Total In-hospital Costs Research Articles

Development, evaluation and comparison of machine learning algorithms for predicting in-hospital patient charges for congestive heart failure exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and diabetic ketoacidosis

BackgroundHospitalizations for exacerbations of congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are costly in the United States. The purpose of this study was to predict in-hospital charges for each condition using machine learning (ML) models.ResultsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study on national discharge records of hospitalized adult patients from January 1st, 2016, to December 31st, 2019. We constructed six ML models (linear regression, ridge regression, support vector machine, random forest, gradient boosting and extreme gradient boosting) to predict total in-hospital cost for admission for each condition. Our models had good predictive performance, with testing R-squared values of 0.701-0.750 (mean of 0.713) for CHF; 0.694-0.724 (mean 0.709) for COPD; and 0.615-0.729 (mean 0.694) for DKA. We identified important key features driving costs, including patient age, length of stay, number of procedures, and elective/nonelective admission.ConclusionsML methods may be used to accurately predict costs and identify drivers of high cost for COPD exacerbations, CHF exacerbations and DKA. Overall, our findings may inform future studies that seek to decrease the underlying high patient costs for these conditions.

The impact of frailty on rectal prolapse repair: a retrospective analysis of the national inpatient sample for clinical outcomes and health resource utilization

PurposeRectal prolapse commonly affects elderly, frail patients. The impact of frailty alone on surgical outcomes for rectal prolapse has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to utilize the National Inpatient Sample and the modified frailty index (mFI-11) to compare postoperative outcomes between frail and robust patients undergoing surgery for rectal prolapse.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) NIS from 2015 to 2019. The mFI-11 was utilized to classify patients as frail or robust. The primary outcomes were overall in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes included system-specific postoperative morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. These were assessed using univariable and multivariable regressions.ResultsA total of 2130 patients, 239 frail (mFI > 0.27) and 1,891 robust patients (mFI < 0.27) who underwent rectal prolapse repair were analyzed. After adjustment, frail patients had a higher rate of in-hospital mortality (OR 10.38, 95% CI 0.65–166.59, p = 0.098) and morbidity (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.31–3.63, p = 0.003), longer LOS (MD 1.60 days, 95% CI 1.05–2.44, p = 0.028), and greater cost of treatment (MD $15,561.56, 95% CI − 6023.12–37,146.25, p = 0.157) than robust patients.ConclusionFrailty increases postoperative morbidity and mortality and cost more to the healthcare system overall for patients undergoing rectal prolapse repair. This retrospective study is limited by selection bias and residual confounding. Consideration of preoperative optimization programs for frail patients undergoing surgery for rectal prolapse is an important next step to mitigate these poor outcomes.

Evaluating the cost of robotic-assisted total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

As uptake of robotic-assisted arthroplasty increases there is a need for economic evaluation of the implementation and ongoing costs associated with robotic surgery. The aims of this study were to describe the in-hospital cost of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) and robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (RA-UKA) and determine the influence of patient characteristics and surgical outcomes on cost. This prospective cohort study included adult patients (≥ 18years) undergoing primary unilateral RA-TKA and RA-UKA, at a tertiary hospital in Sydney between April 2017 and June 2021. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and in-hospital cost variables were extracted from hospital medical records. Differences between outcomes for RA-TKA and RA-UKA were compared using independent sample t-tests. Logistic regression was performed to determine drivers of cost. Of the 308 robotic-assisted procedures, 247 were RA-TKA and 61 were RA-UKA. Surgical time, time in the operating room, and length of stay were significantly shorter in RA-UKA (p < 0.001); whereas RA-TKA patients were older (p = 0.002) and more likely to be discharged to in-patient rehabilitation (p = 0.009). Total in-hospital cost was significantly higher for RA-TKA cases (AU$18580.02 vs $13275.38; p < 0.001). Robotic system and maintenance cost per case was AU$3867.00 for TKA and AU$5008.77 for UKA. Patients born overseas and lower volume robotic surgeons were significantly associated with higher total cost of RA-UKA. Increasing age and male gender were significantly associated with higher total cost of RA-TKA. Total cost was significantly higher for RA-TKA than RA-UKA. Robotic system costs for RA-UKA are inflated by the software cost relative to the volume of cases compared with RA-TKA. Cost is an important consideration when evaluating long term benefits of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty in future studies to provide evidence for the economic sustainability of this practice.

Socioeconomic Burden of Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Klebsiella Pneumoniae from a Teaching Hospital in East China.

The prevalence of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is increasing worldwide. However, evaluation on its economic burden is still lack. A retrospective study that included all patients identified PLA from 2017 to 2020 was conducted. Clinical information and hospital costs were collected through the electronic medical records. We evaluated the economic burden using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Differences in socioeconomic burdens between Klebsiella pneumoniae-caused liver abscesses (KPLA) and non-Klebsiella pneumoniae-caused liver abscesses (non-KPLA) were compared. We found 327 patients identified PLA in the study, including 146 with KPLA and 181 with non-KPLA. The demographic characteristics, median hospital stay, severity, and in-hospital mortality were similar between the two groups. The median total in-hospital cost was higher in the non-KPLA than in the KPLA group, although no statistical difference was found ($3607.2 vs $3424.6; P = 0.446). The median DALY loss was significantly higher in the KPLA than in the non-KPLA group [1.49 (0.97-2.30) vs 1.27 (0.87-1.89); P = 0.033)], and male patients presented a higher average DALY loss than female patients. KPLA had a substantially greater median indirect economic loss than the non-KPLA group [$1442.8 (915.9-17,221.5) vs $1232.5 (764.6-15,473.0); P = 0.028], and indirect economic loss exhibited a significant increase from 2017 to 2020 in patients with PLA. No differences were found in the socioeconomic burden between the two groups [$8019.6 (4200.3-21,832.1) vs $7436.4 (4023.2-19,063.9); P = 0.172]. The economic burden of PLA is significant, particularly in patients with KP. Patients with KPLA experienced increased DALY loss and indirect economic loss than non-KPLA. PLA must be prioritized as the indirect economic burden rises annually.

Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Patients with Osteoporosis Undergoing Spine Fusion Surgery in Japan.

Spinal fusion surgery with instrumentation is a treatment of choice for many spinal disorders; however, there is little data related to factors associated with early and late outcomes, especially among patients with poor bone quality (e.g., osteoporosis). We conducted this study to characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery with instrumentation in Japan, especially in patients with poor bone quality and those needing additional fixation methods. This retrospective observational study used real-world health insurance claims data from the Japanese Medical Data Vision. Adult patients undergoing an index spinal fusion procedure from April 1, 2010, to September 30, 2017, with procedural details, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital costs, spine-related reoperation, all-cause readmission, and postoperative complications recorded. Data were summarized descriptively overall, by osteoporosis status, and additional fixation method used, and were analyzed in bivariate analyses. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions were used to explore associations between covariates and variables of interest. A total of 22,932 patients (mean age, 67.3 years; 51.2% male) met the study criteria and were included. A total of 5,288 (23.0%) patients had osteoporosis, and 2,507 (10.9%) needed additional fixation methods; these patients were older, more frequently female, and had higher Elixhauser comorbidity index scores. Osteoporosis and additional fixation use were also associated with longer LOS, higher hospital costs, and higher rates of complications. Patients with osteoporosis and those needing additional fixation methods have a higher risk for procedural and postoperative complications, reoperation, longer LOS, and higher total hospital costs.

Modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in adhesive small bowel obstruction: analyzing the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

There are limited data identifying predictors of postoperative outcomes in adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). This study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to assess the efficacy of the modified frailty index (mFI) to predict postoperative morbidity among patients undergoing an operation for ASBO. A retrospective analysis of the NIS between September 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, was performed to identify adult patients who underwent nonelective operative intervention for ASBO. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI value ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI value < 0.27). The primary outcomes were overall in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were used. Overall, 23251 robust patients and 6122 frail patients were included. Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.80-2.60), postoperative morbidity (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.52-1.74), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference [aMD], 0.97 days; 95% CI, 0.73-1.21), and total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD, $18,921; 95% CI, $14,608-$23,235) and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.55-0.63). The findings were unchanged on subgroup analysis of patients undergoing open operation and those older than 65 years of age. The mFI may predict postoperative outcomes for ASBO. Stratifying patients based on frailty may assist clinicians and patients in making informed decisions, setting realistic expectations, and proactively planning postoperative disposition.

The modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in elective hernia repair patients: analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019.

Frailty has shown promise in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following hernia surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) in estimating postoperative outcomes following elective hernia surgery using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was performed including adult patients who underwent elective hernia repair. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI < 0.27). The primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized. In total, 14,125 robust patients and 1704 frail patients were included. Frailty was associated with an increased age (mean age 66.4years vs. 52.6years, p < 0.001) and prevalence of ventral hernias (51.9% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.89, 95% CI 1.50, 10.11, p = 0.005), postoperative overall morbidity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72, 2.29, p < 0.001), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD) 0.78days, 95% CI 0.51, 1.06, p < 0.001), total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD $7562 95% CI 3292, 11,832, p = 0.001), and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53, 0.69, p < 0.001). The mFI may be a reliable predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective hernia surgery. Utilizing this tool can aid in patient education and identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from tailored prehabilitation.

The use of intravascular ultrasound during percutaneous coronary intervention does not reduce all cause in-hospital mortality but doubles the cost, with higher utilization in privately insured patients.

The effect of using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on short-term mortality is not well established. To evaluate any association between the use of IVUS vs. no IVUS during PCI and mortality in a large inpatient database. We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for available ICD-10 codes from 2016-2020 for IVUS and PCIs. A total of 10,059,56 PCIs were performed. In 206,910, IVUS-guided PCI was performed vs. 9,852,359 without IVUS. Mortality did not differ between the two groups, with 2.52% mortality in the IVUS arm vs. 2.59% in no IVUS cohort, p = 0.4. The mean age of patients with IVUS use was 65.5 vs. 70.1 years without IVUS, p < 0.001. Total in-hospital cost in the IVUS group was double that without IVUS ($141,920 vs. $71,568, p < 0.001). Furthermore, IVUS utilization was significantly higher in patients with private health insurance (28.3% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001). In-patient all-cause mortality using IVUS during PCI was similar to that in patients without IVUS utilization, but the cost was doubled, with higher utilization in privately insured patients.

Costs of endovascular and open repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms with either endovascular repair (TEVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) represents major surgery, is costly and associated with significant complications. The aim of this study was to establish accurate costs of delivering TEVAR and OSR in a cohort of UK NHS patients suitable for open and endovascular treatment for the whole treatment pathway from admission and to discharge and 12-month follow-up. A prospective study of UK NHS patients from 30 NHS vascular/cardiothoracic units in England aged ≥18, with distal arch/descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (CTAA) was undertaken. A multicentre prospective cost analysis of patients (recruited March 2014-July 2018, follow-up until July 2019) undergoing TEVAR or OSR was performed. Patients deemed suitable for open or endovascular repair were included in this study. A micro-costing approach was adopted. Some 115 patients having undergone TEVAR and 35 patients with OSR were identified. The mean (s.d.) cost of a TEVAR procedure was higher £26 536 (£9877) versus OSR £17 239 (£8043). Postoperative costs until discharge were lower for TEVAR £7484 (£7848) versus OSR £28 636 (£23 083). Therefore, total NHS costs from admission to discharge were lower for TEVAR £34 020 (£14 301), versus OSR £45 875 (£43 023). However, mean NHS costs for 12 months following the procedure were slightly higher for the TEVAR £5206 (£11 585) versus OSR £5039 (£11 994). Surgical procedure costs were higher for TEVAR due to device costs. Total in-hospital costs were higher for OSR due to longer hospital and critical care stay. Follow-up costs over 12 months were slightly higher for TEVAR due to hospital readmissions.

Hospital cost differences between open and endoscopic lumbar spine decompression surgery.

In recent years, fully endoscopic decompression surgery for degenerative spine disease has become increasingly popular in the US. Although an endoscopic approach has demonstrated some benefits compared with open procedures in randomized controlled trials, the cost of advanced technologies remains contested. The authors evaluated the differences in costs and cost drivers between open and endoscopic decompression surgical procedures performed at a single institution. Using associated Current Procedural Terminology codes, the authors identified all open and endoscopic decompression lumbar surgical procedures performed from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2022. Preoperative comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were captured. The costs of index surgery-related readmission for revision, washout, or other complications were included in the index surgery expenses. Associated in-hospital costs were collected; these were reported in comparative percentages with open surgical procedures as the baseline because of an institutional agreement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The retrospective search identified 633 open surgical procedures and 195 endoscopic surgical procedures for inclusion. The two patient cohorts were similar, with clinically nonrelevant but statistically significant differences in mean age (open 55.7 years vs endoscopic 59.4 years, p = 0.01) and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class (open 2.3 vs endoscopic 2.4, p = 0.03). Postoperatively, patients who underwent open surgical procedures had significantly longer mean hospital stays (open 1.4 days vs endoscopic 0.7, p < 0.01) and more perioperative complications (open 7.9% of patients vs endoscopic 3.1%, p = 0.02), and they required washout surgical procedures in some cases (open 1.3% vs endoscopic 0%, p = 0.12). The largest cost difference between open and endoscopic surgical procedures was the significantly greater cost of disposable supplies for endoscopic cases (10.1% vs 31.7% of the total cost of open procedures, p < 0.01), and open surgical procedures were generally less costly in total (100.0% vs 115.1%, p < 0.01). In multivariate linear regression, endoscopic surgery was independently associated with greater total costs (standardized beta 15.9%, p < 0.01), although length of hospital stay (standardized beta 34.0%) and readmissions (standardized beta 30.0%, p < 0.01) had larger effects on cost. The endoscopic approach was associated with greater total in-hospital costs compared with open procedures. The findings of further cost evaluations, including those of patient-reported outcomes, social cost, and capital costs per procedure type, need to be included in operational and clinical decisions.

Comparison of costs associated with transcatheter mitral valve repair: PASCAL vs MitraClip in a real-world setting

AimsWe aimed to conduct a clinical process cost analysis to evaluate all upcoming costs of mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) treatment using the MitraClip and the PASCAL repair system.MethodsFirst, we prospectively enrolled 107 M-TEER patients treated with either the PASCAL or MitraClip system and compared all upcoming costs during the M-TEER procedure and the associated in-hospital stay. Second, we retrospectively analysed 716 M-TEER procedures with regard to the occurrence of complications and their associated costs. All materials used in the catheterization laboratory for the procedures were evaluated. The cost analysis considered various expenses, such as general in-hospital costs, device costs, catheter laboratory and material costs.ResultsIn the prospective study, 51 patients were treated using the PASCAL system, and 56 were treated using the MitraClip system. The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The total in-hospital costs were 25 414 (Interquartile range (IQR) 24 631, 27 697) € in the PASCAL group and 25 633 (IQR 24 752, 28 256) € in the MitraClip group (p = 0.515). The major cost driver was initial material expenditure, mostly triggered by device costs, which were similar to the PASCAL and MitraClip systems. Overall intensive care unit and general ward costs did not differ between the PASCAL and MitraClip groups. In the retrospective analysis, M-TEER-related complications were rare but were associated with higher costs, mainly due to prolonged hospitalisation.ConclusionThe major cost driver of M-TEER was the material expenditure, which was mostly triggered by high device costs. The costs of treating patients were similar for the PASCAL and MitraClip systems. M-TEER-related complications are associated with higher costs, mainly due to prolonged hospitalisation. This analysis provides valuable insights into reducing expenses by modifying the process of M-TEER.

Surgical outcomes and cost analysis of a multi-specialty robotic-assisted surgery caseload in the Australian public health system.

This study aims to compare surgical outcomes and in-hospital cost between robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), laparoscopic and open approaches for benign gynaecology, colorectal and urological patients and to explore the association between cost and surgical complexity. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing RAS, laparoscopic or open surgery for benign gynaecology, colorectal or urological conditions between July 2018 and June 2021 at a major public hospital in Sydney. Patients' characteristics, surgical outcomes and in-hospital cost variables were extracted from the hospital medical records using routinely collected diagnosis-related groups (DRG) codes. Comparison of the outcomes within each surgical discipline and according to surgical complexity were performed using non-parametric statistics. Of the 1,271 patients included, 756 underwent benign gynaecology (54 robotic, 652 laparoscopic, 50 open), 233 colorectal (49 robotic, 123 laparoscopic, 61 open) and 282 urological surgeries (184 robotic, 12 laparoscopic, 86 open). Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (robotic or laparoscopic) presented with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay when compared to open surgical approach (P < 0.001). Rates of postoperative morbidity were significantly lower in robotic colorectal and urological procedures when compared to laparoscopic and open approaches. The total in-hospital cost of robotic benign gynaecology, colorectal and urological surgeries were significantly higher than other surgical approaches, independent of the surgical complexity. RAS resulted in better surgical outcomes, especially when compared to open surgery in patients presenting with benign gynaecology, colorectal and urological diseases. However, the total cost of RAS was higher than laparoscopic and open surgical approaches.

A Cost Overview of Minimally Invasive Total Mesorectal Excision in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Population-based Cohort in Experienced Centres.

Total mesorectal excision has been the gold standard for the operative management of rectal cancer. The most frequently used minimally invasive techniques for surgical resection of rectal cancer are laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal total mesorectal excision. As studies comparing the costs of the techniques are lacking, this study aims to provide a cost overview. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent total mesorectal resection between 2015 and 2017 at 11 dedicated centers, which completed the learning curve of the specific technique. The primary outcome was total in-hospital costs of each technique up to 30 days after surgery including all major surgical cost drivers, while taking into account different team approaches in the transanal approach. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization and complication rates. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression analysis. In total, 949 patients were included, consisting of 446 laparoscopic (47%), 306 (32%) robot-assisted, and 197 (21%) transanal total mesorectal excisions. Total costs were significantly higher for transanal and robot-assisted techniques compared to the laparoscopic technique, with median (interquartile range) for laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal at €10,556 (8,642;13,829), €12,918 (11,196;16,223), and € 13,052 (11,330;16,358), respectively (P < 0.001). Also, the one-team transanal approach showed significant higher operation time and higher costs compared to the two-team approach. Length of stay and postoperative complications did not differ between groups. Transanal and robot-assisted approaches show higher costs during 30-day follow-up compared to laparoscopy with comparable short-term clinical outcomes. Two-team transanal approach is associated with lower total costs compared to the transanal one-team approach.

In-Hospital Costs of Hemiarthroplasty in Patients with Osteoporotic Femoral Neck Fracture at Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital

Background: The medical cost of osteoporotic hip fracture has become a great burden for the healthcare system. In Thailand, studies on the costs of bipolar hemiarthroplasty treatment for osteoporotic femoral neck fractures are limited and not up to date. Objective: To evaluate the in-hospital costs of treating the elderly with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures receiving hemiarthroplasty treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients with hip fractures who were 60 years or older and underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty were prospectively observed. All patients were managed according to the Siriraj hip fracture fast-track and Fracture Liaison Service protocols. The authors collected details of the in-hospital costs incurred during the admission period and identified factors associated with an increasing in these costs. Results: Between February 1 and July 31, 2020, 50 patients were enrolled in the present study. Their average age was 78.3 years, and most had a Charlson comorbidity index of more than 5. The median total in-hospital costs for treatment were 5,013.25 USD with a range of 3,695.05 to 13,193.77 USD. Most of the total in-hospital costs occurred intraoperatively, with 29% of the total costs related to the cost of a prosthesis. The factors associated with an increase in costs were the length of stay (probability p&lt;0.001) and postoperative pneumonia (p=0.038). Conclusion: In-hospital costs of hip fracture have become a great burden for patients and caregivers. Strategies to reduce total costs during hospitalization should focus on early surgery coupled with rehabilitation, which results in shorter stays. Keywords: Cost analysis; Femoral neck fracture; Hemiarthroplasty; In-hospital costs

In-Hospital Cost Comparison for Open Versus Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Meningioma Resection.

To determine the in-hospital cost implications of an endoscopic expanded endonasal approach (EEEA) for meningioma resection relative to the open transcranial approach. All anterior skull base meningioma surgeries performed over a period from January 1st, 2015 to October 31th, 2017 were evaluated. The electronic medical record was reviewed for patient factors, tumor characteristics, and cost variables associated with each hospital stay and univariate analysis was performed using R software. All cost data were converted into August 2021-equivalent dollar amounts using the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index. Thirty-five patients met study criteria, including 27 patients undergoing an open transcranial approach and 8 undergoing an EEEA. Average length of stay for patients undergoing an open approach was 9.3 days compared to 5.6 within the EEEA group (P = .126). The average total in-hospital cost of patient undergoing an EEEA was $35417.1 compared to $46406.9 among patients undergoing an open transcranial approach (P = .168). On univariate analysis, the cost of an open transcranial approach relative to the EEEA was $10989.8 (P = .411). The open transcranial approach remained the dominant surgical approach to anterior skull base meningiomas over our study time period. However, despite limited patient numbers the EEEA was associated with decreased total in-hospital costs.

Robot-assisted thymectomy in large anterior mediastinal tumors: A comparative study with video-assisted thymectomy and open surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) in large anterior mediastinal tumors (AMTs) (size ≥6cm) compared with video-assisted thymectomy (VAT) and open surgery. A total of 132 patients with large AMTs who underwent surgical resection from January 2016 to June 2022 were included in this study. A total of 61 patients underwent RAT, 36 patients underwent VAT and 35 patients underwent open surgery. Perioperative outcomes were compared. There were no significant differences in tumor size (p=0.141), or pathological types (p= 0.903). Compared with the open group, the RAT and VAT groups were associated with a shorter operation time (115.00 vs. 160.00, p=0.012; 122.50 vs. 160.00, p=0.071), and less blood loss (50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001; 50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of conversion in the RAT group was similar to that in the VAT group (6.56% vs. 13.89%, p=0.229). Concomitant resection was less frequently performed in the VAT group than in the RAT and open groups (5.56% vs. 31.15%, p=0.040; 5.56% vs. 31.43%, p=0.006). VAT patients had a lower drainage volume (365.00 vs. 700.00 and 910.00 mL, p < 0.001), shorter duration of chest tube (2.00 vs. 3.00 and 4.00, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (5.00 vs. 6.00 and 7.00, p < 0.001) than the RAT and open groups. There was no 30-day mortality in any group. No difference was seen in R0 resection rates (p=0.846). The postoperative complication rates were similar among the three groups (p=0.309). Total in-hospital costs (66493.90 vs. 33581.05 and 42876.40, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the RAT group. RAT is safe and effective for the resection of large AMTs compared to VAT and open surgery. Vascular resection in RAT is technically feasible. A long-term follow-up is required.

Healthcare resource use and costs related to surgical infections of tibial fractures in a Spanish cohort

Surgical site infection constitutes a serious complication in the healing process of bone fractures and has been associated with increases in medical resource use and healthcare costs. This study evaluates the economic impact of surgical site infection in tibial fractures in a Spanish cohort. It is a retrospective, single-centre, comparative cohort study of patients with tibial fractures with longitudinal follow-up for up to 18 months post-surgery. Included patients (n = 325) were adults, with tibial fracture, either isolated or polyfracture, or polytrauma with an Injury Severity Score &gt;15. Patients had been surgically treated within 30 days of the tibial fracture by external or internal fixation, or external followed by internal fixation. Most patients (84.9%) had an American Society of Anaesthesiology score of 1-2. 20% of the patients had one open tibial fracture, 12.3% had polytrauma, and 20% had multiple fractures. Most patients were treated with a nail (41.8%) or a plate (33.8%). 56 patients (17.2%) developed surgical site infection. Patients with infection had significantly higher hospital length of stay (34.9 vs 12.0 days; p&lt;0.001; +191%), readmissions (1.21 vs 0.25; p&lt;0.001; +380%) and mean operating theatre time (499 vs 219 min; p&lt;0.001; +128%) than patients without infection. Mean length of stay in intensive care did not significantly increase with infection (2.8 vs 1.7 days; p = 0.25). Total in-hospital costs for patients with infection increased from €7,607 to €17,538 (p&lt;0.001; +131%). Overall, infections were associated with significantly increased healthcare resource use and costs. Preventive strategies to avoid infections could lead to substantial cost savings.

Abstract 11344: 30-Day Rate of Readmission and Economic Burden Among Patient With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a non-traumatic and non-iatrogenic separation of the coronary arterial wall and is an infrequent cause of acute myocardial infarction. SCAD most commonly affects women in their 40s and 50s, though it can occur at any age and can occur in men. Hypothesis: T here is limited data on readmission for SCAD. Therefore, we sought to determine the 30-Day Readmission rate (30-DRr) for SCAD &amp; its impact healthcare utilization in the United States. Methods: Using the 2017 &amp; 2018 National Readmission Database, a retrospective study of patient discharges with Spontaneous Coronary Artery dissection diagnosis according to ICD-10 codes. Readmission was defined as the first admission to any hospital for any non-trauma diagnosis within 30 days of the index discharged alive. The primary outcome was 30 DRr, while secondary outcomes were readmission mortality rate, most common diagnoses for readmission, &amp; resource utilization defined by total patient charge (TPC), &amp; hospital cost (THC). Results: A total of 479 index hospitalization for SCAD; mean age of 54.4years (SD±14.6), female 74.8%, with an in-hospital mortality rate for index admission of 4.4% (21). 30-DRr was 7.7% (35). The mean age for readmitted patient was 53.8yrs (SD±17.8), female 73.3%, with an in-hospital mortality rate was 5.7% (n=2), which was not statistically significant compared to index mortality. The total in-hospital cost associated with readmission was $ 320,401 &amp; TPC of $ 1,320,662. Conclusions: We observed 1 in 13 are readmitted within 30 days among patient with SCAD . SCAD patients are a vulnerable subset requiring additional outpatient care. Improved clinical care and management of SCAD with guideline-based therapeutics may help reduce readmission, mortality &amp; cost.

Comparison of Complications and Cost for Transfemoral Versus Transcarotid Stenting of Carotid Artery Stenosis

Options for endovascular treatment of carotid artery disease have been developed to compliment with carotid endarterectomy, transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) and a hybrid approach with transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). We sought to capture endpoints outside of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and death involved with each procedure at our institution as well as evaluate cost. Carotid stent procedures performed from 2014 to 2020 at our institution underwent comparative analysis based upon access site and type of stent procedure performed, TFCAS versus TCAR. Procedural details and outcomes were captured prospectively and included in the National Cardiovascular Data Peripheral Vascular Intervention Registry (NCDR-PVI). Further retrospective review was performed to evaluate endpoints beyond stroke, MI, and death. Total in-hospital cost, including administrative, capital and utilities (fixed cost), and labor and supplies (variable cost) were also evaluated. One hundred thirty-seven patients were reviewed. Seventy-seven were treated with TFCAS and 60 with TCAR. The mean age was 74years, predominantly male (68%) and Caucasian (90%). Patients undergoing TFCAS were more likely to be symptomatic compared to those receiving TCAR (81.8% vs. 50.0%, P = <0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in event rates, including mortality, recurrent cerebrovascular accident / transient ischemic attack, or bleeding. Complications not captured in the NCDR-PVI database were more frequent in the TCAR group (21.7% vs. 5.2%, P=0.004) and included pneumothorax (n=2), neck hematoma (n=8), and common carotid artery stenosis or injury (n=3). Rates of complications in the TFCAS group (n=4) were lower and limited to groin hematoma (n=2), central retinal artery occlusion causing vision loss and a case of postoperative dysphagia. Geographic miss of initial stent placement was identified in 15.0% of TCAR patients and 2.6% (P=0.008) of TFCAS patients. Restenosis rates on duplex ultrasound were similar between the two groups (14.6% of patients) and were not associated with symptoms. The mean follow-up interval was similar for both groups of 31.8months for TCAR and 30.7months for TFCAS (P=0.797). There was a statistically significant difference in total cost with TCAR being more expensive ($22,315 vs. $11,001) driven by direct costs that included devices, imaging, and extended length of stay in the TCAR group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between stroke free survival (91.1% vs. 88.6%, P=0.69) and mortality (78.1% vs. 85.2%, P=0.677) at 3years follow-up between TCAR and TFCAS, respectively. Both TFCAS and TCAR provide similar 3-year stroke and mortality risk/benefit and are distinctly different procedures. Both should be evaluated independently with analysis of variables beyond stroke, death, and MI. TFCAS is more cost-effective than TCAR in this single institution study.

Evaluation of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) after emergency gastrointestinal surgery

BackgroundThe overall incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery is yet to be determined. The study aims are to analyze our experience in emergency gastrointestinal surgery for neonates and to evaluate the incidence of AKI. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of neonates undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery between June 31, 2018 and May 10, 2022 (N = 329). The primary outcome was the overall incidence of AKI. The diagnostic AKI was based on the Modified Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition of neonatal AKI. The secondary outcomes, including the postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS), 24-h mortality, in-hospital mortality, and total in-hospital cost, were analyzed. The risk factors associated with the development of postoperative AKI were also analyzed. ResultsThe incidence of postoperative AKI was 9.1% (30/329). No significant differences were detected in the 24-h mortality and in-hospital mortality between the two cohorts. In the final model, patients undergoing mechanical ventilation before surgery, vasopressor support, surgical duration, intraoperative oliguria and preoperative lowest serum creatinine (SCr), were independently associated with AKI. ConclusionOur study found that patients undergoing mechanical ventilation before surgery, vasopressor support, surgical duration, intraoperative oliguria and preoperative lowest SCr were independently associated with postoperative AKI in neonates who accepted emergency gastrointestinal surgeries.