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1.
Langenbecks Arch Surg ; 409(1): 175, 2024 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38842610

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to compare the operative time, intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, mortality, and cost associated with Robotic Surgery (RS) and Laparascopic Surgery (LS) in anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases. Studies comparing short-term outcomes and cost between RS and LS in patients with anti-reflux and hiatal hernia were included. Data on operative time, complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, mortality, and cost were extracted. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the MINORS scale. RESULTS: Fourteen retrospective observational studies involving a total of 555,368 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed no statistically significant difference in operative time, intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, and mortality between RS and LS. However, LS was associated with lower costs compared to RS. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that RS has non-inferior short-term outcomes in anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery, compared to LS. LS is more cost-effective, but RS offers potential benefits such as improved visualization and enhanced surgical techniques. Further research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term outcome studies, is needed to validate and refine these findings.


Subject(s)
Gastroesophageal Reflux , Hernia, Hiatal , Laparoscopy , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Humans , Hernia, Hiatal/surgery , Hernia, Hiatal/economics , Robotic Surgical Procedures/economics , Robotic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Laparoscopy/economics , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Gastroesophageal Reflux/surgery , Gastroesophageal Reflux/economics , Operative Time , Herniorrhaphy/economics , Herniorrhaphy/methods , Herniorrhaphy/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Length of Stay/economics , Fundoplication/economics , Fundoplication/methods , Patient Readmission/economics , Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data , Postoperative Complications/economics
2.
Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi ; 27(5): 516-520, 2024 May 25.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38778693

ABSTRACT

Gastric cancer ranks as the third most prevalent malignant tumor in our nation, imposing a substantial health and economic burden. The occurrence of postoperative complications in gastric cancer not only hinders patient recovery but also significantly increases the medical expenditures of patients, contributing supplementary health economic challenges to both society and healthcare institutions. Conducting health economic analysis on postoperative complications in gastric cancer provides evidence for the formulation of health policies, offers guidance for hospital cost control, and furnishes economic insights for the development of new technologies in the prevention and treatment of complications. This paper, through a thorough review of domestic and international literature, comprehensively examines the impact of complication severity on healthcare expenses, delineates the principal contributors to healthcare costs in patients with postoperative complications, and proposes practical strategies to alleviate the health economic burden resulting from such complications. Furthermore, this study delves into and analyzes the health economic considerations associated with postoperative complications within the framework of the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) billing model.


Subject(s)
Health Care Costs , Postoperative Complications , Stomach Neoplasms , Humans , Stomach Neoplasms/surgery , Stomach Neoplasms/economics , Postoperative Complications/economics , Health Expenditures , Cost of Illness
3.
Bone Joint J ; 106-B(6): 589-595, 2024 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38821513

ABSTRACT

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the healthcare costs and benefits of enoxaparin compared to aspirin in the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using data from the CRISTAL trial. Methods: This trial-based economic analysis reports value for money as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in 2022 Australian dollars, compared to a single threshold value of AUD$70,000 per QALY. Event costs were estimated based on occurrence of VTEs and bleeds, and on published guidelines for treatment. Unit costs were taken from Australian sources. QALYs were estimated using CRISTAL six-month follow-up data. Sensitivity analyses are presented that vary the cost of VTE treatment, and extend the analyses to two years. Results: The CRISTAL trial found that enoxaparin was more effective than aspirin in preventing symptomatic VTE within 90 days of THA or TKA (risk difference 1.97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54% to 3.41%; p = 0.007)). The additional cost after a THA or TKA was AUD$83 (95% CI 68 to 97) for enoxaparin, and enoxaparin resulted in an additional 0.002 QALYs (95% CI -0.002 to 0.005). Incremental cost per QALY gained was AUD$50,567 (95% CI 15,513, dominated) for enoxaparin. We can be 60% confident that the incremental cost per QALY does not exceed the willingness-to-pay threshold of AUD$70,000. Increasing the cost of VTE treatment and extension of costs and consequences to two years suggested greater confidence that enoxaparin is good value for money (70% and 63% confidence, respectively). Conclusion: This analysis provides strong evidence that enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis following THA or TKA reduced VTEs, but weak evidence of net economic benefits over aspirin. If the value of avoiding VTEs is high, and there is a strong likelihood of VTE-related health impairments, we can be more confident that enoxaparin is cost-effective compared to aspirin.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Aspirin , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Enoxaparin , Quality-Adjusted Life Years , Venous Thromboembolism , Humans , Enoxaparin/economics , Enoxaparin/therapeutic use , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/economics , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/economics , Aspirin/therapeutic use , Aspirin/economics , Venous Thromboembolism/prevention & control , Venous Thromboembolism/etiology , Venous Thromboembolism/economics , Anticoagulants/economics , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Australia , Aged , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/economics
4.
Arq Bras Cardiol ; 121(4): e20230386, 2024 Apr.
Article in Portuguese, English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38695408

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of artificial cardiac pacemakers has grown steadily in line with the aging population. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rates of hospital readmissions and complications after pacemaker implantation or pulse generator replacement and to assess the impact of these events on annual treatment costs from the perspective of the Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: A prospective registry, with data derived from clinical practice, collected during index hospitalization and during the first 12 months after the surgical procedure. The cost of index hospitalization, the procedure, and clinical follow-up were estimated according to the values reimbursed by SUS and analyzed at the patient level. Generalized linear models were used to study factors associated with the total annual treatment cost, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 1,223 consecutive patients underwent initial implantation (n=634) or pulse generator replacement (n=589). Seventy episodes of complication were observed in 63 patients (5.1%). The incidence of hospital readmissions within one year was 16.4% (95% CI 13.7% - 19.6%) after initial implants and 10.6% (95% CI 8.3% - 13.4%) after generator replacements. Chronic kidney disease, history of stroke, length of hospital stays, need for postoperative intensive care, complications, and hospital readmissions showed a significant impact on the total annual treatment cost. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the influence of age, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and hospital readmissions as factors associated with increased total annual treatment cost for patients with pacemakers.


FUNDAMENTO: O uso de marca-passos cardíacos artificiais tem crescido constantemente, acompanhando o envelhecimento populacional. OBJETIVOS: Determinar as taxas de readmissões hospitalares e complicações após implante de marca-passo ou troca de gerador de pulsos e avaliar o impacto desses eventos nos custos anuais do tratamento sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo, com dados derivados da prática clínica assistencial, coletados na hospitalização índice e durante os primeiros 12 meses após o procedimento cirúrgico. O custo da hospitalização índice, do procedimento e do seguimento clínico foram estimados de acordo com os valores reembolsados pelo SUS e analisados ao nível do paciente. Modelos lineares generalizados foram utilizados para estudar fatores associados ao custo total anual do tratamento, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: No total, 1.223 pacientes consecutivos foram submetidos a implante inicial (n= 634) ou troca do gerador de pulsos (n= 589). Foram observados 70 episódios de complicação em 63 pacientes (5,1%). A incidência de readmissões hospitalares em um ano foi de 16,4% (IC 95% 13,7% - 19,6%) após implantes iniciais e 10,6% (IC 95% 8,3% - 13,4%) após trocas de geradores. Doença renal crônica, histórico de acidente vascular encefálico, tempo de permanência hospitalar, necessidade de cuidados intensivos pós-operatórios, complicações e readmissões hospitalares mostraram um impacto significativo sobre o custo anual total do tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados confirmam a influência da idade, comorbidades, complicações pós-operatórias e readmissões hospitalares como fatores associados ao incremento do custo total anual do tratamento de pacientes com marca-passo.


Subject(s)
Pacemaker, Artificial , Patient Readmission , Humans , Pacemaker, Artificial/economics , Pacemaker, Artificial/adverse effects , Female , Male , Aged , Middle Aged , Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data , Patient Readmission/economics , Time Factors , Aged, 80 and over , Prospective Studies , Postoperative Complications/economics , Brazil , Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Length of Stay/economics
5.
Langenbecks Arch Surg ; 409(1): 137, 2024 Apr 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38653917

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Minimal-invasive liver surgery (MILS) reduces surgical trauma and is associated with fewer postoperative complications. To amplify these benefits, perioperative multimodal concepts like Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), can play a crucial role. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness for MILS in an ERAS program, considering the necessary additional workforce and associated expenses. METHODS: A prospective observational study comparing surgical approach in patients within an ERAS program compared to standard care from 2018-2022 at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Cost data were provided by the medical controlling office. ERAS items were applied according to the ERAS society recommendations. RESULTS: 537 patients underwent liver surgery (46% laparoscopic, 26% robotic assisted, 28% open surgery) and 487 were managed by the ERAS protocol. Implementation of ERAS reduced overall postoperative complications in the MILS group (18% vs. 32%, p = 0.048). Complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade II incurred the highest costs (€ 31,093) compared to minor (€ 17,510) and no complications (€13,893; p < 0.001). In the event of major complications, profit margins were reduced by a median of € 6,640. CONCLUSIONS: Embracing the ERAS society recommendations in liver surgery leads to a significant reduction of complications. This outcome justifies the higher cost associated with a well-structured ERAS protocol, as it effectively offsets the expenses of complications.


Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis , Enhanced Recovery After Surgery , Hepatectomy , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Prospective Studies , Male , Female , Hepatectomy/economics , Hepatectomy/adverse effects , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Aged , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/economics , Laparoscopy/economics , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Robotic Surgical Procedures/economics , Robotic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects
6.
Int J Surg ; 110(4): 1896-1903, 2024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38668654

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for hepatolithiasis confers better clinical benefit and lower hospital costs than open hepatectomy (OH). This study aim to evaluate the clinical and economic value of LH versus OH. METHODS: Patients undergoing OH or LH for primary hepatolithiasis at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College between 2015 and 2022 were divided into OH group and LH group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline data. Deviation-based cost modelling and weighted average median cost (WAMC) were used to assess and compare the economic value. RESULTS: A total of 853 patients were identified. After exclusions, 403 patients with primary hepatolithiasis underwent anatomical hepatectomy (OH n=143; LH n=260). PSM resulted in 2 groups of 100 patients each. Although LH required a longer median operation duration compared with OH (285.0 versus 240.0 min, respectively, P<0.001), LH patients had fewer wound infections, fewer pre-discharge overall complications (26 versus 43%, respectively, P=0.009), and shorter median postoperative hospital stays (8.0 versus 12.0 days, respectively, P<0.001). No differences were found in blood loss, major complications, stone clearance, and mortality between the two matched groups. However, the median overall hospital cost of LH was significantly higher than that of OH (CNY¥52,196.1 versus 45,349.5, respectively, P=0.007). Although LH patients had shorter median postoperative hospital stays and fewer complications than OH patients, the WAMC was still higher for the LH group than for the OH group with an increase of CNY¥9,755.2 per patient undergoing LH. CONCLUSION: The overall clinical benefit of LH for hepatolithiasis is comparable or even superior to that of OH, but with an economic disadvantage. There is a need to effectively reduce the hospital costs of LH and the gap between costs and diagnosis-related group reimbursement to promote its adoption.


Subject(s)
Hepatectomy , Laparoscopy , Propensity Score , Humans , Hepatectomy/economics , Hepatectomy/methods , Female , Male , Laparoscopy/economics , Laparoscopy/methods , Middle Aged , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Liver Diseases/surgery , Liver Diseases/economics , Cohort Studies , Aged , Lithiasis/surgery , Lithiasis/economics , Length of Stay/economics , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Postoperative Complications/economics , Treatment Outcome
7.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg ; 92: 276-281, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582053

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction usually require further operations as part of their reconstructive journey. This involves contralateral breast symmetrization and nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. Restrained access to elective operating space led us to implement a one-stop breast reconstruction pathway. METHODS: Patients undergoing contemporaneous contralateral breast symmetrization and immediate NAC reconstruction with free nipple grafts between July 2020 and June 2021 were identified. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was conducted, to retrieve surgical notes, postoperative complications, and length of inpatient stay. A cost analysis was performed considering savings from contralateral symmetrization. RESULTS: A total of 50 eligible cases were identified, which had unilateral one-stop breast reconstructions. Complication rates and length of stay were not affected by this approach, with only one free flap being lost for this cohort. This approach resulted in £181,000 being saved for our service over a calendar year. DISCUSSION: A one-stop breast reconstruction pathway has proven to be safe and effective in our unit. During these uncertain times, it has streamlined the management of eligible patients, while releasing capacity for other elective operations. Patients avoid having to wait for secondary procedures, finishing their reconstructive pathway earlier. We plan to continue providing this service which has shown to be beneficial clinically and financially.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Cost Savings , Mammaplasty , Humans , Mammaplasty/economics , Mammaplasty/methods , Female , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Breast Neoplasms/economics , Adult , Transplantation, Autologous/economics , Postoperative Complications/economics , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Nipples/surgery , Length of Stay/economics , Free Tissue Flaps/economics , Critical Pathways/economics , Mastectomy/economics , Reoperation/economics
8.
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol ; 34(4): 1963-1970, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38480531

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Lactic acid is well studied in the trauma population and is frequently used as a laboratory indicator that correlates with resuscitation status and has thus been associated with patient outcomes. There is limited literature that assesses the association of initial lactic acid with post-operative morbidity and hospitalization costs in the orthopedic literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of lactic acid levels and alcohol levels post-operative morbidity, length of stay and admission costs in a cohort of operative lower extremity long bone fractures, and to compare these effects in the ballistic and blunt trauma sub-population. METHODS: Patients presenting as trauma activations who underwent tibial and/or femoral fixation at a single institution from May 2018 to August 2020 were divided based on initial lactate level into normal, (< 2.5) intermediate (2.5-4.0), and high (> 4.0). Mechanism of trauma (blunt vs. ballistic) was also stratified for analysis. Data on other injuries, surgical timing, level of care, direct hospitalization costs, length of stay, and discharge disposition were collected from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome assessed was post-operative morbidity defined as in-hospital mortality or unanticipated escalation of care. Secondary outcomes included hospital costs, lengths of stay, and discharge disposition. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multivariate regression. RESULTS: A total of 401 patients met inclusions criteria. Average age was 34.1 ± 13.0 years old, with patients remaining hospitalized for 8.8 ± 9.5 days, and 35.2% requiring ICU care during their hospitalization. Patients in the ballistic cohort were younger, had fewer other injuries and had higher lactate levels (4.0 ± 2.4) than in the blunt trauma cohort (3.4 ± 1.9) (p = 0.004). On multivariate regression, higher lactate was associated with post-operative morbidity (p = 0.015), as was age (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.033). ISS, ballistic versus blunt injury mechanism, and other included laboratory markers were not. Lactate was also associated with longer lengths of stay, and higher associated direct hospitalization cost (p < 0.001) and lower rates of home disposition (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: High initial lactate levels are independently associated with post-operative morbidity as well as higher direct hospitalization costs and longer lengths of stay in orthopedic trauma patients who underwent fixation for fractures of the lower extremity long bones. Ballistic trauma patients had significantly higher lactate levels compared to the blunt cohort, and lactate was not independently associated with increased rates of post-operative morbidity in the ballistic cohort alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.


Subject(s)
Femoral Fractures , Lactic Acid , Length of Stay , Tibial Fractures , Humans , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Length of Stay/economics , Male , Female , Lactic Acid/blood , Adult , Middle Aged , Tibial Fractures/surgery , Tibial Fractures/economics , Femoral Fractures/surgery , Femoral Fractures/economics , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/economics , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/surgery , Postoperative Complications/economics , Retrospective Studies , Hospital Mortality , Hospital Costs/statistics & numerical data , Wounds, Gunshot/economics , Wounds, Gunshot/surgery
9.
World Neurosurg ; 185: e1230-e1243, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38514037

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: For patients with medically refractory epilepsy, newer minimally invasive techniques such as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) have been developed in recent years. This study aims to characterize trends in the utilization of surgical resection versus LITT to treat medically refractory epilepsy, characterize complications, and understand the cost of this innovative technique to the public. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database was queried from 2016 to 2019 for all patients admitted with a diagnosis of medically refractory epilepsy. Patient demographics, hospital length of stay, complications, and costs were tabulated for all patients who underwent LITT or surgical resection within these cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 6019 patients were included, 223 underwent LITT procedures, while 5796 underwent resection. Significant predictors of increased patient charges for both cohorts included diabetes (odds ratio: 1.7, confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-2.19), infection (odds ratio: 5.12, CI 2.73-9.58), and hemorrhage (odds ratio: 2.95, CI 2.04-4.12). Procedures performed at nonteaching hospitals had 1.54 greater odds (CI 1.02-2.33) of resulting in a complication compared to teaching hospitals. Insurance status did significantly differ (P = 0.001) between those receiving LITT (23.3% Medicare; 25.6% Medicaid; 44.4% private insurance; 6.7 Other) and those undergoing resection (35.3% Medicare; 22.5% Medicaid; 34.7% private Insurance; 7.5% other). When adjusting for patient demographics, LITT patients had shorter length of stay (2.3 vs. 8.9 days, P < 0.001), lower complication rate (1.9% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.385), and lower mean hospital ($139,412.79 vs. $233,120.99, P < 0.001) and patient ($55,394.34 vs. $37,756.66, P < 0.001) costs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights LITT's advantages through its association with lower costs and shorter length of stay. The present study also highlights the associated predictors of LITT versus resection, such as that most LITT cases happen at academic centers for patients with private insurance. As the adoption of LITT continues, more data will become available to further understand these issues.


Subject(s)
Databases, Factual , Postoperative Complications , Humans , United States , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/economics , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/economics , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Length of Stay/economics , Inpatients , Aged , Laser Therapy/economics , Young Adult , Neurosurgical Procedures/economics , Health Care Costs , Epilepsy/economics , Epilepsy/surgery , Adolescent
10.
World J Surg ; 48(5): 1075-1083, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38436547

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We sought to define surgical outcomes among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) following major thoracic and gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was used to identify patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, pneumonectomy, pancreatectomy, and colectomy. Individuals were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files and multivariable regression was utilized to assess the association of ADRD with textbook outcome (TO), expenditures, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Among 1,175,010 Medicare beneficiaries, 19,406 (1.7%) patients had a preoperative diagnosis of ADRD (CABG: n = 1,643, 8.5%; AAA repair: n = 5,926, 30.5%; pneumonectomy: n = 590, 3.0%; pancreatectomy: n = 181, 0.9%; and colectomy: n = 11,066, 57.0%). After propensity score matching, patients with ADRD were less likely to achieve a TO (ADRD: 31.2% vs. no ADRD: 40.1%) or be discharged to home (ADRD: 26.7% vs. no ADRD: 46.2%) versus patients who did not have ADRD (both p < 0.001). Median index surgery expenditures were higher among patients with ADRD (ADRD: $28,815 [IQR $14,333-$39,273] vs. no ADRD: $27,101 [IQR $13,433-$38,578]; p < 0.001) (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with ADRD had higher odds of postoperative complications (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25-1.40), extended length-of-stay (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21-1.32), 90-day readmission (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.31-1.43), and 90-day mortality (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.66-1.86) (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis of ADRD was an independent risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes, discharge to non-home settings, as well as higher healthcare expenditures. These data should serve to inform discussions and decision-making about surgery among the growing number of older patients with cognitive deficits.


Subject(s)
Dementia , Health Expenditures , Humans , Female , Male , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data , Aged, 80 and over , Dementia/economics , United States , Medicare/economics , Treatment Outcome , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Propensity Score , Alzheimer Disease/economics , Digestive System Surgical Procedures/economics
11.
World J Surg ; 48(5): 1266-1270, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38441293

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: One third of South African children live in households with no employed adult. Telemedicine may save patients and the strained public health sector significant resources. We aimed to determine the safety and benefits of telephonic post-operative follow-up of patients who presented for day case surgery at CHBAH from 1 January-31 March 2023. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study on patients undergoing day case surgery was performed. Healthy patients greater than 6 years old whose caregivers spoke English and had access to a smartphone were included. Data on the total number of telephonic follow-ups, operative complications, need for in person review, satisfaction with telephonic follow-up, and savings in transport costs and time by avoiding in person follow-up were collected. RESULTS: A total of 38 telephonic follow-ups were performed. Six (15.8%) patients presented for in person review due to the detection of major complications (2, 5.3%), minor complications (2, 5.3%), and parental concern (2, 5.3%) during telephonic follow-up. All caregivers reported being satisfied with telephonic follow-up. Total savings in transport costs were R4452 (US $ 248.45). The majority of patients (29, 76.3%) had at least one unemployed parent. Seven caregivers (18.4%) avoided taking paid leave and 2 (5.3%) unpaid leave from work due to follow-up being performed telephonically. CONCLUSIONS: Innovation is necessary in order to expand access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this selected group, telephonic follow-up was a safe, acceptable, and cost-effective intervention. The expansion of such a program has the potential for significant savings for patients and the healthcare system.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures , Telemedicine , Humans , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Child , Female , Male , Ambulatory Surgical Procedures/economics , South Africa , Telemedicine/economics , Telephone , Follow-Up Studies , Adolescent , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/economics , Aftercare/economics , Aftercare/methods
12.
Transplant Proc ; 56(3): 482-487, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38331594

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: At our institution, we switched from hand-assisted retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HRN) to hand-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HTN); we later switched to standard retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (SRN). This study was performed to evaluate outcomes and hospital costs among the 3 techniques. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single-center, inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis study compared the outcomes among 551 cases of living donor kidney transplantation between 2014 and 2022. RESULTS: After the inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, there were 114 cases in the HRN group, 204 cases in the HTN group, and 213 cases in the SRN group. Donor complication rates were lowest in the SRN group but did not differ between the HRN and HTN groups (1.1 vs 4.4 and 5.9%, P = .021). Donors in the SRN group had the lowest serum C-reactive protein concentrations on postoperative day 1 (4.3 vs 10.5 and 7.8 mg/dL, P < .001) and the shortest postoperative stay (4.3 vs 7.4 and 8.4 days, P < .001). Donors in the SRN group had the lowest total cost among the 3 groups (8868 vs 9709 and 10,592 USD, P < .0001). Donors in the SRN group also had the lowest costs in terms of "basic medical fees," "medication and injection fees," "Intraoperative drug and material costs," and "testing fees." Furthermore, the presence of complications was significantly correlated with higher total hospital costs (P < .001). CONCLUSION: SRN appeared to have the least invasive and complication, and a potential cost savings compared with the HRN and HTN.


Subject(s)
Kidney Transplantation , Laparoscopy , Living Donors , Nephrectomy , Humans , Nephrectomy/economics , Nephrectomy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Male , Female , Laparoscopy/economics , Laparoscopy/methods , Kidney Transplantation/economics , Kidney Transplantation/methods , Adult , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Hospital Costs , Postoperative Complications/economics , Tissue and Organ Harvesting/economics , Tissue and Organ Harvesting/methods , Length of Stay/economics
13.
Pediatr Crit Care Med ; 25(6): 538-546, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38299930

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative hypertension frequently occurs after surgery for congenital heart disease. Given safety concerns when using calcium channel blockers in infants along with the cost and side-effect profile of nitroprusside, we retrospectively assessed our experience of using nicardipine and nitroprusside for postoperative blood pressure control in infants who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease. We also investigated the cost difference between the medications. DESIGN: This study was a single-center retrospective, pre-post chart review of patients who had surgery for congenital heart disease between 2016 and 2020. The primary aim was a noninferiority comparison of achievement of blood pressure goal at 1-hour post-initiation of an antihypertensive agent. Secondary comparisons included achievement of blood pressure goal at 2 hours after medication initiation, Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS), and blood transfusion, crystalloid volume, and calcium needs. SETTING: Academic quaternary-care center. PATIENTS: Infants under 1 year old who required treatment for hypertension with nitroprusside ( n = 71) or nicardipine ( n = 52) within 24 hours of surgery for congenital heart disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We failed to identify any difference in proportion of patients that achieved blood pressure control at 1-hour after medication initiation (nitroprusside 52% vs. nicardipine 54%; p = 0.86), with nicardipine noninferior to nitroprusside within a 15% margin. Of patients who did not achieve control at 1-hour post-medication initiation, receiving nicardipine was associated with blood pressure control at 2 hours post-medication initiation (79% vs. 38%; p = 0.003). We also failed to identify an association between antihypertensive types and mean VIS scores, blood transfusion volumes, crystalloid volumes, and quantities of calcium administered. Index cost of using nitroprusside was 16 times higher than using nicardipine, primarily due to difference in wholesale cost. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience of achieving blood pressure control in infants after surgery for congenital heart disease (2016-2020), antihypertensive treatment with nicardipine was noninferior to nitroprusside. Furthermore, nicardipine use was significantly less expensive than nitroprusside. Our contemporary practice is therefore to use nicardipine in preference to nitroprusside.


Subject(s)
Antihypertensive Agents , Heart Defects, Congenital , Hypertension , Nicardipine , Nitroprusside , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Nicardipine/therapeutic use , Nicardipine/administration & dosage , Nicardipine/economics , Retrospective Studies , Nitroprusside/therapeutic use , Nitroprusside/administration & dosage , Nitroprusside/economics , Infant , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Female , Male , Infant, Newborn , Antihypertensive Agents/economics , Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use , Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/economics , Hypertension/drug therapy , Calcium Channel Blockers/therapeutic use , Calcium Channel Blockers/economics , Calcium Channel Blockers/administration & dosage , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use , Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Vasodilator Agents/economics , Costs and Cost Analysis
14.
Arch Orthop Trauma Surg ; 144(1): 405-416, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37782427

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluate how race corresponds to specific complications and costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our hypothesis was that minority patients, comprising Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients, would have higher complication and revision rates and costs than White patients. METHODS: Data from 2014 to 2016 were collected from a large commercial insurance database. TKA patients were assigned under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-27447) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-P-8154) codes. Minority patients were compared to White patients before and after matching for age, gender, and tobacco use, diabetes, and obesity comorbidities. Standardized complications, revisions, and total costs at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were compared between the groups using unequal variance t tests. RESULTS: Overall, 140,601 White (92%), 10,247 Black (6.7%), 1072 Asian (0.67%), and 1725 Hispanic (1.1%) TKA patients were included. At baseline, minority patients had 7-10% longer lengths of stay (p = 0.0001) and Black and Hispanic patients had higher Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices (p = 0.0001), while Asian patients had a lower Elixhauser comorbidity index (p < 0.0001). Black patients had significantly higher complication rates and higher rates of revision (p = 0.03). Minority patients were charged 10-32% more (p < 0.0001). Following matching, all minority patients had lengths of stay 8-10% longer (p = 0.001) and Black patients had higher Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices (p < 0.0001) while Asian patients had a lower Elixhauser comorbidity index (p = 0.0008). Black patients had more equal complication rates and there was no significant difference in revisions in any minority cohort. All minority cohorts had significantly higher total costs at all time points, ranging from 9 to 31% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Compared to White patients, Black patients had significantly increased rates of complications, along with greater total costs, but not revisions. Asian and Hispanic patients, however, did not have significant differences in complications or revisions yet still had higher costs. As a result, this study corroborates our hypothesis that Black patients have higher rates of complications and costs than White patients following total knee arthroplasty and recommends efforts be taken to tackle health inequities to create more fairness in healthcare. This same hypothesis, however, was not supported when evaluating Asian and Hispanic patients, probably because of the few patients included in the database and deserves further investigation.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Postoperative Complications , Racial Groups , Humans , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/economics , Cohort Studies , Comorbidity , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies
15.
Ann Surg ; 275(2): e375-e381, 2022 02 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33074874

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Surgical complications have substantial impact on healthcare costs. We propose an analysis of the financial impact of postoperative complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Both complications and preoperative patient risk have been shown to increase costs following surgery. The extent of cost increase due to specific complications has not been well described. METHODS: A single institution's American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data was queried from 2012 to 2018 and merged with institutional cost data for each encounter. A mixed effects multivariable generalized linear model was used to estimate the mean relative increase in hospital cost due to each complication, adjusting for patient and procedure-level fixed effects clustered by procedure. Potential savings were calculated based on projected decreases in complication rates and theoretical hospital volume. RESULTS: There were 11,897 patients linked between the 2 databases. The rate of any American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program complication was 11.7%. The occurrence of any complication resulted in a 1.5-fold mean increase in direct hospital cost [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-1.58]. The top 6 most costly complications were postoperative septic shock (4.0-fold, 95% CI 3.58-4.43) renal insufficiency/failure (3.3-fold, 95% CI 2.91-3.65), any respiratory complication (3.1-fold, 95% CI 2.94-3.36), cardiac arrest (3.0-fold, 95% CI 2.64-3.46), myocardial infarction (2.9-fold, 95% CI 2.43-3.42) and mortality within 30 days (2.2-fold, 95% CI 2.01-2.48). Length of stay (6.5 versus 3.2 days, P < 0.01), readmission rate (29.1% vs 3.1%, P < 0.01), and discharge destination outside of home (20.5% vs 2.7%, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the population who experienced complications. CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing complication rates through preoperative optimization will improve patient outcomes and lead to substantial cost savings.


Subject(s)
Cost Savings , Hospital Costs , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Aged , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
16.
Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) ; 74(3): 392-402, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33002322

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the costs of primary hip and knee replacement in individuals with osteoarthritis up to 2 years postsurgery, compare costs before and after the surgery, and identify predictors of hospital costs. METHODS: Patients age ≥18 years with primary planned hip or knee replacements and osteoarthritis in England between 2008 and 2016 were identified from the National Joint Registry and linked with Hospital Episode Statistics data containing inpatient episodes. Primary care data linked with hospital outpatient records were also used to identify patients age ≥18 years with primary hip or knee replacements between 2008 and 2016. All health care resource use was valued using 2016/2017 costs, and nonparametric censoring methods were used to estimate total 1-year and 2-year costs. RESULTS: We identified 854,866 individuals undergoing hip or knee replacement. The mean censor-adjusted 1-year hospitalization costs for hip and knee replacement were £7,827 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7,813, 7,842) and £7,805 (95% CI 7,790, 7,818), respectively. Complications and revisions were associated with up to a 3-fold increase in 1-year hospitalization costs. The censor-adjusted 2-year costs were £9,258 (95% CI 9,233, 9,280) and £9,452 (95% CI 9,430, 9,475) for hip and knee replacement, respectively. Adding primary and outpatient care, the mean total hip and knee replacement 2-year costs were £11,987 and £12,578, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are significant costs following joint replacement. Revisions and complications accounted for considerable costs and there is a significant incentive to identify best approaches to reduce these.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/economics , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/economics , Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery , Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/mortality , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/statistics & numerical data , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/mortality , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Female , Hospital Costs/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteoarthritis, Hip/epidemiology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/economics , Primary Health Care/economics , Registries
17.
J Knee Surg ; 35(1): 21-25, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32462645

ABSTRACT

Large-scale studies evaluating the effects of Parkinson's disease (PD) on primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine if PD patients undergoing primary TKA have increased: (1) medical complications; (2) implant-related complications; (3) readmission rates; and (4) costs. A query was performed using an administrative claims database. The study group consisted of all patients undergoing primary TKA who had a history of PD. Matched non-PD patients undergoing primary TKA served as a control group. The query yielded 72,326 patients (PD = 18,082; matching cohort = 54,244). Pearson's chi-square tests, logistic regression analyses, and Welch's t-tests were used to test for significance between the cohorts. Primary TKA patients who had PD were found to have greater incidences and odds of medical complications (4.21 vs. 1.24%; odds ratio [OR]: 3.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.15-3.89, p < 0.0001) and implant-related complications (5.09 vs. 3.15%; OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.51-1.79, p < 0.0001) compared with the matching cohort. Additionally, the rates and odds of 90-day readmission were higher (16.29 vs. 12.66%; OR:1.34, p < 0.0001) and episodes of care costs were significantly greater ($17,105.43 vs. $15,252.34, p < 0.0001) in patients who had PD. Results demonstrate that PD patients undergoing primary TKA had higher incidences of medical and implant-related complications. They also had increased 90-day readmission rates and costs compared with controls. The findings of this study should be used in risk stratification and should inform physician-patient discussion but should not be arbitrarily used to deny access to care.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Parkinson Disease , Patient Readmission , Postoperative Complications , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/economics , Health Care Costs , Humans , Length of Stay , Parkinson Disease/complications , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
18.
J Vasc Surg ; 75(3): 962-967, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34601048

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is most often referred to vascular surgeons. However, there is a lack of understanding of the malpractice cases involving TOS. The goal of this study is to better understand the medicolegal landscape related to the care of TOS. METHODS: The Westlaw Edge AI-powered proprietary system was retrospectively reviewed for malpractice cases involving TOS. A Boolean search strategy was used to identify target cases under the case category of "Jury Verdicts & Settlements" for all state and federal jurisdictions from 1970 to September 2020. The settled case was described but not included in the statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to report our findings, and when appropriate. The P ≤ .05 decision rule was established a priori as the null hypothesis rejection criterion to determine associations between jury verdicts outcomes and state's tort reform status. RESULTS: In this study, 39 cases were identified and met the study's inclusion criteria from the entire Westlaw Edge database. Among plaintiffs who disclosed age and/or gender, median age was 35.0 years with a female majority (67.6%). Cases involving TOS were noted to be steadily decreasing since the mid-1990s. The cases were unevenly spread across 18 states, with the highest number of cases (14, 35.9%) from California and the second highest (4, 10.3%) from Pennsylvania. A similar uneven distribution was seen among U.S. census regions, in which the West had the highest cases (39.5%). The study revealed that more cases were brought to trials in tort reform states (26, 68.4%) than in non-tort reform states (12, 31.6%). A total of 24 of 39 (61.5%) plaintiffs had one specific claim, which resulted in their economic and noneconomic damages. Negligent operation and treatment complication represented an overwhelming majority of claims brought by 38 of 39 plaintiffs (97.4%). Misdiagnosis and lack of informed consent were both brought nine times (23.1%) by the group. Intraoperative nerve injury (20 patients, 51.3%) was the most commonly reported complication. Excluding one case with a settlement of $965,000, 30 of 38 (78.9%) cases went to trials and received defense verdicts. Eight cases (20.5%) were found in favor of plaintiffs with a median payout of $725,581. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted higher than average payouts to plaintiffs and risk factors that may result in malpractice lawsuits for surgeons undertaking TOS treatment. Future studies are needed to further clarify the relationships between tort reform and outcomes of malpractice cases involving TOS.


Subject(s)
Compensation and Redress , Decompression, Surgical/economics , Insurance, Liability/economics , Liability, Legal/economics , Malpractice/economics , Medical Errors/economics , Postoperative Complications/economics , Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/surgery , Vascular Surgical Procedures/economics , Adult , Compensation and Redress/legislation & jurisprudence , Databases, Factual , Decompression, Surgical/adverse effects , Decompression, Surgical/legislation & jurisprudence , Female , Humans , Insurance, Liability/legislation & jurisprudence , Male , Malpractice/legislation & jurisprudence , Medical Errors/legislation & jurisprudence , Policy Making , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/economics , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Vascular Surgical Procedures/legislation & jurisprudence
19.
Am J Surg ; 223(1): 22-27, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34332746

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: For-profit (FP) trauma centers (TCs) charge more for trauma care than not-for-profit (NFP) centers. We sought to determine charges, length of stay (LOS), and complications associations with TC ownership status (FP, NFP, and government) for three diagnoses among patients with overall low injury severity. METHODS: Adult patients treated at TCs with an International Classification of Diseases-based injury severity score (ICISS) survival probability ≥ 0.85 were identified. Only those who with a principal diagnosis of femur, tibial or rib fractures were included. RESULTS: Total charges were significantly higher at FP centers than NFP and lower at government centers (89.6% and -12.8%, respectively). FP TCs had a 12.5% longer LOS and government TCs had a 20.4% longer LOS than NFP TCs. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting to FP TCs with mild/moderate femur, tibial, or rib fractures experienced higher charges and increased LOS compared with government or NFP centers. There was no difference in overall complication rates.


Subject(s)
Fracture Fixation/economics , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Ownership/economics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Trauma Centers/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Fracture Fixation/adverse effects , Fracture Fixation/statistics & numerical data , Fractures, Bone/diagnosis , Fractures, Bone/economics , Government Programs/economics , Government Programs/statistics & numerical data , Hospital Charges/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Private/economics , Hospitals, Private/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Public/economics , Hospitals, Public/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Length of Stay/economics , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Trauma Centers/economics , Trauma Centers/organization & administration , Young Adult
20.
J Burn Care Res ; 43(1): 37-42, 2022 01 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34648032

ABSTRACT

Outpatient burn surgery is increasingly used in acute burn care. Reports of its safety and efficacy are limited. This study aims to evaluate the safety and cost reduction associated with outpatient burn surgery and to describe our center's experience. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent outpatient burn surgery requiring split-thickness skin graft or dermal regenerative template from January 2010 to December 2018. Patient demographics, comorbidities, burn etiologies, operative data, and postoperative care were reviewed. The primary outcome is complications involving major graft loss requiring reoperation. One hundred and sixty-five patients and 173 procedures met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 44 years and 60.6% (100/165) were male. Annual outpatient procedure volume increased 48% from 23 to 34 cases over the 9-year period. The median (interquartile range) grafted percentage total body surface area was 1.0 (1.0)%. Rate of major graft loss requiring reoperation was 5.2% (9/172) and the most common site was the lower extremity (8/9, 88.9%). Age, sex, comorbidities, total body surface area, and procedure types were not significantly associated with postoperative complication rates. The outpatient burn surgery model was estimated to save CA$8170 per patient from inpatient costs. Demonstration of the safety and cost savings associated with outpatient acute burn surgery is compelling for further utilization. Our experience found the adoption of improved dressing care, appropriate patient selection, increased patient education, adequate pain control, and regimented outpatient multidisciplinary care to be fundamental for effective outpatient surgical burn care.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures/economics , Burns/surgery , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Patient Safety , Adult , Female , Graft Rejection/economics , Humans , Male , Postoperative Complications/economics , Reoperation/economics , Retrospective Studies , Skin Transplantation/economics
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