American College Of Surgeons Research Articles

Development of the national injury resource database (NIRD)

IntroductionLack of an accurate, publicly available database of burn/trauma resources creates challenges in providing burn care. In response to this gap, our group developed the National Injury Resource Database (NIRD), a comprehensive database of all US burn centers (BC) and trauma centers (TC) and their capabilities. MethodsLists of all national BC and TC were obtained from the American Burn Association (ABA), the American College of Surgeons, and every state department of health. Data was cross-checked and included BC/TC were linked with a 7-digit identification number using the American Hospital Association Quick Search guide. Each center’s resources and verification status were validated with electronic or telephonic communications. ResultsThe final database includes 135 BC and 617 TC, of which 18 are BC-only, 500 are TC-only, and 117 are combined BC/TC. ABA-verified BC (n = 76) are only found in Washington DC and 31 states, and 8 states have no BC. In the last 10 years, a net increase of 7 burn centers was found nationally. The ABA’s online BC directory is outdated. ConclusionsNIRD represents the only up-to-date, comprehensive listing of BC and TC in existence. It categorizes all currently operating BC and TC across myriad classifications of designation and capabilities.

Surgeon views on firearm safety counseling in clinical practice: A cross-sectional survey.

Firearms are commonplace in the United States, and one proposed strategy to decrease risk of firearm injury is to have physicians counsel their patients about safe firearm ownership. Current rates of firearm safety counseling by surgeons who care for injured people are unknown. This study used an anonymous cross-sectional survey derived from previously published survey instruments and was piloted (n = 13) at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (2022). The finalized survey was distributed using a quick response code during two sessions at the 2022 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Eligible participants included the surgeons and surgical trainees who attended these sessions. One hundred fourteen individuals completed the survey (20% response rate), and a majority were male (n = 71 [62.3%]), attending surgeons (n = 108 [94.7%]), and specialized in acute care surgery (n = 72 [63.2%]). Few participants (n = 43 [37.7%]) reported counseling patients on firearm safety as part of their routine clinical practice; however, the majority (n = 102 [89.5%]) believed that surgeons should provide firearm safety counseling. Counseling rates did not vary significantly by age, sex, surgical specialty, or region of practice, but attitudes toward counseling did differ by firearm safety counseling practices ( p = 0.03) and region of practice (0.04). Noted barriers to counseling included lack of time (n = 47 [41.2%]), perceived lack of training (n = 43 [37.7%]), and lack of firearm knowledge/experience (n = 36 [31.6%]). Most surgeon respondents did not provide firearm safety counseling to their patients despite the fact the majority believed they should. This suggests that counseling interventions that do not solely rely on surgeons for implementation could increase the number of patients who receive firearm safety guidance during clinical encounters. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Initiating advance care planning at admission: a brief intervention to increase goals of care discussions in geriatric trauma patients in an urban level I trauma center

ObjectivesThe burden of geriatric trauma continues to rise. Older trauma patients experience higher morbidity and mortality and thus benefit from early goals of care (GOC) discussions and advance care planning...

Assessing the mFI-5 frailty score and functional status in geriatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repairs.

The modified 5-factor frailty index (mFI-5) is a prognostic tool based on five comorbidities from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database-hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and non-independent functional status. Our study investigates the mFI-5 index's ability to predict morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and discharge destination in geriatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repairs, as well as assesses the interplay of baseline functional status. Patients aged ≥ 65years who underwent inguinal or femoral hernia repairs from the 2018-2020 NSQIP database were studied. Separate analyses were performed for emergent and elective cohorts. Stratification was performed according to the sum of mFI-5 variables: mFI = 0, mFI = 1, mFI ≥ 2. A total of 41,897 consisted of 92.9% elective and 7.1% emergent cases. The sample was 37.8% mFI = 0, 47.2% mFI = 1, and 15.0% mFI ≥ 2. Median age was 73 (IQR 68-78). Of emergent mFI ≥ 2 cases, 24.2% had non-independent functional status, versus only 4.8% in elective cases. Area under the curve was calculated for emergent and elective groups, including mortality (0.86, 0.80), pneumonia (0.82, 0.77), discharge destination not home (0.78, 0.73), prolonged LOS (0.69, 0.66), and infection (0.71, 0.62). Of index variables, dependent functional status was correlated with increased complications in elective and emergent cohorts, while COPD was significant in elective cases (OR > 2.0, p < 0.05). The mFI-5 is predictive of complications in geriatric inguinal hernia repairs, especially in emergent cases. Frail patients with non-independent functional status are most at risk and, thusrequire proactive and watchful perioperative care.

Current status of liver surgery for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases: the NON.LI.MET. Italian Society for Endoscopic Surgery and New Technologies (SICE) and Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe (ACIE) collaborative international survey.

Despite the increasing trend in liver resections for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNLM), the role of surgery for these liver malignancies is still debated. Registries are an essential, reliable tool for assessing epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic approach in a single hub, especially when data are dispersive and inconclusive, as in our case. The dissemination of this preliminary survey would allow us to understand if the creation of an International Registry is a viable option, while still offering a snapshot on this issue, investigating clinical practices worldwide. The steering committee designed an online questionnaire with Google Forms, which consisted of 37 questions, and was open from October 5th, 2022, to November 30th, 2022. It was disseminated using social media and mailing lists of the Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery and New Technologies (SICE), the Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe (ACIE), and the Spanish Chapter of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Overall, 141 surgeons (approximately 18% of the total invitations sent) from 27 countries on four continents participated in the survey. Most respondents worked in general surgery units (62%), performing less than 50 liver resections/year (57%). A multidisciplinary discussion was currently performed to validate surgical indications for NCNNLM in 96% of respondents. The most commonly adopted selection criteria were liver resectability, RECIST criteria, and absence of extrahepatic disease. Primary tumors were generally of gastrointestinal (42%), breast (31%), and pancreaticobiliary origin (13%). The most common interventions were parenchymal-sparing resections (51% of respondents) of metachronous metastases with an open approach. Major post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 2) occurred in up to 20% of the procedures, according to 44% of respondents. A subset analysis of data from high-volume centers (> 100 cases/year) showed lower post-operative complications and better survival. The present survey shows that NCNNLM patients are frequently treated by surgeons in low-volume hospitals for liver surgery. Selection criteria are usually based on common sense. Liver resections are performed mainly with an open approach, possibly carrying a high burden of major post-operative complications. International guidelines and a specific consensus on this field are desirable, as well as strategies for collaboration between high-volume and low-volume centers. The present study can guide the elaboration of a multi-institutional document on the optimal pathway in the management of patients with NCNNLM.

Surgeon Perspectives on Daily Presentation of Ethical Dilemmas: A Qualitative Study.

Surgeons encounter and navigate a unique set of ethical dilemmas. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) previously identified 6 core ethical issues central to the practice of surgery, but there have been no reports of the true range and complexity of ethical dilemmas encountered by surgeons in their daily practice. Qualitative research is well positioned to address this question. We conducted in-depth interviews with attending surgeons across multiple surgical subspecialties at a large, urban, academic medical center asking them to describe the most common ethical dilemmas they encounter in day-to-day practice. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded according to a grounded theory, inductive approach. Thirty attending surgeons were interviewed, representing twelve different general surgery subspecialties. The majority of dilemmas identified pertained to 4 of the 6 ACS identified core ethical issues: professional obligations, competition of interests, truth telling, and end-of-life care. No participants described dilemmas relating to the themes of confidentiality or surrogate decision-making. Approximately one-third of participants identified ethical issues not well characterized by the ACS core principles, most often relating to the pressure to provide care that is not medically indicated. There was strong support for a formalized surgical ethics curriculum. Although the ACS-defined core ethical issues in surgery appropriately captured many ethical dilemmas identified by participants, surgeons described several scenarios not well characterized by these themes. A dedicated surgical ethics curriculum may help to better equip surgeons to navigate the ethical dilemmas they are likely to face in practice.

American College of Surgeons: Owen H Wangensteen Scientific Forum Excellence in Research Awards 2023.

American College of Surgeons: Owen H Wangensteen Scientific Forum Excellence in Research Awards 2023.

Recovery Services for Interpersonal Violence Victims on Healthcare Use at a Trauma Center

IntroductionTreatment of interpersonal violence (IPV) patients is often complicated by social and mental health comorbidities. New American College of Surgeons (ACS) requirements include provision of psychosocial support services for recovery after injury. We aim to describe utilization and patient outcomes after provision of Trauma Recovery Services (TRS) at our institution for the IPV population. These services include assistance with food, housing, criminal justice, and advocacy. MethodsIPV patients were identified between September 6, 2018 and December 20, 2020. Demographic information was collected. TRS utilization and specific services rendered were identified. Primary outcome measures included initial length of stay (LOS), number of subsequent emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient visits within 1 y after the initial injury. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and multivariate regression analyses. ResultsA total of 502 patients were included in the final cohort, and 394 patients (78.5%) accepted the utilization of TRS services after initial interaction. Patients were on average 33.4 y old, and 59.4% were females. Patients who were older (P < 0.001) and homeless (P = 0.004) were more likely to use TRS, while victims of sexual assault (P < 0.001) and single patients (P = 0.041) were less likely. Patients who utilized TRS had longer initial LOS (P < 0.001), more ED visits (P < 0.001), and more outpatient visits (P = 0.01) related to the initial complaint, independent of potential confounders on multivariate linear regression. Food and housing service utilization associated with LOS (P = 0.01), ED visits (P < 0.001), and outpatient visits (P < 0.001). Additionally, transportation services were associated with longer LOS (P = 0.01) while patient advocacy services were associated with more ED visits (P = 0.03). ConclusionsTRS was extensively utilized by IPV patients, and associated with more follow-up appointments, ED visits, and longer LOS. Emphasis on injury mechanisms, baseline demographics, and social features may further characterize patients in need who tend toward utilization.

Large Language Model−Based Chatbot vs Surgeon-Generated Informed Consent Documentation for Common Procedures

Informed consent is a critical component of patient care before invasive procedures, yet it is frequently inadequate. Electronic consent forms have the potential to facilitate patient comprehension if they provide information that is readable, accurate, and complete; it is not known if large language model (LLM)-based chatbots may improve informed consent documentation by generating accurate and complete information that is easily understood by patients. To compare the readability, accuracy, and completeness of LLM-based chatbot- vs surgeon-generated information on the risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBAs) of common surgical procedures. This cross-sectional study compared randomly selected surgeon-generated RBAs used in signed electronic consent forms at an academic referral center in San Francisco with LLM-based chatbot-generated (ChatGPT-3.5, OpenAI) RBAs for 6 surgical procedures (colectomy, coronary artery bypass graft, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, knee arthroplasty, and spinal fusion). Readability was measured using previously validated scales (Flesh-Kincaid grade level, Gunning Fog index, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and the Coleman-Liau index). Scores range from 0 to greater than 20 to indicate the years of education required to understand a text. Accuracy and completeness were assessed using a rubric developed with recommendations from LeapFrog, the Joint Commission, and the American College of Surgeons. Both composite and RBA subgroup scores were compared. The total sample consisted of 36 RBAs, with 1 RBA generated by the LLM-based chatbot and 5 RBAs generated by a surgeon for each of the 6 surgical procedures. The mean (SD) readability score for the LLM-based chatbot RBAs was 12.9 (2.0) vs 15.7 (4.0) for surgeon-generated RBAs (P = .10). The mean (SD) composite completeness and accuracy score was lower for surgeons' RBAs at 1.6 (0.5) than for LLM-based chatbot RBAs at 2.2 (0.4) (P < .001). The LLM-based chatbot scores were higher than the surgeon-generated scores for descriptions of the benefits of surgery (2.3 [0.7] vs 1.4 [0.7]; P < .001) and alternatives to surgery (2.7 [0.5] vs 1.4 [0.7]; P < .001). There was no significant difference in chatbot vs surgeon RBA scores for risks of surgery (1.7 [0.5] vs 1.7 [0.4]; P = .38). The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that despite not being perfect, LLM-based chatbots have the potential to enhance informed consent documentation. If an LLM were embedded in electronic health records in a manner compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, it could be used to provide personalized risk information while easing documentation burden for physicians.

Prediction model for the need of postoperative organ support in an adult population undergoing elective major general surgery - Utilizing the American College of Surgeons - National quality improvement project (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator

An accepted model for predicting the need for postoperative organ support and intensive care, in patients undergoing elective surgery, is lacking worldwide. A reliable tool that could predict the need for postoperative organ support would facilitate the efficient utilisation of ICU beds while ensuring patient safety. The American College of Surgeons - National Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator is validated for the prediction of the risk of serious complications in the postoperative period. We aimed to validate this calculator to predict the need for post-operative organ support. We obtained perioperative data from 126 patients who underwent elective major general surgery. We calculated the percentage risk of serious complications for each patient using the ACS-NSQIP calculator and correlated it with the level of postoperative organ support needed. The mean predicted percentage risk of serious complications, for the group that did not require any organ support was 10.5% and the group requiring 1 or more organ support was 18.1%. The standard error was 0.49 (p= 0.001). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve gave an area under the curve of 0.71. We chose a cutoff for the percentage risk of serious complications for needing postoperative organ support and 10.8% was chosen as a fair value as it had a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 66%. The percentage risk of serious complications calculated by the ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator has a strong positive correlation with the need for postoperative organ support. Multi-center data is needed to determine definite cut-offs.

The Effect of ASA Score on Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle; Other Introduction/Purpose: The American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status classification system serves as a useful measure of patient comorbidities. Multiple studies have found an increased risk of readmission in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty with elevated ASA scores. There is a paucity of literature investigating the association of ASA score and postoperative outcomes following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Thus, this study seeks to evaluate the relationship between ASA score and postoperative outcomes following TAA. Methods: The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2007-2020 to identify 2210 TAA patients. Patients were stratified based on preoperative ASA score, 1-normal healthy patient (n=101), 2-mild systemic disease (n=1228), 3-severe systemic disease (n=855), 4-severe, life-threatening systemic disease (n=26). Demographics, medical comorbidities, concomitant procedures, hospital length of stay (LOS), and 30-day complication, readmission, and reoperation rates were compared between groups. The cohort was predominantly male (54.0%) and mean patient age was 63.99 (range 19-87) years with a mean BMI of 31.01 (range 17.14-57.78) m/kg2. Results: Patients with an ASA score ≥3 were significantly older (≤2 =62.78, ≥3 =65.81%; p&lt;.001), with higher BMI (≤2 =29.72, ≥3=32.97; p&lt;.001). 2210 patients were discharged following TAA, with 37 readmitted within 30 days following surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in readmission or reoperation rate based on ASA score. (Table 1) The average LOS following TAA was 1.81 (range 0-28) days, and increased ASA score was statistically significantly associated with longer length of stay (≤2=1.69 days, ≥3 =1.98 days; p&lt;.001). Patients with ASA score ≥3 were discharged home at a significantly lower rate than those with lower ASA scores (≤2 =95.3%, ≥3 =87.4%; p&lt;.001). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complication rates within 30 days of surgery. Conclusion: Higher ASA score was statically significantly associated with increased length of stay and non-home discharge disposition. These findings are valuable for physicians and patients to consider prior to TAA given the increased utilization of resources and cost associated with higher ASA scores.

Effect of conditions being present at time of surgery (PATOS) on outcomes in liver surgery

IntroductionInformation about condition(s) being present at time of surgery (PATOS) in the American College of Surgeons (ASC) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database can influence the postoperative complication rates after liver surgeries. Here, we compare the postoperative complication rates with and without taking condition(s) being PATOS into account. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the ACS NSQIP Participant User Files (PUFs) from 2015 through 2019. We analyzed rates of eight different postoperative complications: superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI, organ space SSI, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, ventilator, sepsis, and septic shock. In addition, we calculated the percent change in event rates after taking into account whether a condition is PATOS. ResultsOf the 22,463 patients in the ACS NSQIP PUFs for liver surgery, 334 (1.49%) had one or more conditions PATOS. The percentages of patients with PATOS events ranged from 2.03% for superficial SSI to 14.74% for sepsis. For all complications, event rates declined when taking condition(s) PATOS into account. From 2015 through 2019, the observed-to-expected ratios for most complications remained unchanged. ConclusionWhether a condition is PATOS is important in reporting postoperative complication rates for patients undergoing liver surgery. When taking whether a condition is PATOS into account, we demonstrated an overall decrease in event rates across all eight postoperative complications.

Same-day discharge bariatric surgery: A pilot experience from an Italian center

Ambulatory bariatric surgery (BS) is a novel model of clinical care for patients with morbid obesity. The American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and BS published clinical standards in BS that included ambulatory surgery in centers for low-acuity patients. Although ambulatory BS has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible, it has not yet been reported in Italy. It is hereby reported that this is the first experience of ambulatory BS in the Italian healthcare system. Two patients with morbid obesity underwent, respectively, a sleeve gastrectomy and an anastomosis gastric bypass. This pivotal experience was undertaken solely to evaluate the availability of logistics and the feasibility. Both patients were sent home within 10 hours of surgery. Admission, discharge protocol, and initial considerations are herein reported. The reduction of unnecessary hospital stays is clearly important and Same-day-discharge BS seems to have the potential to become one of the new models of offering this surgery.

Outcomes and Complications for Concurrent Hernia Repair Among Women Undergoing Hysterectomy.

To assess whether concurrent hernia repair at time of hysterectomy is associated with increased complications. In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent hysterectomy and hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair were queried using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file (2005-2019). Propensity score matching was performed 1:1 with respect to preoperative and operative characteristics. Outcomes were operation time, length of stay (LOS), and major and minor complications. A secondary analysis of patients who underwent hysterectomy for malignancy was performed. A total of 369,010 patients underwent hysterectomy, and 5,071 of those underwent hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair. After propensity score matching, there were 5,071 patients in each arm. Hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair had a longer operation time by 46 minutes (95% CI 42.6-49.6; P <.001) and longer LOS after surgery by 0.71 days (95% CI 0.59-0.84; P <.001). Hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair was associated with a 21.9% higher risk (15.6% vs 12.8%; 95% CI 1.11-1.34, P <.001) of major complications and was associated with a 34.5% higher risk (7.4% vs 5.5%; 95% CI 1.16-1.56, P <.001) of minor complications. In subgroup analyses, there was no significant increase in risk among patients with body mass indexes (BMIs) lower than 40, those who were younger than age 40 years or older than age 60 years, and those with tobacco use, diabetes, or a minimally invasive surgical approach. For patients undergoing hysterectomy for malignancy, hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair was associated with a 32-minute longer operation time (95% CI 25.2-38.8; P <.001) and a 0.35-day longer LOS (95% CI 0.04-0.67, P =.027), but there was no significant difference in major and minor complications. Hysterectomy with concurrent hernia repair is associated with increased operation time, LOS, and risk of major and minor complications compared with hysterectomy without hernia repair. The subgroup analyses suggest that hysterectomy with concurrent hernia has a similar complication risk as hysterectomy without hernia repair in select populations, such as those with BMIs lower than 40 or with known malignancy.

Risk of hysterectomy at the time of myomectomy: an underestimated surgical risk

To evaluate the risk of hysterectomy at the time of myomectomy, and the associated 30-day postoperative morbidity. Cohort study. Patients who underwent myomectomies identified from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2010-2021. Current Procedural Technology codes were used to identify myomectomies performed with or without concurrent hysterectomy. Pre-operative characteristics and morbidity outcomes were obtained. Univariate analysis was performed using Chi-Square and Fisher Exact as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression reported risk factors for individuals undergoing hysterectomy at the time of myomectomy. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 13,213 individuals had a myomectomy. 399 (3.0%) had a hysterectomy performed during myomectomy. Concurrent hysterectomy was most frequently performed (7.1%) with laparoscopic approach, followed by 3.2% and 1.9% with abdominal and hysteroscopic approach, respectively. Age ≥43 years, obesity class II and higher, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class greater than II, tobacco use, longer operative time (>85 min) and laparoscopic approach significantly elevated the risk of hysterectomy. When adjusting for age, body mass index, race, ASA class, case type, surgical approach, operative time, preoperative transfusion, preoperative hematocrit, and high fibroid burden, increased odds of hysterectomy was noted for White race, longer operative time, ASA class III or higher, obesity, laparoscopic approach and low fibroid burden. Patients who underwent concurrent hysterectomy had longer median length of hospital stay (2 vs 1 day), longer median operative time (161 vs 126 minutes), increased intraoperative/postoperative blood transfusions (14.5 vs 9.0%), higher organ space surgical site infections (1.5 vs 0.5%), and return to surgery (2.0 vs 0.7%) compared to patients who did not (p< 0.05). The risk of a major complication within 30 days of myomectomy was increased for patients who underwent concurrent hysterectomy after adjusting for relevant confounders (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8-3.2). Risk of hysterectomy during a myomectomy is higher than previously reported. Patient age ≥43 years, obesity, White race, ASA class III or higher, longer operative time, and laparoscopic approach were associated with higher odds of hysterectomy. Identification of patients with these risk factors can aid in patient counselling and surgical planning, which may help reduce the unexpectedly high rates of hysterectomy at planned myomectomy.

Health Disparities in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery: A Scoping Review

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are linked to poor health care outcomes across the different medical specialties. We conducted a scoping review to understand the existing literature and identify further areas of research to address disparities within hand surgery. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted. Inclusion criteria were English studies examining health disparities in hand surgery. The following were assessed: the main SDOH, study design/phase/theme, and main disease/injury/procedure. A previously described health disparities research framework was used to determine study phase: detecting (identifying risk factors), understanding (analyzing risk factors), and reducing (assessing interventions). Studies were categorized according to themes outlined at the National Institute of Health and American College of Surgeons: Summit on Surgical Disparities. The initial search yielded 446 articles, with 49 articles included in final analysis. The majority were detecting-type (31/49, 63%) or understanding-type (12/49, 24%) studies, with few reducing-type studies (6/49, 12%). Patient factors (31/49, 63%) and systemic/access factors (16/49, 33%) were the most frequently studied themes, with few investigating clinical care/quality factors (4/49, 8%), clinician factors (3/49, 6%), and postoperative/rehabilitation factors (1/49, 2%). The most commonly studied SDOH include insurance status (13/49, 27%), health literacy (10/49, 20%), and social deprivation (6/49, 12%). Carpal tunnel syndrome (9/49, 18%), upper extremity trauma (9/49, 18%), and amputations (5/49, 10%) were frequently assessed. Most investigations involved retrospective or database designs (29/49, 59%), while few were prospective, cross-sectional, or mixed-methods. Despite an encouraging upward trend in health disparities research, existing studies are in the early phases of investigation. Most of the literature focuses on patient factors and systemic/access factors in regard to insurance status. Further work with prospective, cross-sectional, and mixed-method studies is needed to better understand health disparities in hand surgery, which will inform future interventions.

Evaluating potential disparities in geospatial access to American College of Surgeons/American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-verified emergency general surgery centers.

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the American College of Surgeons have recently introduced emergency general surgery (EGS) center verification, which could enhance patient outcomes. Distance and resource availability may affect access to these centers, which has been linked to higher mortality. Although many patients can receive adequate care at community centers, those with critical conditions may require specialized treatment at EGS-verified centers. We aimed to evaluate geospatial access to potential EGS-verified centers and identify disparities across different scenarios of EGS verification program uptake in the United States. We used hospital capabilities and verified pilot centers to estimate potential patterns of which centers would become EGS verified under four scenarios (EGS centers, high-volume EGS centers, high-volume EGS plus level 1 trauma centers, and quaternary referral centers). We calculated the spatial accessibility index using an enhanced two-step floating catchment technique to determine geospatial access for each scenario. We also evaluated social determinants of health across geospatial access using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). A total of 1,932 hospitals were categorized as EGS centers, 307 as high-volume EGS centers, 401 as high-volume EGS plus level 1trauma centers, and 146 as quaternary centers. Spatial accessibility index decreased as the stringency of EGS verification increased in each scenario (226.6 [111.7-330.7], 51.8 [0-126.1], 71.52 [3.34-164.56], 6.2 [0-62.2]; p < 0.001). Within each scenario, spatial accessibility index also declined as the ADI quartile increased ( p < 0.001). The high-volume EGS plus level 1trauma center scenario had the most significant disparity in access between the first and fourth ADI quartiles (-54.68). Access to EGS-verified centers may vary considerably based on the program's implementation. Disadvantaged communities may be disproportionately affected by limited access. Further work to study regional needs can allow a strategic implementation of the EGS verification program to optimize outcomes while minimizing disparities. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Financial Barriers to Surgical Conferences: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Registration Fees.

Scientific meetings provide much educational value to participants of all career stages. There is a paucity of literature surrounding the costs of attending scientific meetings and how this may affect participation, especially among trainees. The objective of this study is to assess the accessibility of surgical conferences for attendees by analyzing costs related to surgical society membership and conference registration. Societal membership and conference registration fee data were collected according to career stage (i.e., student, resident, fellow, and staff) for the fourteen surgical specialties recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Fees for participants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and for virtual-only attendance options were also collected when available. Overall, we included data from 46 surgical societies (32 North American, 14 European or global). The median conference fees for students in the member and non-member categories were 191.55 USD (IQR 42.22-320.99) and 452.40 USD (IQR 294.06-555.00), respectively, representing a 136.2% price increase if not a member. Median conference fees for residents, fellows, and staff in the member category were 65.5%, 66.9%, and 230.9% greater than that for students, respectively. Median prices for residents, fellows, and staff in the non-member category were 49.9%, 54.9%, and 49.9% greater than that for member trainees of the same category, respectively. Our results highlight the substantial costs associated with attending surgical conferences, especially for trainees, representing a significant barrier to already financially burdened trainees, especially those from LMICs, smaller institutions, or less well-off backgrounds.

Lessons learned from the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program site surveys: common deficiencies and corrective actions

BackgroundThe Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) is a joint program between the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). On-site surveys of the applicant programs to determine adherence to the MBSAQIP standards are a hallmark of the accreditation process. ObjectivesA retrospective review of 619 site surveys completed over 2 years was performed to include analysis of reviewer decisions, tabulation and cross-reference of identified deficiencies to the MBSAQIP standards and determine final disposition of corrective actions and overall accreditation rates. SettingAccredited Hospitals (Community and Academic) within MBSAQIP. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of site surveys by expert panel. Results≥1 MBSAQIP Standards deficiencies were present at 149 of the 619 program site surveys (24.07%). The 3 leading Standards in Deficiency were in order: Commitment to Quality Care, Continuous Quality Improvement Process, and Data Collection. Within a year following initial site survey of the149 programs with Standards deficiencies, 59 programs demonstrated compliance, 83 programs were placed on probation (with a specific time-frame to demonstrate compliance) and 7 programs were denied accreditation. Ultimately, 98.9% of programs were able to gain or maintain MBSAQIP accreditation. ConclusionsThe MBSAQIP accreditation through on-site surveys can identify and improve program adherence to MBSAQIP standards.

A comparison of open or laparoscopic colectomy outcomes for the management of ischemic colitis using the ACS-NSQIP database

Ischemic colitis is a common manifestation of intestinal ischemia and is potentially a surgical emergency. Although such surgical emergencies were historically approached via open exploration, it is uncertain if there is a role for minimally invasive techniques. This study compares open vs laparoscopic colectomy techniques in the management of ischemic colitis. Using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, patients with ischemic colitis undergoing colectomy from 2005 to 2019 were compared. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day mortality. Additional outcomes of interest were procedure related readmission, procedure related reoperation, length of stay, surgical site infections (SSI), septic shock, and other complications. Outcomes of interest were compared using multivariate logistic regression. 7,928 patients had ischemic colitis with 7,209 undergoing open colectomy and 719 undergoing laparoscopic colectomy. The mortality rate was significantly lower using a laparoscopic approach compared to open (6.4% vs 26%, p=<0.001) and associated with a lower odd of mortality (OR 0.58; 95% CI [0.35, 0.95]). Procedure related reoperation was lower in the laparoscopic group (6.5% vs 11%, p<0.001), but multivariate analysis was not significant (OR 0.65; 95% CI [0.43,1]). Readmission rates were not statistically different (12% vs 10%, p = 0.2). Postoperative length of stay (7 vs 12 days, p=<0.001), septic shock (6.7% vs 27%, p=<0.001), and organ space SSI (3.2% vs 6.9%, p=<0.001) were significantly decreased using a laparoscopic approach. 30-day postoperative mortality was significantly lower using a laparoscopic. Patients that had a laparoscopic colectomy had shorter hospital stays. While patients that underwent laparoscopic procedures tended to be less sick, multivariate analysis showed decreased rates of sepsis and surgical site infections compared to open colectomies when correcting for these factors. Laparoscopic colectomy may be a better surgical approach for patients with ischemic colitis compared to open colectomy.