Comprehensive Complication Index Research Articles

Real-life introduction of powered circular stapler for esophagogastric anastomosis: cohort and propensity matched score study.

Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is one of the most feared complications, which results in increased morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a powered circular stapler on complications after esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer. Between May 2019 and July 2021, all consecutive oesophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomosis in a high-volume center were included in this retrospective study. Surgeons were free to choose either a manual or a powered circular stapler. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded in a prospective database, according to EsoData. Propensity score matching (age, body mass index, Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance and neoadjuvant therapy) was conducted to reduce potential confounding. We included 128 patients. Powered and manual circular staplers were used in 62 and 66 patients, respectively. Fewer anastomotic leakages were observed with the powered stapler group (OR = 7.3 (95%CI: 1.58-33.7); [3.2% (n = 2) vs 19.7% (n = 13), respectively; p = 0.004]). After propensity score matching, this remained statistically significant (OR = 8.5 (95%CI: 1.80-40.1); [4.1% (n = 2) vs 20.4% (n = 10), respectively; p = 0.013]). Additionally, anastomotic diameter was significantly higher with the powered stapler (median: 29mm (63.3%) vs 25mm (57.1%), respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in comprehensive complication index (p = 0.146). A decreased mean length of stay was observed in the powered stapler group (11.1 vs 18.7days respectively; p = 0.022). Postoperative anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection was significantly reduced after the introduction of the powered circular stapler, consequently resulting in a reduced length of stay. Further evaluation on long-term strictures and quality of life are warranted to support these results.

Timing, approach, and treatment strategies for infected pancreatic necrosis: a narrative review

Timing, approach, and treatment strategies for infected pancreatic necrosis: a narrative review

Short-term outcomes of chemoradiotherapy and local excision versus total mesorectal excision in T2-T3ab,N0,M0 rectal cancer: a multicentre randomised, controlled, phase III trial (the TAU-TEM study)

The standard treatment of T2-T3ab,N0,M0 rectal cancers is total mesorectal excision (TME) due to the high recurrence rates recorded with local excision. Initial reports of the combination of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) have shown reductions in local recurrence. The TAU-TEM study aims to demonstrate the non-inferiority of local recurrence and the improvement in morbidity achieved with CRT-TEM compared with TME. Here we describe morbidity rates and pathological outcomes. This was a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial including patients with rectal adenocarcinoma staged as T2-T3ab,N0,M0. Patients were randomised to the CRT-TEM or the TME group. Patients included, tolerance of CRT and its adverse effects, surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo and Comprehensive Complication Index classifications) and pathological results (complete response in the CRT-TEM group) were recorded in both groups. Patients attended follow-up controls for local and systemic relapse. NCT01308190. From July 2010 to October 2021, 173 patients from 17 Spanish hospitals were included (CRT-TEM: 86, TME: 87). Eleven were excluded after randomisation (CRT-TEM: 5, TME: 6). Modified intention-to-treat analysis thus included 81 patients in each group. There was no mortality after CRT. In the CRT-TEM group, one patient abandoned CRT, 1/81 (1.2%). The CRT-related morbidity rate was 29.6% (24/81). Post-operative morbidity was 17/82 (20.7%) in the CRT-TEM group and 41/81 (50.6%) in the TME group (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 42.9% to 16.7%). One patient died in each group (1.2%). Of the 81 patients in the CRT-TEM group who received the allocated treatment, 67 (82.7%) underwent organ preservation. Pathological complete response in the CRT-TEM group was 44.3% (35/79). In the TME group, pN1 were found in 17/81 (21%). CRT-TEM treatment obtains high pathological complete response rates (44.3%) and a high CRT compliance rate (98.8%). Post-operative complications and hospitalisation rates were significantly lower than those in the TME group. We await the results of the follow-up regarding cancer outcomes and quality of life.

Appraising pancreatic fistula in pancreas transplantation: A comprehensive complication index based analysis of postoperative outcomes and predictors of graft survival

BackgroundA definition of pancreatic fistula specifically addressing pancreas transplantation (PT) is lacking. This study sought to characterize pancreatic fistula in this setting and to define its clinical relevance on the postoperative course and long-term graft survival (GS). MethodsConsecutive simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantations were analysed. The global postoperative course was assessed through the comprehensive complication index (CCI). PF was defined according to the original International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. Predictors of poor postoperative course and GS were explored. ResultsSeventy-eight patients were analysed. Surgical morbidity was 48.7%, with severe complications occurring in 39.7%. Ninety-day mortality was 2.6%. PF occurred in 56.6% of patients, although its average clinical burden was low and did not correlate with either early or long-term outcomes. Peri-graft fluid collections, postoperative day (POD) 1 drain fluid amylase (DFA) ≥ 2200 U/L, and POD 5 DFA/serum amylase ratio ≥7.0 independently correlated with poor postoperative course. Perigraft fluid collections were associated with reduced GS. ConclusionConventionally defined pancreatic fistula is frequent following PT, although its clinical impact is negligible. To define clinically relevant PF, novel cut-offs for DFA might be pondered in a future series, while perigraft fluid collections should be strongly considered.

IMPACT OF SMOKING HISTORY ON OUTCOMES IN EXPIRATORY CENTRAL AIRWAY COLLAPSE PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRACHEOBRONCHOPLASTY

IMPACT OF SMOKING HISTORY ON OUTCOMES IN EXPIRATORY CENTRAL AIRWAY COLLAPSE PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRACHEOBRONCHOPLASTY

Minimally invasivE versus open total GAstrectomy (MEGA): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (DRKS00025765)

IntroductionThe only curative treatment for most gastric cancer is radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LAD). Minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MIG) aims to reduce postoperative morbidity, but its use has not...

Combined stoma reversal and liver resection for rectal metastatic cancer: A single center retrospective analysis.

Concomitant liver metastases are discovered at the time of diagnosis in 25% of patients with colorectal cancers. The appropriate time to restore digestive continuity after stoma creation during rectal surgery has not yet been established. The objective of this study is to assess the morbidity of stoma reversal during the secondary hepatectomy procedure. This was a single-center retrospective case-control study including patients who underwent ileostomy or colostomy reversal by a direct approach (REVERSAL group) compared to those who did not undergo stoma reversal (NON-REVERSAL group) during hepatic resection of rectal cancer metastasis between 2004 and 2016. Peri-operative data were collected. The primary outcome measure was the comprehensive complication index (CCI). The secondary outcomes were overall mortality, liver-related morbidity, duration of hospital stay and occurrence of gastrointestinal leaks. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 23.0 software. Thirty liver resections were included; 14 in the REVERSAL group (female/male=11/19, age=60 years). No statistically significant difference was observed in the CCI scores (15 vs. 20.8; P=0.6). Complications occurred in 9 (64%) and 8 (50%) patients in the REVERSAL and NON-REVERSAL groups, respectively (P=0.48). No gastro-intestinal leaks or post-operative mortality occurred. Stoma reversal during hepatectomy for liver metastasis from a primary rectal cancer represents a safe alternative since post-operative outcome was not associated with additional morbidity in this series.

SC132 - Validating the comprehensive complication index for assessing cumulative morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: results from a high-volume institution

SC132 - Validating the comprehensive complication index for assessing cumulative morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: results from a high-volume institution

PE54 - Validating the comprehensive complication index for assessing cumulative morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Results from a high-volume institution

PE54 - Validating the comprehensive complication index for assessing cumulative morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Results from a high-volume institution

Implementing Bundle Care in Major Abdominal Emergency Surgery: Long-Term Mortality and Comprehensive Complication Index

BackgroundMajor abdominal emergency surgery (MAES) has a high risk of postoperative mortality and a high complication rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of a perioperative care bundle reduced long-term mortality and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) after MAES.MethodsThis study was a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Data in the intervention group were collected prospectively and compared with a historical cohort from the same centre. It includes adult patients undergoing MAES. We implemented a care bundle under the name Abdominal Surgery Acute Protocol (ASAP). We initiated fast-track initiatives and standardised optimised care in before, during and after surgery. Data were analysed using survival analysis and multiple regression.ResultsWe included 120 patients in the intervention cohort and 258 in the historical cohort. The one-year mortality rate was 21.7% in the intervention cohort compared to 28.3% in the standard care cohort. Adjusted odds ratio of one-year mortality 0.81 (CI95% 0.41–1.56). The 30-day mortality was lowered from 19.0 to 6.7% (p = 0.003). The CCI in the intervention cohort was 8.7 (IQR 0–34) compared to 21 (IQR 0–36) in the control cohort (p = 0.932) The length of stay increased by two days (p = 0.021). Most cases had 71–80% protocol compliance.ConclusionImplementing bundle care in major abdominal emergency surgery lowered the 30-day postoperative mortality. The difference in mortality was preserved over time although not significant after one year. The changes in the Comprehensive Complication Index were not statistically significant.

227. DETERMINING SEVERITY OF ESOPHAGEAL ANASTOMOTIC LEAK IN PATIENTS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEAL SCORE

Abstract Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common and severe complication after esophagectomy, but it is largely unknown how to assess leak severity when diagnosed. We aimed to develop the Severity of Esophageal Anastomotic Leak (SEAL) score, a tool to determine leak severity at diagnosis of AL. The TENTACLE—Esophagus study is an international, retrospective cohort study in 71 centres worldwide and included patients with AL after esophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. To develop the SEAL score, multivariable logistic regression was performed to determining 90-day mortality risk. Leak-related parameters at diagnosis identified as prognostic factors were included as predictors for the SEAL score. Four classes of leak severity were defined (mild, moderate, severe and critical) and the score was internally validated. The study protocol is accessible at www.tentaclestudy.com. 1509 patients with AL were included and the 90-day mortality rate was 11.7%. Twelve leak-related predictors factors were included in the SEAL score, including post-operative day of diagnosis, leucocyte count, organ failure, defect circumference and presence of intrathoracic fluid collections. The score showed good calibration and discrimination with a c-index of 0.77 (95%CI 0.73–0.81). More severe leaks were associated with significant increase in length of (intensive care unit (ICU)) stay, healing time, Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) classification (Table 1). The SEAL score was incorporated in an online tool for use in individual cases: https://www.tentaclestudy.com/seal-score. The SEAL score grades leak severity into four classes based on individual predictions of 90-day mortality by combining 12 leak-related predictors. The SEAL score also reflected morbidity and can be used to assess AL severity, may guide treatment decisions and may be used in research on AL.

Postoperative recovery with continuous erector spinae plane block or video-assisted paravertebral block after minimally invasive thoracic surgery: a prospective, randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPROcedure SPECific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT (PROSPECT) guidelines recommend erector spinae plane (ESP) block or paravertebral block (PVB) for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, there are few trials comparing the effectiveness of these techniques on patient-centric outcomes, and none evaluating chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Furthermore, there are no available trials comparing ultrasound-guided ESP with surgically placed PVB in this patient cohort. MethodsWe conducted a two-centre, prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial, comparing anaesthesiologist-administered, ultrasound-guided ESP catheter with surgeon-administered, video-assisted PVB catheter analgesia among 80 adult patients undergoing VATS. Participants received a 20 ml bolus of levobupivacaine 0.375% followed by infusion of levobupivacaine 0.15% (10–15 ml h−1) for 48 h. Primary outcome was Quality of Recovery-15 score (QoR-15) at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included QoR-15 at 48 h, peak inspiratory flow (ml s−1) at 24 h and 48 h, area under the pain verbal response score vs time curve (AUC), opioid consumption, Comprehensive Complication Index, length of stay, and CPSP at 3 months after surgery. ResultsMedian (25–75%) QoR-15 at 24 h was higher in ESP (n=37) compared with PVB (n=37): 118 (106–134) vs 110 (89–121) (P=0.03) and at 48 h: 131 (121–139) vs 120 (111–133) (P=0.03). There were no differences in peak inspiratory flow, AUC, Comprehensive Complication Index, length of hospital stay, and opioid consumption. Incidence of CPSP at 3 months was 12 (34%) for ESP and 11 (31%) for PVB (P=0.7). ConclusionsCompared with video-assisted, surgeon-placed paravertebral catheter, erector spinae catheter improved overall QoR-15 scores at 24 h and 48 h but without differences in pain or opioid consumption after minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Clinical trial registrationNCT04729712.

Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection.

Benchmark comparisons in surgery allow identification of gaps in the quality of care provided. The aim of this study was to determine quality thresholds for high (HAR) and low (LAR) anterior resections in colorectal cancer surgery by applying the concept of benchmarking. This 5-year multinational retrospective study included patients who underwent anterior resection for cancer in 19 high-volume centres on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 11 relevant postoperative variables at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months (for LAR). Benchmarks were calculated for two separate cohorts: patients without (ideal) and those with (non-ideal) outcome-relevant co-morbidities. Benchmark cut-offs were defined as the 75th percentile of each centre's median value. A total of 3903 patients who underwent HAR and 3726 who had LAR for cancer were analysed. After 3 months' follow-up, the mortality benchmark in HAR for ideal and non-ideal patients was 0.0 versus 3.0 per cent, and in LAR it was 0.0 versus 2.2 per cent. Benchmark results for anastomotic leakage were 5.0 versus 6.9 per cent for HAR, and 13.6 versus 11.8 per cent for LAR. The overall morbidity benchmark in HAR was a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) score of 8.6 versus 14.7, and that for LAR was CCI® score 11.9 versus 18.3. Regular comparison of individual-surgeon or -unit outcome data against benchmark thresholds may identify gaps in care quality that can improve patient outcome.

Advantage of endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary tumors as an alternative treatment for pancreatoduodenectomy

Endoscopic papillectomy for early ampullary tumors is considered a minimally invasive and useful alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy; however, its indications remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the advantages of endoscopic papillectomy by investigating the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy for early ampullary tumors. Patients diagnosed with early ampullary tumors (adenoma, Tis, T1a) who underwent endoscopic papillectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy between June 2008 and October 2019 were included, and their clinical outcomes were analyzed. Seventy-four patients (34 patients with adenomas and 40 patients with adenocarcinomas) were divided into two groups, namely endoscopic papillectomy (n = 43) and pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 31). The estimated 5-year overall survival rate of all early ampullary tumors was 92%. Complete resection rate was significantly lower for endoscopic papillectomy patients versus pancreatoduodenectomy patients (48.8% vs. 100%; p < 0.001). Recurrence was more common in the endoscopic papillectomy group compared to the pancreatoduodenectomy group (16.3% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.128), but all recurrences were controllable by endoscopic treatment. The median length of hospital stay for the endoscopic papillectomy group was significantly shorter compared to the endoscopic papillectomy group (11 days vs. 42 days; p < 0.001). The Comprehensive Complication Index was significantly lower in the endoscopic papillectomy group compared to the pancreatoduodenectomy group (14.8 vs 22.6%; p = 0.002). Endoscopic papillectomy for early ampullary tumors is useful and may be an alternative treatment for pancreatoduodenectomy in selected cases.

Impact of cumulative complications on 1-year treatment-related healthcare costs in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of all minor and major complications on treatment-related healthcare costs in patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases (PMs).MethodPatients with histologically proven colorectal PMs who underwent CRS + HIPEC from March 2006 to October 2019 in a tertiary referral centre were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into six subgroups according to the severity of the complications, which were scored using the comprehensive complication index (CCI) (CCI 0–9.9, CCI 10–19.9, CCI 20–29.9, CCI 30–39.9, CCI 40–49.9, and CCI 50 or higher). Treatment-related healthcare costs up to 1 year after CRS + HIPEC were obtained from the financial department. Differences in costs and survival outcomes were compared using the chi-squared test and Kruskal–Wallis H test.ResultsA total of 142 patients were included (CCI 0–9.9, 53 patients; CCI 10–19.9, 0 patients; CCI 20–29.9, 45 patients; CCI 30–39.9, 14 patients; CCI 40–49, 9 patients; and CCI 50 or higher, 21 patients). Median (interquartile range) treatment-related healthcare costs increased significantly and exponentially for the CCI 30–39, CCI 40–49, and CCI 50 or higher groups (€48 993 (€44 262–€84 805); €57 167 (€43 047–€67 591); and €82 219 (€55 487–€145 314) respectively) compared with those for the CCI 0–9.9 and CCI 20–29.9 groups (€33 856 (€24 433–€40 779) and €40 621 (€31 501–€58 761) respectively, P < 0.010).ConclusionTreatment-related healthcare costs increase exponentially as more complications develop among patients who undergo CRS + HIPEC for the treatment of colorectal PMs. Anastomotic leakages after CRS + HIPEC lead to an increase of 295 per cent of treatment-related healthcare costs.

Preoperative smoking cessation program in patients undergoing intermediate to high-risk surgery: a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, superiority trial

BackgroundAt present, effectively implementing smoking cessation programs in the health care system constitutes a major challenge. A unique opportunity to initiate smoking cessation focuses on smokers scheduled for surgery. These patients are not only highly motivated to quit smoking but also likely to benefit from a reduction in postoperative complications which may translate into a decrease of costs. Nevertheless, surgical patients are not routinely informed about the benefits of preoperative smoking cessation. Potential reasons for this missed opportunity may be the lack of time and training of surgeons and anaesthesiologists. We therefore aim to analyse the impact of a preoperative high-intensity smoking cessation intervention on surgical complications up to a 90-day postoperative period in patients of various surgical disciplines. The hypothesis is that a preoperative smoking cessation program improves outcomes in smokers undergoing intermediate to high-risk surgery.MethodsThe present study is a single-centre, randomized trial with two parallel groups of smokers scheduled for surgery comparing surgery alone and surgery with preoperative smoking cessation. We plan to randomize 251 patients. The primary objective is to compare complications between patients with an institutional multifaceted smoking cessation intervention starting 4 weeks before surgery compared to patients in the advice-only group (control group) within a 90-day postoperative period. The primary endpoint is the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) within 90 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes include the length of hospital stay, cost of care, quality of life, smoking abstinence, and reduction in nicotine consumption.DiscussionThe hypothesis is that a preoperative smoking cessation program improves outcomes in smokers undergoing surgery.Trial registrationBASEC #2021-02004; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05192837. Registered on January 14, 2022.

Evaluation of postoperative complications in the older population

Evaluation of the frequency and severity of postoperative complications is an integral part of establishing the clinical utility of a specific treatment. They define the possible consequences resulting from the chosen method of treatment, and thus the potential risks associated with this choice. Thanks to the analysis of complications, it is possible to evaluate patients’ safety, identify a problem in the course of surgery within a given hospital and surgical team or carry a financial analysis. Not only is the frequency of occurrence important, but so is the severity of complications. Therefore, in recent years we have seen the development of several new tools for assessing postoperative complications such as the Cla­vien-Dindo scale, the Accordion Severity Grading System, the Postoperative Morbidity Index or the Comprehensive Complication Index. Analysis of the above-mentioned scales may contribute to the development of clear algorithms for the management of older patients at increased risk of severe complications and higher mortality, which subsequently may lead to increased efficacy and safer treatment in this population.

The Impact of Postoperative Complications on Survival after Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of postoperative complications on the long-term outcomes of patients who had undergone simultaneous resection (SR) of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases (SCLMs). Methods: We conducted a single-institution survival cohort study in patients with SR, collecting clinical, pathological, and postoperative complication data. The impact of these variables on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was compared by log rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified independent prognostic factors. Results: Out of 243 patients, 122 (50.2%) developed postoperative complications: 54 (22.2%) major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade III–V), 86 (35.3%) septic complications, 59 (24.2%) hepatic complications. Median comprehensive complication index (CCI) was 8.70. Twelve (4.9%) patients died postoperatively. The 3- and 5-year OS and DFS rates were 60.7%, 39.5% and 28%, 21.5%, respectively. Neither overall postoperative complications nor major and septic complications or CCI had a significant impact on OS or DFS. Multivariate analysis identified the N2 stage as an independent prognostic of poor OS, while N2 stage and four or more SCLMs were independent predictors for poor DFS. Conclusion: N2 stage and four or more SCLMs impacted OS and/or DFS, while CCI, presence, type, or grade of postoperative complications had no significant impact on long-term outcomes.

Robot-assisted esophagectomy may improve perioperative outcome in patients with esophageal cancer - a single-center experience.

BackgroundAlthough the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques has improved surgical outcomes in recent decades, esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is still associated with severe complications and a high mortality rate. Robot-assisted surgery is already established in certain fields and robot-assisted esophagectomy may be a possible alternative to the standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. The goal of this study was to investigate whether robot assistance in esophagectomy can improve patient outcome while maintaining good oncological control.Material and methodsData of all patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy between January 2018 and November 2021 at University Hospital Mannheim was collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to operative technique (standard minimally invasive (MIE) vs. robot-assisted esophagectomy (RAMIE), and their outcomes compared. In a separate analysis, patients were propensity score matched according to age, gender and histological diagnosis, leading to 20 matching pairs.Results95 patients were included in this study. Of those, 71 patients underwent robot-assisted esophagectomy and 24 patients underwent standard minimally invasive esophagectomy. Robot-assisted esophagectomy showed a lower incidence of general postoperative complications (52.1% vs. 79.2%, p=0.0198), surgical complications (42.3% vs. 75.0%, p=0.0055), a lower rate of anastomotic leakage (21.1% vs. 50.0%, p=0.0067), a lower Comprehensive Complication Index (median of 20.9 vs. 38.6, p=0.0065) as well as a shorter duration of hospital stay (median of 15 vs. 26 days, p=0.0012) and stay in the intensive care unit (median of 4 vs. 7 days, p=0.028) than standard minimally invasive surgery. After additionally matching RAMIE and MIE patients according to age, gender and diagnosis, we found significant improvement in the RAMIE group compared to the MIE group regarding the Comprehensive Complication Index (median of 20.9 vs. 38.6, p=0.0276), anastomotic leakage (20% vs. 55%, p=0.0484) and severe toxicity during neoadjuvant treatment (0 patients vs. 9 patients, p=0.005).ConclusionRobot-assisted surgery can significantly improve outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer. It may lead to a shorter hospital stay as well as lower rates of complications, including anastomotic leakage.

Actionable Factors Fostering Health Value Generation and Scalability of Prehabilitation: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Prehabilitation has potential for improving surgical outcomes as shown in previous randomized controlled trials. However, a marked efficacy-effectiveness gap is limiting its scalability. Comprehensive analyses of deployment of the intervention in real-life scenarios are required. To assess health outcomes and cost of prehabilitation. Prospective cohort study with a control group built using propensity score-matching techniques. Prehabilitation Unit in a tertiary-care university hospital. Candidates for major digestive, cardiac, thoracic, gynecologic, or urologic surgeries. Prehabilitation program, including supervised exercise training, promotion of physical activity, nutritional optimization, and psychological support. The comprehensive complication index, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital costs per patient until 30 days after surgery. Patients were classified by the degree of program completion and level of surgical aggression for sensitivity analysis. The analysis of the entire study group did not show differences in study outcomes between prehabilitation and control groups (n=328 each). The per-protocol analysis, including only patients completing the program (n=112, 34%), showed a reduction in mean hospital stay [9.9 (7.2) vs 12.8 (12.4) days; P =0.035]. Completers undergoing highly aggressive surgeries (n=60) additionally showed reduction in mean intensive care unit stay [2.3 (2.7) vs 3.8 (4.2) days; P =0.021] and generated mean cost savings per patient of €3092 (32% cost reduction) ( P =0.007). Five priority areas for action to enhance service efficiencies were identified. The study indicates a low rate of completion of the intervention and identifies priority areas for re-design of service delivery to enhance the effectiveness of prehabilitation.