Postoperative Hospital Length Of Stay Research Articles

Impact of Insurance Provider on Postoperative Hospital Length of Stay After Spine Surgery

Differences in insurer and payer status have been shown to increase patient hospital length of stay (LOS) by delaying the approval of transfer to a rehabilitation facility. The aim of the current study is to determine the impact of the type of insurance provider on postoperative hospital LOS after spine surgery. In our single-institution retrospective study, all patients undergoing elective spine surgery between August 2018 and August 2019 as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol were enrolled in a prospectively collected registry. Insurance payer type was analyzed to determine its effect on total patient LOS after surgery. A total of 106 patients were included in the study. Insurance payers studied were Medicare, private insurers (preferred provider organization and health maintenance organization), and the Veterans Affairs payer TriWest. Patients in all groups had comparable demographic characteristics and procedural variables. There was a statistically significant difference in days stayed beyond medical clearance among the 3 insurance provider groups (P < 0.001); TriWest patients stayed an average of 3.2 days beyond clearance, compared with private insurance (1.2 days) and Medicare (0.3 days). Individual subanalysis of the ERAS complex pathway population mirrored these findings. Hospitalization beyond medical clearance after spine surgery follows a predictable pattern regardless of ERAS pathway complexity, with Medicare having a shorter delay in approving patient progression than private insurance, which has less of a delay than Triwest.

Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines as an Effort in Reducing Hospital Readmission following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Objectives: The present study aimed to identify significant causes of readmission within 30 days following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and compare readmission incidence related to surgical site infections (SSIs) before and after implementing international recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: We analyzed 2,225 CABG patients who received either guideline-directed antibiotic prophylaxis (GDAP = 568) or institutional antibiotic prophylaxis (non-GDAP = 1,657) between January 2017 and December 2019. The primary outcome was a composite of sternal wound infection (SWI) or harvest SWI. Secondary outcomes consisted of the individual components of composite end point, the incidence of in-hospital SSIs, and prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) (>7 days). Propensity matching was used to select pairs for final comparison. Results: Before implementing GDAP, the most frequent reason for readmission were SSIs, causing 58.2% of all readmissions within 30 days. Of 429 matched pairs, 48 patients in the GDAP group and 67 patients in the non-GDAP group were readmitted to a hospital within 30 days for any cause (11.2 vs. 15.6%, p = 0.048). We found a decreased readmission incidence for reasons related to SSIs, although these differences did not reach statistical significance (7.4 vs. 10.0%, p = 0.069). Adherence to GDAP was associated with reduced in-hospital risks of SSIs and prolonged postoperative LOS (19.6 vs. 26.6%, p = 0.015). Conclusions: In this contemporary clinical practice study, the adherence to GDAP was an insufficient measure to decrease rehospitalization due to SSIs. The present findings warrant further investigation on factors that may contribute to SSIs development after hospital discharge.

The application of machine learning algorithms in predicting the length of stay following femoral neck fracture

PurposeFemoral neck fracture is a frequent cause of hospitalization, and length of stay is an important marker of hospital cost and quality of care provided. As an extension of traditional statistical methods, machine learning provides the possibility of accurately predicting the length of hospital stay. The aim of this paper is to retrospectively identify predictive factors of the length of hospital stay (LOS) and predict the postoperative LOS by using machine learning algorithms. MethodBased on the admission and perioperative data of the patients, linear regression was used to analyze the predictive factors of the LOS. Multiple machine learning models were developed, and the performance of different models was compared. ResultStepwise linear regression showed that preoperative calcium level (P = 0.017) and preoperative lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.007), in addition to intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.041), glucose and sodium chloride infusion after surgery (P = 0.019), Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.007) and BMI (P = 0.031), were significant predictors of LOS. The best performing model was the principal component regression (PCR) with an optimal MAE (1.525) and a proportion of prediction error within 3 days of 90.91%. ConclusionExcessive intravenous glucose and sodium chloride infusion after surgery, preoperative hypocalcemia, preoperative high percentages of lymphocytes, excessive intraoperative bleeding, lower BMI and higher CCI scores were related to prolonged LOS by using linear regression. Machine learning could accurately predict the postoperative LOS. This information allows hospital administrators to plan reasonable resource allocation to fulfill demand, leading to direct care quality improvement and more reasonable use of scarce resources.

Application of DMAIC Cycle and Modeling as Tools for Health Technology Assessment in a University Hospital.

Background The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is used to evaluate health services, manage healthcare processes more efficiently, and compare medical technologies. The aim of this paper is to carry out an HTA study that compares two pharmacological therapies and provides the clinicians with two models to predict the length of hospital stay (LOS) of patients undergoing oral cavity cancer surgery on the bone tissue. Methods The six Sigma method was used as a tool of HTA; it is a technique of quality management and process improvement that combines the use of statistics with a five-step procedure: “Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control” referred to in the acronym DMAIC. Subsequently, multiple linear regression has been used to create two models. Two groups of patients were analyzed: 45 were treated with ceftriaxone while 48 were treated with the combination of cefazolin and clindamycin. Results A reduction of the overall mean LOS of patients undergoing oral cavity cancer surgery on bone was observed of 40.9% in the group treated with ceftriaxone. Its reduction was observed in all the variables of the ceftriaxone group. The best results are obtained in younger patients (−54.1%) and in patients with low oral hygiene (−52.4%) treated. The regression results showed that the best LOS predictors for cefazolin/clindamycin are ASA score and flap while for ceftriaxone, in addition to these two, oral hygiene and lymphadenectomy are the best predictors. In addition, the adjusted R squared showed that the variables considered explain most of the variance of LOS. Conclusion SS methodology, used as an HTA tool, allowed us to understand the performance of the antibiotics and provided variables that mostly influence postoperative LOS. The obtained models can improve the outcome of patients, reducing the postoperative LOS and the relative costs, consequently increasing patient safety, and improving the quality of care provided.

63. Liposomal bupivacaine does not decrease postoperative opioid use or length of hospital stay in patients undergoing ACDF

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is local anesthetic perioperatively infiltrated into the surgical site to promote postoperative analgesia. Despite its widespread use, definitive data demonstrating its efficacy is limited especially in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To examine whether ACDF patients who received preoperative LB (LB group) exhibited decreased postoperative opioid use and length of hospital stay (LOS) compared to ACDF patients who did not receive preoperative LB (controls). <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective chart review. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Eighty-two patients who underwent primary ACDF (n = 82). <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Surgical complications, postoperative opioid use, and LOS. <h3>METHODS</h3> Eighty-two patients who underwent primary ACDF by a single surgeon from 2016-2019 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical complications, postoperative opioid use and LOS were collected. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests and multiple linear regression. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Fifty-nine patients received preoperative LB (LB group) while 23 patients did not (controls). Univariate analysis revealed that the LB group did not require significantly fewer opioids on postoperative day (POD) 0 (p = 0.471), POD1 (p = 0.970), POD2 (p = 0.914), throughout the entire hospital course (p = 0.845), or throughout the entire hospital course after normalizing by LOS (p = 0.538). There was also no significant difference in LOS between groups (p =0.833). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of cervical vertebrae involved in the operation significantly predicted opioid use on POD0 (p = 0.005) and throughout the hospital course after normalizing by LOS (p = 0.024) but LB use, age, and body mass index (BMI) did not. For every additional vertebral level involved, approximately 225 additional morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were utilized on POD0 while 156 additional MMEs were utilized throughout the hospital course after normalizing by LOS. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> ACDF patients who received preoperative LB did not require fewer postoperative opioids or exhibit a decreased LOS compared to controls. Patients whose procedures involved a greater number of cervical vertebrae were associated with greater opioid use on POD0 and throughout the hospital course after normalizing by LOS. The results of this study suggest that ACDF patients, especially those with a high number of vertebrae involved, may require additional or alternative analgesia to LB. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

A Novel Minimally Invasive Retro Rectus Repair of Ventral Hernia

Background Ventral hernia repair is one of the common general surgical procedures. A novel eTEP technique has been developed where in a mesh is placed in retro muscular plane through minimally invasive approach. There is scarcity of data on its effectiveness as compared to conventional Laparoscopic IPOM hernioplasty. Aims and Objectives We aim to introduce our innovative Kumar-Subhash’s modified 3 port eTEP technique for ventral hernia repair and compare its clinical effectiveness with conventional IPOM repair. Methods A prospective comparative study was undertaken at Devagiri Hospital, Bangalore, India from January 2017 to December 2019. 30 patients were included in the study (12 in eTEP group and 18 in IPOM group) based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were followed up to 30 days post-operatively. The outcomes were compared with respect to postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and early postoperative complications. Results Baseline characteristics and presenting complaints were comparable for both the groups. The mean pain score on POD 1 in eTEP group was 3, and 1 on POD 7 as compared to 7 and 3 in IPOM group on POD1 and 7 respectively, which was statistically significant. Patients in eTEP group had a shorter length of hospital stay (LOS). None of the patients had any complications related to the novel technique. Conclusions Kumar-Subhash’s modified 3 port eTEP technique is a novel and easy approach for laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia with significantly less post-operative pain and LOS with an additional cosmetic advantage for patients.

Obesity and perioperative outcomes in older surgical patients undergoing elective spine and major arthroplasty surgery

Study objectiveTo determine whether obesity status is associated with perioperative complications, discharge outcomes and hospital length of stay in older surgical patients. DesignSecondary analysis of five independent study cohorts (N = 1262). SettingAn academic medical center between 2001 and 2017 in the United States. PatientsPatients aged 65 years or older who were scheduled to undergo elective spine, knee, or hip surgery with an expected hospital stay of at least 2 days. MeasurementsBody mass index (BMI) was stratified as nonobese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2), obesity class 1 (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m2) or obesity class 2–3 (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). Primary outcomes included predefined intraoperative and postoperative complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge location. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed. Main resultsObesity status was not associated with intraoperative adverse events. However, obesity class 2–3 significantly increased the risk for postoperative complications (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03–1.95, P = 0.03), hospital LOS (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25, P = 0.02) and non-home discharge destination (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.35–2.81, P < 0.001) after accounting for patient related factors and surgery type. ConclusionsObesity class 2–3 status has prognostic value in predicting an increased incidence of postoperative complications, increased hospital LOS, and non-home discharge location. These results have important clinical implications for preoperative informed consent and provide areas to target for care improvement for the older obese individual.

Early postoperative feeding following surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancer: A systematic review.

Nutrition post major upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer surgery is a significant consideration known to affect postoperative recovery and the ability to tolerate adjuvant treatment. This systematic review assessed the effect of early oral feeding (EOF), compared to traditional timing of oral feeding, following major surgery for UGI cancer on postoperative complications, postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS), nutritional status and quality of life (QOL). The literature was searched up to March 9th 2020 using CINHAL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Quality assessment was completed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quality criteria checklist. Fifteen articles were included, consisting of seven randomised controlled trials, six cohort studies and two non-randomised trials, with a total of 2517 participants. The type and timing of EOF varied considerably across studies with limited reporting of energy and protein intakes from oral or enteral feeding. Fourteen studies assessed postoperative complications of which 13 reported no difference between EOF and standard care. Fourteen studies assessed postoperative LOS and of these, 13 reported a reduced length of stay in the EOF group. Four of 15 studies assessing nutritional status found no difference between groups. Three of 15 studies assessed QOL with inconsistent findings. This review found EOF reduced postoperative LOS and did not increase postoperative complications. However, the optimal timing for the introduction of EOF could not be established. Furthermore, the type of EOF varied considerably making comparison across studies challenging and demonstrates a need for internationally standardised definitions.

Perioperative factors affecting the length of hospital stay after cesarean section of pregnant women with heart disease

Objective: To explore the related factors influencing the length of hospital stay(LOS) of pregnant women with heart disease (PWHD) after cesarean section. Methods: A total of 306 patients with PWHD who underwent cesarean section from January 2012 to March 2019 were collected. Among them, 203 patients had not undergone heart surgery (uncorrected group) and 103 patients who had undergone heart surgery (corrected group) during the same period. Demographic, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. Predictors associated with postoperative LOS were determined using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis models. Results: (1) The median LOS after cesarean section in the uncorrected group was 6 days (5-8 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 38 parameters had significant impact on LOS (P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 5 parameters were independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in the uncorrected group; among them, the median LOS in uncorrected group with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 3 days longer than that in patients with PWHD alone [7 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.195, P=0.001]; the median LOS in uncorrected group with high serum creatinine was 3 days longer than normal patients [7 days (5-13 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.145, P=0.015]; the LOS of patients who chose general anesthesia was 2 days longer than that of patients who chose spinal anesthesia [6 days (4-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.154, P=0.007]; the LOS of patients with postoperative pulmonary infection was 4 days longer than that of patients without pulmonary infection [8 days (5-15 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.269, P<0.01]; the LOS of patients who admitted to ICU after surgery was 2 days longer than that not admitted patients [6 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.268, P<0.01]. (2) The median LOS after cesarean section in corrected group was 4 days (4-5 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 8 parameters had significant impact on the LOS (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 2 parameters, which were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (β=0.198, P=0.028) and intraoperative blood loss (β=0.285, P=0.003), were the independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in corrected group. Conclusion: Preoperative with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preoperative creatinine increase, intraoperative general anesthesia, postoperative pulmonary infection, and postoperative admission to ICU are independent predictors of prolonged LOS in uncorrected patients with PWHD; ASA classification and intraoperative bleeding are independent predictor of prolonged postoperative LOS in patients with corrected PWHD.

Impact of preoperative treatment with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics on outcomes after colorectal surgery with an enhanced recovery programme: a monocentric retrospective study#

Background Preoperative use of antidepressants and anxiolytics was reported to increase length of hospital stay (LOS) and worsen surgical outcomes. However, the surgical procedures studied were seldom performed with an enhanced recovery programme (ERP). This study investigated whether these medications impaired postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery with an ERP. Methods The data of all patients scheduled for colorectal surgery between November 2015 and December 2019 prospectively included in our database were analysed. All the patients were managed with the same ERP. Demographic data, risk factors, incidence of postoperative complications, LOS, and adherence to the ERP were compared between patients with and without preoperative antidepressant and/or anxiolytic treatment. Results Of the 502 patients, 157 (31.3%) were treated with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics. They were older (65.7 vs. 59.5 years, p < 0.001), sicker (higher ASA physical status score, p = 0.001), and underwent surgery more frequently for cancer (73.9 vs. 56.8%, p < 0.001). Overall adherence to ERP (p = 0.99) and adherence to the postoperative items of ERP (p = 0.29), incidence of postoperative complications (35.7 vs. 33.2%, p = 0.61), and LOS (4 [2–7] vs. 4 [2–7], p = 0.99) were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Our findings suggest that preoperative treatment with antidepressants and/or anxiolytics does not worsen outcome after elective colorectal surgery with an ERP, does not impact adherence to ERP, and does not prolong LOS. ERP seems efficacious in patients treated with these medications, who should therefore not be excluded from this programme.

The uncharted severity of complications after appendectomy for acute appendicitis in children: results from 348 consecutive patients.

Appendectomy is the most frequently performed emergent procedure in paediatric patients. However, there is a wide heterogeneity in outcome definitions and, conversely, a lack of information about complications' severity. This study aims to analyse the outcome of children operated for acute appendicitis, with reference to complications' severity grading. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database including all children who underwent emergent appendectomy between September 2013 and March 2020. Postoperative complications were defined according to standardized definitions and graded following Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). The outcome was analysed in terms of postoperative morbidity, severity of complications, hospital readmission and length of hospital stay (LOS). 348 patients were analysed. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 (5.2%) patients; superficial and organ/space surgical site infections represented the most frequent complications (1.7% and 2.9%, respectively). Major complications (CDC ≥ IIIa) were seen in 4 (1.1%) patients. Median postoperative LOS was 4 (iqr 3-5) days, while hospital readmission was 1.1%. Postoperative complications, preoperative C-reactive protein values and presence of drainage were significantly associated with longer LOS at multivariate analysis. No difference in incidence and severity of complications was found in relation to children's adolescent age. Major complications among paediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis in a general surgery department are rare. The application of standardized definitions and severity-based grading of complications is crucial for outcome analysis: our results are a useful reference for comparison between forthcoming studies.

Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways have improved clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction across multiple non-cardiac surgical specialties. Since the adaptation of ERAS in cardiac surgery is rapidly increasing yet still evolving, herein, we demonstrate early results of our implementation of ERAS cardiac guidelines. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who were managed with our institutional ERAS Cardiac Surgery guidelines between 5/2018 and 6/2019(N = 102). Postoperative primary outcomes (total ventilation times(hours), intensive-care unit(ICU) stay, and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS)) were compared to 1:1 propensity matched controls from the pre ERAS era between January 2017 and March 2019. A total of 76 propensity-matched pairs were identified. Compared to the matched controls, ERAS patients had significantly shorter median ventilation times(3.5 vs. 5.3 hours, p = .01), ICU stays(median 28 vs 48 hours, p=.005) and postoperative hospital LOS (median 5 vs. 6 days, p = .03). There were no operative mortalities and no significant differences in 30-day readmission rates. There were also no significant differences in post-operative stroke, acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, and reoperation rates for bleeding. Two-year survival was also not statistically different between the two cohorts (p = .22). Our initial experience with implementation of ERAS protocols in cardiac surgery appear to demonstrate that these protocols are associated with shorter ventilation times, ICU stay, and hospital LOS without compromising patient outcomes. While these results are promising yet preliminary, further studies are warranted to demonstrate whether ERAS algorithms in cardiac surgery can consistently expedite postoperative recovery and improve outcomes.

Risk Factors for Increased Post-operative Length of Stay in Children with Coarctation of Aorta.

Coarctation of the aorta is a relatively common congenital heart disease occurring in 0.4-0.6 per 1000 live births with a low mortality rate. This is a retrospective study, with data abstracted from the Pediatric Health Information System database (PHIS). The study sample included pediatric patients less than or equal to 3months of age discharged from a PHIS participating hospital between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2018 who underwent surgical repair of isolated COA. The primary outcome for the study was post-operative hospital length of stay (PH-LOS), and the secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patient demographics, comorbidities, procedures, and outcomes were assessed for statistical differences between eras. A total of 5354 patients were included in the study. The study highlights an increasing trend in PH-LOS and NICU hospital length of stay (NICU-LOS) across the investigated eras. Prematurity (before 37weeks gestation) was an independent risk factor associated with both longer post-operative length of the stay and higher mortality. In addition, congenital anomalies, respiratory and abdominal surgeries have a significant impact on the post-operative hospital stay. In conclusion, this study is the largest published systematic assessment of PH-LOS in patients with isolated COA repair during infancy to date and identifies independent risk factors of increased PH-LOS.

Patients over 65\xa0years with Acute Complicated Calculous Biliary Disease are Treated Differently\u2014Results and Insights from the ESTES Snapshot Audit

BackgroundAccrued comorbidities are perceived to increase operative risk. Surgeons may offer operative treatments less often to their older patients with acute complicated calculous biliary disease (ACCBD). We set out to capture ACCBD incidence in older patients across Europe and the currently used treatment algorithms.MethodsThe European Society of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) undertook a snapshot audit of patients undergoing emergency hospital admission for ACCBD between October 1 and 31 2018, comparing patients under and ≥ 65 years. Mortality, postoperative complications, time to operative intervention, post-acute disposition, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared between groups. Within the ≥ 65 cohort, comorbidity burden, mortality, LOS, and disposition outcomes were further compared between patients undergoing operative and non-operative management.ResultsThe median age of the 338 admitted patients was 67 years; 185 patients (54.7%) of these were the age of 65 or over. Significantly fewer patients ≥ 65 underwent surgical treatment (37.8% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.001). Surgical complications were more frequent in the ≥ 65 cohort than younger patients, and the mean postoperative LOS was significantly longer. Postoperative mortality was seen in 2.2% of patients ≥ 65 (vs. 0.7%, p = 0.253). However, operated elderly patients did not differ from non-operated in terms of comorbidity burden, mortality, LOS, or post-discharge rehabilitation need.ConclusionsFew elderly patients receive surgical treatment for ACCBD. Expectedly, postoperative morbidity, LOS, and the requirement for post-discharge rehabilitation are higher in the elderly than younger patients but do not differ from elderly patients managed non-operatively. With multidisciplinary perioperative optimization, elderly patients may be safely offered optimal treatment.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov (Trial # NCT03610308).

Intercostal cryoablation during Nuss procedure: A large volume single surgeon's experience and outcomes

BackgroundRecent studies have shown intercostal cryoablation(IC) during the Nuss procedure decreases hospital length of stay(LOS) and opioid administration. However, few studies have also evaluated the risk of postoperative complications related to IC. MethodsWe performed a single center retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent Nuss procedure by one surgeon from 2/2016 to 2/2020, comparing intraoperative IC to other pain management modalities(non-IC). Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, hospital LOS, and opioid administration. Multivariate analysis was performed with outcomes reported as regression coefficients(RC) or odds ratios(OR) with 95% confidence interval. ResultsIC was associated with decreased hospital LOS (RC −1.91[−2.29 to −1.54], less hospital opioid administration (RC −4.28[−5.13 to −3.43]), and less discharge opioid administration (RC −3.82[−5.23 to −2.41]). With respect to postoperative complications, IC decreased the odds of urinary retention (OR 0.16[0.06 to 0.44]); however, increased the odds of slipped bars requiring reoperation (OR 36.65[5.04–266.39]). ConclusionsOur single surgeon experience controls for surgeon variability and demonstrates intraoperative IC for the Nuss procedure is an effective pain management modality that decreases hospital LOS and opioid use during hospitalization and at discharge; however, it is associated with increased odds of slipped bars requiring reoperation. Level of evidenceIII

Preoperative physical activity and functional performance levels are predictors of acute postoperative outcomes in a private South African colorectal cancer cohort.

BackgroundFor patients with colorectal cancer, surgical resection of the primary tumour remains the best treatment option. Surgery for colorectal cancer is being performed on patients who would previously not have been considered as suitable candidates. It remains to be seen which factors influence hospital length of stay (LOS) and the development of acute postoperative complications in South African patients.ObjectivesThe objectives of our study were to determine the modifiable factors that influence patients’ development of postoperative complications and hospital LOS and, to identify the types of postoperative complications that develop.MethodA retrospective review and secondary analysis of information in an existing database of patients with colorectal cancer were conducted. Regression analysis statistics were used to determine the predictors of postoperative outcomes. The level of significance at which testing was performed was set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsData of 125 patients were included. Surgical site infections and postoperative paralytic ileus were the most frequently reported postoperative complications. Preoperative vigorous-intensity physical activity (p = 0.048, β = -0.000) and functional performance status (p = 0.05, β = 0.926) significantly predicted hospital LOS and the incidence of postoperative complications, respectively.ConclusionPreoperative physical activity and functional performance levels are predictors of acute postoperative outcomes in a private South African cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. Future research which includes other modifiable factors is required to make informed suggestions for changes in clinical practice.Clinical implicationsPatients requiring surgery for colorectal cancer should be screened for signs of physical deconditioning and referred for physiotherapy intervention before elective surgery to optimise their recovery.

The Efficacy of Intraoperative Freehand Erector Spinae Plane Block in Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Prospective randomized comparative (controlled) study. Management of the severe postoperative back pain followed the major spinal surgeries remains a challenge. The search is going on to find simple, efficient, and reliable perioperative analgesia with low side effects. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of intraoperative freehand erector spinae plane block (ESBP) after spinal surgeries. A few case reports and randomized controlled studies demonstrated the analgesic efficacy of ESPB in spinal surgeries. Up-to-date, no randomized controlled studies investigated the effectiveness of ESPB on spinal instrumentation surgeries. We randomly divided 56 consecutive adult patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for spondylolisthesis into two groups. The study (ESPB) group (n = 28) received intraoperative freehand bilateral ESPB with a 20-mL mixture solution of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1.0% lidocaine equally divided into all operating levels. In the control group (n = 28), 20 mL physiological saline was injected. Postoperatively, we ordered 1 g paracetamol thrice/day, besides patient-controlled analgesia pumps with morphine. We performed a postoperative evaluation with a visual analog scale (VAS), morphine consumption, ESPB-related adverse effects, and postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS). Morphine consumption was significantly higher in the controls within the first postoperative 24-hour 44.75 ± 12.3 mg versus 33.75 ± 6.81 mg in the ESPB participants (P < 0.001). Except for postoperative 24th-hour VAS (P = 0.127), all postoperative VAS scores recorded at all time-points were significantly higher in the controls (P < 0.05). In control individuals, the first analgesic demand time was shorter, and PLOS was longer (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the ESPB group. We observed no significant difference regarding postoperative complications. Intraoperative ESPB as a part of multimodal analgesia was effective. For posterior instrumented patients with spondylolisthesis, it can relieve postoperative backache and reduce opioid consumption.Level of Evidence: 1.

Bowel function recovery after laparoscopic transverse colectomy within an ERAS program: a comparison to right and left colectomy

It is known that functional recovery of the bowel is slower after right colectomy (RC) compared to left colectomy (LC), but very little has been reported on transverse colectomy (TC). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and early functional outcomes of TC, a more infrequent operation, to RC, and LC for colorectal cancer. Between December 2011 and December 2017, all patients undergoing elective colon resection in our institution were treated according to a standardized ERAS protocol and entered in a prospective database. We included in the study patients undergoing laparoscopic TC, RC, or LC for cancer with curative intent. The primary endpoint was prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI), defined as need to insert a nasogastric tube, or refractory nausea VAS > 4 on or after the third postoperative day. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay (LoS). Out of 286 patients, 126 met the inclusion criteria: 20 underwent TC, 65 RC, and 41 LC. Patients in LC group were younger than in TC and RC groups; other baseline demographics were similar. PPOI was observed in 5 (25%), 26 (40%), and 10 (24%) patients in TC, RC, and LC groups, respectively (p= 0.417). In single group comparisons, the incidence of PPOI in the TC group was significantly lower in comparison to the RC group (OR for RC: 4.255, 95% CI 1.092-16.667, p= 0.037) and similar to the LC group. No significant differences in terms of postoperative complications or LoS stay were observed. The incidence of PPOI after segmental laparoscopic colectomy for cancer within an ERAS program appears as infrequent in TC as in LC and lower than after RC. It may be reasonable to consider a slower oral intake after RC, as it represents an independent predictor of PPOI.

An enhanced recovery pathway after open pancreaticoduodenectomy reduces postoperative length of hospital stay without reducing composite length of stay

Presenter: Rony Takchi MD | Washington University, St. Louis Background: There is limited data regarding the use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) after procedures with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy. We asked if initially discharging patients home earlier after pancreaticoduodenectomy might results in more time spent in the hospital after initial discharge due to readmissions; thus, having no effect on overall hospitalization time after surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy before and after implementation of ERP were prospectively followed for 90 days after surgery and complications were severity graded using the Modified Accordion Grading System. A retrospective analysis of patient outcomes was compared before and after instituting ERP. 1:1 propensity score matching was used to compare ERP patient outcomes to those of matched pre-ERP patients. Composite length of stay (CLOS) is defined as postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) plus readmission length of hospital stay within 90 days after surgery. Results: 494 patients underwent open pancreaticoduodenectomy – 359 pre-ERP and 135 ERP. In a 1:1 propensity-score-matched analysis of 110 matched pairs, ERP patients had significantly decreased superficial surgical site infections (5.5% vs 15.5% p=0.015) and significantly increased rates of urinary retention (29.1% vs 7.3% p<0.0001) compared to matched pre-ERP patients. However, overall complication rate, 30-day, and 90-day readmission rate were not significantly different between matched groups. Propensity score-matched ERP patients had significantly decreased PLOS (7 days vs 8 days p = 0.046) compared to matched pre-ERP patients, but CLOS was not significantly different (9 days vs 9.5 days p=0.615). Conclusion: ERP may reduce PLOS, but might not impact the total postoperative time spent in the hospital (i.e. CLOS) within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Hemoglobin Levels and Postoperative Outcome in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Background: Postoperative outcome in children is multifactorial. Among the reported predictors of postoperative outcome, preoperative anemia has been related to adverse outcome in children. A secondary analysis was undertaken to determine the correlation between hemoglobin levels and postoperative outcome in children included in a cohort of an observational pediatric study published previously since this analysis has not been done. Objective: To determine the correlation between preoperative, intra-operative, postoperative hemoglobin levels and postoperative outcome in children in neurosurgery, abdominal and orthopedic surgery. Methods: Secondary analysis of a sub-cohort of 252 pediatric surgical patients with a median age of 62 months [12.50-144.00]. Results: Preoperative hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated to length of stay in the intensive care unit (LOSICU) (p=0.002), to length of hospital stay (LOS) (p&lt;0.0001), to the number of patients with intra-operative and/or postoperative complications (p&lt;0.0001) and to re-surgery (p&lt;0001). Low preoperative hemoglobin levels below 6g/dL were correlated to higher postoperative LOSICU and LOS. Intra-operative hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated to LOS (p&lt;0.0001) and to the number of patients with intra-operative and/or postoperative complications (p=0.004). Low intra-operative hemoglobin levels below 5g/dL were correlated to higher LOS. Postoperative hemoglobin levels were positively correlated to LMV (p=0.002). Conclusion: Hemoglobin levels are among other multifactorial predictors of postoperative outcome in pediatric surgical patients emphasizing the importance of a global patient blood management implementation program to improve outcome in surgical children.