Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Research Articles

IBCOx-15 Bariatric surgery in patients with BMI greater than 70: analysis of the ACSNSQIP database

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery offers patients short- and long-term benefits to their health and quality of life. Currently, we see more patients with superior body mass index (BMI) looking for these benefits. Evidence-based medicine is integral in the evaluation of risks versus benefit; however, data are lacking in this high-risk population. Objectives To assess the morbidity and mortality of patients with BMI 70 undergoing bariatric surgery. Setting University Hospital, Bronx, New York, USA using national database. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database for years 2005 to 2016, we identified patients who underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients with BMI ≥70 were assigned to the BMI ≥ 70 (BMI70+) cohort and less obese patients were assigned to the BMI < 70 (U70) cohort. Length of stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality were compared. Results A total of 163,413 patients underwent non-revisional bariatric surgery. Of those, 2322 had a BMI ≥ 70. BMI70+ was associated with increased mortality (0.4% versus 0.1%, P 5.0001), deep vein thrombosis (0.6% versus 0.3%, P 5.007), pulmonary (1.9% versus 0.5%, P 5.0001), renal (0.9% versus 0.2%, P 5.0001), and infectious complications (1.1% versus .4%, P 5 .0001). BMI 70+ patients had longer mean length of stay (2.6 versus 2.1 d, P 5.0001) and operative time (126.1 versus 114.5 min, P 5.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of myocardial infarctions (0.1% versus 0.1%, P 5.319), pulmonary embolisms (0.3% versus 0.2%, P 5.596), and transfusion requirements (0.1% versus 0.1%, P 5.105) between groups. Conclusions Evaluation of risk and benefit is performed on a case-by-case basis, but evidence-based medicine is critical in empowering surgeons and patients to make informed decisions. The overall rate of morbidity and mortality for BMI 701+ patients undergoing bariatric surgery was increased over U70 patients but was still relatively low. Our study will allow surgeons to incorporate objective data into their assessment of risk for super-obese patients pursuing bariatric surgery.

A nationwide analysis of median arcuate ligament release between 2010 and 2020: a NSQIP Study.

BackgroundMedian arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare disease with overlapping symptoms of broad foregut pathology. Appropriately selected patients can benefit from a laparoscopic or open median arcuate ligament release. Institutional series have reported the outcomes of open and laparoscopic techniques but there are no nationwide analysis comparing both techniques and overall trends in treatment.MethodsCross-sectional study using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2010 to 2020. Celiac artery compression syndrome cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and categorized as open or laparoscopic. Trends in the use of each technique and 30-day complications were compared between the groups.ResultsA total of 578 open cases (76%) and 185 laparoscopic cases (24%) were identified. There was an increase adoption of the laparoscopic approach, with 22% of the cases employing this technique at the end of the study period, compared to 7% at the beginning of the study period. The open group had a higher prevalence of hypertension (26% vs 18%, p = 0.04) and bleeding disorders (5% vs 2%, p 0.03). Laparoscopic approach had a shorter length of stay (2.3 days vs 5.2 days, p < 0.0001), lower major complication rates (0.5% vs 4.0%, p = 0.02) and lower reoperation rates (0% vs 2.6%, p = 0.03). Overall mortality was 0.1%.ConclusionOverall numbers of surgical intervention for treatment of median arcuate ligament increased during this timeframe, as well as increased utilization of the laparoscopic approach. It appears to be an overall safe procedure, offering lower rates of complications and shorter length of stay.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in the Undeserved Population After Ventral Hernia Repair: A 3936 Patient Single-Center Study Using National Surgical Quality Improvement Project

Background: Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Surgical site infections (SSI) carry significant morbidity for the patient and pose a very challenging problem for the surgeon, associated with up to 6.6% of cases. Thus, surgeons should be well versed in the risk factors implicated in SSI after VHR. Given the high burden of diabetes, obesity, and smoking in our patient population, we sought to study the rate of SSI and the risk factors that led to SSI in our population. Study Design: This is a retrospective study using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database for the years 2014-2019. We identified patients who underwent VHR at a single institution in the Bronx, New York. The rate of SSI was calculated, and then, risk factors for SSI were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 3936 patients underwent VHR. Incisional hernias made up 41% of the cohort, and there were 37.4% laparoscopic repairs. During the 30-day follow-up, SSI was identified in 101 patients (2.6%). Factors associated with SSI include emergent surgery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.57), body mass index >35 kg/m2 (aOR = 2.38), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (aOR = 2.36), and incisional hernia (aOR = 1.81). In addition, a laparoscopic approach was found to be a protective factor (aOR = 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.75). Surprisingly, different from other studies, smoking cigarettes was not associated with SSI in our cohort. Conclusions: The rate of SSI after VHR in our institution is 2.6%, which is within that reported in the literature. Most of the variables associated with SSI are modifiable and are similar to those previously reported. Laparoscopic repairs appear to be protective for its occurrence.

Predictive validity of American College of Surgeons: National Surgical Quality Improvement Project risk calculator in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing interval debulking surgery

IntroductionIn gynecologic patients, few studies describe the accuracy of the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) pre-operative risk calculator for women undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer.ObjectiveTo determine...

Bariatric surgery in the super-super morbidly obese: outcome analysis of patients with BMI >70 using the ACS-NSQIP database.

Bariatric surgery offers patients short- and long-term benefits to their health and quality of life. Currently, we see more patients with superior body mass index (BMI) looking for these benefits. Evidence-based medicine is integral in the evaluation of risks versus benefit; however, data are lacking in this high-risk population. To assess the morbidity and mortality of patients with BMI ≥70 undergoing bariatric surgery. University Hospital, Bronx, New York, United States using national database. Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database for years 2005 to 2016, we identified patients who underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients with BMI ≥70 were assigned to the BMI >70 (BMI70+) cohort and less obese patients were assigned to the BMI <70 (U70) cohort. Length of stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality were compared. A total of 163,413 patients underwent non-revisional bariatric surgery. Of those, 2322 had a BMI ≥70. BMI70+ was associated with increased mortality (.4% versus .1%, P = .0001), deep vein thrombosis (.6% versus .3%, P = .007), pulmonary (1.9% versus .5%, P = .0001), renal (.9% versus .2%, P = .0001), and infectious complications (1.1% versus .4%, P = .0001). BMI70+ patients had longer mean length of stay (2.6 versus 2.1 d, P = .0001) and operative time (126.1 versus 114.5 min, P= .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of myocardial infarctions (.1% versus .1%, P = .319), pulmonary embolisms (.3% versus .2%, P = .596), and transfusion requirements (.1% versus .1%, P = .105) between groups. Evaluation of risk and benefit is performed on a case-by-case basis, but evidence-based medicine is critical in empowering surgeons and patients to make informed decisions. The overall rate of morbidity and mortality for BMI70+ patients undergoing bariatric surgery was increased over U70 patients but was still relatively low. Our study will allow surgeons to incorporate objective data into their assessment of risk for super-obese patients pursuing bariatric surgery.

Impact of Preoperative Care for Rectal Adenocarcinoma on Pathologic Specimen Quality and Postoperative Morbidity: A NSQIP Analysis

Comprehensive and multidisciplinary care are critical in rectal cancer treatment. We sought to determine if completeness of preoperative care was associated with pathologic specimen quality and postoperative morbidity. Clinical stage I-III rectal adenocarcinoma patients who underwent elective low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection were identified from the 2016-2017 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database. The 3 preoperative NSQIP variables (colonoscopy, stoma marking, and neoadjuvant chemoradiation) were used to divide patients into 2 cohorts: complete vs incomplete preoperative care. The primary outcome was a composite higher pathologic specimen quality score (>12 lymph nodes, negative circumferential, and negative distal margins). The secondary outcome was 30-day morbidity. Preoperative characteristics were compared with ANOVAs and chi-square tests. Outcomes measures were evaluated with logistic regression. We identified 1,125 patients: 591 (52.5%) complete and 534 (47.5%) incomplete. The complete group was younger, had more women, lower-third rectal tumors, clinical stage III disease, and neoadjuvant treatment. The complete group had higher odds of better pathologic specimen quality after adjusting for age, sex, tumor location, stage, and neoadjuvant therapy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.75, p= 0.001). The complete group had decreased rates of transfusions (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, p < 0.001), postoperative ileus (OR 0.67, p= 0.01), sepsis (OR 0.32, p= 0.01), and readmissions (OR 0.60, p= 0.003). Other complications did not statistically differ between groups. Complete preoperative care in rectal adenocarcinoma is associated with higher pathologic specimen quality and reduced postoperative morbidity. This highlights the importance of adherence to guideline-directed care.

Bariatric surgery in the elderly: outcomes analysis of patients over 70 using the ACS-NSQIP database.

Bariatric surgery offers patients with morbid obesity and related diseases short- and long-term benefits to their health and quality of life. Evidence-based medicine is integral in the evaluation of risk versus benefit; however, data are lacking for several high-risk patient populations, including the elderly. This study assessed morbidity and mortality data for patients age ≥70 undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). University Hospital, Bronx, New York, United States using national database. We used the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database for years 2005-2016 and identified patients who underwent primary SG or RYGB. Patients age ≥70 were assigned to the over age 70 (AGE70+) cohort and younger patients were assigned to the under age 70 (U70) cohort. Postoperative length of stay and 30-day morbidity and mortality were assessed. A total of 1498 patients age ≥70 underwent nonrevisional bariatric surgery, including 751 (50.1%) SG and 747 (49.9%) RYGB. AGE70+ was associated with increased mortality and increased rates of cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and cerebrovascular morbidity. AGE70+ patients had longer mean length of stay, and were more likely to require transfusion and return to operative room. When stratified by procedure, rates of organ-space surgical site infection, acute renal failure, urinary tract infection, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis/thrombophlebitis, and septic shock were significantly increased in AGE70+ patients undergoing RYGB but not SG. Impaired functional status was associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality for AGE70+ patients and for U70 patients, although the small number of patients within each category limited statistical analysis. Evaluation of risk versus benefit is performed on a case-by-case basis, but evidence-based medicine is critical in empowering surgeons and patients to make informed decisions. The overall rate of morbidity and mortality for AGE70+ patients undergoing bariatric surgery was increased relative to U70 patients. Rates of several adverse events, including acute renal failure and myocardial infarction, were increased in AGE70+ patients undergoing RYGB but not SG, suggesting that SG may be the preferred procedure for elderly patients with organ-specific risk factors. The increased rates of morbidity and mortality observed for patients with impaired functional status supports consideration of functional status when evaluating preoperative risk.

Impact of neoadjuvant therapy on postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Surgical resection provides the only potentially curative treatment of pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation (NAT) is used to downstage patients with borderline resectable tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the postoperative morbidity and mortality of NAT after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Targeted Pancreatectomy data, we identified patients who underwent a PD for PDA from 2014 to 2015. Patients were grouped by receipt of NAT 90 days before PD. Bivariable and multivariable analyses was used to compare postoperative outcomes. A total of 3748 patients with PDA underwent PD; 926 (24.7%) received NAT. Those in the NAT group had more major vein resections, and longer operating times (all P < 0.001). On pathologic staging, those in the NAT group had smaller tumors (T1, 10.9% vs 5.1%; P < 0.001) and fewer nodes positive (N0, 49% vs 28%; P < 0.001). There were no differences in 30-day postoperative mortality or overall complications. On multivariable analysis, patients who received NAT had a lower likelihood of pancreatic fistula (OR, 0.67; P < 0.001). NAT does not increase the overall postoperative morbidity or mortality of PD for PDA. There is a decreased likelihood of pancreatic fistulas in patients that receive neoadjuvant therapy.

Predictors of Short-Term Readmission After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundReadmissions are a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy and are increasingly being used as a performance metric affecting quality assessment, public reporting, and reimbursement. This study aims to identify general and pancreatectomy-specific factors contributing to 30-day readmission after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and determine the additive value of incorporating pancreatectomy-specific factors into a large national dataset. MethodsProspective American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) data were retrospectively analyzed for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between 2011 and 2015. Additionally, a subset of patients with pancreatectomy-targeted data between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed. ResultsOutcomes of 18,440 pancreaticoduodenectomies were analyzed, and found to have an 18.7% overall readmission rate. Multivariable modeling with pancreatectomy-specific variables increased the predictive value of the model (area under receiver operator characteristic 0.66 to 0.73). Statistically significant independent contributors to readmission included renal insufficiency, sepsis, septic shock, organ space infection, dehiscence, venous thromboembolism, pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, need for percutaneous drainage, and reoperation. ConclusionsLarge registry analyses of pancreatectomy outcomes are markedly improved by the incorporation of granular procedure-specific data. These data emphasize the need for prevention and careful management of perioperative infectious complications, fluid management, thromboprophylaxis, and pancreatic fistulae.

Analysis of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Chronic Ulcerative Colitis: Is It the Disease or the Operation?

Patients with IBD have a higher baseline risk of venous thromboembolism, which further increases with surgery. Therefore, extended venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis has been suggested in certain high-risk cohorts. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the underlying diagnosis, operative procedure, or both influence the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism. This was a retrospective review. The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was analyzed. The NSQIP database was queried for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and non-IBD undergoing colorectal resections using surgical Current Procedural Terminology codes modeled after the 3 stages used for the surgical management of chronic ulcerative colitis from 2005 to 2013. We measured 30-day postoperative venous thromboembolism risk in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis based on operative stage and risk factors for development of venous thromboembolism. A total of 18,833 patients met inclusion criteria, with an overall rate of venous thromboembolism of 3.8. Among procedure risk groups, venous thromboembolism rates were high risk, 4.4%; intermediate risk, 1.6%; and low risk, 0.7% (across risk groups, p < 0.01). Emergent case subjects exhibited a higher rate of venous thromboembolism than their elective counterparts (6.9% vs 3.1%). Factors significantly associated with venous thromboembolism on adjusted analysis included emergent risk case (adjusted OR = 7.85), high-risk elective case (adjusted OR = 5.07), intermediate-risk elective case (adjusted OR = 2.69), steroid use (adjusted OR = 1.54), and preoperative albumin <3.5 g/dL (adjusted OR = 1.45). Because of its retrospective nature, correlation between procedures and venous thromboembolism risk can be demonstrated, but causation cannot be proven. In addition, data on inpatient and extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis use are not available. Emergent status and operative procedure are the 2 highest risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism. Extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis might be appropriate for patients undergoing these high-risk procedures or any emergent colorectal procedures. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A339.

The Association Between Fibroid Weight and Perioperative Outcomes for Women Undergoing Myomectomy [23D

INTRODUCTION: Myomectomy is a preferred surgical approach in reproductive age women desiring to preserve fertility. Fibroid weight impacts the decision making regarding surgical approach. Primary objective is to examine the association between fibroid weight and the 30-day perioperative outcomes for women undergoing myomectomy. METHODS: Data for this retrospective review was obtained from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database using Current Procedural Terminology and categorized by fibroid weight. Women over the age of 18 who underwent abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy from 2005-2014 were included. A mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the effect of fibroid weight on surgical approach and 30-day postoperative outcomes, and to control for confounding factors including age, race, and surgical approach. RESULTS: A total of 2,862 women underwent myomectomy; 1203 (42%) patient with fibroids weight less than 250gm, and 1659 (58%) patients with fibroids greater than 250gm. Presence of fibroids weighing more than 250gm was associated with less utilization of laparoscopic route 36.9% versus 63.1% [ORadj (95%CI)] [0.585 (0.471, 0.725)], longer operative time 150m versus 118m [ORadj (95%CI)] [1.006 (1.004, 1.008)], increased likelihood of blood transfusion 67% versus 33% [ORadj (95%CI)] [1.696 (1.231, 2.336)], and total length of hospital stay 2d versus 1d [ORadj (95%CI)] [1.087 (1.012, 1.167)]. There was no significant difference in surgical site infection and readmission rate by fibroid weight. CONCLUSION: Increased fibroid weight was associated with increased risk of longer operative time, blood transfusion, and total length of hospital stay. Laparoscopic myomectomy was less likely utilized for fibroids greater than 250gm.

The Association Between Surgical Route and Perioperative Outcomes for Women Undergoing Myomectomy [25H

INTRODUCTION: Fibroids are the most common solid pelvic tumor. Most symptomatic fibroids are managed surgically. The abdominal approach to myomectomy is more commonly performed than the laparoscopic approach. Primary objectives include examining the association between the route chosen for myomectomy and the 30-day perioperative outcomes for women undergoing the procedure. METHODS: Data for this retrospective review was obtained from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. Using Current Procedural Terminology. All women over the age of 18 years who underwent a myomectomy from 2005-2014 were included. A mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between the route of myomectomy and 30-day perioperative outcomes, and to control for confounding factors including age, race, and fibroid weight. RESULTS: 2,862 women underwent myomectomy; 1,207 were laparoscopic (42%) and 1,655 were open (58%). Laparoscopic myomectomy was less likely to be utilized for fibroids larger than 250 gm (45.9%) versus less than 250 gm (54.1%) [ORadj (95%CI)] [0.737 (0.575, 0.946)]. Laparoscopic myomectomy was associated with decreased length of hospital stay 0 d versus 2 d [ORadj (95%CI)] [0.143 (0.123, 0.167)], and longer operating times 157 m versus 116 m [ORadj (95%CI)] [1.014 (1.012, 1016)] compared to open myomectomy. There was no significant difference in readmission rate, postoperative urinary tract infection and pneumonia, and occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myomectomy was utilized less frequently for fibroids larger than 250 gm. Laparoscopic myomectomy was associated with a shorter hospital stay but a longer operative time.

National Outcomes after Pressure Ulcer Closure: Inspiring Surgery

Over two million Americans receive treatment for pressure ulcers (PUs) annually, but national surgical outcomes are not well described. This study investigated rates and risk factors of postoperative complications in patients with PU. The 2011 and 2012 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried and PU patients undergoing flap closure were identified. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis was used and reported as odds ratios (ORs) if (P < 0.05). Of 1196 patients identified with a primary diagnosis of PU, 327 (27%) underwent flap closure. Emergency interventions were performed in seven patients who were excluded from analysis. Characteristics were average age 53.3 (±17); 65 per cent male; 41 per cent with grossly contaminated or infected wounds; 29 per cent frail; and 16 per cent with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of four or five. Myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps were performed in 82 per cent of patients, local skin rearrangements in 17 per cent, and free flap in one patient. Complications were low with 1.9 per cent recurrence and 4.7 per cent reoperation rates. Higher American Society of Anesthesiologists was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio = 6.6) and steroid use correlated with flap failure (odds ratio = 15). No differences in complication profiles were identified based on technique, frailty, or contamination. Surgical closure can be considered reasonable in all patients fit for anesthesia.

Association between obesity and the trends of routes of hysterectomy performed for benign indications.

To estimate the association between obesity and the recent trends of routes chosen for hysterectomy performed for benign indications in the United States. Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project's database, patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications from 2005 to 2011 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes and were categorized into total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). The patients were divided into four subgroups according to body mass index (BMI) (less than 25, 25-29.9, 30-39.9, and 40 or greater). The data were analyzed using Student's t test or χ2 and Fisher's exact test. A total of 18,810 patients underwent hysterectomy for benign indications during the study period: 9,852 (52.4%) were TAH, 5,146 (27.4%) TVH, 2,296 (12.2%) LAVH, and 1,516 (8.0%) TLH. The rates of TAH increased from 45.7% in patients with ideal body weight to 62% in morbidly obese patients (P<.001). The rate of TVH and LAVH decreased from 32.7% and 13.3% in patients with ideal body weight to 17.1% and 11.7% in morbidly obese patients, respectively (P<.001 and 0.04). The rate of TLH performed was independent of BMI (P=.61). Higher BMI was associated with longer operative time (P<.001) in all routes of hysterectomy. The rates of superficial and deep wound infections were higher with increasing BMI in patients undergoing TAH (P<.001) but not with TVH (P=.26), LAVH (P=1.0), or TLH (P=.48). Regarding hysterectomy performed for benign indications, increasing BMI was associated with increased rate of TAH and decreased rate of TVH and LAVH, but not the rate of TLH. Increasing BMI was associated with increased operative time for all subgroups and increased surgical site infection in the TAH group.

The trend towards minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for endometrial cancer: An ACS–NSQIP evaluation of surgical outcomes

ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the surgical trend towards increased MIS in the management of endometrial cancer in regard to improvements in patient outcomes. MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Project's database, patients who underwent hysterectomy for endometrial cancer from 2006–2010 were identified and categorized into exploratory laparotomy (XLAP) or MIS. Comparative analyses were performed and stratified by year of surgery to evaluate demographics, surgical outcomes, and 30-day surgical morbidity. ResultsA total of 2076 patients (1269 XLAP and 807 MIS) underwent hysterectomy for endometrial cancer between 2006 and 2010. Longer operative times were seen in MIS compared to XLAP (192 vs. 148min; p<0.001) as well as significant increase in mean hospital stay in the XLAP group of 3.8days compared to 1.6days in MIS (p<0.0001). When controlling for preoperative comorbidities, significant increases in postoperative complications were observed in XLAP compared to MIS group (total 396 vs. 91; p<0.0001). MIS increased from 16% in 2006 to 48% in 2010, which correlated to decreases in complications and hospital stays. Each 10% increase in MIS would save $2.8 million and 41 postoperative complications. If used exclusively, MIS would save 6434 hospital days and 416 complications. ConclusionsDespite increases in operative times, MIS for the treatment of endometrial cancer significantly reduces perioperative complications and hospital stay. Considering the improvements in patient outcomes and the potential savings to the health care system, MIS should be the preferred route for the surgical treatment of this disease when feasible.

The utilization of laparoscopy in ventral hernia repair: an update of outcomes analysis using ACS-NSQIP data.

Numerous prospective studies and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated shorter length of stay, lower morbidity rates, and similar recurrence rates with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (VHR) when compared to open VHR. Despite these promising results, previous data showed low utilization of laparoscopic VHR. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utilization of laparoscopic VHR using the most updated information from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) dataset. The secondary aim was to evaluate the outcomes from NSQIP for patients undergoing open versus laparoscopic VHR for the outcome of 30-day mortality and the peri-operative morbidities listed in the NSQIP dataset. We performed this study using 2009-2012 data from the ACS-NSQIP database. The study population included patients who had undergone an open or laparoscopic ventral hernia repair as their primary procedure based on CPT codes. Demographic characteristics, overall morbidity, and complications were compared using Chi-square tests for categorical variables and two-sided t tests for continuous variables. Secondary outcomes (mortality and any complications) were further analyzed using logistic regression. Utilization of laparoscopic VHR was 22%. While adjusted mortality was similar, overall morbidity was increased in the open VHR group (OR 1.63; CI 95% 1.38-1.92). The open group had a higher rate of return to the OR, pneumonia, re-intubation, ventilator requirement, renal failure/insufficiency, transfusion, DVT, sepsis, and superficial and deep incisional wound infections. The utilization of laparoscopic VHR remained low from 2009 to 2012 and continued to lag behind the use of laparoscopy in other complex surgical procedures. The mortality rate between laparoscopic and open VHR was similar, but laparoscopic repair was associated with lower overall complication rates.

An American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) evaluation of surgical outcomes in the elderly: Endometrial cancer patients undergoing hysterectomy

Objectives: Endometrial cancer is common in the elderly. In this study, we analyzed patients with endometrial cancer who had undergone hysterectomy to determine the effect of advanced age on postoperative outcomes.

The Unmet Need for a National Surgical Quality Improvement Curriculum: A Systematic Review

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Next Accreditation System will require general surgery training programs to demonstrate outstanding clinical outcomes and education in quality improvement (QI). The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Quality In-Training Initiative reports the results of a systematic review of the literature investigating the availability of a QI curriculum. Using defined search terms, a systematic review was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar (January 2000-March 2013) to identify a surgical QI curriculum. Bibliographies from selected articles and other relevant materials were also hand searched. Curriculum was defined as an organized program of learning complete with content, instruction, and assessment for use in general surgical residency programs. Two independent observers graded surgical articles on quality of curriculum presented. Overall, 50 of 1155 references had information regarding QI in graduate medical education. Most (n = 24, 48%) described QI education efforts in nonsurgical fields. A total of 31 curricular blueprints were identified; 6 (19.4%) were specific to surgery. Targeted learners were most often post graduate year-2 residents (29.0%); only 6 curricula (19.4%) outlined a course for all residents within their respective programs. Plan, Do, Study, Act (n = 10, 32.3%), and Root Cause Analysis (n = 5, 16.1%) were the most common QI content presented, the majority of instruction was via lecture/didactics (n = 26, 83.9%), and only 7 (22.6%) curricula used validated tool kits for assessment. Elements of QI curriculum for surgical education exist; however, comprehensive content is lacking. The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Quality In-Training Initiative will build on the high-quality components identified in our review and develop data-centered QI content to generate a comprehensive national QI curriculum for use in graduate surgical education.

The Future of Quality Measurement in the United States

The need to practice cost efficient medicine and provide it in the safest way possible is paving the way for quality improvement (QI) programs to take off. American College of Surgeons National Surgical QI Project and Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program are some of the leading examples and have provided useful data to evaluate our systems and decrease morbidity and mortality. With proven outcomes driving morbidity and mortality rates down, we have to wonder how to refine these measures to make them more relevant to specialty surgeries such as colorectal. On the contrary, participation in programs like these has placed extended requirements on hospitals and physicians. In addition, some of the quality measures may be inaccurately identifying low and high performing hospitals and individuals because of inherent flaws in the database. This could potentially be in conflict with the mission of these programs. What will be presented are some alternatives and different directions QI is moving toward.

The role of faecal diversion in low rectal cancer: a review of 1791 patients having rectal resection with anastomosis for cancer, with and without a proximal stoma

The morbidity of anastomotic dehiscence may be mitigated by a defunctioning stoma, but it is unclear if it is required for most low rectal anastomoses. Preoperative risk factors leading to anastomotic complications and the indications for faecal diversion have yet to be clearly defined. Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) participant-use file, patients were identified who underwent low anterior resection with anastomosis for cancer at the 211 participating hospitals in 2005-08. A total of 1791 patients underwent low anterior resection. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on the level of the anastomosis. Of these 1266 patients had a low pelvic anastomosis (LPA) and 525 a coloanal anastomosis (CAA). In the LPA group, 606 patients had a stoma and 660 had no stoma. There were no differences in wound complications, sepsis or septic shock. Patients who had a stoma were more likely to have postoperative acute renal failure (1.7 vs 0.5%, P = 0.0485, OR 3.674). In the CAA group, 352 had a stoma and 173 had no stoma. In patients without faecal diversion, there was a significantly greater incidence of sepsis (8.7 vs 3.7%, P = 0.022, OR 2.47), septic shock (3.5 vs 0.57%, P = 0.018, OR 6.29) and need for reoperation (11 vs 1.7%, P = 0.0001, OR 7.11). Hospital length of stay was significantly longer with CAA and no stoma. On multivariate analysis, not having a stoma with a CAA was a risk factor for serious postoperative morbidity. While a defunctioning stoma with a coloanal anastomosis seems to protect from postoperative sepsis, septic shock and need for reoperation, it is likely that it is overused in rectal cancer surgery.