Index Hospitalization Costs Research Articles

Costs Associated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Korea.

This study compared the costs associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in Korea by utilizing the National Health Insurance Service database. Between June 2015 and May 2019, 1,468 patients underwent primary isolated transfemoral TAVI, while 2,835 patients received primary isolated SAVR with a bioprosthesis. We assessed the costs of index hospitalization and subsequent healthcare utilization, categorizing the cohort into 6 age subgroups: <70, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and ≥90 years. The median follow-up periods were 2.5 and 3.0 years in the TAVI and SAVR groups, respectively. The index hospitalization costs were 41.0 million Korean won (KRW) (interquartile range [IQR], 39.1-44.7) for the TAVI group and 24.6 million KRW (IQR, 21.3-30.2) for the SAVR group (p<0.001). The TAVI group exhibited relatively constant index hospitalization costs across different age subgroups. In contrast, the SAVR group showed increasing index hospitalization costs with advancing age. The healthcare utilization costs were 5.7 million KRW per year (IQR, 3.3-14.2) for the TAVI group and 4.0 million KRW per year (IQR, 2.2-9.0) for the SAVR group (p<0.001). Healthcare utilization costs were higher in the TAVI group than in the SAVR group for the age subgroups of <70, 70-74, and 75-79 years, and were comparable in the age subgroups of 80-84, 85-89, and ≥90 years. TAVI had much higher index hospitalization costs than SAVR. Additionally, the overall healthcare utilization costs post-discharge for TAVI were also marginally higher than those for SAVR in younger age subgroups.

National trends and costs of same day discharge in patients undergoing elective minimally invasive colectomy

BackgroundEnhanced Recovery Pathways (ERPs) have enabled safe same day discharge (SDD) of select patients after elective minimally invasive colectomy. We aimed to analyse the financial impact of SDD in these cases. MethodsWe queried the Nationwide Readmission Database (2016–2019) and included patients with a hospital length of stay ≤2 days after minimally invasive elective colectomy. Propensity score matched pairs of patients discharged on the day of the operation and those discharged on post operative day 1 or 2 were compared. Our primary outcome was the combined cost of hospitalization and readmission. ResultsSDD patients had lower comorbidity (33 ​% vs 21 ​%) and illness severity (79 ​% vs 63 ​%), more Medicare insurance (44 ​% vs 38 ​%), and more benign neoplasms (52 ​% vs 17 ​%). Most SDD patients underwent right colectomy (89 ​%). Across 647 matched pairs, total cost was significantly lower in SDD patients ($8000 vs. $12,900; p ​< ​0.001) due to cheaper index hospitalizations. No difference in readmission rates or costs emerged. ConclusionSDD reduced costs of index hospitalization and may be cost-effective in a select cohort of healthier patients.

Impact of a family support intervention on hospitalization costs and hospital readmissions among ICU patients at high risk of death or severe functional impairment

BackgroundPatients with advanced critical illness often receive more intensive treatment than they would choose for themselves, which contributes to high health care costs near the end of life. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a family support intervention delivered by the interprofessional ICU team decreases hospitalization costs and hospital readmissions among critically ill patients at high risk of death or severe functional impairment.ResultsWe examined index hospitalization costs as well as post-discharge utilization of acute care hospitals, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, and hospice services for the PARTNER trial, a multicenter, stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial of an interprofessional ICU family support intervention. We determined patients’ total controllable and direct variable costs using a computerized accounting system. We determined post-discharge resource utilization (as defined above) by structured telephone interview at 6-month follow-up. We used multiple variable regression modelling to compare outcomes between groups. Compared to usual care, the PARTNER intervention resulted in significantly lower total controllable costs (geometric mean: $26,529 vs $32,105; log-linear coefficient: − 0.30; 95% CI − 0.49, − 0.11) and direct variable costs ($3912 vs $6034; − 0.33; 95% CI − 0.56, − 0.10). A larger cost reduction occurred for decedents ($20,304 vs. $26,610; − 0.66; 95% CI − 1.01, − 0.31) compared to survivors ($31,353 vs. $35,015; − 0.15; 95% CI − 0.35,0.05). A lower proportion in the intervention arm were re-admitted to an acute care hospital (34.9% vs 45.1%; 0.66; 95% CI 0.56, 0.77) or skilled nursing facility (25.3% vs 31.6%; 0.63; 95% CI 0.47, 0.84).ConclusionsA family support intervention delivered by the interprofessional ICU team significantly decreased index hospitalization costs and readmission rates over 6-month follow-up.Trial registration Trial registration number: NCT01844492

Discharge against medical advice in trauma patients: Trends, risk factors, and implications for health care management strategies

ObjectiveGiven the nonelective nature of most trauma admissions, patients who experience trauma are at a particular risk of discharge against medical advice. Despite the risk of unplanned readmission and financial burden on the health care system, discharge against medical advice among hospitalized patients continues to rise. The present study aimed to assess evolving trends and outcomes associated in patients with discharge against medical advice among patients hospitalized for traumatic injury. MethodsThe 2016–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify all hospitalizations for traumatic injuries. The patient cohort was stratified into those who had discharge against medical advice and those who did not. Temporal trends of discharge against medical advice and associated costs over time were evaluated using nonparametric tests. Multivariable regression models were developed to assess factors associated with discharge against medical advice. Associations of discharge against medical advice with length of stay, hospitalization costs, and unplanned 30-day readmission were subsequently evaluated. ResultsOf an estimated 4,969,717 patients, 65,354 (1.3%) had discharge against medical advice after hospitalization for traumatic injury. Over the study period, the incidence of discharge against medical advice increased (nptrend <0.001). After risk adjustment, older age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98/per year; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–0.98), female sex (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.67), and management at high-volume trauma center (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.74) were associated with lower odds of discharge against medical advice. Compared with others, discharge against medical advice was associated with decrements in length of stay by 1.3 days (95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.5 days) and index hospitalization costs by $2,200 (5% confidence interval, $1,600–2,900), while having a greater risk of unplanned 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 2.06–2.36). ConclusionThe incidence of discharge against medical advice and its associated cost burden have increased in recent years. Community-level interventions and institutional efforts to mitigate discharge against medical advice may improve the quality of care and resource allocation for patients with traumatic injuries.

Safety of Early Discharge After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Nationwide Readmissions Analysis

BackgroundWe determined the safety of early discharge after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with uncomplicated postoperative courses and compared outcomes with routine discharge in a national cohort. We identified preoperative factors associated with readmission after early discharge after CABG. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients undergoing CABG from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients were stratified based on length of stay (LOS) as early (≤4 days) vs routine (5-10 days) discharge. Patients were excluded with hospital courses indicative of complicated stays (emergent procedures, LOS >10 days, discharge to extended care facility or with home health, index hospitalization mortality). Propensity score matching was performed to compare outcomes between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with readmission after early discharge. ResultsDuring the study period, 91,861 patients underwent CABG with an uncomplicated postoperative course (∼20% of CABG population). Of these, 31% (28,790 of 91,861) were discharged early, and 69% (63,071 of 91,861) were routinely discharged. After propensity score matching, patients discharged early had lower readmission rates at 30 days, 90 days, and up to 1 year (P < .001 for all). The index hospitalization cost was lower with early discharge ($26,676 vs $32,859; P < .001). Early discharge was associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial infection at the index hospitalization (0.17% vs 0.81%, P < .001) and readmission from infection (14.5% vs 18%, P = .016). ConclusionsEarly discharge after uncomplicated CABG can be considered in a highly selective patient population. Early-discharge patients are readmitted less frequently than matched routine-discharge patients, with a lower incidence of readmission from infection. Appropriate postdischarge processes to facilitate early discharge after CABG should be further pursued.

Association of Hospital Market Competition with Outcomes of Complex Cancer Surgery

BackgroundThe association of hospital market competition, financial costs, and quality of oncologic care has not been well-defined. This study sought to evaluate variations in patient outcomes and financial expenditures after complex cancer surgery across high- and low-competition markets.MethodsMedicare 100% Standard Analytic Files were used to identify patients with lung, esophageal, gastric, hepatopancreaticobiliary, or colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection between 2018 and 2021. Data were merged with the annual hospital survey database, and the hospital market Herfindahl–Hirschman index was used to categorize hospitals into low- and high-concentration markets. Multi-level, multivariable regression models adjusting for patient characteristics (i.e., age, sex, comorbidities, and social vulnerability), year of procedure, and hospital factors (i.e., case volume, nurse-bed ratio, and teaching status) were used to assess the association between hospital market competition and outcomes.ResultsAmong 117,641 beneficiaries who underwent complex oncologic surgery, the mean age was 73.8 ± 6.1 years, and approximately one-half of the cohort was male (n = 56,243, 47.8%). Overall, 63.8% (n = 75,041) of the patients underwent care within a high-competition market. Notably, there was marked geographic variation relative to market competition. High versus low market-competition hospitals were more likely to be in high social vulnerability areas (35.1 vs 27.5%; p < 0.001), as well as care for racial/ethnic minority individuals (13.8 vs 7.7%; p < 0.001), and patients with more comorbidities (≥ 2 Elixhauser comorbidities: 63.1 vs 61.1%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, treatment at hospitals in high- versus low-competition markets was associated with lower odds of achieving a textbook outcome (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.99; p = 0.009). Patients at high-competition hospitals had greater mean index hospitalization costs ($19,462.2 [16211.9] vs $18,844.7 [14994.7]) and 90-day post-discharge costs ($7807.8 [15431.3] vs $7332.8 [14038.2]) (both p < 0.001) than individuals at low-competition hospitals.ConclusionsHospital market competition was associated with poor achievement of an optimal postoperative outcome and greater hospitalization costs.

Association of rurality with short-term outcomes of peripheral vascular trauma

BackgroundPeripheral vascular trauma is a major contributing factor to long-term disability and mortality among patients with traumatic injuries. However, an analysis focusing on individuals at a high risk of experiencing limb loss due to rural and urban peripheral vascular trauma is lacking. MethodThis was a retrospective analysis of the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients (≥18 years) undergoing open or endovascular procedures after admission for peripheral vascular trauma were identified using the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients from rural regions were considered Rural, whereas the remainder comprised Urban. The primary outcome of the study was primary amputation. Multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate rurality with outcomes of interest. ResultsOf 29,083 patients, 4,486 (15.6%) were Rural. Rural were older (41 [28–59] vs 37 [27–54] years, P < .001), with a similar distribution of female sex (23.0 vs 21.3%, P = .09) and transfers from other facilities (2.8 vs 2.5%, P = .34). After adjustment, Rural status was not associated with the odds of mortality (P = .82), with urban as reference. Rural status was, however, associated with greater odds of limb amputation (adjusted odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.47–2.32) and reduced index hospitalization cost by $7,100 (95% confidence interval $3,500–10,800). Additionally, compared to patients from urban locations, rurality was associated with similar odds of non-home discharge and 30-day readmission. Over the study period, the marginal effect of rurality on the risk-adjusted rates of amputation significantly increased (P < .001). ConclusionPatients who undergo peripheral vascular trauma management in rural areas appear to increasingly exhibit a higher likelihood of amputation, with lower incremental costs and a lower risk of 30-day readmission. These findings underscore disparities in access to optimal trauma vascular care as well as limited resources in rural regions.

Postoperative Global Period Cost Reduction Using 3 Successive Risk-Stratified Pancreatectomy Clinical Pathways.

We hypothesized that iterative revisions of our original 2016 risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways would be associated with decreased 90-day perioperative costs. From a single-institution retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with 3 iterations: "version 1" (V1) (October 2016 to January 2019), V2 (February 2019 to October 2020), and V3 (November 2020 to February 2022), institutional data were aggregated using revenue codes and adjusted to constant 2022-dollar value. Grand total perioperative costs (primary endpoint) were the sum of pancreatectomy, inpatient care, readmission, and 90-day global outpatient care. Proprietary hospital-based costs were converted to ratios using the mean cost of all hospital operations as the denominator. Of 814 patients, pathway V1 included 363, V2 229, and V3 222 patients. Accordion Grade 3+ complications decreased with each iteration (V1: 28.4%, V2: 22.7%, and V3: 15.3%). Median length of stay decreased (V1: 6 days, interquartile range [IQR] 5 to 8; V2: 5 [IQR 4 to 6]; and V3: 5 [IQR 4 to 6]) without an increase in readmissions. Ninety-day global perioperative costs decreased by 32% (V1 cost ratio 12.6, V2 10.9, and V3 8.6). Reduction of the index hospitalization cost was associated with the greatest savings (-31%: 9.4, 8.3, and 6.5). Outpatient care costs decreased consistently (1.58, 1.41, and 1.04). When combining readmission and all outpatient costs, total "postdischarge" costs decreased (3.17, 2.59, and 2.13). Component costs of the index hospitalization that were associated with the greatest savings were room or board costs (-55%: 1.74, 1.14, and 0.79) and pharmacy costs (-61%: 2.20, 1.61, and 0.87; all p < 0.001). Three iterative risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathway refinements were associated with a 32% global period cost savings, driven by reduced index hospitalization costs. This successful learning health system model could be externally validated at other institutions performing abdominal cancer surgery.

National outcomes of expedited discharge following esophagectomy for malignancy.

Expedited discharge following esophagectomy is controversial due to concerns for higher readmissions and financial burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of expedited discharge with hospitalization costs and unplanned readmissions following esophagectomy for malignant lesions. Adults undergoing elective esophagectomy for cancer were identified in the 2014-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients discharged by postoperative day 7 were considered Expedited and others as Routine. Patients who did not survive to discharge or had major perioperative complications were excluded. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess association of expedited discharge with index hospitalization costs as well as 30- and 90-day non-elective readmissions. Of 9,886 patients who met study criteria, 34.6% comprised the Expedited cohort. After adjustment, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.71, p = 0.001) and increasing Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (AOR 0.88/point, p<0.001) were associated with lower odds of expedited discharge, while laparoscopic (AOR 1.63, p<0.001, Ref: open) and robotic (AOR 1.67, p = 0.003, Ref: open) approach were linked to greater likelihood. Patients at centers in the highest-tertile of minimally invasive esophagectomy volume had increased odds of expedited discharge (AOR 1.52, p = 0.025, Ref: lowest-tertile). On multivariable analysis, expedited discharge was independently associated with an $8,300 reduction in hospitalization costs. Notably, expedited discharge was associated with similar odds of 30-day (AOR 1.10, p = 0.40) and 90-day (AOR 0.90, p = 0.70) unplanned readmissions. Expedited discharge after esophagectomy was associated with decreased costs and unaltered readmissions. Prospective studies are necessary to robustly evaluate whether expedited discharge is appropriate for select patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Impact of Early Tracheostomy After Lung Transplantation: A National Analysis

BackgroundProlonged mechanical ventilation is common among lung transplant recipients, affecting nearly one-third of patients. Tracheostomy has been shown as a beneficial alternative to endotracheal intubation, but delays in tracheostomy tube placement persist. To date, no large-scale study has investigated the effect of tracheostomy timing on posttransplant outcomes. MethodsAll adults receiving tracheostomy after primary, isolated lung transplantation were identified in the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Early tracheostomy was defined as placement before postoperative day 8 based on exploratory cohort analysis. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association of early tracheostomy with in-hospital mortality, select posttransplant complications, and resource utilization. ResultsOf an estimated 11,048 patients undergoing first-time lung transplantation, 1509 required a tracheostomy in the postoperative period, with 783 (51.9%) comprising the early cohort. After entropy balancing and risk adjustment, early tracheostomy placement was associated with reduced odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.97) and posttransplant infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.82). Further, tracheostomy within 1 week of transplantation was associated with decreased length of stay (β-coefficient, −16.5 days; 95% CI, −25.3 to −7.6 days) and index hospitalization costs (β-coefficient, −$97,600; 95% CI, −$153,000 to −$42,100). ConclusionsThe present study supports the safety of early tracheostomy among lung transplant recipients and highlights several potential benefits. Among appropriately selected patients, tracheostomy placement before postoperative day 8 may facilitate early discharge, lower costs, and reduced odds of posttransplant infection.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in mitral valve disease: A Nationwide Readmission Database analysis

BackgroundPercutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a non-pharmacologic alternative to oral anticoagulation in reducing stroke risk in AF patients. However, patients with mitral valve disease (MVD), who are expected to have a significantly greater risk of left atrium (LA) thrombus formation and embolic stroke were excluded from randomized trials examining percutaneous LAAO. To address this gap, we present a national registry analysis of the use of LAAO among patients with MVD. MethodsUsing the National Readmissions Database, we performed a retrospective review of all hospitalizations for LAAO identified between September 2015 and November 2019. Of these, patients with ICD-10 codes for MVD were identified. Propensity matched (PSM) analysis was used to compare patients with MVD with a matched sample of patients undergoing LAAO with non-valvular AF. Outcomes examined included all-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding, pericardial effusion (PE), and tamponade. Results51,540 patients who underwent LAAO without a history of MVD and 3777 with a history of MVD were identified. Crude analysis demonstrated the odds of mortality, PE, and cardiac tamponade during index hospitalization to be higher in the MVD group. The length of stay and cost of index hospitalization were also slightly greater for the MVD group. A sample of 7649 patients (MVD: 3777 MVD and no MVD: 3872) were selected for PSM analysis with similar comorbidities across the two groups. In the PSM comparison, MVD was associated with higher risk of PE. The MVD group had a slightly higher rate of readmissions the association with PE remained at 30-day readmission (OR: 2.099 [1.360–3.238], p-value: <0.001). ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study examining the use of LAAO among MVD patients. Our findings suggest that patients with MVD who underwent LAAO had a higher risk of post-procedural PE without an increase in mortality, stroke, or major bleeding. These results provide a rationale for considering LAAO as part of the stroke prevention strategy among patients with valvular AF.

Factors Associated with the Treatment Costs within the First Year after Pacemaker Implantation or Pulse Generator Replacement.

The use of artificial cardiac pacemakers has grown steadily in line with the aging population. 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). 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%. 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. 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.

Fatores Associados aos Custos do Tratamento no Primeiro Ano após Implantes Iniciais ou Trocas de Geradores de Pulsos de Marca-passos Cardíacos

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.

Association of Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation with Clinical and Financial Outcomes for Pancreatic Cancer.

Palliative care consultation (PCC) has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce costs for various chronic life-threatening diseases. Despite PCC incorporation into modern pancreatic cancer care guidelines, limited data regarding its specific utilization and impact on resource use is available. The 2016-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify all adult hospitalizations entailing pancreatic cancer. Only patients with at least one readmission within 90 days were included to account for uncaptured out-of-hospital mortality. Multivariable regression models were used to ascertain the relationship between inpatient PCC during initial hospitalization and index as well as cumulative costs, overall length of stay (LOS), readmission rate, and number of repeat hospitalizations. Of an estimated 175,805 patients with pancreatic cancer, 11.1% had inpatient PCC during the index admission. PCC utilization significantly increased from 10.5% in 2016 to 11.6% in 2020 (nptrend < 0.001). After adjustment, PCC was associated with reduced index hospitalization costs [β: - $1100; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1500, - 800; P < 0.001] and cumulative 90-day costs (β: - $11,700; 95% CI - 12,700, - 10,000; P < 0.001). PCC was associated with longer index LOS (β: + 1.12 days, 95% CI 0.92-1.31, P < 0.001) but significantly reduced cumulative LOS (β: - 3.16 days; 95% CI - 3.67, - 2.65; P < 0.001). Finally, PCC was linked with decreased odds of 30-day nonelective readmission (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.45-0.50, P < 0.001). PCC was associated with decreased costs, readmission rates, and number of hospitalizations among patients with pancreatic cancer. Directed strategies to increase utilization and reduce barriers to consultation should be implemented to encourage practitioners to maximize inpatient PCC referral rates.

Association between hospital volume, clinical events, resource utilization, and costs of septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation procedures in US patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Prior studies have evaluated the relationship between hospital procedural volumes of septal reduction therapies (SRT) for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and outcomes. Other analyses, including economic outcomes, are needed to support clinical decisions among adult patients diagnosed with HCM. Objective The objective of this study was to reconfirm the relationship between higher SRT procedural volume, including septal myectomy (SM) -with and without mitral valve repair or replacement (MVRR)- and alcohol septal ablation (ASA), and clinical events, healthcare resource utilization, and hospitalization costs using more contemporary hospitalization data. Data &amp; Methods This cross-sectional study utilizes retrospective observational data from the PINC AI™ Healthcare Database (PHD), a US hospital administrative database. The study population consists of adult patients with HCM undergoing ASA or SM procedures between January 1, 2012, and March 31, 2022. Hospital volume was determined by tertiles of total SRT performed for ASA, SM separately during the study period. We compare clinical events (including death, stroke, acute renal failure, and pacemaker implantation), readmission, index length of stay, and hospitalization costs across tertiles. We present p-values between tertiles and within procedure types. Results A total of 3,068 adult HCM patients in 315 US hospitals underwent SRT during the study period, including 1,400 with ASA and 1,668 with SM. Table 1 shows the patient and hospital characteristics by tertiles of hospital volume. The median age of patients was 66 years for ASA and 62 years for SM. Medicare coverage accounted for 59.9% of ASA and 44.9% of SM, followed by commercial coverage (28.5% of ASA and 39% of SM). Most hospitals in the study were teaching hospitals (74% for ASA and 67% for SM). In the highest SRT volume tertile (5% of hospitals performing SRT) the average annual number of procedures was 3.5 ASA and 4.9 SM. Table 2 presents the outcomes by hospital volume (low-, mid-, and high-volume). Recorded in-hospital death rates for ASA were 1.4%, 1.4%, and 1.1%, respectively (not statistically different); for SM, 5.1%, 3.4% and 2.9%, respectively (not statistically different). For ASA and SM, index hospital costs, and 30-day readmission rates had an inverse relationship to hospital volume, with statistically significant differences for both procedures between the low- and high-volume hospitals (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion The annual number of SRT procedures for obstructive HCM remains low, even for higher volume hospitals. This study shows high variability in clinical events, resource utilization, and in-hospital costs by hospital procedure volume and type of SRT. We reconfirmed that higher hospital procedure volume is associated with fewer adverse clinical events and lower costs.

Costs associated with invasive Scedosporium and Lomentospora prolificans infections: a case-control study.

Little is known about the short- and long-term healthcare costs of invasive Scedosporium/Lomentospora prolificans infections, particularly in patient groups without haematological malignancy. This study investigated excess index hospitalization costs and cumulative costs of these infections. The predictors of excess cost and length of stay (LOS) of index hospitalization were determined. These estimates serve as valuable inputs for cost-effectiveness models of novel antifungal agents. A retrospective case-control study was conducted at six Australian hospitals. Cases of proven/probable invasive Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections between 2011 and 2021 (n = 34) were matched with controls (n = 66) by predefined criteria. Cost data were retrieved from activity-based costing systems and analysis was performed from the Australian public hospital perspective. All costs were presented in 2022 Australian dollars (AUD). Median regression analysis was used to adjust excess costs of index hospitalization whereas cumulative costs up to 1.5 years follow-up were estimated using interval-partitioned survival probabilities. Invasive Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections were independently associated with an adjusted median excess cost of AUD36 422 (P = 0.003) and LOS of 16.27 days (P < 0.001) during index hospitalization. Inpatient stay was the major cost driver (42.7%), followed by pharmacy cost, of which antifungal agents comprised 23.8% of the total cost. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant increased the excess cost (P = 0.013) and prolonged LOS (P < 0.001) whereas inpatient death within ≤28 days reduced both cost (P = 0.001) and LOS (P < 0.001). The median cumulative cost increased substantially to AUD203 292 over 1.5 years in cases with Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections. The economic burden associated with invasive Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections is substantial.

Influence of concomitant ablation of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass grafting on mortality and readmissions

ObjectiveWe determined the utilization rate of surgical ablation (SA) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and compared outcomes between CABG with or without SA in a national cohort. MethodsThe January 2016 to December 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was searched for all patients undergoing isolated CABG with preoperative persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation by using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision classification. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to compare outcomes, and Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors for 1-year readmission. ResultsOf 18,899 patients undergoing CABG with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation, 78% (n = 14,776) underwent CABG alone and 22% (n = 4123) underwent CABG with SA. In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 8116), CABG with SA (n = 4054) (vs CABG alone [n = 4112]) was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (3.4% [139 out of 4112] vs 3.9% [159 ut of 4054]; P = .4), index-hospitalization length of stay (10 days vs 10 days; P = .3), 30-day readmission (19.1% [693 out of 3362] vs 17.2% [609 out of 3537]; P = .2), or 90-day readmission (28.9% [840 out of 2911] vs 26.2% [752 out of 2875]; P = .1). Index hospitalization costs were significantly higher for those undergoing SA ($52,556 vs $47,433; P < .001). Rates of readmission at 300 days were similar between patients receiving SA (43.8%) and no SA (42.8%; log-rank P = .3). The 3 most common causes of readmission were not different between groups and included heart failure (24.3% [594 out of 2444]; P = .6), infection (16.8% [411 out of 2444]; P = .5), and arrhythmia (11.7% [286 out of 2444]; P = .2). ConclusionsIn patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation, utilization of SA during CABG remains low. SA during CABG did not adversely influence mortality or short-term readmissions. These findings support increased use of SA during CABG.

Short-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a national analysis

BackgroundWhile considered standard of care for obesity management, bariatric surgery is uncommon in patients with co-morbid inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ObjectivesThe present study aimed to assess the association of IBD with postoperative outcomes and resource use following bariatric surgery. SettingAcademic, university-affiliated; United States. MethodsAll elective adult hospitalizations for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were identified in the 2016–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were classified based on diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD). Multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate the association of IBD with outcomes of interest. ResultsOf an estimated 719,270 eligible patients, 860 and 1214 comprised the UC and CD cohorts, respectively. Compared to non-IBD, UC and CD had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (UC: 3.0 ± 1.4; CD: 3.1 ± 1.5; non-IBD: 2.7 ± 1.4, P < .001) and more frequently underwent sleeve gastrectomy (UC: 77.5%; CD: 83.2%; non-IBD: 68.8%, P < .001). All IBD patients survived to discharge. After adjustment, IBD was not associated with significant differences in most clinical outcomes analyzed. UC (adjusted odds ratio: 2.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.14–7.13) and CD (adjusted odds ratio: 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 2.20–8.80) were associated with increased odds of gastric outlet obstruction after RYGB but not sleeve gastrectomy. CD, but not UC, was linked to significantly higher odds of small bowel obstruction following RYGB (adjusted odds ratio: 4.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.76–11.49). There was no difference in index LOS, hospitalization costs, or odds of 30-day readmission based on IBD. ConclusionsPatients with obesity and IBD faced low rates of adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal obstruction for patients with IBD undergoing RYGB. Given its safety profile, bariatric surgery can be utilized as a weight loss intervention for the growing proportion of patients with obesity and co-morbid IBD.

385. HOSPITAL COSTS OF POSTOPERATIVE ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING ESOPHAGECTOMY: RESULTS FROM 10 CANADIAN INSTITUTIONS

Abstract Background Surgical resection plays a central role in the multimodal curative intent management of esophageal cancer. Despite advances in peri-operative care, 60% of patients undergoing esophagectomy experience postoperative adverse events (AEs), if AEs are prospectively collected by surgeons. We recently performed a systematic review documenting the published index hospital costs of AEs, yet the overall costs of AEs in Canadian esophageal centres remains unknown. Methods Between 2017–2021, prospectively collected data from 10 Canadian esophageal centres were included. Volumes of esophagectomy, incidence of postoperative AEs (anastomotic leak (AL), pneumonia, respiratory failure), graded using the Ottawa TM&amp;M system [ottawatmm.org], and obtained from 2 Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (CATS) National Positive Deviance Seminars were included. Using literature-derived index hospitalization costs of AEs, estimates of annual costs were obtained (2023 Cdn$). Results Data from 795 esophagectomies performed in Canada between 2017–2019 revealed an average AL rate of 15% (8.7–22%). This led to an estimated yearly hospital cost of $6.63 M. Additional data from 863 esophagectomies performed between 2018–2021 revealed an average yearly pneumonia rate of 10.2% (2.4–20.3%)., with an estimated cost of $1.44 M, and respiratory failure (requiring ICU admission) of 7.8% (0–13.8%), with an estimated cost of $1.83 M. When all 10 centres are combined, these 3 AEs equate to over $9.9 M in hospital expenditures/year. A 1% reduction/year in the 3 AEs would lead to a cost-savings of $816,738. Conclusion Our analysis of only 3 post-operative AEs highlights the staggering costs to hospitals across Canada individually, and collectively, and emphasizes the need to support value-based QI research. Direct financial support from hospitals to support value-based QI in esophageal surgery has the potential to simultaneously improve care and provide valuable cost savings.

Transcatheter Ductal Stents Versus Surgical Systemic-Pulmonary Artery Shunts in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease With Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Trends and Associated Outcomes From the Pediatric Health Information System Database.

Background Surgical systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts have been the standard approach to establish stable pulmonary blood flow in neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. More recently, transcatheter ductal stents have been performed as an alternative, less invasive intervention. We aimed to characterize trends in the utilization of surgical shunts versus ductal stents and compare associated outcomes. Methods and Results Using data from the Pediatric Health Information System, we retrospectively analyzed neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow who underwent surgical shunt or ductal stent placement between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis and procedure codes. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were reintervention risk and adjusted hospital costs. Of 936 patients included, 65.2% underwent a surgical shunt over the 6-year period. The proportion who underwent ductal stenting increased from 19% to 53.4% from 2016 to 2021. The median adjusted difference in postintervention length of hospital stay was 11 days greater for the surgical shunt cohort (95% CI, 7.2-14.8; P<0.001). The adjusted reintervention risks within 3 (odds ratio [OR], 3.37 [95% CI, 1.91-5.95], P<0.001) and 6 months (OR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.62-3.64], P<0.001) were significantly greater in the ductal stent group. Median adjusted index hospital costs were $198 300 ($11 6400-$340 000) versus $120 400 ($81 800-$192 400) for the surgical shunt and ductal stent cohorts, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions Ductal stenting has become an increasingly utilized palliative approach to secure pulmonary blood flow in neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow in the United States. Ductal stenting is associated with decreased length of hospital stay and reduced overall cost for the index hospitalization but with a greater reintervention risk than surgical shunting.