Surgeon Volume Research Articles

Age and Surgical Volume Impact Likelihood and Technique of Lateral Extraarticular Augmentation During Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current utilization trends of practicing surgeons performing and lateral extraarticular augmentation (LEA) at the time of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The survey was distributed via email in August 2023 to members of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) who identified as knee surgeons and was available online on the AANA website from January to September 2023. The eighteen-question survey was designed regarding surgeons' surgical utilization patterns of LEA during ACLR. Survey questions were created based on prior published research and recommendations regarding indications for LEA, as well as surgeon factors that have been shown to influence operative decision making. Data were analyzed by surgeon geographics, procedure preferences, patient-based decision factors, surgeon-based decision factors, and surgeon age. The survey was completed by 165 sports medicine surgeons who identified as arthroscopic knee surgeons. Majority practice types included private practice (42.1%), academic centers (26.8%), and hospital systems (20.7%). Surgeon age was 50.36 years (range 33-77). 6.8% perform < 20 ACLR per year, 30.2% perform 20-40, 26.5% perform 40-60, 10.5% perform 60-80, and 25.9% perform >80 per year. 79.4% of surgeons conduct LEA. The modified Lemaire being the most common technique (43.5%), followed by other lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) techniques (42.0%), and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALL) (27.5%), some surgeons (14.5%) use more than one technique. High volume (>60 ACLR/year) surgeons were more likely to perform LEA (23.1% vs 10.0%, p=0.061), and more likely to perform ALL (32.2% vs 16.5%, p=0.034). Younger surgeons (Age <50) were more likely to use the modified Lemaire (44.4% vs 24.3%, p=0.014). Decision-making to perform LEA weighted highly on patient hyperlaxity, pivot shift severity, knee hyperextension, sport-type, and age, respectively. The most reported surgeon-related factor influencing LEA utilization was training bias (38.9%). A large majority of orthopedic surgeons with diverse geographics, demographics, practice setting, and ACLR volume perform LEA. Younger surgeons performed more frequent LEA, and surgeons admit to training bias in decision making. Patient factors highly impacting utilization of LEA were hyperlaxity, pivot shift severity, knee hyperextension, sport, and age. LEA procedures for ACL reconstruction have become increasingly utilized in populations at high risk for re-rupture. However, there is not currently a clear standard of care with regards to LEA procedure type or indications for augmentation.

Pattern of colorectal surgery and long-term survival: 10-year experience from a single center.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased in recent decades, and ranks fourth among males and third among females in China. Surgical resection remains the most important treatment modality for curative intent in CRC. Several studies found that surgeon volumes and specialization appeared to be associated with improved overall survival (OS). Moreover, numerous reports have suggested that specialization and minimally invasive surgery have gained increased popularity in CRC surgery. However, few studies have specifically examined the role and long-term survival of all stage CRC in a real-world study. To evaluate the effect of surgeon specialization on survival changes and minimally invasive surgery utilization in a real world study. A retrospective analysis on the association between surgeon specialization and OS between 2008 and 2013 in Zhongshan Hospital CRC database was performed. Standard demographic, clinicopathologic, surgical and follow-up data were obtained from the CRC database. Surgeon specialty was categorized as colorectal surgeon (CS) and general surgeon (GS). CRC patients who underwent primary surgical resection were enrolled. A total of 5141 CRC patients who underwent primary surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated, 1748 (34.0%) of these by CS. The percentage of minimally invasive procedures in the CS group showed an increasing trend. There was no benefit associated with surgeon specialization for stage I, II and IV patients. Surgeon specialization exhibited a significant association with OS solely among stage III patients, with 5-year OS rates of 76% and 67% for the CS and GS groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Further analyses found that surgeon specialization was significantly associated with survival only in stage III rectal patients, and the 5-year OS rate in the CS group and GS group was 80% and 67%, respectively (P < 0.01). Surgeon specialization is associated with improved OS after primary surgery in stage III rectal patients. An appropriate surgical technique, perioperative program and adjuvant therapy may contribute to survival benefit in these patients.

Long-Term Outcomes of Component Separation for Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

Component separation is a reconstructive technique used to facilitate midline closure of large or complex ventral hernias. Despite a contemporary surge in popularity, the incidence and long-term outcomes after component separation remain unknown. To evaluate the incidence and long-term outcomes of component separation for abdominal wall hernia repair. This cohort study examined 100% Medicare administrative claims data from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2021. Participants were adults (aged ≥18 years) who underwent elective inpatient ventral hernia repair. Data were analyzed from January through June 2024. Use of component separation technique during ventral hernia repair. The primary outcomes were the incidence of component separation over time and operative recurrence rates up to 10 years after surgery for hernia repairs with and without component separation. The secondary outcome was rate of operative recurrence after component separation stratified by surgeon volume. Among 218 518 patients who underwent ventral hernia repair, the mean (SD) age of the cohort was 69.1 (10.9) years; 127 857 patients (58.5%) were female and 90 661 (41.5%) male. A total of 23 768 individuals had component separation for their abdominal wall hernia repair. The median (IQR) follow-up time after the index hernia surgery was 7.2 (2.7-10) years. Compared with patients who did not have a component separation, patients undergoing repair with component separation were slightly younger; more likely to be male; and more likely to have comorbidities, including obesity, and had surgeries that were more likely to be performed open and use mesh. Proportional use of component separation increased from 1.6% of all inpatient hernia repairs in 2007 (279 patients) to 21.4% in 2021 (1569 patients). The 10-year adjusted operative recurrence rate after component separation was lower (11.2%; 95% CI, 11.0%-11.3%) when compared with hernia repairs performed without component separation (12.9%; 95% CI, 12.8%-13.0%; P = .003). Operative recurrence was lower for the top 5% of surgeons by component separation volume (11.9%; 95% CI, 11.8%-12.1%) as opposed to the bottom 95% of surgeons by volume (13.6%; 95% CI, 13.4%-13.7%; P = .004). This study found that component separation was associated with a protective effect on long-term operative recurrence after ventral hernia repair among Medicare beneficiaries, which is somewhat unexpected given the intent of its use for higher complexity hernias. Surgeon volume, while significant, had only a minor influence on operative recurrence rates.

The Relationship Between Hospital Safety-Net Burden on Outcomes for High-Volume Thyroid Cancer Surgeons.

Background: Higher center and surgeon volume correspond to better outcomes for patients with thyroid cancer. This study aims to investigate how a hospital's safety-net burden, the proportion of a hospital's patients who are insured by state Medicaid plans or are uninsured, influences the outcomes of high-volume (HV) surgeons. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer in California from 1999 to 2017. We stratified treating facilities by the proportion of Medicaid-type and indigent payors into safety-net burden quartiles. We compared the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of HV surgeons (annual case volume ≥10) for patients undergoing total thyroidectomy across safety-net burden quartiles. A mixed-effects regression model controlled for surgeon random effects and fixed effects of patient and tumor characteristics. Results: Our sample comprised 42,347 patients (78% female, median age 50), of whom 13,848 (32%) were treated by HV surgeons (n = 276). Compared to patients of lower-volume surgeons, patients of HV surgeons were more likely to be White, from the upper quartiles of socioeconomic status and well insured (all p < 0.001). HV surgeons in each hospital's safety-net burden quartile displayed similar case number distributions. Compared to patients treated by HV surgeons at Q1 (lowest safety-net burden) hospitals, those treated by HV surgeons at Q4 (highest safety-net burden) hospitals had higher absolute risks of endocrine complications (+7%, p = 0.007), airway complications (+6%, p = 0.004), disease-specific mortality (+1.3%, p = 0.046), and all-cause mortality during the study period (+3%, p = 0.046) in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The performance of HV thyroid cancer surgeons differs by a hospital's safety-net burden, with patients treated at high safety-net burden hospitals experiencing higher rates of operative complications, disease-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. Having a HV surgeon alone may be insufficient to provide optimal short- and long-term outcomes for patients with thyroid cancer.

Impact of Surgeon Volume on Perioperative Complications and Survival to Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Femoral Head Core Decompression

Introduction: Core decompression is a minimally invasive procedure considered in the treatment of early-stage femoral head osteonecrosis. This procedure is theorized to relieve vascular pressure and promote angiogenesis. Although a less invasive procedure, there are considerations related to learning curve, technique variations, etc. that may affect postoperative complications and longer term adverse events. Methods: Adult patients who underwent core decompression with a diagnosis of femoral head osteonecrosis were identified in the 2010-Q3 2021 PearlDiver M157 database. Core decompression surgeon volumes over the entire study period were assessed and divided into ranges: low (&lt;5 procedures), medium (5 ≤ x ≤ 19 cases), and high (&gt;19 cases) volumes. A 1:1:1 match based on age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index was completed. Rates of 90-day complications were compared with univariable and multivariable analyses. Survival to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to subsequent hip fracture at both 2 and 5 years were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: The low-volume, medium-volume, and high-volume surgeon groups made up 87.5%, 11.9%, and 0.2% of core decompression volume, respectively. This was indicative of 6333 patients undergoing core decompression, and matching based on the surgeon-volume category led to 486 patients per group. No statistically significant differences were observed in shorter term complications and survival to THA or hip fracture at 2 or 5 years. Conclusion: Core decompression is a treatment option often considered for early-stage osteonecrosis. Critically, no differences were found in rates of any assessed complications between the surgeon-volume matched cohorts. These findings suggest that core decompression is a relatively safe procedure for surgeons of varying volume with this technique. Furthermore, this study suggests that higher volume surgeons are not conducting the procedure with expanded indications that might result in greater rates of conversion to THA.

Case Volume Is Not Associated With Outcomes After Adrenalectomy Performed by Urologic Surgeons.

Our goal was to compare outcomes of adrenalectomy performed by low-volume and high-volume academic urologists with extensive experience in renal surgery. A single-center retrospective review identified patients undergoing adrenalectomy by urologists from 2009 to 2023. Data were gathered on demographics, tumor characteristics, surgeon volume, surgical outcomes including length of procedure, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications identified by the Clavien-Dindo complication classification system. Bivariable and multivariable analyses adjusting for BMI, size of mass, age, and surgical approach compared outcomes between low- and high-volume adrenalectomy surgeons. A total of 304 adrenalectomies were performed by 7 urologic surgeons during the study period. One surgeon was high volume, with an average of 15 adrenalectomies per year during the study period. The remaining 6 surgeons ranged from < 1 to 4 adrenalectomies per year on average during the study period and were considered low volume. On multivariable analysis, the rate of any complication was found to be significantly different between the groups (5.3% vs 13.5%, P = .01). However, on analysis of Clavien 3 or higher complications, the rate was not found to be different (1% vs 4%, P = .22). Procedure time (130 vs 134 minutes, P = .33), estimated blood loss (30 vs 50 mL, P = .86), positive margin rate (11% vs 7%, P = .35), and length of stay (2 days vs 2 days, P = .22) were not different when the surgery was performed by a high-volume or low-volume urologist. Surgical volume may not affect outcomes of adrenalectomy when performed by urologists experienced in retroperitoneal surgery at a high-volume, specialized center.

The Effect Of Surgeon Volume On Outcomes Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Assessment

The Effect Of Surgeon Volume On Outcomes Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Assessment

The Relationship Between Surgeon Volume and Major Surgical Complications After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: An Evaluation of 3177 US Orthopedic Surgeons.

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), which includes anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), is a technically demanding procedure and limited data exist on the relationship between case volume and complications. We sought to identify volume thresholds for TSA, aTSA, and rTSA at which risk of a major surgical complication decreased and to compare complications of patients treated by high-volume surgeons with those of patients treated by low-volume surgeons. Primary, elective TSAs (aTSA and rTSA) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, were identified in the Premier Healthcare Database. Multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines modeled the relationship between annual TSA, aTSA, and rTSA surgeon volume and 90-day risk of major surgical complications. The 90-day complications of patients treated by high- and low-volume surgeons were compared. From 2016 to 2019, 3177 surgeons performed 78,639 TSAs. Increasing annual volume was associated with decreasing major surgical complication risk (thresholds: 50 TSAs, 25 aTSAs, and 36 rTSAs). High- and low-volume surgeons performed 24,595 and 54,044 TSAs, respectively. Patients of high-volume surgeons had lower risk of major surgical complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.84), myocardial infarction (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.97), and readmission (aOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62-0.81). Importantly, 74.9% of high-volume and 93.0% of low-volume surgeon-year units had major surgical complication rates below the mean of all recorded surgeons. While most high- and low-volume surgeons had major surgical complication rates below the cohort average, increasing TSA volume was associated with a decreased risk of complications. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

Analysis of Surgeon and Center Case Volume and Stroke or Death after Transcarotid Artery Revascularization.

It has been suggested that the annual hospital volume of cases may affect the number of adverse events after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We aim to study the associations between hospital as well as surgeon volume and the risk of stroke or death after transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR). Retrospective review of the Vascular Quality Initiative data of patients undergoing TCAR from 2016 to 2021. Surgeon and center volume were calculated based on the mean number of cases (MNC) performed yearly by each surgeon and center. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of in-hospital stroke or death. A total of 22,624 cases were included. Surgeon volume was divided into 3 quantiles: low (MNC = 4), medium (MNC = 10), and high (MNC = 26). Center volume was also divided into low (MNC = 14), medium (MNC = 32), and high (MNC = 64). After adjusting for potential confounders, and when compared with high-volume centers, low and medium center volumes were not associated with any increased odds of in-hospital stroke and death, stroke, death, or stroke with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Compared with high-volume surgeons, low surgeons' volume was associated with a higher odd of stroke (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.04, p = 0.008), and stroke and TIA (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9, p = 0.002). However, medium surgeon volume was not associated with higher odds of stroke and death, stroke, and stroke with TIA. Neither low nor medium surgeon volume was associated with a difference in mortality compared with high surgeon volume. In this retrospective study, center volume was not associated with any differences in outcomes among patients undergoing TCAR. On the other hand, surgeons with low volume were associated with a higher risk of stroke, death, or MI and stroke or TIA when compared with high surgeon volume. There was no difference in outcomes between medium and high surgeon volume.

Endocrine surgery fellowship is necessary for competent endocrine surgical practice: perspectives from Australia and New Zealand.

Currently pathways to practice in endocrine surgery vary based on location and surgical training programme. International data highlights the impact of surgeon volume on outcomes, and the importance of understanding the learning curve in developing minimum training competencies. This study aims to explore how surgeons obtain competence in endocrine surgery in Australia and New Zealand, and perceptions around competence and scope of practice. A web-based survey was distributed to fellows practicing endocrine surgery. Participants were invited to complete a semi-structured interview to explore key themes around competence. Thematic analysis was performed. Responses from 87 surgeons, with 30% practicing primarily in a regional or rural area, showed 94% emphasized post-fellowship training to be competent in endocrine surgery. Median primary operator procedural volume learning curves were 50 thyroid, 30 parathyroid and 20 laparoscopic adrenalectomy procedures. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants identified four major themes: (1) learning opportunities during general surgical education and training programmes alone are insufficient for consultant-level competence; (2) the importance of sufficient training to develop clinical decision-making, insight and judgement to appropriately select patients in the management of endocrine disease; (3) expected standards of clinical and technical performance are independent of practice location or context; (4) the importance of multi-disciplinary teams for complex cases including advanced cancers. Practicing endocrine surgeons acknowledge formal fellowship training is required to achieve competence across technical and non-technical domains. The definition of competence and expectations regarding technical outcomes are independent of practice location or context.

The Role of a Community Surgeon in the Care of Hepatopancreatobiliary Patients: Short-Term Outcomes and Learning Curve.

Background Owing to the well-established volume-outcome relationship, hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery is commonly regionalized to academic, teaching hospitals. However, regionalization is associated with decreased access for some populations in need, as well as geographic and financial barriers for patients. If high surgeon and institutional volumes can be achieved, the community, non-teaching HPB surgical practice could help alleviate some issues associated with regionalization. The HPB experience of a community surgeon immediately after surgical oncology training was reviewed, hypothesizing that high volumes with acceptable short-term outcomes could be achieved, although a learning curve may be observed. Materials and methods Electronic medical records from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed. Data included patient demographics, perioperative details, pathology, complications, and deaths over 90 postoperative days. Perioperative quality metrics were assessed for trends over time in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and liver resection subgroups. Results A total of 295 patients underwent 176 (59.7%) pancreatic and 119 (40.3%) hepatobiliary operations. The most common operations were PD (n=87; 49.4%) and partial hepatic lobectomy (n=56; 41.1%). In the pancreas group, morbidity was 25% (n=44), and mortality was 4.5% (n=8). In the hepatobiliary group, morbidity and mortality were 19.3% (n=23) and 5.0% (n=6), respectively. Within the PD and liver resection subgroups, operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay (LOS) trended downward over time, with LOS decreasing significantly. Conclusion High HPB volumes with acceptable short-term outcomes can be achieved by a solo practitioner in the community, non-teaching setting. For PDs and liver resections, perioperative metrics trended downward over time, illustrating the learning curve encountered after training.

Association Among Surgeon Volume, Surgical Approach, and Uterine Size for Hysterectomy for Benign Indications.

To assess the relationship between surgeon volume and surgical approach for patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications among uteri of varying sizes. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications from 2012 to 2021 within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative registry. For each hysterectomy, the relative annual volume of the performing surgeon was assessed by calculating the proportion of hysterectomy cases contributed by the surgeon each calendar year relative to the total number of hysterectomies in the registry for that year. Hysterectomies were stratified into tertiles: those performed by low-volume surgeons, intermediate-volume surgeons, and high-volume surgeons. Uterine size was represented by the uterine specimen weight and categorized to facilitate clinical interpretation. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed incorporating interaction terms for surgeon volume and uterine size to explore potential effect modification. A total of 54,150 hysterectomies were included. Hysterectomies performed by intermediate- and high-volume surgeons were more likely to be performed through a minimally invasive approach compared with those performed by low-volume surgeons (intermediate-volume: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.68, 95% CI, 1.47-1.92; high-volume: aOR 2.14, 95% CI, 1.87-2.46). Moreover, this likelihood increased with increasing uterine weight. For uteri weighing between 1,000 g and 1,999 g, the odds of minimally invasive approach was significantly higher among intermediate-volume surgeons (aOR 3.38, 95% CI, 2.04-5.12) and high-volume (aOR 9.26, 95% CI, 5.64-15.2) surgeons, compared with low-volume surgeons. After including an interaction term for uterine weight and surgeon volume, we identified effect modification of surgeon volume on the relationship between uterine size and choice of minimally invasive surgery. For uteri up to 3,000 g in weight, hysterectomies performed by high-volume surgeons have a higher likelihood of being performed through a minimally invasive approach compared with those performed by low-volume surgeons.

Comparing optimum prosthesis combinations of total stemmed, stemless and reverse shoulder arthroplasty revision rates for men and women with glenohumeral osteoarthritis

BackgroundThis study investigated prostheses from a large national arthroplasty registry with the lowest rates of revision, defined as optimum. We compared optimum shoulder arthroplasty revision rates for osteoarthritis (OA) to determine the most suitable/effective procedure for men and women. MethodsThere were three cohort groups of optimum primary shoulder arthroplasties for OA undertaken between 1st January 2008 and 31 December 2022: stemless shoulder arthroplasty with cemented polyethylene glenoids (slTSA), stemmed shoulder arthroplasty with modified central peg polyethylene glenoids (stTSA), and cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The cumulative percent revision (CPR) was determined using Kaplan-Meier estimates of survivorship and hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, gender, humeral head/glenosphere size, polyethylene type, and surgeon volume. Possible interactions were examined. A sub-analysis from 1 January 2017 captured additional patient demographics, ASA score, BMI and glenoid morphology. ResultsThe CPR at 7 years was 4.0%(95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1, 5.1) for slTSA (n=3,041), 3.8%(95%CI 2.7, 5.5) for stTSA (n=1,259) and 4.1%(95%CI 3.7, 4.6) for rTSA (n=12,341). slTSA had a higher rate of revision compared to rTSA after the first 9 months (p<0.001). rTSA had a lower revision rate compared to stTSA from 3 months on (p=0.004). After adjusting for other confounders, prosthesis type and gender were associated with revision rates (p<0.001) whereas surgeon volume was not. Additionally, gender and prosthesis type strongly interacted (p=0.013) and the combined model exhibited greater predictive performance when including this interaction. Women had lower rates of revision than men for both stTSA and rTSA, but not slTSA. Most revisions were for infection in men, especially rTSA. After 3 months, the rate of revision for slTSA vs rTSA for women was increased (p<0.001) and revision rates for men did not significantly differ. However, in a sub-analysis of procedures in males since 2017 with additional adjustments, slTSA had a lower revision rate than stTSA (p=0.010). ConclusionsThe optimum shoulder arthroplasty revision rates vary for both the gender and implant type for the diagnosis of OA. A model combining optimum prostheses and gender predicted revision better than optimum implants alone. After 3 months, rTSA was associated with lower revision rates compared to slTSA in women, whereas there were no significant differences between optimum prostheses in men. However, surgeons may also consider lower revision risk of optimum slTSA at sub analysis and increased cumulative incidence of infection for rTSA requiring revision to resolve decision making for male patients.

Factors Associated With Permanent Pacemaker Placement After Tricuspid Valve Operations

BackgroundConduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation are common after tricuspid valve operations, although the incidence is variable. This study investigated contemporary rates of and risk factors for a PPM after tricuspid operations. MethodsThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was used to identify patients with tricuspid repair or replacement from 2011 to 2020. Factors independently associated with the risk of a postoperative PPM during the index hospital admission were examined using multivariable logistic regression with a complete case approach. Annualized hospital and surgeon volumes were calculated. ResultsWe identified 71,937 patients undergoing tricuspid operations. Median patient age was 66 years (interquartile range, 53-74 years), 56% (n = 40,590) were women, and the median ejection fraction was 0.56 (interquartile range, 0.48-0.60). Tricuspid operations were concomitant in 87% (n = 62,457), elective in 62% (n = 44,393), and included repair in 86% (n = 61,720). Overall postoperative incidence of a PPM was 15% (n = 10,857); 13% (n = 8304) after repair and 25% (n = 2553) after replacement; and 4% (n = 174) for isolated tricuspid repair and 24% (n = 1248) for isolated tricuspid replacement. Multivariable analysis showed baseline characteristics, endocarditis, concomitant operations, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, tricuspid replacement, and lower hospital and surgeon tricuspid operative volumes were independently associated with greater risk for a PPM. After adjustment, tricuspid replacement had 3.2-times greater PPM risk compared with tricuspid repair. ConclusionsNationally, 15% of patients undergoing tricuspid operations required postoperative PPM implantation. PPM risk was increased with concomitant valve operations, tricuspid replacement, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, and operations performed by less experienced surgeons and centers. Innovation is needed to decrease this significant morbidity.

Association between surgeon and hospital volume and outcome of first-time revision hip arthroplasty for aseptic loosening.

This study evaluates the association between consultant and hospital volume and the risk of re-revision and 90-day mortality following first-time revision of primary hip arthroplasty for aseptic loosening. We conducted a cohort study of first-time, single-stage revision hip arthroplasties (RHAs) performed for aseptic loosening and recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR) data for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man between 2003 and 2019. Patient identifiers were used to link records to national mortality data, and to NJR data to identify subsequent re-revision procedures. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used to define associations between volume and outcome. Among 12,961 RHAs there were 513 re-revisions within two years, and 95 deaths within 90 days of surgery. The risk of re-revision was highest for a consultant's first RHA (hazard ratio (HR) 1.56 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.12)) and remained significantly elevated for their first 24 cases (HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.58)). Annual consultant volumes of five/year were associated with an almost 30% greater risk of re-revision (HR 1.28 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.64)) and 80% greater risk of 90-day mortality (HR 1.81 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.21)) compared to volumes of 20/year. RHAs performed at hospitals which had cumulatively undertaken fewer than 167 RHAs were at up to 70% greater risk of re-revision (HR 1.70 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.59)), and those having undertaken fewer than 307 RHAs were at up to three times greater risk of 90-day mortality (HR 3.05 (95% CI 1.19 to 7.82)). This study found a significantly higher risk of re-revision and early postoperative mortality following first-time single-stage RHA for aseptic loosening when performed by lower-volume consultants and at lower-volume institutions, supporting the move towards the centralization of such cases towards higher-volume units and surgeons.

Higher stroke risk after carotid endarterectomy and transcarotid artery revascularization is associated with relative surgeon volume ratio: Presented as a full length oral plenary presentation at the Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Chicago, Ill, June 19, 2024.

Higher stroke risk after carotid endarterectomy and transcarotid artery revascularization is associated with relative surgeon volume ratio: Presented as a full length oral plenary presentation at the Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Chicago, Ill, June 19, 2024.

Comparison of Open and Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

To compare perioperative and 5-year outcomes following endovascular (FEVAR) and open repair (OAR) of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAA) in males and females separately, given the known sex related differences in perioperative outcomes. We studied all elective cAAA repairs between 2014-2019 in the Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network (VISION) registry. We stratified patients based on sex. We calculated propensity scores for assignment to either OAR or FEVAR. Covariates including age, race, diameter, baseline comorbidities, proximal extent of repair, annual center volumes, and annual surgeon volumes were introduced into the model for estimating propensity scores. Within matched cohorts, perioperative outcomes and 5-year outcomes (mortality, reinterventions, and ruptures) were evaluated using multivariable logistic and Cox regression models. We identified 2,825 patients of whom 29% were female. Within both the sexes, OAR was more commonly performed (OAR vs FEVAR: males: 53% vs 47%; females: 63% vs 37%). After matching, among males (n=1326), FEVAR was associated with lower perioperative mortality (FEVAR vs OAR: 2.3% vs 5.1%; p<.001). However, FEVAR was associated with comparable 5-year mortality (38% vs 28%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.2 [0.92-1.4]; p=.22) and a higher hazard of 5-year reintervention (19% vs 3.7%; aHR: 4.5 [2.6-7.6], p<.001). Among females (n=456), FEVAR and OAR showed similar perioperative mortality (8.3% vs 7.0%; p=.73). At 5 years, FEVAR was associated with higher hazards of mortality (43% vs 32%; aHR: 1.5 [1.03-2.2], p=.034) and reintervention (20% vs 3.0%; aHR: 4.8 [2.1-11], p<.001) compared with OAR. Among males, FEVAR was associated with favorable perioperative outcomes compared with OAR, though these advantages attenuate over time. However, among females, FEVAR was associated with similar perioperative outcomes, eventually leading to higher reinterventions and possibly higher mortality within 5 years. Future efforts should focus on determining the factors associated with these sex disparities to improve outcomes following FEVAR in females. Based on current evidence, females undergoing elective cAAA repair should be selected with due caution, especially for endovascular repair.

Feasibility, clinical outcomes, and learning curves of robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery in a high-volume district general hospital: a cohort study

Introduction: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is one of the most influential surgical advances with widespread clinical and health-economic benefits. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust was the first in the UK to simultaneously integrate two CMR Surgical Versius robots. This study aims to investigate clinical outcomes of RAS, explore surgeon learning curves and assess the feasibility of implementation within a district general hospital (DGH). Methods: A prospective cohort study of 100 consecutive patient data were collected between July 2022 and August 2023, including demographics, operative and clinical variables, and compared with laparoscopic surgery (LS) data from the National Bowel Cancer Audit. Surgeon learning curves were analysed using sequential surgical and console times. Results: In the RAS cohort, the median age was 70 (IQR 57–78 years) and 60% were male. Retrieval of a minimum of 12 lymph nodes significantly increased in RAS compared to LS (95% vs. 88%, P=0.05). The negative mesorectal margin rate was similar between RAS and LS (97% vs. 91%, P=0.10), as well as length of stay greater than 5 days (42% vs. 39%, P=0.27). For anterior resections performed by the highest volume surgeon (n=16), surgical time was reduced over 1 year by 35% (304.9–196.9 min), whilst console time increased by 111% (63.0–132.8 min). Conclusions: Key quality performance indicators were either unchanged or improved with RAS. There is potential for improved theatre utilisation and cost-savings with increased RAS. This study demonstrates the feasibility and easy integration of robotic platforms into DGHs, offering wider training opportunities for the next generation of surgeons.

Trends in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Techniques and Postoperative Care Among Leaders in the Field: A Survey of the Herodicus Society.

Despite a growing body of literature regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), there remains a wide diversity in surgical technique and clinical practice across providers. To (1) describe current ACLR practice preferences among members of the Herodicus society and (2) determine whether these preferences are influenced by years in practice and overall surgical volume. Cross-sectional study. A 24-question survey investigating surgeons' practices and preferred ACLR surgical techniques was sent via email to all active Herodicus Society members. Survey responses were subdivided by years of experience and overall ACLR annual case volume. Descriptive statistics were compiled and chi-square testing was utilized to determine the significance of experience and case volume on survey responses. Of the 113 invited Herodicus Society members who perform ACLR, 69 (61%) completed the survey. Respondents had a mean ± SD of 30.9 ± 9.8 years of experience in clinical practice and performed a mean of 96.0 ± 50.7 primary and 21.6 ± 16.9 revision ACLR annually. Of revision cases, 72.1% were performed using a single-stage technique. Mean frequency of graft usage by surgeon was bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft (58.6%), quadriceps autograft (14.6%), hamstring tendon autograft (14.0%), and allograft (11.8%). The plurality of surgeons responded that they used anterolateral augmentation "rarely" in primary ACLR (39.1%) and "sometimes" in revision ACLR (31.9%), with the majority performing lateral extra-articular tenodesis (66.7%) rather than anterolateral ligament reconstruction (14.5%). Most surgeons would not allow a 20-year-old football player to return before 7 months after ACLR (71.0%) but highly valued return-to-sports testing to determine readiness (94.2%). Higher volume surgeons performed single-stage revision ACLR at a significantly higher rate (79.8% vs 62.9%, P = .02) and significantly differed in return-to-sports criteria, with a greater proportion relying primarily on biometric testing (P = .01). The survey demonstrated that, in the Herodicus Society, a wide range of preferences exist regarding ACLR surgical technique. Bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft is the most frequent primary ACLR graft choice. Most participants have not embraced newer techniques such as anterolateral or suture tape augmentation. Return to sports is generally not allowed before 7 months and heavily factors-in return-to-sports testing metrics, suggesting that purely time-based criteria for return to sports is not modern practice among elite sports medicine surgeons.

Association of Technology Usage and Decreased Revision TKA Rates for Low-Volume Surgeons Using an Optimal Prosthesis Combination: An Analysis of 53,264 Primary TKAs.

Technology (navigation and robotics) usage during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often supported by literature involving high-volume surgeons and hospitals, but the value of technology for lower-volume surgeons is uncertain. This study aimed to determine if there was a relationship among surgeon volume, technology usage, and revision rate when using an optimal prosthesis combination (OPC). Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) data were obtained from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2022, for all primary TKA procedures performed for osteoarthritis using an OPC by a known surgeon ≥5 years after their first recorded procedure. The interaction between surgeon volume and conventional-instrumentation (CV) versus technology-assisted (TA) TKA was assessed. The cumulative percent revision (CPR) was determined by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Cox proportional-hazards methods were used to compare rates of revision by surgeon volume and by the interaction of volume and technology. Subanalyses were undertaken to examine major and minor revisions separately, and to assess the influence of technology on revision rates relative to those of a surgeon undertaking 100 TKA/year. Of the 53,264 procedures that met the inclusion criteria, 31,536 were TA-TKA and 21,728 were CV-TKA. Use of technology reduced the all-cause revision rate for surgeons with a volume of <50 TKA/year and the rate of minor revisions for surgeons with a volume of <40 TKA/year. No interaction between surgeon volume and the rate of major revision surgery was found. With CV-TKA by a surgeon with a 100-TKA/year volume as the comparator, all-cause and major revision rates were significantly elevated for surgeons undertaking <50 and <100 TKA/year, respectively. In contrast, analysis of TA-TKA showed no difference in rates of all-cause or major revisions for surgeons undertaking <100 TKA/year compared with 100 TKA/year. TA-TKA was associated with a decrease in the revision rate for lower-volume surgeons but no significant alterations in revision rate for higher-volume surgeons. Preferential use of TA-TKA by lower-volume surgeons should be considered. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.