Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit Research Articles

Importance of Sex and the Distinction Between Colon and Rectal Cancer in the Association of Body Composition with Postoperative Mortality

Background: Muscle and fat influence outcome after colorectal cancer surgery. Little data exist on mortality. Muscle mass (MM) relating to lower mortality is mostly studied in dichotomous approaches as sarcopenia or skeletal muscle index (SMI) but rarely as a continuous variable. For fat, compartments as visceral, subcutaneous, or intramuscular have different metabolic impact but on mortality little is known. Sex dictates muscle and fat mass that also may differ between colon and rectal cancer patients. Objective: To study associations of muscle and fat parameters as continuous variables with mortality in men and women after colon or rectal cancer resection. Design: Retrospective multicenter cohort study Setting: This study used data of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit from 2011 through 2014 from 8 Dutch teaching hospitals. Body composition was assessed on pre-operative CT scans. Patients: 2597 colon and 931 rectal cancer patients Main outcome measures: Associations of muscle and fat measures with 5- year MR in male and female colon and rectal cancer patients. Results: Negative associations of MM and SMI and positive associations of muscle fat (MF) and sarcopenia with mortality were found only in male patients. The effect of MM and sarcopenia was found in both colon and rectal patients whereas SMI had no effect in rectal patients. Muscle fat associated with higher mortality only in male colon patients. The only effect of visceral fat was seen in male rectal cancer patients associating with lower mortality. Limitations: The retrospective nature of the study Conclusion: The male predominance and differences between colon and rectal cancer patients for associations of muscle and fat parameters with colorectal cancer mortality stress the importance of separating males from females and colon from rectal cancer patients in the analysis of body composition effects on mortality.

Technical efficiency evaluation of colorectal cancer care for older patients in Dutch hospitals.

Preoperative colorectal cancer care pathways for older patients show considerable practice variation between Dutch hospitals due to differences in interpretation and implementation of guideline-based recommendations. This study aims to report this practice variation in preoperative care between Dutch hospitals in terms of technical efficiency and identifying associated factors. Data on preoperative involvement of geriatricians, physical therapists and dieticians and the clinicians' judgement on prehabilitation implementation were collected using quality indicators and questionnaires among colorectal cancer surgeons and specialized nurses. These data were combined with registry-based data on postoperative outcomes obtained from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit for patients aged ≥75 years. A two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach was used to calculate bias-corrected DEA technical efficiency scores, reflecting the extent to which a hospital invests in multidisciplinary preoperative care (input) in relation to postoperative outcomes (output). In the second stage, hospital care characteristics were used in a bootstrap truncated regression to explain variations in measured efficiency scores. Data of 25 Dutch hospitals were analyzed. There was relevant practice variation in bias-corrected technical efficiency scores (ranging from 0.416 to 0.968) regarding preoperative colorectal cancer surgery. The average efficiency score of hospitals was significantly different from the efficient frontier (p = <0.001). After case-mix correction, higher technical efficiency was associated with larger practice size (p = <0.001), surgery performed in a general hospital versus a university hospital (p = <0.001) and implementation of prehabilitation (p = <0.001). This study showed considerable variation in technical efficiency of preoperative colorectal cancer care for older patients as provided by Dutch hospitals. In addition to higher technical efficiency in high-volume hospitals and general hospitals, offering a care pathway that includes prehabilitation was positively related to technical efficiency of hospitals offering colorectal cancer care.

Minimally Invasive versus Open Approach for Right-Sided Colectomy: A Study in 12,006 Patients from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit

Background: There is ongoing debate whether laparoscopic right colectomy is superior to open surgery. The purpose of this study was to address this issue and arrive at a consensus using data from a national database. Methods: Patients who underwent elective open or laparoscopic right colectomy for colorectal cancer during the period 2009–2013 were identified from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Complications that occurred within 30 days after surgery and 30-day mortality rates were calculated and compared between open and laparoscopic resection. Results: In total, 12,006 patients underwent elective open or laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colorectal cancer. Of these, 6,683 (55.7%) underwent open resection and 5,323 (44.3%) underwent laparoscopic resection. Complications occurred within 30 days after surgery in the laparoscopic group in 26.1% of patients and in 32.1% of patients in the open group (p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (2.2 vs. 3.6% p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this non-randomized, descriptive study conducted in the Netherlands, open right colectomy seems to have a higher risk for complications and mortality as compared to laparoscopic right colectomy, even after correction for confounding factors.

Laparoscopic conversion in colorectal cancer surgery; is there any improvement over time at a population level?

Conversion of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection has been associated with worse outcome, but this might have been related to a learning curve effect. This study aimed to evaluate incidence, predictive factors and outcomes of laparoscopic conversion after the implementation phase of laparoscopic surgery at a population level. Patients undergoing elective resection of non-locally advanced, non-metastatic colorectal cancer between 2011 and 2015 were included. Data were extracted from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patients were grouped as laparoscopic completed (LR), laparoscopic converted (CONV) with further specification of timing (within or after 30 min) as registered in the DSCA, and open resection (OR). Uni- and multi-variate analyses were used to determine predictors of conversion and outcome (complicated course and mortality), with evaluation of trends over time. A total of 23,044 patients with colon cancer and 11,324 with rectal cancer were included. Between 2011 and 2015, use of laparoscopy increased from 55 to 84% in colon cancer, and from 49 to 89% in rectal cancer. Conversion rates decreased from 11.8 to 8.6% and from 13 to 8.0%, respectively. Laparoscopic hospital volume was independently associated with conversion rate. Only for colon cancer, the rate of complicated course was significantly higher after CONV compared to OR (adjusted odds ratio 1.486; 95% CI 1.298–1.702), and significantly higher after late (> 30 min) compared to early conversion (adjusted odds ratio 1.341; 1.046–1.719). There was no impact of CONV on mortality in both colon and rectal cancer. The use of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery increased to more than 80% at a national level, accompanied by a decrease in conversion which is significantly related to the laparoscopic hospital volume. Conversion was only associated with complicated course in colon cancer, especially when the reason for conversion consisted of an intra-operative complication, without affecting mortality.

Anastomotic Leakage and Chronic Presacral Sinus Formation After Low Anterior Resection: Results From a Large Cross-sectional Study.

Little is known about late detected anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, and the proportion of leakages that develops into a chronic presacral sinus. In this collaborative snapshot research project, data from registered rectal cancer resections in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit in 2011 were extended with additional treatment and long-term outcome data. Independent predictors for anastomotic leakage were determined using a binary logistic model. A total of 71 out of the potential 94 hospitals participated. From the 2095 registered patients, 998 underwent a low anterior resection, of whom 88.8% received any form of neoadjuvant therapy. Median follow-up was 43 months (interquartile range 35-47). Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in 13.4% within 30 days, which increased to 20.0% (200/998) beyond 30 days. Nonhealing of the leakage at 12 months was 48%, resulting in an overall proportion of chronic presacral sinus of 9.5%. Independent predictors for anastomotic leakage at any time during follow-up were neoadjuvant therapy (odds ratio 2.85; 95% confidence interval 1.00-8.11) and a distal (≤3 cm from the anorectal junction on magnetic resonance imaging) tumor location (odds ratio 1.88; 95% confidence interval 1.02-3.46). This cross-sectional study of low anterior resection for rectal cancer in the Netherlands in 2011, with almost routine use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy, shows that one third of anastomotic leakages is diagnosed beyond 30 days, and almost half of the leakages eventually do not heal. Chronic presacral sinus is a significant clinical problem that deserves more attention.

The impact of hospital volume on perioperative outcomes of rectal cancer

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of hospital volume on perioperative outcomes of clinical tumour stage (cT)1-3 and cT4 rectal cancer. Methods16.162 patients operated for rectal cancer enrolled in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were included. Hospitals were divided into low (<20 cases/year), medium (21–50 cases/year) and high (>50 cases/year) volume for cT1-3 rectal cancer, and for cT4 rectal cancer into low (1–4 cases/year), medium (5–9 cases/year) and high (≥10 cases/year) volume. The influence of hospital volume on perioperative outcomes was investigated. ResultsWith regards to cT1-3 tumours, low volume had lower rates of complications (33.8% vs. 36.6% and 38.1%, p = 0.009), anastomotic leakage (5.4% vs. 8.1% and 8.6%), and reinterventions (11.5% vs. 12.6% and 14.8%, p = 0.002) as compared to medium and high volume hospitals. Thirty-day mortality and R0 rates were comparable between groups.In high cT4 volume hospitals, rates of extensive resection of tumour involvement (49.4% vs. 25.4% and 15.5%, p < 0.001) and additional resection of metastasis (17.5% vs. 14.4% and 3.0%, p < 0.001) were increased as compared to medium and low volume hospitals. Thirty-day mortality and R0 rates were comparable between groups. In a sub-analysis of pathologic tumour stage 4 patients, irradical resections were increased in low volume hospitals (33.8% vs. 22.5% and 20.8% in medium and high volume hospitals, p = 0.031). ConclusionsFor cT4 rectal cancer, high volume hospitals may offer a better multimodality treatment, while for cT1-3 rectal cancer there appears no benefit for centralization.

Benchmarking recent national practice in rectal cancer treatment with landmark randomized controlled trials.

A Snapshot study design eliminates changes in treatment and outcome over time. This population based Snapshot study aimed to determine current practice and outcome of rectal cancer treatment with published landmark randomized controlled trials as a benchmark. In this collaborative research project, the dataset of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit was extended with additional treatment and long-term outcome data. All registered patients who underwent resection for rectal cancer in 2011 were eligible. Baseline characteristics and outcome were evaluated against the results of the Dutch TME trial and the COLOR II trial from which the original datasets were obtained. A total of 71 hospitals participated, and data were completed for 2102 out of the potential 2633 patients (79.8%). Median follow-up was 41 (interquartile range 25-47) months. Overall circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement was 9.3% in the Snapshot cohort and 18.5% in the Dutch TME trial. CRM positivity after laparoscopic resection was 7.8% in the Snapshot and 9.5% in the COLOR II trial. Three-year overall local recurrence rate in the Snapshot was 5.9%, with a disease-free survival of 67.1% and overall survival of 79.5%. Benchmarking with the randomized controlled trials revealed an overall favourable long-term outcome of the Snapshot cohort. This study showed that current rectal cancer care in a large unselected Dutch population is of high quality, with less positive CRM since the TME trial and oncologically safe implementation of minimally invasive surgery after the COLOR II trial.

Level of Digitization in Dutch Hospitals and the Lengths of Stay of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

A substantial amount of research has been published on the association between the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) and quality outcomes in U.S. hospitals, while limited research has focused on the Western European experience. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between the use of EMR technologies in Dutch hospitals and length of stay after colorectal cancer surgery. Two data sets were leveraged for this study; the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAMSM) and the Dutch surgical colorectal audit (DSCA). The HIMSS Analytics EMRAM score was used to define a Dutch hospital’s electronic medical records (EMR) capabilities while the DSCA was used to profile colorectal surgery quality outcomes (specifically total length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and the LOS in ICU). A total of 73 hospitals with a valid EMRAM score and associated DSCA patients (n = 30.358) during the study period (2012–2014) were included in the comparative set. A multivariate regression method was used to test differences adjusted for case mix, year of surgery, surgical technique and for complications, as well as stratifying for academic affiliated hospitals and general hospitals. A significant negative association was observed to exist between the total LOS (relative median LOS 0,974, CI 95% 0.959–0,989) of patients treated in advanced EMR hospitals (high EMRAM score cohort) versus patients treated at less advanced EMR care settings, once the data was adjusted for the case mix, year of surgery and type of surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy). Adjusting for complications in a subgroup of general hospitals (n = 39) yielded essentially the same results (relative median LOS 0,934, CI 95% 0,915–0,954). No consistent significant associations were found with respect to LOS on the ICU. The findings of this study suggest advanced EMR capabilities support a healthcare provider’s efforts to achieve desired quality outcomes and efficiency in Western European hospitals.

Changes in nationwide use of preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer after revision of the national colorectal cancer guideline

BackgroundThe rate of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) for rectal cancer in the Netherlands has been the highest among European countries. Revision of the national guideline on colorectal cancer, officially published in 2014, specifically focussed on the indication for RT and MRI criteria to evaluate mesorectal lymph nodes. The objective of this study was to evaluate implementation of the revised guideline using a national audit. MethodsData of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA) between 2009 and 2014 were used to evaluate RT use and RT regimen for relevant subgroups of cM0 rectal cancer patients, as well as accuracy of pre-operative MRI. Results14,018 patients were included for analysis. Overall RT use in cT1-4N0-2M0 stage ranged from 81.4% to 84.2% between 2009 and 2013, and decreased to 64.4% in 2014. The absolute decrease in RT use from 2013 to 2014 for cT1N0, cT2N0 and cT3N0 stage was 32.8%, 43.5% and 31.6%, respectively. Short course RT with delayed surgery was used as an alternative to chemoradiotherapy up to 2013 in 30.6% of patients over 80 years, and in 12.1% of patients with an ASA score >2; these percentages increased to 45.8% and 19.9% in 2014, respectively. Specificity of MRI for N-stage decreased from 82.9% in 2009 to 62.9% in 2013, with an increase to 73.2% in 2014. ConclusionThe revised national guideline on colorectal cancer was rapidly implemented in the Netherlands with a substantial decrease in RT use for low risk resectable rectal cancer, and increased specificity of MRI for N-staging.

Locally Advanced Colon Cancer: Evaluation of Current Clinical Practice and Treatment Outcomes at the Population Level.

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate current clinical practice and treatment outcomes regarding locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) at the population level. Methods: Data were used from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit from 2009 to 2014. A total of 34,527 patients underwent resection for non-LACC and 6,918 for LACC, which was defined as cT4 and/or pT4 stage. LACC was divided into those with multivisceral resection (LACC-MV; n=3,385) and without (LACC-noMV; n=1,595). Guideline adherence, treatment strategy, and short-term outcomes were evaluated. Results: Guideline adherence was >90% regarding preoperative imaging and ≥80% regarding preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. In the elective setting, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) was applied in 6.2% of the cT4 cases, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 4.0%. R0 resection rates were 99%, 91%, and 87% in patients with non-LACC, LACC-noMV, and LACC-MV, respectively (P<.001). A postoperative complicated course occurred in 17%, 25%, and 29% of patients (P<.001), and the 30-day/in-hospital mortality rate was 3.6%, 6.0%, and 5.4% (P<.001) in the non-LACC, LACC-noMV, and LACC-MV groups, respectively. Discussion/Conclusions: This population-based study suggests that there is room for improvement in the treatment of LACC, with regard to short-term surgical outcomes and oncologic outcomes (ie, radicality of resection). Improvement might be expected from optimized preoperative imaging, routine MDT discussions, and further specialization and centralization of care. Optimized use of neoadjuvant treatment strategies based on already available and upcoming evidence is likely to result in a better margin status and thereby a better long-term prognosis. Furthermore, lower R0 resection rates in an emergency setting suggest a potential role for bridging strategies in order to enable optimal staging, neoadjuvant treatment, and elective surgery by a surgical team most optimally qualified for the procedure.

Single center cost analysis of single-port and conventional laparoscopic surgical treatment in colorectal malignant diseases.

Single-port laparoscopy (SPL) is a relatively new technique, used in various procedures. There is limited knowledge about the cost effectiveness and the learning curve of this technique. The primary aim of this study was to compare hospital costs between SPL and conventional laparoscopic resections (CLR) for colorectal cancer; the secondary aim was to identify a learning curve of SPL. All elective colorectal cancer SPL and CLR performed in a major teaching hospital between 2011 and 2012 that were registered in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were included (n=267). The economic evaluation was conducted from a hospital perspective, and costs were calculated using time-driven activity-based costing methodology up to 90days after discharge. When looking at SPL only, the introduction year (2011) was compared to the next year (2012). SPL (n=78) was associated with lower mortality, lower reintervention rates, and more complications as compared to CLR (n=189); however, none of these differences were statistically significant. A significant shorter operating time was seen in the SPL. Total costs were higher for SPL group as compared to CLR; however, this difference was not statistically significant. For the SPL group, most clinical outcomes improved between 2011 and 2012; moreover, total hospital costs for SPL in 2012 became comparable to CLR. No significant differences in financial outcomes between SPL and CLR were identified. After the introduction period, SPL showed similar results as compared to CLR. Conclusions are based on a small single-port group and the conclusions of this manuscript should be an impetus for further research.

High mortality rates after nonelective colon cancer resection: results of a national audit.

Colon cancer resection in a nonelective setting is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify risk factors for overall mortality after colon cancer resection with a special focus on nonelective resection. Data were obtained from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patients undergoing colon cancer resection in the Netherlands between January 2009 and December 2013 were included. Patient, treatment and tumour factors were analysed in relation to the urgency of surgery. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. The study included 30907 patients. A nonelective colon cancer resection was performed in 5934 (19.2%) patients. There was a 4.4% overall mortality rate, with significantly more deaths after nonelective surgery (8.5% vs 3.4%, P<0.001). Older patients, male patients and patients with high comorbidity, advanced tumours, perforated tumours, a tumour in the right or transverse colon and postoperative anastomotic leakage were at risk of postoperative death. In nonelective resections, a right-sided tumour and postoperative anastomotic leakage were associated with high mortality. Nonelective colon cancer resection is associated with high mortality. In particular, right-sided resections and patients with tumour perforation are at particularly high risk. The optimization of patients prior to surgery and expeditious operation after diagnosis might prevent the need for a nonelective resection.

A Population-Based Analysis of Three Treatment Modalities for Malignant Obstruction of the Proximal Colon: Acute Resection Versus Stent or Stoma as a Bridge to Surgery

BackgroundMalignant obstruction of the proximal colon (MOPC) traditionally has been treated with acute resection. However, morbidity and mortality rates following these emergency surgeries are high. Initial bowel decompression by stent placement or stoma construction has been used for distal obstructions as an alternative approach. This study evaluated whether these alternative treatment strategies could be beneficial for patients with a MOPC as well.MethodsAll patients undergoing a colonic resection for a MOPC between January 2009 and December 2013 and who were registered in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were analyzed.ResultsFrom the 49,013 patients registered in the DSCA, 1860 (3.8 %) were selected for further analysis. Acute resection was performed in 1774 patients (95.4 %), 44 patients (2.4 %) were treated with initial decompression using stent placement and resection, and 42 patients (2.3 %) with stoma construction followed by resection. Thirty-day mortality was 8.8, 2.4, and 2.4 %, respectively. Mortality was significantly lower after a bridging strategy (stent or stoma) compared with acute resection (p = 0.04). Complications following the resection occurred in 39.6% in the acute resection group and in 27.3 and 31.7% in the stent and stoma group, respectively (p = 0.167).ConclusionsAcute resection was performed in the vast majority of patients with obstructive proximal colon cancer and resulted in a 40 % morbidity and 9 % mortality rate. A bridging strategy may be a valid alternative in some of these patients, because a significantly lower postoperative mortality rate was seen in a subgroup of patients initially treated with a stent or stoma.

Colorectal Cancer Resections in the Oldest Old Between 2011 and 2012 in The Netherlands.

Adequate decision-making in elderly colorectal cancer patients requires accurate information regarding risks of treatment. We analysed the outcome and survival of colorectal resections in the oldest old (≥85years). An analysis of the 2011-2012 data from two large nationwide registries: the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA), containing all colorectal cancer resections, and the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR), containing survival data for all newly diagnosed malignancies. The study included more than 1200 patients aged ≥85years (DSCA n=1232, NCR n=1206). The postoperative complication rate was 41% in the oldest old. The frequency of cardiopulmonary complications rose rapidly with age, from 11% in those <70years to 38% for the oldest old (p<0.001). Postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 10% in the oldest old. Three-month mortality was 14% (compared with 3% of patients <85years; p<0.001). One-year mortality was 24% and 2-year mortality 36%. After correction for expected mortality in the general population, excess mortality for the oldest old was 12% in the first year and 3% in the second year. In this study of more than 1200 colorectal cancer patients aged ≥85years undergoing surgical resection, we found high rates of cardiopulmonary complications and excess mortality, particularly in the first year after surgery. We propose that these data could be incorporated into individualized treatment algorithms, which also include detailed information regarding the patients' health status.

Nationwide Outcomes Measurement in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Improving Quality and Reducing Costs

Recent literature suggests that focus in health care should shift from reducing costs to improving quality; where quality of health care improves, cost reduction will follow. Our primary aim was to investigate whether improving the quality of surgical colorectal cancer care, by using a national quality improvement initiative, leads to a reduction of hospital costs. This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and financial outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery in 29 Dutch hospitals (9,913 patients). Detailed clinical data were obtained from the 2010 to 2012 population-based Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patient-level costs were measured uniformly in all participating hospitals and based on time-driven, activity-based costing. Odds ratios (OR) and relative differences (RD) were risk adjusted for hospitals and differences in patient characteristics. Over 3 consecutive years, severe complications and mortality declined by 20% (risk-adjusted OR 0.739, 95% CI 0.653 to 0.836, p < 0.001), and 29% (risk-adjusted OR 0.757, 95% CI 0.571 to 1.003, p = 0.05), respectively. Simultaneously, costs during primary admission decreased 9% (risk-adjusted RD -7%, 95% CI -10% to -5%, p < 0.001) without an increase in costs within the first 90 days after discharge (RD -2%, 95% CI -10% to 6%, p = 0.65). An inverse relationship (at hospital level) between severe complication rate and hospital costs was identified (R = 0.64). Hospitals with increasing severe complication rates (between 2010 and 2012) were associated with increasing costs; hospitals with declining severe complication rates were associated with cost reduction. This report presents evidence for simultaneous quality improvement and cost reduction. Participation in a nationwide quality improvement initiative with continuous quality measurement and benchmarked feedback reveals opportunities for targeted improvements, bringing the medical field forward in improving value of health care delivery. The focus of health care should shift to improving quality, which will catalyze costs savings as well.

Large variation in the use of defunctioning stomas after rectal cancer surgery. A lack of consensus

Background and objectives: When deciding about the use of a defunctioning stoma in rectal cancer surgery, benefits and risks need to be weighed. This study investigated: (1a) factors associated with the use of defunctioning stomas; (1b) hospital variation; and (2) surgeons’ perceptions regarding factors that determine this decision.Methods: Population-based data from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were used. Factors for receiving a defunctioning stoma were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Hospital variation was assessed before and after case-mix adjustment. A survey was performed among gastroenterological surgeons on the importance of factors for the decision to construct a defunctioning stoma.Results: In total 4368 patients were analyzed and 103 (34%) surgeons participated. Male gender, higher body mass index, lower tumors, preoperative radiotherapy, and treatment in a teaching/university hospital increased the odds for a defunctioning stoma. Unadjusted hospital variation ranged from 0% to 98%. Variation remained after case-mix adjustment (0–100%). There was large variation in factors considered important for the decision; almost all factors were ranked as ‘most important’ at least once.Conclusions: There is large variation in the use of defunctioning stomas for patients with rectal cancer, and a lack in uniformity of the selection criteria. These results underline the need to improve current decision making and identification of high-risk patients.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy on Complications After Hartmann Procedure for Rectal Cancer.

The effects of neoadjuvant radiotherapy on healing of the rectal stump after a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer are unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of radiotherapy on postoperative complications after a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer at a population level. This was a population-based observational study. Postoperative outcomes were compared between Hartmann procedures with and without radiotherapy. Risk factors for postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention, any reintervention, and 30-day or in-hospital mortality were analyzed using a multivariable model. The study included in-hospital registration for the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Patients with rectal cancer who underwent a Hartmann procedure (total or partial mesorectal excision with end colostomy) between 2009 and 2013 were included. Abdominal abscess requiring reintervention, any reintervention, and 30-day or in-hospital mortality were measured. Of 1728 patients who underwent a Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer, 90.5% (n = 1563) received preoperative radiotherapy. Intra-abdominal abscess formation was significantly increased after radiotherapy (7.0% vs 3.0%; p = 0.049). Overall reinterventions (15.2% vs 15.4%; p = 0.90) and 30-day mortality (2.4% vs 3.5%; p = 0.48) were not associated with radiotherapy in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, radiotherapy was an independent predictor of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention (OR, 2.81 (95% CI, 1.01-7.78)) but was not associated with overall reinterventions or mortality. This study was limited by the data being self-reported. Case-mix adjustment was limited to information available in the data set, and no long-term outcome data were available. Based on these population-based data, radiotherapy is independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requiring reintervention after Hartmann procedure for rectal cancer. This finding is relevant for patient-tailored postoperative care but should probably not influence indication for radiotherapy, because it did not affect overall reinterventions and mortality (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A193).

Reduced Circumferential Resection Margin Involvement in Rectal Cancer Surgery: Results of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit.

The circumferential resection margin (CRM) is a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival after rectal cancer surgery. Therefore, availability of this parameter is essential. Although the Dutch total mesorectal excision trial raised awareness about CRM in the late 1990s, quality assurance on pathologic reporting was not available until the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit (DSCA) started in 2009. The present study describes the rates of CRM reporting and involvement since the start of the DSCA and analyzes whether improvement of these parameters can be attributed to the audit. Data from the DSCA (2009-2013) were analyzed. Reporting of CRM and CRM involvement was plotted for successive years, and variations of these parameters were analyzed in a funnelplot. Predictors of CRM involvement were determined in univariable analysis and the independent influence of year of registration on CRM involvement was analyzed in multivariable analysis. A total of 12,669 patients were included for analysis. The mean percentage of patients with a reported CRM increased from 52.7% to 94.2% (2009-2013) and interhospital variation decreased. The percentage of patients with CRM involvement decreased from 14.2% to 5.6%. In multivariable analysis, the year of DSCA registration remained a significant predictor of CRM involvement. After the introduction of the DSCA, a dramatic improvement in CRM reporting and a major decrease of CRM involvement after rectal cancer surgery have occurred. This study suggests that a national quality assurance program has been the driving force behind these achievements.

Costs of complications after colorectal cancer surgery in the Netherlands: Building the business case for hospitals

BackgroundHealthcare providers worldwide are struggling with rising costs while hospitals budgets are under stress. Colorectal cancer surgery is commonly performed, however it is associated with a disproportionate share of adverse events in general surgery. Since adverse events are associated with extra hospital costs it seems important to explicitly discuss the costs of complications and the risk factors for high-costs after colorectal surgery. MethodsRetrospective analysis of clinical and financial outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery in 29 Dutch hospitals (6768 patients). Detailed clinical data was derived from the 2011–2012 population-based Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit database. Costs were measured uniform in all participating hospitals and based on Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing. FindingsOf total hospital costs in this study, 31% was spent on complications and the top 5% most expensive patients were accountable for 23% of hospitals budgets. Minor and severe complications were respectively associated with a 26% and 196% increase in costs as compared to patients without complications. Independent from other risk factors, ASA IV, double tumor, ASA III, short course preoperative radiotherapy and TNM-4 stadium disease were the top-5 attributors to high costs. ConclusionsThis article shows that complications after colorectal cancer surgery are associated with a substantial increase in costs. Although not all surgical complications can be prevented, reducing complications will result in considerable cost savings. By providing a business case we show that investments made to develop targeted quality improvement programs will pay off eventually. Results based on this study should encourage healthcare providers to endorse quality improvement efforts.

Long-term effects of a regional care pathway for patients with rectal cancer.

Introducing care pathways is seen as a method to realise patient-focussed care conform evidence-based guidelines. The goal of this study is to determine the long-term effects of a regional care pathway for patients with rectal cancer. Data on almost 400 patients with rectal carcinoma from three hospitals were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit. Results on seven structure and process indicators were analysed and compared before and at two time points after implementing a regional care pathway over a total period from 2007 to 2012. To determine motivation and interpret the results, relevant professionals of the participating hospitals were interviewed. After implementing the care pathway, the performance of computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnostic phase significantly improved (p = 0.007/0.07). The number of patients discussed in the preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting improved significantly (p = <0.001), and after implementing the care pathway, 94% of the patients were discussed. Further, a significant reduction in time between the first tumour biopsy and the MDT meeting was realised (p = 0.01). Professionals stated that the regional care pathway has led to more clarity about the patient route and more awareness about complying with evidence-based guidelines. The regional care pathway provided a solid basis for uniforming care, working according evidence-based guidelines and further cooperation on regional level. For mainly the waiting and throughput times, the guidelines and norms had probably a stronger effect on the results than the care pathway.