National Surgery Quality Improvement Project Research Articles

A National Analysis of Racial and Sex Disparities Among Interhospital Transfers for Emergency General Surgery Patients and Associated Outcomes

IntroductionStudies focusing on Emergency General Surgery (EGS) and Interhospital Transfer (IHT) and the association of race and sex and morbidity and mortality are yet to be conducted. We aim to investigate the association of race and sex and outcomes among IHT patients who underwent emergency general surgery. MethodsA retrospective review of adult patients who were transferred prior to EGS procedures using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project from 2014 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes (readmission, major and minor postoperative complications, and reoperation) between interhospital transfer and direct admit patients and to investigate the association of race and sex for adverse outcomes for all EGS procedures. A secondary analysis was performed for each individual EGS procedure. ResultsCompared to patients transferred directly from home, IHT patients (n = 28,517) had higher odds of readmission [odds ratio (OR): 1.004, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.002-1.006), P < 0.001], major complication [adjusted OR: 1.119, 95% CI (1.117-1.121), P < 0.001), minor complication [OR: 1.078, 95% CI (1.075-1.080), P < 0.001], and reoperation [OR: 1.014, 95% CI (1.013-1.015), P < 0.001]. In all EGS procedures, Black patients had greater odds of minor complication [OR 1.041, 95% CI (1.023-1.060), P < 0.001], Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander patients had greater odds of readmission [OR 1.081, 95% CI (1.008-1.160), P = 0.030], while Asian and Hispanic patients had lower odds of adverse outcome, and female patients had greater odds of minor complication [OR 1.017, 95% CI (1.008-1.027), P < 0.001]. ConclusionsProcedure-specific racial and sex-related disparities exist in emergency general surgery patients who underwent interhospital transfer. Specific interventions should be implemented to address these disparities to improve the safety of emergency procedures.

Changes in Cerebrovascular Procedures and Outcomes During COVID-19 Using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project

Explore the consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on patients suffering from cerebrovascular disorders necessitating interventions. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, patients with cerebrovascular disease who underwent procedures before (2018-2019) and during (2020-2021) COVID-19 were identified. ICD-10 and CPT codes were employed to classify diseases and elective cases, respectively. Study analyzed variations in diagnoses, procedures, demographics, mortality and morbidity likelihood scores, and outcomes. Analysis was conducted using R 4.2.1 with tidyverse, haven, and Ime4 packages. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. There was a significant rise in cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) (9.96% vs. 12.28%) and a decrease in elective carotid endarterectomies (92.30% vs. 87.22%). Carotid stenting increased significantly (7.63% vs. 12.62%), and mortality probability scores rose for CVAs and carotid interventions. Ethnic (Hispanic) and racial minorities (Asians and Black/African American) were disproportionately affected (p < 0.001). Conditions from delayed care increased, and total operative times rose (117.46 vs. 124.33 min). Various patient outcomes worsened (p < 0.05), and multivariate analyses showed Hispanic patients had higher mortality and morbidity probability scores (p < 0.05). The pandemic led to more severe disease progression and reduced diagnoses due to screening delays, indicating deferred care. Prolonged operative times, extended hospitals stays, and worsening outcomes, including infections and thrombotic events, hint at the repercussions of persistent staff shortages in healthcare facilities. Ethnic and racial minorities faced disproportionate impacts. To minimize harm to patients with cerebrovascular disease in future public health crises, it is crucial to develop policies that address these findings.

The Relationship Between Public Interest and Surgical Demand During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Surgical databases are useful for examining outcomes and case volume to improve care, while public interest data has the potentialto track the supply and demand of medical services in specific communities.However, the relationship between public interest data and case volume from surgical databases, specifically during disruptive instances like the coronavirus pandemic, is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determinehow public interest data is related to the case volumeof coronavirus and othersurgical procedures performed during the coronavirus pandemic. This retrospective study included a review of appendectomy, total hip arthroplasty (THA), and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases from the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project and relative search volume (RSV) of hip replacement, knee replacement,appendicitis, andcoronavirus from Google Trends from 2019 to 2020. T-tests were used to compare surgical caseload and RSV data before and after the COVID-19 surge in March 2020, while linear models were used to determine relationships between confirmed procedures and relative search volumes. The RSV for knee replacement(p < 0.001, Cohen's D [d] = -5.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.64 to -2.34) and hip replacement (p < 0.001, d = -7.22, 95% CI: -10.85 to -3.57) had a large dip during the coronavirus pandemic, while the RSV for appendicitishad a smaller dip (p = 0.003, d = -2.37, 95% CI: -3.93 to -0.74). Linear models showed very strong linear relationships between surgical RSV and surgical volume for TKA (R2= 0.931) and THA (R2= 0.940). There was a significant reductionin the number of elective surgeries, which correlated to drops in public interest during COVID-19.The strong correlations between RSV, surgical volume, and coronavirus cases indicatethat public interest can be used to track and predict surgical case volume.Our findings allow for greater insight into the use of public interest data to gauge surgical demand.

Over 20 years of declining Medicare reimbursement for spine surgeons: a temporal and geographic analysis from 2000 to 2021.

Procedural reimbursement for spine surgery has changed drastically over the past 20 years. A comprehensive understanding of these trends is important as major changes in reimbursement models of spine surgery continue to evolve within various spine specialties as well as broader national healthcare policy. In this study the authors evaluated the monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for the 15 most common spinal surgery procedures from 2000 to 2021. The National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database (2019) was queried to determine the 15 most commonly performed spine surgery procedures. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for each of these procedures were obtained from the Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and comprehensive reimbursement data for each code were extracted. Changes in Medicare reimbursement rates were calculated and averaged for each procedure as both raw percent changes and percent changes adjusted for inflation to 2021 US dollars (USD) based on the consumer price index (CPI). The adjusted R2 value, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and both the average annual and the total percent change in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends for all included procedures. After adjustment for inflation, average reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 33.8% from 2000 to 2021. The greatest mean decrease was seen in anterior cervical arthrodesis (-38.7%), while the smallest mean decrease was in vertebral body excision (-17.1%). From 2000 to 2021, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all included procedures decreased by an average of 1.9% each year, with an average R2 value of 0.69. This is the first study to evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement for spine surgery procedures. After adjusting for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for the 15 most commonly performed spine procedures has steadily decreased from 2000 to 2021. Increased awareness of these trends and the forces driving them will be critical in the coming years as negotiations regarding reimbursement models continue to unfold. Greater understanding of spine surgery reimbursement among policy makers, hospitals, and surgeons will be important to ensure continued access to quality surgical spine care in the United States.

Does the Hospital Day of Surgery for Endovascular Repair of Symptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Affect Outcomes?

Objective: Symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (sAAA) are considered surgically urgent. Recent data suggest delaying surgery allows for medical optimization without affecting outcomes. We investigated the association of the hospital day of surgery with 30 day outcomes. Methods: Patients with infrarenal sAAA undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) between 2011 and 2018 in the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database were included. The primary outcome was 30 day mortality. Additional outcomes included myocardial infarction, pulmonary complications, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Days-to-surgery were classified as the day of presentation (D0), day 1, day 2, days 3 and 4, days 5 to 7 (D5), and day 8 or more (D8). Results: A total of 804 patients were identified. D8 patients had higher proportions of dyspnea on exertion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and history of dialysis. D0 surgery appeared protective of mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, p=0.0132). Each additional day increased the mortality risk (OR 1.23, p<0.001) although not within the first 4 days. There was increased mortality for patients having surgery at D5 (7.7%) and D8 (23.8%) compared with repair earlier (1%–4%, p=0.03). Bivariable analysis revealed no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Multivariable modeling revealed increased mortality for D8 versus D0 (adjusted OR of 6.8, 95% confidence interval 1.7–26.5). Conclusions: While D0 appears to have the lowest risk of mortality, EVAR for sAAA up to 4 days may not be associated with increased mortality. Further research should determine delay etiologies and whether they improve operative planning and optimization without impacting morbidity and mortality.

P23. How important is losing weight for the spine patient? The utility of simple weight measurements in preoperative optimization for spinal surgery

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Orthopedic and neurosurgeons who specialize in spine surgery spend a significant amount of time and energy in their patient selection. While it is apparent that patients who appear "healthy" tend to succeed, there is a surprising paucity of data in the spine literature to quantify the benefits of weight loss in spinal surgery. <h3>METHODS</h3> We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients undergoing spine surgery from 2011-2015 who were registered with the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project Participant Use Data File, and reviewed the effect of mean weight of the surgical patient with 30-day postsurgical outcomes including: surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, postoperative pneumonia, reintubation, pulmonary embolism, failure to wean off the ventilator, renal insufficiency, renal failure, urinary tract infection, myocardial infarction, bleeding complications requiring transfusion, deep venous thrombosis, readmission rates and reoperation rates. <h3>RESULTS</h3> In a sample of 2,876 patients who underwent spinal procedures (determined by the use of CPT codes 22010-22899, and codes 62263-63746), preoperative weight was determined to significantly correlate with 30-day postoperative risk of superficial site infections but notably not with deep incisional infections, occurrences of pulmonary embolisms but notably not of deep venous thrombosis, bleeding complications requiring transfusion, and occurrences of sepsis. Superficial Surgical Site Infections: significantly associated (p = 0.015)No Superficial Infections: 184.6 (45.3)Superficial Surgical Infections: 209.3 (53.8)Deep Surgical Wound Infections: not significantly associated (p = 0.985)No Deep Surgical Wound Infections: 184.9 (54.8)Deep Surgical Wound Infections: 184.8 (45.3)Deep Venous Thrombosis: not significantly associated (p = 0.334)No DVT: 184.7 (45.4)DVT: 193.7 (49.5)Pulmonary Embolisms: significantly associated (p = 0.020)No PE: 184.7 (45.4)PE: 215.2 (44.1)Sepsis: significantly associated (p = 0.032)No Sepsis: 184.6 (45.3)Sepsis: 206.0 (57.1) <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Choosing the appropriate surgical candidates is paramount as a spine surgeon. There is much evidence for how to identify patients at risk for devastating postoperative complications, but spine surgeons should keep in mind that simple parameters such as weight are an effective screening tool for poor surgical candidates. Particularly in cases of elective spine surgery, a simple weight measurement in the office can save time and money when identifying high-risk patients. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

30-Day Outcomes for Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients With Anemia.

While anemia has been associated with poor surgical outcomes in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, the effects of anemia on total ankle arthroplasty remain unknown. This study examines how preoperative anemia affects postoperative outcomes in total ankle arthroplasty. A retrospective analysis was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database from 2011 to 2018 for total ankle arthroplasty procedures. Hematocrit (HCT) levels were used to determine preoperative anemia. Of the 1028 patients included in this study, 114 patients were found to be anemic. Univariate analysis demonstrated anemia was significantly associated with an increased average hospital length of stay (2.2 vs 1.8 days, P < .008), increased rate of 30-day readmission (3.5% vs 1.1%, P = .036), increased 30-day reoperation (2.6% vs 0.4%, P = .007), extended length of stay (64% vs 49.9%, P = .004), wound complication (1.75% vs 0.11%, P = .002), and surgical site infection (2.6% vs 0.6%, P = .017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found anemia to be significantly associated with extended hospital length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07-2.45; P = .023) and increased reoperation rates (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 1.15-26.00; P = .033). Anemia was not found to be a predictor of increased readmission rates (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 0.93-10.56; P = .066) or postoperative complications (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.35-4.56; P = .71). This study found increasing severity of anemia to be associated with extended hospital length of stay and increased reoperation rates. Providers and patients should be aware of the increased risks of total ankle arthroplasty with preoperative anemia. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Quantifying the Impact of Comorbidities on Outcomes Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Abstract Introduction Studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are more likely to have medical or surgical complications postoperatively. In this study, we determine the predictive value of various comorbidities on the likelihood of postoperative complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission following cement augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the relationship between various comorbidities and perioperative mortality, postoperative complications, and 30-day readmission rates. Results A history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), coagulopathy, diminished preoperative functional status, and/or an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class &gt; 2 were statistical predictors of postoperative complications. CVA generated the highest odds ratio among these comorbidities (OR = 5.36, p = 0.02 for minor complications; OR = 4.60 p = 0.05 for major complications). Among the 15 comorbidities considered, steroid use (OR =1.81; p = 0.03) and an ASA class &gt; 2 (OR = 14.65; p = 0.01) were the only ones that were correlated with mortality; an ASA class &gt; 2 had a particularly strong effect on the likelihood of mortality (OR = 14.65). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), obesity, significant weight loss, and an ASA class &gt; 2 were correlated with 30-day readmissions. Congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, dialysis, hypertension, or smoking was not correlated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Conclusion Of the 15 comorbidities considered in this study, four were statistically associated with increased rates of postoperative complications, two were associated with increased mortality, and four were associated with increased rates of readmission at 30 days. The presence of CHF, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, ascites, renal failure, or smoking were not associated with the adverse outcomes studied. Level of Evidence III.

Increasing severity of anemia is associated with poorer 30-day outcomes for total shoulder arthroplasty.

BackgroundTotal shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has increased in utilization over the past several decades. Anemia is a common preoperative condition among patients undergoing TSA and has been associated with poorer outcomes in other surgical procedures. To the best of our knowledge, no study has analyzed the association between anemia severity and TSA outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects that increasing severity of anemia may have on the postoperative outcomes in patients receiving primary TSA.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database from the years 2015 to 2018. Current Procedure Terminology code 23472 was used to identify all primary TSA procedures recorded during this time frame. Patients with greater than 38% preoperative hematocrit (HCT) were classified as having normal HCT levels. Patients with HCT values between 33% and 38% were classified as having mild anemia. All patients with less than 33% HCT were classified as having moderate/severe anemia. Patient demographic information, preoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were compared among the 3 cohorts. A multivariate logistic regression including demographic factors and comorbidities was performed to determine whether increasing severity of anemia is independently associated with poorer postoperative outcomes.ResultsOf the 15,185 patients included in this study, 11,404 had normal HCT levels, 2962 patients were mildly anemic, and 819 patients had moderate to severe anemia. With increasing severity of anemia, there was an increased average hospital length of stay (1.6 vs. 2.1 vs. 3.0 days, P < .001), rate of readmissions (2.3% vs. 4.8% vs. 7.0%, P < .001), and rate of all reoperations (1.1% vs. 1.8% vs. 3.1%, P < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in both minor (1.9% vs. 2.7% vs. 4.4%, P < .001) and major (1.2% vs. 2.4% vs. 4.3%, P < .001) postoperative complication rates as well. Multivariate analysis identified anemia as an independent predictor of readmissions, reoperations, minor complications, and major complications.ConclusionWe found increasing severity of anemia to be associated with progressively worse 30-day postoperative outcomes. This is consistent with the outcomes found for increasing severity of anemia in patients receiving other total joint procedures. Using preoperative HCT levels may be a useful tool for predicting the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing TSA. This information could be used to further optimize patient selection for primary TSA.

Factors Associated With Morbidity Following Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation: A NSQIP Analysis

BackgroundTotal pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation is a therapeutic surgical option for patients with chronic pancreatitis leading to significant reduction in pain, improvement in quality of life, and potential for preservation of partial to full endocrine function. Data on the factors associated with short-term morbidities are limited. MethodsWe queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project for patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation from 2005 to 2015. We determined 30-day morbidity and mortality and performed univariate and multivariate analysis to determine the preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with development of postoperative infectious complications. ResultsThe rate of 30-day postoperative morbidity in 384 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation was 36% with an overall mortality of 1%. Postoperative infectious complications developed in 29% of patients and were associated with increased operative time (P = .016),and higher postoperative wound class (P = .045). After risk adjustment, only increased operative time was independently associated with increased rates of infectious complications (OR=1.1, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, P = .02). ConclusionsTotal operative time is independently associated with increased postoperative infectious complications in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. Future interventions aimed at optimizing islet isolation, surgical approach, and refinement of patient selection criteria present opportunities for reducing operative time and potentially reducing the morbidity of this surgical procedure.

Males Have Higher Rates of Peri-operative Mortality Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) contribute substantially to the financial burden of the US healthcare system. As the size of the elderly population grows, the number of fractures attributed to osteoporosis is expected to increase. Studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between sex and the incidence of postoperative mortality in the peri-operative period following surgical intervention for OVCF. A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients. Patients were grouped as male or female. Mortality within 30 days of surgery due to any cause, incidence of surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery were tabulated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) with corresponding p values and 95% confidence intervals. In total, 1979 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mortality within the 30 days following surgery for OVCF was statistically greater in men than in women (OR = 1.58; p = 0.050). The 30-day readmission rate was also statistically higher in men (OR = 1.41; p = 0.017). Neither minor (OR = 0.90; p = 0.560) nor major (OR = 1.14; p = 0.569) complications were statistically correlated with sex. On average, men underwent surgery for OVCF at a younger age than women. Male patients undergoing surgery for OVCF have higher rates of peri-operative mortality and 30-day readmissions following surgery. Sex was not found to be associated with postoperative complications. III.

Age Is Just a Number: Patient Age Does Not Affect Outcome Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

Study Design:Retrospective study.Objective:Multiple studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications, making optimal management of these patients challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patient age and the likelihood of surgical complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).Methods:A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR), with corresponding P values and 95% confidence intervals, of the relationship between age (treated as a continuous variable) and perioperative mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates.Results:Younger patients were statistically more likely to endure a minor (OR = 0.98; P = .002) or major complication (OR = 0.97; P = .009). The older a patient was, on the other hand, the higher the likelihood that patient would be readmitted within 30 days of surgery (OR =1.02; P = .004). Mortality within the 30-day perioperative period was not statistically correlated with age.Conclusions:The impact of age on adverse outcomes following surgery for OVCF is mixed. While younger patients are more likely to endure complications, older patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days following surgery. Patient age showed no correlation with mortality rates. In the setting of surgical treatment for an OVCF, a patient’s age can help determine the risk of complications and the rate of readmission following intervention.

Determinants of 30-day Morbidity in Adult Cranioplasty: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis of 697 Cases.

The American College of Surgeon's National Surgery Quality Improvement Project database for 2015-2016 was utilized. Cases were identified by current procedural terminology code, size, and type (autologous/alloplastic). χ2, Fisher exact, and ANOVA tests compared demographic differences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify risk factors for 30-day morbidity and mortality. Six hundred ninety-seven cranioplasty cases were identified. Two cases used 2 types of cranioplasties and were counted in both groups. Five hundred forty-three cranioplasties were alloplastic, 57 were autologous, and 99 were classified as "Other." Age, race, diabetes, ventilator dependency, congestive heart failure, hypertension, wound infection, sepsis, and bleeding disorders were identified on univariate analysis to increase complication risk. Multivariate analysis identified age of the patient, systemic sepsis, and bleeding disorders as significant risk factors for complications. There was no difference in complications between cranioplasty types. Overall and medical complications were greater in cranioplasties >5 cm (P < 0.001). Cranioplasty is a morbid procedure, with a complication rate of 27.4% and a mortality rate of 3.0% in this national sample. Factors such as age, sepsis, bleeding disorders, and size increase risk. Identification and modification of risk factors may guide operative timing and influence informed consent.

1248. 30-Day Colon Surgical Site Infections: Using NSQIP to Cross Check NHSN

BackgroundWhile infection prevention (IP) programs utilize National Health Safety Network (NHSN) definitions, surgical site infection (SSI) case-finding methods may vary between facilities based on resources and availability/type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) electronic surveillance tracking software. Furthermore, surgeons may receive SSI data from other databases such as National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) which has slightly different definitions and case finding methodologies. Our goal was to compare colon SSIs across our health system found by IP using NHSN definitions to those obtained utilizing NSQIP case finding methodology and definitions.MethodsBetween January 2018 and September 2018 across 8 acute care facilities ranging in size from 100 to 898 beds, HAI electronic surveillance tracking triggered IP and infectious diseases (ID) trained physician review for NHSN SSI criteria if a patient was either readmitted or had a positive culture within 30 days of colon surgery. SSI results were compared with NSQIP SSI data which reviews all charts and conducts post-discharge surveillance during active surveillance periods. All discrepant cases were reviewed by an infection preventionist, an ID physician and surgery physician champion. Cases were classified as discrepant due to different case inclusion criteria, different case finding or clinical misclassification.Results69 cases were reviewed. Both databases called 11 cases (16%) an SSI initially. NSQIP identified 35 cases that were not detected by IP surveillance. Of the 35 NSQIP detected SSI, 17 (49%) were felt to meet NHSN SSI criteria after review (7 organ space, 10 superficial). Majority (76%) were discordant due to case finding issues (diagnosed as outpatient, same hospital course with no cultures to flag for review). Two infections were missed because of human error. Once the SSIs were entered into NHSN, only one facility had an increase in the SIR which impacted interpretation of SSI performance (from 0.949 up to 1.423). NHSN identified 23 cases that were not identified in the NSQIP database. There were 8 organ space infections and 8 superficial site infections.ConclusionWithout 100% surveillance, SSIs may be missed. Not all missed infections were superficial. Opportunities were found for both NHSN and NSQIP.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

P66. An analysis of Medicare reimbursement rates in spine surgery: 2000-2018

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Considering fluctuating policy, variance in proposed payment models, and the presence of ever-rising health care costs, there is noted financial uncertainty regarding health care in the US. Despite this, there has been relatively few studies regarding reimbursement models and trends in reimbursement rates. A comprehensive understanding of such trends is important as continued progress is made to advance agreeable reimbursement models in spine surgery. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate monetary trends in Medicare reimbursement rates for the 15 most common spinal surgery procedures from 2000 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Analysis of a publicly-available, government-compiled reimbursement database. OUTCOME MEASURES Annual reimbursement rates across 15 commonly performed spine surgery procedures. METHODS The National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database (2016) was queried to determine the 15 most performed spine surgery procedures. Next, the Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was queried for each of the top 15 most utilized CPT codes in spine surgery, and reimbursement data was extracted. All monetary data was adjusted for inflation to 2018 US dollars (USD) utilizing changes to the consumer price index (CPI). The R-squared and both average annual and the total percentage change in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends for all included procedures. RESULTS After adjusting for inflation, the average physician reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 25.8% from 2000 to 2018. The greatest mean decrease was seen in anterior cervical arthrodesis (-32.1%), while the smallest mean decrease was in vertebral body excision (-13.3%). From 2000 to 2018, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all included procedures decreased by an average of 1.7% each year, with an average R-squared value of 0.69. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate trends in procedural Medicare reimbursement for spine surgery. When adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for included procedures has steadily decreased from 2000 to 2018. Increased awareness and consideration of these trends will be important for policy-makers, hospitals, and surgeons in order to assure continued access to meaningful surgical spine care in the United States. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Serum albumin levels predict which patients are at increased risk for complications following surgical management of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

BACKGROUNDOsteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) account for a substantial portion of the US healthcare financial burden. With a growing elderly population, the number of fractures contributing to sagittal imbalance is expected to increase. For those patients undergoing surgery, preoperative markers, such as albumin, may help to predict the occurrence of postoperative complications. PURPOSETo evaluate the association between preoperative serum albumin levels and the incidence of postoperative complications, mortality, and 30-day readmissions following surgical intervention for OVCF. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLEPatient data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSIP) database between the years 2007 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURESNo outcome measures related to self-reporting, physiology, or functionality were evaluated in this study. Primary outcome measures analyzed included various postoperative complications, patient mortality, and 30-day readmission. METHODSA retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database between 2007 and 2014 was performed, identifying 1,979 patients who met inclusion criteria. Patients were subcategorized into three groups based on preoperative nutritional status as defined by albumin levels. Outcome measures for this study included minor postoperative complication(s), major postoperative complication(s), patient mortality, 30-day readmission due to any cause, 30-day readmission related to OVCF, and total length of hospital stay. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate for associations between continuous variables and preoperative albumin levels. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, chi-square trend, and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were utilized, as appropriate, for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was then conducted to calculate odds ratios with corresponding p values and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTSFunctional status showed a statistically significant decline when correlated with preoperative albumin levels. Sepsis, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, reintubation, prolonged intubation, and major complications in general are statistically more likely to occur in patients with hypoalbuminemia. Among minor complications evaluated in this study, only surgical site complications failed to demonstrate a statistical correlation with nutritional status. No statistically significant associations were identified between postoperative outcomes and age, sex, or BMI. CONCLUSIONSPreoperative albumin levels were statistically correlated to the likelihood of minor complications, major complications, or mortality.

Frequency and Predictors of 30-Day Surgical Site Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

BACKGROUNDSurgical site complication (SSC) is one of the known complications following autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and predictors of 30-day surgical site complications in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODSAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction during 2011-2015. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent perioperative risk factors of SSC. RESULTSTotally, 7,257 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction surgery were identified. The majority of the procedures were free flap (60%) versus pedicled flap (40%). The mean age was 51 years and the majority of patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-II (60%) and 15% of patients had BMI>35. The overall 30-day SSC rate was 6.3%. The overall frequency of different types of SSC were superficial incisional infection (3.2%), wound dehiscence (1.8%), deep incisional infection (1.4%) and organ space infection (0.6%). BMI>35 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.38), smoking (AOR=2.0), diabetes mellitus (AOR=1.67) and hypertension (AOR=1.38) were significant risk factors of SSC. There was no association with age, ASA classification, steroid use, or reconstruction type. CONCLUSIONThe rate of 30-day SSC in autologous breast reconstruction was noticeable. The strongest independent risk factor for SSC in autologous breast reconstruction was BMI>35. The type of autologous breast reconstruction was not a predictive risk factor for SSC. Plastic surgeons should inform patients about their risk for SSC and optimizing these risk factors to minimize the rate of surgical site complications.

Combined Hartmann's Reversal and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Defining Postoperative Morbidity

BackgroundVentral hernias are common after Hartmann's procedure and add complexity to Hartmann's reversal. Colostomy reversal and abdominal wall reconstruction may be performed in a staged or concurrent fashion, although data are limited as to which strategy is optimal. We aimed to define the complication profile of concurrent abdominal wall reconstruction with colostomy reversal as compared to either procedure alone. Materials and methodsFor this retrospective cohort study, we used the National Surgery Quality Improvement Project Database from 2012 to 2015. All patients undergoing elective colostomy reversal, abdominal wall reconstruction with component separation, or combined colostomy reversal with component separation were identified. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes among similar patients undergoing colostomy reversal alone versus combined procedure. Groups were evaluated for postoperative morbidity including reoperation. ResultsWe identified 11,689 patients; 6951 (64%) underwent component separation alone, 4563 (35%) colostomy reversal alone, and 175 (1%) combined component separation and colostomy reversal. The combined group, as compared to colostomy reversal alone, showed an increased overall complication rate (39% versus 25%; P < 0.01) and increased rate of reoperation (9% versus 5%; P = 0.03). Differences in overall complication rate (43% versus 24%; P < 0.01) and reoperation rate (9% versus 3%; P = 0.03) persisted on propensity matched analysis. ConclusionsThis analysis shows that in patients undergoing colostomy takedown, concurrent abdominal wall reconstruction is associated with increased morbidity including increased rate of reoperation, even when controlling for patient factors. Consideration may be given to a staged approach.

Trends in hospital length of stay and 30-day morbidity in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic ileocecal resection, 2012–2016

PurposeTo examine postoperative length of stay (LOS), hospital readmission, and 30-day complications in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic ileocecal resection in a contemporary cohort. MethodsRetrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project, Pediatric (NSQIP-P) 2012–2016 participant user files for patients <19 years old who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection. Mean postoperative LOS, hospital readmission and both wound-specific and composite complications were calculated and compared by year of operation. Results348 patients were identified (range, 46–96 per year); 55.2–69.8% of these were admitted the day of operation, with a nonsignificant increase in frequency over the study period. Postoperative LOS ranged from 5.4 ± 2.9 days to 7.3 ± 9.1 days (p = 0.24). In subset analysis of only those patients admitted on the day of operation, postoperative LOS remained relatively long, ranging from 5.0 ± 3.0 days to 5.7 ± 4.0 days (p = 0.89). 30-day hospital readmission proportions rose insignificantly, from 6.9% in 2012 to 15.5% in 2016 (p = 0.41). Wound complication rates (including superficial, deep, and deep organ space infections, as well as wound dehiscence) ranged from 0.0% to 8.6%, but did not vary in a statistically significant manner. Nonwound complication rates were vanishingly small. ConclusionsPostoperative LOS in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic ileocecal resection in a select group of patients cared for in hospitals participating in NSQIP-P has not decreased in the past 5 years despite emerging evidence of the safety and relevance of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. Opportunities for shortening LOS without compromising patient safety may still exist. Level-of-evidenceIII Retrospective comparative study.

Increasing Severity of Malnutrition Is Associated With Poorer 30-Day Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery.

Low serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) have classically been used to identify malnutrition. The effect of increasing severity of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery has not been well delineated on a large scale. Retrospective. Multicenter. A total of 12,373 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery from 2006 to 2013 National Surgery Quality Improvement Project data were identified. Patient demographic, comorbidity, and preoperative laboratory data and complication, reoperation, and readmission data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the effect of increasing severity of malnutrition on rates of 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations. A total of 12,373 hip fractures met inclusion criteria. A total of 6506 (52.6%) patients had normal albumin levels (albumin ≥3.5 g/dL), 3205 (25.9%) patients were mildly malnourished (albumin 3.1-3.49 g/dL), 2265 (18.3%) were moderately malnourished (albumin 2.4-3.1 g/dL), and 397 (3.2%) patients were severely malnourished (albumin <2.4 g/dL). Mean age was similar between the 4 cohorts (P < 0.001). Severe malnutrition was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of postoperative complications and mortality when compared with mild malnutrition (P < 0.001). Increasing severity of malnutrition was associated with significantly longer lengths of stay and higher odds of experiencing a related readmission (P < 0.001). Increasing severity of hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with poorer outcomes in the 30 days after hip fracture surgery. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.