Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol in gynecologic oncology.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based approach that aims to reduce narcotic use and maintain anabolic balance to enable full functional recovery. Our primary aim was to determine the effect of ERAS on narcotic usage among patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy by gynecologic oncologists. We characterized its effect on length of stay, intraoperative blood transfusions, bowel function, 30-day readmissions, and postoperative complications. A retrospective cohort study was performed at Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health in gynecologic oncology. Women who underwent an exploratory laparotomy from 2011 to 2016 for both benign and malignant etiologies were included before and after implementation of our ERAS protocol. Patients who underwent a bowel resection were excluded. A total of 724 patients were included: 360 in the non-ERAS and 364 in the ERAS cohort. An overall reduction in narcotic usage, measured as oral morphine milliequivalents (MMEs) was observed in the ERAS relative to the non-ERAS group, during the entire hospital stay (MME 34 versus 68, p < 0.001 and within 72 h postoperatively (MME 34 versus 60, p < 0.005). A shorter length of stay and earlier return of bowel function were also observed in the ERAS group. No differences in 30-day readmissions (p = 0.967) or postoperative complications (p = 0.328) were observed. This study demonstrated the benefits of ERAS in Gynecologic Oncology. A significant reduction of postoperative narcotic use, earlier return of bowel function and a shorter postoperative hospital stay was seen in the ERAS compared to traditional perioperative care.

Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with multivisceral resection.

BACKGROUND: Multivisceral resection (MVR) is considered a radical operation with many surgeons only using it as a last resort. However, when locally advanced colorectal cancers invade adjacent organs, MVR is an important consideration for select patients. The current study addresses the outcomes of MVR in locally advanced recto-sigmoid cancer patients subsequent to these recommendations and hypothesizes that MVR yields improved survival. METHOD: SEER data (1988-2008) was used to identify all eligible patients with MVR. Patients were limited to single primary locally advanced non-metastatic colorectal cancers originating from the sigmoid and rectum. RESULTS: A total of 4111 locally advanced non-metastatic recto sigmoid cancer patients were included in the study. Cox regression analysis showed variables predictive of MVR were female (OR = 1.95) and late year period (OR = 1.90). Kaplan Meier analysis showed that five-year survival was highest for MVR (52.7%, 48 months), followed by standard surgery (SS; 38.9%, 32 months) and no surgery (NS; 16.6%, 12 months, P < 0.001). With radiation treatment, five year survival improved for all groups, with the highest being MVR (57%, 52 months). With no radiation treatment, five year survival decreased for all groups, with the highest being MVR (45.1%, 44 months), followed by SS (27.3%, 19 months), and NS (8.7%, 6 months, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study supports that MVR offers greater survival advantage in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer. MVR are extensive surgical procedures with significant associated morbidity that usually require specialized training and sometimes the coordination of multiple surgical specialists.

Factors associated with delayed recovery in athletes with concussion treated at a pediatric neurology concussion clinic.

PURPOSE: With the increase in knowledge and management of sport-related concussion over the last 15 years, there has been a shift from a grading scale approach to an individualized management approach. As a result, there is an increased need to better understand the factors involved in delayed recovery of concussion. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine factors that may be associated with recovery from sport-related concussion in student athletes aged 11 to 18 years old. METHODS: Of the 366 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 361 were included in our analysis. The primary dependent variable included days until athlete was able to return to play (RTP). Independent variables of interest included age, gender, academic performance, comorbid factors, sports, on-field markers, days until initial neurological evaluation, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT®) scores, acute headache rescue medications, chronic headache medication, sleep medication, and referral to concussion rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Variables associated with longer median RTP were being female (35 days), having a referral to concussion rehabilitation program (53 days), being prescribed acute headache rescue therapy (34 days), and having chronic headache treatment (53 days) (all p < 0.05). Variables associated with shorter RTP were on-field marker of headache (23 days) and evaluation within 1 week of concussion by a concussion specialist (16 days) (Both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for a concussed athlete to have access to a provider trained in concussion management in a timely fashion in order to prevent delayed recovery and return to play.

Critical Outcomes in Nonrobotic vs Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery.

IMPORTANCE: As robotic-assisted cardiac surgical procedures increase nationwide, surgeons need to be educated on the safety of the new modality compared with that of open technique. OBJECTIVE: To compare complications, length of stay (LOS), actual cost, and mortality between nonrobotic and robotic-assisted cardiac surgical procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Weighted data on cardiac patients who had undergone operations involving the valves or septa and vessels, as well as other heart and pericardium procedures, from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011, were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample via the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Propensity score matching was used to match each robotic-assisted case to 2 nonrobotic cases on 14 characteristics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Complications, median LOS, actual cost, and mortality. RESULTS: Exploratory analysis found a total of 1,374,653 cardiac cases (1,369,454 [99.6%] nonrobotic and 5199 [0.4%] robotic-assisted cases). After propensity score matching, there were 10,331 (66.5%) nonrobotic cases and 5199 (33.5%) robotic-assisted cases. Cardiac operations included 1630 (10.5%) involving the valves or septa, 6616 (42.6%) involving the vessels, and 7284 (46.9%) other heart and pericardium procedures. Robotic-assisted compared with nonrobotic surgery had a higher median cost ($39,030 vs $36,340; P < .001) but lower LOS (5 vs 6 days; P < .001) and lower mortality (1.0% vs 1.9%; P < .001). Robotic-assisted surgery had significantly fewer complications for all operation types (30.3% vs 27.2%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Overall, robotic-assisted surgery has significantly reduced median LOS, complications, and mortality compared with nonrobotic surgery. Results of this study support the contention that robotic-assisted surgery is as safe as nonrobotic surgery and offers the surgeon an additional technique for performing cardiac surgery.

Changing demographics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in the United States: hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010.

In the clinical experience at a community hospital, younger patients appear to be receiving more laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The purpose of this study was to determine if LC is increasing in the younger patient population and if obesity is associated with the increase in LC. Patients undergoing LC were identified from the Healthcare Cost Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. There were 4,449,643 LCs from 1998 to 2010. Patients 15 to 24 years of age had the largest increase in LC (3.2%) and obesity (10.8%) from 1998 to 2010. In the 15- to 24-year age group, the following variables were associated with obesity: female, white, private payer, nonteaching hospital, urban location, southern region, large hospital bed size, and 3+ Charlson group, all P < 0.05. Additionally in the 15- to 24-year age group, median length of stay (nonobese 2 days vs obese 3 days) and median cost (nonobese $19,170 vs obese $22,802) were both increased (P < 0.001). The percentage of younger people having LC is increasing with highest increases in the obese population. The obese youth also have longer length of stay with an increase in hospital cost. These results suggest a rising disease burden associated with obesity among people ages 15 to 24 years. Gallstone disease burden will likely increase with the increase in prevalence of obesity and would add to healthcare economic burden.

Unnecessary head computed tomography scans: a level 1 trauma teaching experience.

The Canadian CT Head Rule attempts to standardize the practice of obtaining head computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with minor head injury. Previous research indicates 10 to 35 per cent of CT scans performed do not meet these guidelines. The purpose of this study was to review our use of CT scans in the evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury and to identify 1) unnecessary head CT scans (UHCT); 2) variables associated with UHCT; and 3) associated costs. Using a trauma registry, inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, Glasgow Coma Scale of 15, and at least one head CT scan. UHCTs were those without head injury, loss of consciousness, amnesia, or neurologic complaint. The proportion of patients meeting the criteria for UHCT was 24.2 per cent. Univariate analyses revealed ages 41 to 64 years, drug use, vehicular injury, and surgery within 24 hours were associated with UHCT (all P < 0.05). UHCTs were associated with higher Injury Severity Scores (P = 0.008), ventilator days, and length of stay (all P < 0.05). An average cost of $1,413 per CT equals $149,778 in extra costs. This study suggests that current practices at our Level I trauma center result in UHCT. Further investigation into best practices would benefit our center by reducing costs and providing quality patient care.

Use, cost, complications, and mortality of robotic versus nonrobotic general surgery procedures based on a nationwide database.

Since its introduction in 1997, robotic surgery has overcome many limitations, including setup costs and surgeon training. The use of robotics in general surgery remains unknown. This study evaluates robotic-assisted procedures in general surgery by comparing characteristics with its nonrobotic (laparoscopic and open) counterparts. Weighted Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (2008, 2009) were used to identify the top 12 procedures for robotic general surgery. Robotic cases were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes 17.41 and 17.42. Procedures were grouped: esophagogastric, colorectal, adrenalectomy, lysis of adhesion, and cholecystectomy. Analyses were descriptive, t tests, χ(2)s, and logistic regression. Charges and length of stay were adjusted for gender, age, race, payer, hospital bed size, hospital location, hospital region, median household income, Charlson score, and procedure type. There were 1,389,235 (97.4%) nonrobotic and 37,270 (2.6%) robotic cases. Robotic cases increased from 0.8 per cent (2008) to 4.3 per cent (2009, P < 0.001). In all subgroups, robotic surgery had significantly shorter lengths of stay (4.9 days) than open surgery (6.1 days) and lower charges (median $30,540) than laparoscopic ($34,537) and open ($46,704) surgery. Fewer complications were seen in robotic-assisted colorectal, adrenalectomy and lysis of adhesion; however, robotic cholecystectomy and esophagogastric procedures had higher complications than nonrobotic surgery (P < 0.05). Overall robotic surgery had a lower mortality rate (0.097%) than nonrobotic surgeries per 10,000 procedures (laparoscopic 0.48%, open 0.92%; P < 0.001). The cost of robotic surgery is generally considered a prohibitive factor. In the present study, when overall cost was considered, including length of stay, robotic surgery appeared to be cost-effective and as safe as nonrobotic surgery except in cholecystectomy and esophagogastric procedures. Further study is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of this new technology.

Predicting risk of death in general surgery patients on the basis of preoperative variables using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.

OBJECTIVES: To use the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to develop an accurate and clinically meaningful preoperative mortality predictor (PMP) for general surgery on the basis of objective information easily obtainable at the patient's bedside and to compare it with the preexisting NSQIP mortality predictor (NMP). METHODS: Data were obtained from the ACS NSQIP Participant Use Data File (2005 to 2008) for current procedural terminology codes that included open pancreas surgery and open/laparoscopic colorectal, hernia (ventral, umbilical, or inguinal), and gallbladder surgery. Chi-square analysis was conducted to determine which preoperative variables were significantly associated with death. Logistic regression followed by frequency analysis was conducted to assign weight to these variables. PMP score was calculated by adding the scores for contributing variables and was applied to 2009 data for validation. The accuracy of PMP score was tested with correlation, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: PMP score was based on 16 variables that were statistically reliable in distinguishing between surviving and dead patients (p < 0.05). Statistically significant variables predicting death were inpatient status, sepsis, poor functional status, do-not-resuscitate directive, disseminated cancer, age, comorbidities (cardiac, renal, pulmonary, liver, and coagulopathy), steroid use, and weight loss. The model correctly classified 98.6% of patients as surviving or dead (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation of the NMP and PMP was 86.9%. CONCLUSION: PMP score is an accurate and simple tool for predicting operative survival or death using only preoperative variables that are readily available at the bedside. This can serve as a performance assessment tool between hospitals and individual surgeons.

Cost analysis of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with colon cancer: results from a large nationwide population database.

Laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is a safe and reliable option for patients with colon cancer. This study examined factors associated with LC use and cost differences between LC and open colectomy (OC). Using the Cost & Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database (2008), patients with colon cancer undergoing elective LC or OC were selected. Chi square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences between LC and OC. Logistic and multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with LC and predictors of cost. All analysis was weighted. A total of 63,950 patients were identified (LC 8.1%, OC 91.9%). The majority was female (52.7%), white (61.4%), using Medicare (61.1%), and had surgery performed at a large (64.2%), nonteaching (56.9%), urban (87.3%) hospital in the South (37.7%). Mean age was 70 years. On unadjusted analysis, LC was associated with a lower mortality rate (1.7 vs 2.4%), fewer complications (18.9 vs 27.1%), shorter length of stay (5 vs 7 days), and lower total charges ($41,971 vs $43,459, all P < 0.001). LC is a less expensive but less popular surgical option for colon cancer. Stage, race, Charlson score, teaching status, location, and hospital size influence the use of a laparoscopic approach. LC is associated with fewer complications and decreased mortality which contribute to its lower cost as compared with OC.

Changing epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the United States: study period 1993-2008.

BACKGROUND: Addis et al. [5] described the epidemiology of appendicitis in the United States from 1970 to 1984. He reported that while overall incidence decreased, the highest incidence of appendicitis occurred in 10- to 19-y-olds. This study examines if the incidence of appendicitis and mean age of diagnosis has changed, and whether demographics are related to the frequency of admissions and incidence rate of acute appendicitis (AA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study questions were assessed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) discharge data and US Census data from 1993-2008. Operatively managed, uncomplicated, and complex cases of AA were included. Incidental appendectomy and right hemicolectomy were excluded. Descriptive, ANOVA, χ(2), and test of proportion statistics were used to evaluate frequency of admissions, incidence rate, and demographic changes in appendicitis. RESULTS: The annual rate of AA increased from 7.62 to 9.38 per 10,000 between 1993 and 2008. The highest frequency of AA was found in the 10-19 y age group, however occurrence in this group decreased by 4.6%. Persons between ages 30 and 69 y old experienced an increase of AA by 6.3%. AA rates remained higher in males. Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans saw a rise in the frequency of AA, while the frequencies among Whites and Blacks decreased. CONCLUSIONS: While AA is most common in persons 10- to 19-y old, the mean age at diagnosis has increased over time. Minorities are experiencing an increase in the frequency of appendicitis. The changing demographics of the US plays a role in the current epidemiology of appendicitis, but is not solely responsible for the change observed.

Economics of appendicitis: cost trend analysis of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy from 1998 to 2008.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has become more acceptable for the treatment of appendicitis over the last decade; however, its cost benefit compared to open appendectomy (OA) remains under debate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utilization of LA and its cost effectiveness based on total hospital charges stratified by complexity of disease and complications compared to OA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 1998 to 2008 with the principal diagnosis of appendicitis were included. Appendicitis cases were divided by simple and complex (peritonitis or abscess) and subdivided by OA, LA, and lap converted to open (CONV). Total charges (2008 value), length of stay (LOS), and complications were assessed by disease presentation and operative approach. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2008, 1,561,518 (54.3%) OA, 1,231,643 (42.8%) LA, and 84,662 (2.9%) CONV appendectomies were performed. LA had shorter LOS (2 d) than OA (3 d) and CONV (5 d) (P<0.001). CONV (7.4%) cases had more complications than OA (3.7%) and LA (2.6%). LA ($19,978) and CONV ($28,103) are costlier than OA ($15,714) based on normalized cost for simple and complex diseases (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LA is more prevalent but its cost is higher in both simple and complex cases. Cost and complications increase if the case is converted to open. OA remains the most cost effective approach for patients with acute appendicitis.

Application of a tertiary referral scoring system to predict nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis in a community hospital.

Riansuwan et al. at Cleveland Clinic developed a scoring system to quantify the risk of Hartmann's nonreversal based on age, preoperative transfusion, pulmonary comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, perforation, and anticoagulation. Our study validates the scoring system in a community hospital setting. Patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis (2006 to June 2009) were identified from our hospital's database. Two groups were formed based on Hartmann's reversal within 1 year and those with nonreversal. An independent-sample t test and logistic regression using score and nine other variables as predictors of Hartmann's nonreversal were run. Sixty-three of 93 patients (67.7%) had a Hartmann's reversal. Higher scores and higher mean age were seen in the nonreversal group (15.5 ± 3.0 vs 12.1 ± 2.5 and 73 ± 15 vs 63 ± 14 years, respectively). Patients with scores 18 or above were not reversed; 43 of 49 patients (88%) with scores of 13 or less were reversed. Logistic regression confirmed that the only predictive variable for nonreversal is a higher score. The scoring system is predictive of nonreversibility of Hartmann's procedure for acute diverticulitis. This will be useful in allowing surgeons to strategize accurately and to counsel patients realistically. Higher scores may allow both the surgeon and patient to have a low threshold for exploring alternatives to Hartmann's procedure.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe but underused in the elderly.

Studies confirm that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is safe and efficacious for elderly patients. The purposes of this study were to evaluate if LC is underused in the elderly and if it is a safe option in that group. Open cholecystectomy (OC) and LC were compared in nonelderly (40 to 64 years) and elderly (65 years or older) matched patient groups identified with gallbladder disease using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005 to 2008). Length of stay (LOS), 30-day complications, and mortality were evaluated as outcomes. Using multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of OC were identified. After case-matching, each group had 11,926 patients. A χ(2) test showed that elderly (20.1 vs 15.0%, P < 0.001) were more likely to undergo OC. Elderly patients had significantly higher comorbidities and were operated on as emergent case (all P < 0.05). OC had longer LOS and mortality (all P < 0.05). Among 10 other variables in logistic regression, elderly had a higher likelihood of receiving OC (OR, 1.299; P < 0 0.001). Significant disparity exists between elderly and nonelderly patients in use of LC surgery. LC has a lower complication rate than OC; however, elderly undergo LC less often. Awareness needs to be raised for offering earlier operative intervention and the superior results of LC in the elderly.

Evaluating causes for unplanned hospital readmissions of palliative care patients.

This study evaluated reasons why palliative care patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. A secondary purpose was to determine whether length of stay (LOS) was different between readmission reasons. From July 2006 to June 2007, 156 palliative care readmissions were identified. Codes were assigned to each readmission and included compliance issues, discharge planning, disease process, new diagnosis, premature discharge, surgical complications, and other. Results demonstrated that disease progression (63%) and development of new co-morbidities (17%) were the primary readmission causes. No significant differences among readmission causes for LOS were identified. As the primary reason for readmission was the disease process, a closer look at the most common disease processes and the specific complications that resulted in a readmission would be helpful in planning patient care.