit for complete bowel preparation before semielective, same-admission sigmoid resection in patients with acute sigmoid volvulus. However, only a small percentage of patients in this national sample underwent complete preoperative bowel preparation. Broader adoption of bowel preparation may reduce overall rates of complication in patients who require sigmoid colectomy due to volvulus.

Which hospital-acquired conditions matter the most in trauma? An evidence-based approach for prioritizing trauma program improvement.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) is a focus of trauma center quality improvement. The relative contributions of various HACs to postinjury hospital outcomes are unclear. We sought to quantify and compare the impacts of six HACs on early clinical outcomes and resource utilization in hospitalized trauma patients. METHODS: Adult patients from the 2013 to 2016 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files who required 5 days or longer of hospitalization and had an Injury Severity Score of 9 or greater were included. Multiple imputation with chained equations was used for observations with missing data. The frequencies of six HACs and five adverse outcomes were determined. Multivariable Poisson regression with log link and robust error variance was used to produce relative risk estimates, adjusting for patient-, hospital-, and injury-related factors. Risk-adjusted population attributable fractions estimates were derived for each HAC-outcome pair, with the adjusted population attributable fraction estimate for a given HAC-outcome pair representing the estimated percentage decrease in adverse outcome that would be expected if exposure to the HAC had been prevented. RESULTS: A total of 529,856 patients requiring 5 days or longer of hospitalization were included. The incidences of HACs were as follows: pneumonia, 5.2%; urinary tract infection, 3.4%; venous thromboembolism, 3.3%; surgical site infection, 1.3%; pressure ulcer, 1.3%; and central line-associated blood stream infection, 0.2%. Pneumonia demonstrated the strongest association with in-hospital outcomes and resource utilization. Prevention of pneumonia in our cohort would have resulted in estimated reductions of the following: 22.1% for end organ dysfunction, 7.8% for mortality, 8.7% for prolonged hospitalization, 7.1% for prolonged intensive care unit stay, and 6.8% for need for mechanical ventilation. The impact of other HACs was comparatively small. CONCLUSION: We describe a method for comparing the contributions of HACs to outcomes of hospitalized trauma patients. Our findings suggest that trauma program improvement efforts should prioritize pneumonia prevention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Postoperative Outcomes after Index vs Interval Cholecystectomy for Perforated Cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder perforation is a known morbid sequela of acute cholecystitis, yet evidence for its optimal management remains conflicting. This study compares outcomes in patients with perforated cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy at the time of index hospital admission with those in patients who underwent interval cholecystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 654 patients from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database who underwent cholecystectomy for perforated cholecystitis (2006-2018). Primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative major and minor morbidity, 30-day mortality, and need for prolonged hospitalization. Patient and procedure characteristics and outcomes were compared using Mann-Whitney rank sum test for continuous variables and Pearson chi-square tests for categorical variables. A subset analysis was conducted of patients matched on propensity for undergoing interval cholecystectomy. RESULTS: The 30-day postoperative mortality rate of matched cohort patients undergoing index cholecystectomy was 7% vs 0% of patients undergoing interval cholecystectomy (p = 0.01). The 30-day minor morbidity rates were 2% for index and 8% for interval patients (p = 0.06), and the major morbidity rates were 33% for index and 14% for interval patients (p = 0.003). Of the index patients, 27% required prolonged hospitalization compared with 6% of interval patients (p < 0.001). Results showed similar trends in the unmatched analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent index cholecystectomy had significantly longer postoperative hospitalizations and higher 30-day postoperative major morbidity and mortality. There were no differences in 30-day minor morbidity. Selected patients with perforated cholecystitis can benefit from operative management on an interval, rather than urgent, basis.

The Relative Impact of Specific Postoperative Complications on Older Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures affect a vulnerable population and are associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. Although postoperative complications are a known driver of mortality and resource utilization, the comparative impacts of specific complications on outcomes is unknown. This study assessed which complications are associated with the highest effects on mortality and resource utilization for older patients who undergo hip fracture repair. METHODS: Patients ≥ 65 years of age who underwent hip fracture repair during 2016-2017 included in the Hip Fracture Targeted ACS NSQIP (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database populated the data set. Prolonged hospitalization (≥ 75th percentile) and 30-day mortality and readmission were the primary outcomes. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to quantify the anticipated reduction in the primary outcomes that would result from complete prevention of 10 postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 17,755 patients across 117 hospitals, 70.9% were female, 26.0% were over age 90, 22.8% had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 4-5, and 53.9% presented with an intertrochanteric fracture. Postoperative delirium affected 29.8% of patients and was associated with death (PAF 18.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.2-22.5), prolonged hospitalization (PAF 14.3%; 95% CI = 12.7-15.8), and readmission (PAF 15.0%; 95% CI = 11.3-18.6). Pneumonia affected 4.1% of patients and was associated with death (PAF 10.9%; 95% CI = 8.9-12.8), prolonged hospitalization (PAF 4.0%; 95% CI = 3.5-4.5), and readmission (PAF 9.1%; 95% CI = 7.5-10.7). The impact of the other eight complications was comparatively small. CONCLUSION: Postoperative delirium and pneumonia are the highest-impact complications for older hip fracture repair patients. These complications should be prioritized in quality improvement efforts that target this patient population.

The Effect of Hypogastric Artery Revascularization on Ischemic Colitis in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of hypogastric revascularization maneuvers on the rate of postoperative ischemic colitis among patients undergoing endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair. METHODS: Using the 2011-2018 Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Procedure-Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files, we analyzed patients undergoing elective endovascular infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysm repairs. Using multivariable modeling techniques, a cohort of patients at high risk for postoperative ischemic colitis was identified. The outcomes of this group were then compared using Pearson's chi-square testing in accordance with whether or not they underwent hypogastric revascularization. RESULTS: Of 4753 patients undergoing endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program cohort, 1161 had concomitant hypogastric revascularization procedures. High-risk predictors of ischemic colitis included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and concurrent renal artery or external iliac artery stenting. There was not a significant association between pelvic revascularization and postoperative ischemic colitis [1.0% with versus 0.5% without pelvic revascularization; adjusted odds ratio of ischemic colitis with revascularization 2.07 (0.96, 4.46); P = 0.06] after adjustment for patient- and procedure-related factors. In a subgroup analysis of patients with a distal aneurysm extent beyond the common iliac artery, the incidence of ischemic colitis was significantly lower in patients without pelvic revascularization (0.1% versus 1.6%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysmal disease did not find a reduced incidence of postoperative ischemic colitis in patients who received a concomitant pelvic revascularization procedure, suggesting instead that such procedural adjuncts may actually increase risk for this complication.

Pancreatic Fistula and Delayed Gastric Emptying Are the Highest-Impact Complications After Whipple.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy are at risk for a variety of adverse postoperative events, including generic complications such as surgical site infection (SSI) and procedure-specific complications such as postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Knowing which complications have the greatest effect on these patients can help to maximize the value of quality improvement resources. This study aims to quantify the effect of specific postoperative complications on clinical outcomes and resource utilization after pancreaticoduodenectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2014 and December 2016, who were included in the pancreatectomy-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, were assessed for the development of specific postoperative complications, along with the contributions of these complications toward subsequent clinical outcome and resource utilization. The main outcomes were 30-d end-organ dysfunction, mortality, prolonged hospitalization, nonrounding discharge status, and hospital readmission. Risk-adjusted population attributable fractions were estimated for each complication-outcome pair, with the population attributable fraction representing the anticipated percentage reduction in the outcome where the complication was able to be completely prevented. RESULTS: About 10,922 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were included for analysis. The most common postoperative complications were DGE (17.3%), POPF (10.1%), incisional SSI (10.0%), and organ/space SSI (6.2%). POPF and DGE were the only complications that demonstrated sizable effects for all clinical and resource utilization outcomes studied. Other complications had sizable effects for only a few of the outcomes or had small effects for all the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Quality initiatives seeking to minimize the burden imposed by postpancreaticoduodenectomy morbidity should focus on POPF and DGE rather than generic complications.

Safety in Allowing Residents to Independently Perform Appendectomy: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: In an era of competency-based education and concern about graduating resident readiness for practice, early resident autonomy and the ability to safely teach junior residents is becoming increasingly important. In this study, we aimed to understand the effect of "teaching resident" (2 residents operating under the supervision of an attending physician) appendectomy cases on outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a single-center retrospective review of 928 patients who underwent appendectomy within the University of Wisconsin hospital system, from October 2014 to December 2017. We examined how 2 residents (compared with 1 resident with an attending) attempting a case affected operation time, surgical site infection (SSI) rate, conversion to open rate, postoperative CT scanning, and readmission rate, while controlling for sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, BMI, previous lower abdominal surgery, acuity, perforation, and presence of a junior attending. RESULTS: We identified 597 1-resident cases and 331 2-resident or "teaching resident" cases. We performed multiple logistic regression to assess teaching resident cases as a predictor of postoperative outcomes. There were no significant differences in postoperative surgical site infection (superficial or organ space) odds ratio (OR) = 0.83 (95% CI, 0.47, 1.45); p = 0.51, conversion to open OR = 1.10 (95% CI, 0.46, 2.60); p = 0.84, postoperative CT scanning OR = 0.82 (95% CI, 0.48, 1.35); p = 0.42, or readmission within 30 days OR = 0.76 (95% CI, 0.40, 1.44); p = 0.40. However, teaching resident operative times were more likely to be classified as prolonged OR = 1.44 (95% CI, 1.03, 2.01); p = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: Senior surgical trainees can safely supervise more junior trainees performing appendectomy procedures, and training programs should encourage faculty to allow residents to not only manage operative appendicitis as independently as possible, but to supervise junior residents in the intraoperative management of appendicitis.

Utilization of a specimen retrieval bag during laparoscopic appendectomy for both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis is not associated with a decrease in postoperative surgical site infection rates.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether utilization of a retrieval bag during laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis (perforation/abscess) is associated with postoperative surgical site infection rates. METHODS: We studied patients presented in the database of the 2016 Appendectomy-Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for pathology-confirmed appendicitis. The primary predictor variable was intraoperative utilization of a specimen retrieval bag for removal of the appendix from the peritoneal cavity. The primary outcome variable was 30-day postoperative surgical site infection. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between use of a specimen retrieval bag and postoperative surgical site infection rate after adjustment for patient- and disease-related variables. RESULTS: A total of 10,357 patients were included for analysis. Of these procedures, 9,585 (92.6%) included the use of a specimen bag and 772 (7.5%) did not. The 30-day incidence of postoperative surgical site infection was 4.2% in the group in which no bag was used and 3.6% in the group in which a bag was used (adjusted odds ratio of surgical site infection with no bag utilization was 1.15 [95% confidence interval 0.78-1.69; P = .49]). The lack of a statistically significant association between bag utilization and postoperative surgical site infection incidence was also demonstrated for a subgroup of patients with perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Utilization of a retrieval bag during laparoscopic appendectomy is not associated with a statistically significant decrease in postoperative surgical site infection for either uncomplicated or complicated acute appendicitis.

Locoregional anesthesia is associated with lower 30-day mortality than general anesthesia in patients undergoing endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare 30-day postoperative mortality for patients undergoing endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) using locoregional vs general anesthesia. Unlike the open approach, endovascular repair of rAAA can be performed using either locoregional or general anesthesia. We hypothesize that mortality after endovascular repair of rAAA is lower when locoregional rather than general anesthesia is used. METHODS: Propensity score matching techniques were used to compare the 30-day postoperative outcomes of patients from the 2007 to 2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent endovascular repair of rAAA under locoregional vs general anesthesia. RESULTS: Of the 1382 endovascular rAAA repair procedures in our overall study population, 132 (9.5%) were performed using locoregional anesthesia. Our propensity score matching algorithm yielded a cohort of 130 general anesthesia patients who were well matched with their locoregional anesthesia counterparts for known patient and procedure characteristics. The 30-day postoperative mortality rates for patients in the matched cohort were 14.6% for patients in the locoregional anesthesia group compared with 29.2% for patients in the general anesthesia group (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Locoregional rather than general anesthesia is associated with a significantly lower 30-day mortality after endovascular repair of rAAA. The designs of future trials comparing endovascular and open rAAA repair should include stratification of endovascular procedures by anesthesia modality.

Patient-Centered Outcome Spectrum: An Evidence-based Framework to Aid in Shared Decision-making.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop an alternate construct for reporting anticipated outcomes after emergency general surgery (EGS) that presents risk in terms of a composite measure. BACKGROUND: Currently available prediction tools generate risk outputs for discrete as opposed to composite measures of postoperative outcomes. A construct to synthesize multiple discrete estimates into a global understanding of a patient's likely postoperative health status is lacking and could augment shared decision-making conversations. METHODS: Using the 2012 to 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File, we developed the Patient-Centered Outcomes Spectrum (PCOS) for patients ≥65 years old who underwent an EGS operation. The PCOS defines 3 exclusive types of global outcomes (good, intermediate, and bad outcomes) and allows patients to be prospectively stratified by both their EGS diagnosis and preoperative surgical risk profile. RESULTS: Of the patients in our study population, 13,330 (46.4%) experienced a 30-day postoperative course considered a good outcome. Conversely, 3791 (13.2%) of study patients experienced a bad outcome. The remainder of patients (11,617; 40.4%) were classified as experiencing an intermediate outcome. The incidence of good, intermediate, and bad outcomes was 69.7%, 28.2%, and 2.1% for low-risk patients, and 22.0%, 48.9%, and 29.1% for high-risk patients. Diagnosis-specific PCOS constructs are also provided. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the goals of shared decision-making, the PCOS provides an evidence-based construct based upon a composite outcome measure for patients and providers as they weigh the risks of undergoing EGS.

The Volume-outcome Relationship in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation and Implications for Regionalization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the volume-outcome relationship in kidney transplantation by examining graft and patient outcomes using standardized risk adjustment (observed-to-expected outcomes). A secondary objective was to examine the geographic proximity of low, medium, and high-volume kidney transplant centers in the United States. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The significant survival benefit of kidney transplantation in the context of a severe shortage of donor organs mandates strategies to optimize outcomes. Unlike for other solid organ transplants, the relationship between surgical volume and kidney transplant outcomes has not been clearly established. METHODS: The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was used to examine national outcomes for adults undergoing deceased donor kidney transplantation from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2013 (15-year study period). Observed-to-expected rates of graft loss and patient death were compared for low, medium, and high-volume centers. The geographic proximity of low-volume centers to higher volume centers was determined to assess the impact of regionalization on patient travel burden. RESULTS: A total of 206,179 procedures were analyzed. Compared with low-volume centers, high-volume centers had significantly lower observed-to-expected rates of 1-month graft loss (0.93 vs 1.18, P<0.001), 1-year graft loss (0.97 vs 1.12, P<0.001), 1-month patient death (0.90 vs 1.29, P=0.005), and 1-year patient death (0.95 vs 1.15, P=0.001). Low-volume centers were frequently in close proximity to higher volume centers, with a median distance of 7 miles (interquartile range: 2 to 75). CONCLUSIONS: A robust volume-outcome relationship was observed for deceased donor kidney transplantation, and low-volume centers are frequently in close proximity to higher volume centers. Increased regionalization could improve outcomes, but should be considered carefully in light of the potential negative impact on transplant volume and access to care.

Effect of transfer status on outcomes for necrotizing soft tissue infections.

BACKGROUND: Whether patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) who presented to under-resourced hospitals are best served by immediate debridement or expedited transfer is unknown. We examined whether interhospital transfer status impacts outcomes of patients requiring emergency debridement for NSTI. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective review studying patients with an operative diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene, or gas gangrene in the 2010-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files. Multivariable regression analyses determined if transfer status independently predicted 30-d mortality, major morbidity, minor morbidity, and length of stay. RESULTS: Among 1801 patients, 1243 (69.0%) were in the non-transfer group and 558 (31.0%) were in the transfer group. The transfer group experienced higher rates of 30-d mortality (14.5% versus 13.0%) and major morbidity (64.5% versus 60.1%) than the non-transfer group, which were not significant after risk adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.87 [0.62-1.22] and 1.00 [0.79-1.27], respectively). The transferred group experienced a longer median length of postoperative hospitalization (14 d [interquartile range 8-24] versus 11 d [6-20]), which maintained statistical significance after adjustment for other factors (adjusted beta coefficient [95% confidence interval]: 1.92 [0.48-3.37]; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that interhospital transfer status is not an independent risk factor for mortality or morbidity after surgical management of NSTI. Although expedient debridement remains a basic tenet of NSTI management, our findings provide some reassurance that transfer before initial debridement will not significantly jeopardize patient outcomes should such transfer be deemed necessary.

Current practice of thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and its management are relatively controversial topics. Most of the literature reporting the outcomes of surgical decompression for TOS derives from single-center experiences. The objective of our study was to describe the current state of TOS surgery among hospitals that participate in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: Our study sample consisted of patients from the 2005 to 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent first or cervical rib resection as their index procedure and whose constellation of diagnosis and procedure codes identified them as having neurogenic, arterial, or venous TOS. Patient and procedure characteristics were determined, as were the 30-day incidence of specific complications including nerve injury. Multimodel inference was used for multivariable analysis of the composite outcome of readmission or reoperation ≤30 days. RESULTS: We identified 1431 patients undergoing operation for TOS: 83% for neurogenic TOS, 3% for arterial TOS, and 12% for venous TOS. Vascular surgeons performed 90% of procedures. Only four patients (0.3%) demonstrated evidence of nerve injury. The rate of bleeding complication requiring transfusion was also quite low, at 1.4%. The 30-day incidence of readmission or reoperation, or both, in our study cohort was 8.6%. The risk of this outcome was increased in patients with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification, those whose procedure was for non-neurogenic symptoms, and those whose procedure took longer to complete. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study will provide surgeons who advocate for the surgical management of TOS with reassurance that such intervention is associated with an extremely low risk of disability resulting from iatrogenic nerve injury and major bleeding events.

Predictors of 30-day postoperative major adverse clinical events after carotid artery stenting: An analysis of the procedure-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: Information about carotid artery stenting (CAS) is largely derived from clinical trials, consensus statements, and outcomes comparisons between CAS and carotid endarterectomy. Given these limitations, the goal of this study was to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes after CAS among hospitals participating in the CAS-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). METHODS: Our study sample consisted of patients from the 2012 to 2015 CAS-targeted ACS NSQIP data set. The primary outcome variable was 30-day postoperative incidence of major adverse clinical events (MACEs; death, myocardial infarction/arrhythmia, ipsilateral stroke/transient ischemic attack). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify patient and procedural characteristics associated with MACEs. RESULTS: A total of 448 patients undergoing CAS for carotid artery stenosis were identified in the 2012 to 2015 CAS-targeted ACS NSQIP data set as eligible for analysis. The incidence of postoperative MACEs was 8.4% for symptomatic patients and 5.4% for asymptomatic patients. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of MACEs included age ≥80 years, female sex, black race, presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active tobacco use (protective), and use of more than one stent. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of major postoperative events in preoperatively asymptomatic patients is higher than the threshold recommended by the American Heart Association guidelines. Elderly patients (≥80 years), female patients, and black patients as well as those receiving more than one stent are at increased risk of negative outcome after CAS.

Carotid artery stenting is associated with a higher incidence of major adverse clinical events than carotid endarterectomy in female patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to carotid revascularization in female patients with carotid artery stenosis is widely debated. Information available is largely derived from clinical trials that include only highly selected patients. The goal of this study was to compare the early clinical outcomes in women who undergo carotid artery stenting (CAS) vs carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Female patients undergoing CAS or CEA between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015, and who were included in the Procedure Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were assessed for their incidence of early postoperative complications. The primary outcome measure was 30-day incidence of a major adverse clinical event (MACE; defined as death, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction/arrhythmia). Univariable analyses were used to compare results between female patients undergoing CEA and those undergoing CAS. Propensity score matching techniques were used to create a cohort of 125 CAS and CEA patients who were well matched for all known patient-, disease-, and procedure-related factors. Analysis of comparative outcomes between the propensity-matched groups was then performed. RESULTS: The overall study population consisted of 5620 female CEA patients and 131 female CAS patients. Of these patients, 290 (5.2%) from the CEA group and 16 (12.2%) from the CAS group sustained a MACE in the first 30 days after their procedures. Within the propensity-matched cohort, the 30-day incidence of postoperative MACE in the CAS group of this cohort was 11.2% (14 patients) compared with 4.0% (5 patients; odds ratio, 1.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-7.77]; P = .04) in the CEA group. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of a "real-world" clinical registry suggests that CAS may be inferior to CEA in female patients who require carotid artery revascularization.

Targeting the most important complications in vascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the most clinically relevant and costly perioperative complications occurring in vascular surgery patients. METHODS: The analysis included patients in the 2012 to 2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database undergoing one of four high-risk vascular procedures. The procedures-aortic reconstruction, lower extremity bypass, lower extremity amputation, and carotid endarterectomy (CEA)-were selected because they have been established as high risk in the literature, rendering them natural targets for quality improvement initiatives. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to estimate the impact of seven prespecified complications on 30-day outcomes in the study population. The PAF predicts the reduction in outcome anticipated if a particular complication were to be prevented across the study population. Unadjusted and adjusted PAFs were reported. CEA was analyzed separately from the other procedures. RESULTS: The analysis included 72,805 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients. Pneumonia had the largest impact on the incidence of end-organ dysfunction in CEA patients (adjusted PAF, 24.4%; 95% confidence interval, 20.6-28.1), and cerebrovascular accident had the largest impact on mortality in these patients (adjusted PAF, 23.1%; 95% confidence interval, 18.5-27.3). In patients undergoing abdominal or lower extremity vascular surgery, bleeding and pneumonia had the largest impact on clinical outcomes and need for prolonged hospitalization, and surgical site infection had the largest impact on hospital readmission. In contrast, prevention of venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, and myocardial infarction do not demonstrate substantial impact on patient outcomes or resource utilization in either group of vascular surgery patients. CONCLUSIONS: Quality initiatives that can successfully reduce the occurrence of postoperative stroke, bleeding, and pneumonia will have the greatest clinical impact on the outcomes of vascular surgery patients. Initiatives that target complications such as venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, or myocardial infarction will have little impact on this patient population.

Number of rib fractures thresholds independently predict worse outcomes in older patients with blunt trauma.

BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting reports regarding whether the number of rib fractures sustained in blunt trauma is associated independently with worse patient outcomes. We sought to investigate this risk-adjusted relationship among the lesser-studied population of older adults. METHODS: A retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank was performed for patients with blunt trauma who were ≥65 years old and had rib fractures between 2009 and 2012 (N = 67,695). Control data were collected for age, sex, injury severity score, injury mechanism, 24 comorbidities, and number of rib fractures. Outcome data included hospital mortality, hospital and intensive care unit durations of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and the occurrence of pneumonia. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sustaining ≥5 rib fractures was associated with increased intensive care unit admission (odds ratio: 1.14, P < .001) and hospital duration of stay (relative duration: 105%, P < .001). Sustaining ≥7 rib fractures was associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia (odds ratio: 1.32, P < .001) and intensive care unit duration of stay (relative duration: 122%, P < .001). Sustaining ≥8 rib fractures was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio: 1.51, P < .001) and duration of mechanical ventilation (relative duration: 117%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: In older patients with trauma, sustaining at least 5 rib fractures is a significant predictor of worse outcomes independent of patient characteristics, comorbidities, and trauma burden.