Association of time to resection with survival in patients with colon cancer.

PURPOSE: Colon cancer (CC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, for which colectomy represents the standard of care. Yet, the impact of delayed resection on survival outcomes remains controversial. We assessed the association between time to surgery and 10-year survival in a national cohort of CC patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study identified all adults who underwent colectomy for Stage I-III CC in the 2004-2020 National Cancer Database. Those who required neoadjuvant therapy or emergent resection < 7 days from diagnosis were excluded. Patients were classified into Early (< 25 days) and Delayed (≥ 25 days) cohorts after an adjusted analysis of the relationship between time to surgery and 10-year survival. Survival at 1-, 5-, and 10-years was assessed via Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard modeling, adjusting for age, sex, race, income quartile, insurance coverage, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index, disease stage, location of tumor, receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as hospital type, location, and case volume. RESULTS: Of 165,991 patients, 84,665 (51%) were classified as Early and 81,326 (49%) Delayed. Following risk adjustment, Delayed resection was associated with similar 1-year [hazard ratio (HR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.04, P = 0.72], but inferior 5- (HR 1.24, CI 1.22-1.26; P < 0.001) and 10-year survival (HR 1.22, CI 1.20-1.23; P < 0.001). Black race [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.36, CI 1.31-1.41; P < 0.001], Medicaid insurance coverage (AOR 1.34, CI 1.26-1.42; P < 0.001), and care at high-volume hospitals (AOR 1.12, 95%CI 1.08-1.17; P < 0.001) were linked with greater likelihood of Delayed resection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CC who underwent resection ≥ 25 days following diagnosis demonstrated similar 1-year, but inferior 5- and 10-year survival, compared to those who underwent surgery within 25 days. Socioeconomic factors, including race and Medicaid insurance, were linked with greater odds of delayed resection. Efforts to balance appropriate preoperative evaluation with expedited resection are needed to optimize patient outcomes.

Race, Insurance, and Sex-Based Disparities in Access to High-Volume Centers for Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: With a large body of literature demonstrating positive volume-outcome relationships for most major operations, minimum volume requirements have been suggested for concentration of cases to high-volume centers (HVCs). However, data are limited regarding disparities in access to these hospitals for pancreatectomy patients. METHODS: The 2005-2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all elective adult hospitalizations for pancreatectomy. Hospitals performing more than 20 annual cases were classified as HVCs. Mixed-multivariable regression models were developed to characterize the impact of demographic factors and case volume on outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Of an estimated 127,527 hospitalizations, 79.8% occurred at HVCs. Patients at these centers were more frequently white (79.0 vs 70.8%; p < 0.001), privately insured (39.4 vs 34.2%; p < 0.001), and within the highest income quartile (30.5 vs 25.0%; p < 0.001). Adjusted analysis showed that operations performed at HVCs were associated with reduced odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.55), increased odds of discharge to home (AOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30), shorter hospital stay (ß, -0.81 days; 95% CI, -1.2 to -0.40 days), but similar costs. Patients who were female (AOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98), non-white (black: AOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.59-0.75; Hispanic: AOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.47-0.66; reference, white), insured by Medicaid (AOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56-0.72; reference, private), and within the lowest income quartile (AOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.90; reference, highest) had decreased odds of treatment at an HVC. CONCLUSIONS: For those undergoing pancreatectomies, HVCs realize superior clinical outcomes but treat lower proportions of female, non-white, and Medicaid populations. These findings may have implications for improving access to high-quality centers.

Momentary intentions and perceived behavioral control are within-person predictors of sedentary leisure time: preliminary findings from an ecological momentary assessment study in adolescents.

Previous studies among adolescents conceptualize behavioral cognitions [e.g., intentions and perceived behavioral control (PBC)] as stable trait-like factors despite evidence suggesting they vary momentarily. We examined whether intentions and PBC momentarily relate to subsequent sedentary time during non-school periods. Healthy adolescents (N = 15, ages 11-15) reported their intentions and PBC regarding sedentary leisure behaviors via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) up to seven times/day for 14 days. Sedentary time in the two hours following each EMA prompt was measured by ActivPAL accelerometers. When participants reported greater sedentary intentions (within-person ß = 1.1, 95% CI 0.2, 2.1, p = 0.0213) and sedentary PBC (within-person ß = 1.7, 95% CI 0.6, 2.8, p = 0.0029), they accumulated greater sedentary time. This demonstrates that sedentary intentions and PBC are acutely associated with sedentary time among adolescents. Our findings highlight the potential for implementing just-in-time activity interventions among adolescents during at-risk periods within the day, characterized by deviations from one's usual intentions and PBC levels.

Outcomes of Expedited Discharge After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVES: Expedited discharge after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been postulated as a possible solution for reducing hospitalization costs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of expedited postoperative discharge on readmissions and costs in patients undergoing isolated CABG. DESIGN: Adults (≥18 years) who underwent isolated CABG were identified using the 2016-to-2019 Nationwide Readmission Database. Patients were classified as expedited or routine, with expedited patients being discharged on or before postoperative day 4. Those who experienced perioperative complications were excluded. SETTING: The Nationwide Readmissions Database. PARTICIPANTS: Patients ≥18 years old who underwent isolated CABG. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of an estimated 187,591 patients meeting study criteria, 37.2% (n = 69,861) experienced expedited discharge. Expedited patients experienced lower index hospitalization costs ($28,543 v $34,114, p < 0.001), and were less likely to experience 30-day nonelective readmission (4.6% v 7.3%, p < 0.001) and 90-day nonelective readmission (5.6% v 8.7%, p < 0.001). After adjustment, expedited discharge remained independently associated with reduced odds of both 30-day (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.71-0.85) and 90-day (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74-0.87) nonelective readmission. In addition, expedited discharge was associated with an incremental decrease in index hospitalization costs (ß: -5,661, 95% CI: -5,894 to -5,429). CONCLUSIONS: Expedited discharge immensely decreases costs of care for patients undergoing isolated CABG, as well as readmission risks. Expedited discharge may be considered a strategy to both improve postoperative patient care and reduce hospitalization costs within the United States healthcare system.

Short-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a national analysis.

BACKGROUND: While considered standard of care for obesity management, bariatric surgery is uncommon in patients with co-morbid inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the association of IBD with postoperative outcomes and resource use following bariatric surgery. SETTING: Academic, university-affiliated; United States. METHODS: All elective adult hospitalizations for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were identified in the 2016-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were classified based on diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD). Multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate the association of IBD with outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Of an estimated 719,270 eligible patients, 860 and 1214 comprised the UC and CD cohorts, respectively. Compared to non-IBD, UC and CD had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (UC: 3.0 ± 1.4; CD: 3.1 ± 1.5; non-IBD: 2.7 ± 1.4, P < .001) and more frequently underwent sleeve gastrectomy (UC: 77.5%; CD: 83.2%; non-IBD: 68.8%, P < .001). All IBD patients survived to discharge. After adjustment, IBD was not associated with significant differences in most clinical outcomes analyzed. UC (adjusted odds ratio: 2.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-7.13) and CD (adjusted odds ratio: 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 2.20-8.80) were associated with increased odds of gastric outlet obstruction after RYGB but not sleeve gastrectomy. CD, but not UC, was linked to significantly higher odds of small bowel obstruction following RYGB (adjusted odds ratio: 4.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.76-11.49). There was no difference in index LOS, hospitalization costs, or odds of 30-day readmission based on IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with obesity and IBD faced low rates of adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal obstruction for patients with IBD undergoing RYGB. Given its safety profile, bariatric surgery can be utilized as a weight loss intervention for the growing proportion of patients with obesity and co-morbid IBD.

Timing of Noncardiac Surgery Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A National Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of noncardiac surgery (NCS) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis has not been elucidated by current national guidelines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the time interval between TAVR and NCS (Δt) on the perioperative risk of major adverse events (MAEs). METHODS: All adult admissions for isolated TAVR for aortic stenosis were identified in the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients who received NCS on subsequent admission were included for analysis and grouped by Δt as follows: ≤30, 31 to 60, 61 to 90, and >90 days. Multivariable regression models were constructed to examine the association of Δt with ensuing outcomes. RESULTS: Of 3,098 patients (median age = 79 years, 41.6% female), 19.1% underwent NCS at ≤30 days, 22.9% at 31 to 60 days, 16.7% at 61 to 90 days, and 41.3% at >90 days. After adjustment, the odds of MAEs were similar for operations performed at ≤30 days (adjusted OR [AOR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-1.50), 31 to 60 days (AOR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.71-1.31), and 61 to 90 days (AOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.67-1.34), with those at >90 days as reference. When examining the average marginal effect of the interval to surgery, risk-adjusted MAE rates were statistically similar across Δt groups for elective status and NCS risk category combinations. CONCLUSIONS: NCS within 30, 31 to 60, or 61 to 90 days after TAVR was not associated with increased odds of MAEs compared with operations after 90 days irrespective of NCS risk category or elective status. Our findings suggest that the interval between NCS and TAVR may not be an accurate predictor of MAE risk in this population.

National outcomes of expedited discharge following esophagectomy for malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Expedited discharge following esophagectomy is controversial due to concerns for higher readmissions and financial burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of expedited discharge with hospitalization costs and unplanned readmissions following esophagectomy for malignant lesions. METHODS: Adults undergoing elective esophagectomy for cancer were identified in the 2014-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients discharged by postoperative day 7 were considered Expedited and others as Routine. Patients who did not survive to discharge or had major perioperative complications were excluded. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess association of expedited discharge with index hospitalization costs as well as 30- and 90-day non-elective readmissions. RESULTS: Of 9,886 patients who met study criteria, 34.6% comprised the Expedited cohort. After adjustment, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.71, p = 0.001) and increasing Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (AOR 0.88/point, p<0.001) were associated with lower odds of expedited discharge, while laparoscopic (AOR 1.63, p<0.001, Ref: open) and robotic (AOR 1.67, p = 0.003, Ref: open) approach were linked to greater likelihood. Patients at centers in the highest-tertile of minimally invasive esophagectomy volume had increased odds of expedited discharge (AOR 1.52, p = 0.025, Ref: lowest-tertile). On multivariable analysis, expedited discharge was independently associated with an $8,300 reduction in hospitalization costs. Notably, expedited discharge was associated with similar odds of 30-day (AOR 1.10, p = 0.40) and 90-day (AOR 0.90, p = 0.70) unplanned readmissions. CONCLUSION: Expedited discharge after esophagectomy was associated with decreased costs and unaltered readmissions. Prospective studies are necessary to robustly evaluate whether expedited discharge is appropriate for select patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Care Fragmentation After Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Care fragmentation (CF), or readmission at a nonindex hospital, has been linked to inferior clinical and financial outcomes for patients. However, its impact on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. This study investigated the prevalence and impact of CF on the outcomes of patients with AMI. All US adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations for AMI from January 2010 to November 2019 were identified using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were stratified by readmission at an index or nonindex center. Multivariable models were developed to evaluate factors associated with CF, and independent associations with mortality, complications, and resource utilization. A total of 413,819 patients with AMI requiring nonelective readmission within 30 days of discharge were included for analysis. Of these, 25.4% (n = 104,966) experienced CF. The incidence of CF increased from 2010 to 2019 (nptrend <0.001). After adjustment, patients insured by Medicaid faced higher odds of nonindex readmission. CF was associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.18), and cardiac (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22), respiratory (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.26), and infectious complications (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.22). Further, CF was linked to increased odds of nonhome discharge (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.24) and an additional ∼$5,000 in per-patient hospitalization costs (95% CI 4,260 to 5,100). Approximately 25% of AMI patients experienced CF, which was independently associated with excess mortality, complications, and expenditures. Given the growing national burden of cardiovascular disease, new efforts are needed to mitigate the significant clinical and financial implications of nonindex readmissions and improve value-based healthcare.

National trends and clinical outcomes of interventional approaches following admission for infected necrotizing pancreatitis in the United States.

BACKGROUND: With recent studies demonstrating the efficacy of minimally invasive approaches following infected necrotizing pancreatitis, latest guideline recommendations support their use. However, large-scale studies are lacking, and the national landscape following these guidelines remains poorly characterized. The present study examined trends in intervention strategies and the association of approach on clinical outcomes and resource use in a nationally representative cohort. METHODS: The 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample was queried for adult hospitalizations for pancreatitis with infected necrosis. Patients were classified as drain only (DO) if they received only percutaneous or endoscopic drainage, minimally invasive (MIS) if they underwent endoscopic or laparoscopic debridement, and Open if they underwent open debridement. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included perioperative complications, home discharge, and resource use. Multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate the association of intervention with clinical and financial endpoints. RESULTS: Of 4,605 patients who received interventions, 1,735 (37.6%) were DO, 1,490 (32.4%) were MIS, and 1,380 (30.0%) were considered Open. The proportion of DO and MIS increased, while Open declined (2016, 47.0%; 2019, 24.6%; p < 0.001). Compared with Open, MIS had lower rates of abdominal compartment syndrome while having greater rates of preoperative closed drainage (31.9% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.001). After adjustment, odds of in-hospital mortality, respiratory failure, prolonged ventilation, and acute kidney injury were significantly higher in the Open cohort compared with MIS. Hospitalization duration was longer ( ß , +12.1 days; 95% confidence interval, 6.8-17.5), and costs were higher ( ß , +$58.7K; 95% confidence interval, 33.5-83.9) in Open compared with MIS. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches for infected pancreatic necrosis have increased over time, while open necrosectomy has declined. Open approaches compared with drainage only or minimally invasive debridement were associated with greater odds of numerous in-hospital complications and resource burden. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Major elective non-cardiac operations in adults with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) on resource utilisation and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing major elective non-cardiac operations. BACKGROUND: Due to advances in congenital cardiac management in recent years, more patients with CHD are living into adulthood and are requiring non-cardiac operations. METHODS: The 2010-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify all adults undergoing major elective operations (pneumonectomy, hepatectomy, hip replacement, pancreatectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, colectomy, gastrectomy and oesophagectomy). Multivariable regression models were used to categorise key clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of an estimated 4 941 203 adults meeting inclusion criteria, 5234 (0.11%) had a previous diagnosis of CHD. Over the study period, the incidence of CHD increased from 0.06% to 0.17%, p<0.001. CHD patients were on average younger (63.3±14.8 vs 64.4±12.5 years, p=0.004), had a higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (3.3±2.2 vs 2.3±1.8, p<0.001) and received operations at high volume centres more frequently (66.6% vs 62.0%, p=0.003). Following risk adjustment, these patients had increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted risk ratio (ARR): 1.76, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.47), experienced longer hospitalisation durations (+1.6 days, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.0) and cost more (+$8370, 95% CI $6686 to $10 055). Furthermore, they were more at risk for in-hospital complications (ARR: 1.24 95% CI 1.17 to 1.31) and endured higher adjusted risk of readmission at 30 days (ARR: 1.32 95% CI 1.13 to 1.54). CONCLUSIONS: Adults with CHD are more frequently comprising the major elective operative cohort for non-cardiac cases. Due to the inferior clinical and financial outcomes suffered by this population, perioperative risk stratification may benefit from the inclusion of CHD as a factor that portends unfavourable outcomes.

Identifying the origin of socioeconomic disparities in outcomes of major elective operations.

Background: While the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on surgical outcomes has been examined in limited series, it remains a significant determinant of healthcare outcomes at the national level. Therefore, the current study aims to determine SES disparities at three time-points: hospital accessibility, in-hospital outcomes, and post-discharge consequences. Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010-2018 was used to isolate major elective operations. SES was assigned using previously coded median income quartiles as defined by patient zip-code, with low SES defined as the lowest quartile and high SES as the highest. Results: Of an estimated 4,816,837 patients undergoing major elective operations, 1,037,689 (21.3 %) were categorized as low SES and 1,288,618 (26.5 %) as high. On univariate analysis and compared to those of low SES, high SES patients were more frequently treated at high-volume centers (70.9 vs 55.6 %, p < 0.001), had lower rates of in-hospital complications (24.0 vs 29.0 %, p < 0.001) and mortality (0.4 vs 0.9 %, p < 0.001) as well as less frequent urgent readmissions at 30- (5.7 vs 7.1 %, p < 0.001) and 90-day timepoints (9.4 vs 10.7 %, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, high SES patients had higher odds of treatment at high-volume centers (Odds: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.71-2.06), and lower odds of perioperative complications (Odds: 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.96-0.99), mortality (Odds: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.65-0.75), and urgent readmissions at 90-days (Odds: 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.92-0.98). Conclusion: This study fills a much-needed gap in the current literature by establishing that all of the aforementioned timepoints include significant disadvantages for those of low socioeconomic status. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach may be required for intervention to improve equity for surgical patients.

National Trends and Clinical Outcomes of Type B Aortic Dissection Management at Safety-Net Hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) are often underinsured and urgently admitted for open or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The present study evaluated the association of safety-net status with outcomes among patients with TBAD. METHODS: The 2012-2019 National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify all adults admitted with type B aortic dissection. Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) were defined as institutions in the top 33% for the annual proportion of uninsured or Medicaid patients. Multivariable regression models were utilized to assess the association of SNH with in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization cost, and non-home discharge. RESULTS: Of an estimated 172 595 patients, 61 000 (35.3%) were managed at SNH. Compared to others, patients admitted to SNH were younger, more commonly non-white, and more frequently non-electively admitted. From 2012 to 2019, the annual incidence of type B aortic dissection increased in the overall cohort. Additionally, utilization of TEVAR at non-SNH increased significantly (2012: 6.5% vs 2019: 9.8%), while that of SNH remained similar (2012: 7.4% vs 2019: 7.9%). Patients undergoing open repair had higher mortality at both SNH (12.4 vs 7.8%, P < .001) and non-SNH (13.1 vs 6.1%, P < .001) compared to those receiving TEVAR. After risk adjustment, compared to non-SNH, SNH status was associated with greater odds of mortality, perioperative complications and non-home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding suggests that SNH have inferior clinical outcomes for TBAD as well as reduced adoption of endovascular management strategies. Future studies to identify barriers to optimal aortic repair and ameliorate disparities at SNH are warranted.

Thyroid surgery outcomes in octogenarians: A national analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of thyroid pathology increases with age. Yet octogenarians may face increased rates of complications after thyroid surgery. Using a nationally representative cohort, we evaluated the outcomes of thyroidectomy among octogenarians. METHODS: All patients ≥55 years who underwent inpatient thyroidectomy were identified using the 2010 to 2020 National Readmissions Database. Patients ≥80 years were classified as octogenarians (others: nonoctogenarians). Multivariable models were built to evaluate independent associations between octogenarians and key clinical and financial outcomes. RESULTS: Of 120,164 hospitalizations, 9,163 (7.6%) were octogenarians. The proportion of octogenarians undergoing thyroidectomy increased from 7.7% (2010) to 8.7% (2020) (nptrend <0.001). Octogenarians were more frequently female (72.1 vs 70.5%, P < .001), presented with a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (3 [2-4] vs 2 [1-3], P < .001), and more commonly faced thyroid cancer (41.3 vs 32.7%, P < .001). After risk adjustment, octogenarians were associated with greater odds of experiencing any perioperative complication (adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.25-1.48). Octogenarians were further linked with greater odds of respiratory (adjusted odds ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.52-2.17) and renal complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.45-2.49), dysphagia (adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.33-1.72), laryngeal edema (adjusted odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.30-3.18), vocal cord paralysis (adjusted odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.53-2.09), and stridor (adjusted odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.00). No difference in hypocalcemia was observed. Furthermore, octogenarians demonstrated an increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 6.34, 95% confidence interval 3.11-12.53), hospitalization expenditures (+$910, 95% confidence interval +$420-1,400), and nonelective readmission within 30 days of discharge (adjusted odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.32-1.79). CONCLUSION: Octogenarians are associated with greater morbidity after thyroidectomy. Patients ≥80 years should be counseled about increased perioperative risk when discussing surgical versus nonsurgical treatments for thyroid disease.

Association of body mass index with morbidity following elective ventral hernia repair.

Background: Prior work has linked body mass index (BMI) with postoperative outcomes of ventral hernia repair (VHR), though recent data characterizing this association are limited. This study used a contemporary national cohort to investigate the association between BMI and VHR outcomes. Methods: Adults ≥ 18 years undergoing isolated, elective, primary VHR were identified using the 2016-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were stratified by BMI. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to ascertain the BMI threshold for significantly increased morbidity. Multivariable models were developed to evaluate the association of BMI with outcomes of interest. Results: Of ~89,924 patients, 0.5 % were considered Underweight, 12.9 % Normal Weight, 29.5 % Overweight, 29.1 % Class I, 16.6 % Class II, 9.7 % Class III, and 1.7 % Superobese. After risk adjustment, class I (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.22, 95 % Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.06-1.41), class II (AOR 1.42, 95%CI: 1.21-1.66), class III obesity (AOR 1.76, 95%CI: 1.49-2.09) and superobesity (AOR 2.25, 95 % CI: 1.71-2.95) remained associated with increased odds of overall morbidity relative to normal BMI following open, but not laparoscopic, VHR. A BMI of 32 was identified as the threshold for the most significant increase in predicted rate of morbidity. Increasing BMI was linked to a stepwise rise in operative time and postoperative length of stay. Conclusion: BMI ≥ 32 is associated with greater morbidity following open, but not laparoscopic VHR. The relevance of BMI may be more pronounced in open VHR and must be considered for stratifying risk, improving outcomes, and optimizing care. Key message: Body mass index (BMI) continues to be a relevant factor in morbidity and resource use for elective open ventral hernia repair (VHR). A BMI of 32 serves as the threshold for significant increase in overall complications following open VHR, though this association is not observed in operations performed laparoscopically.

National analysis of cost disparities in robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic abdominal operations.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of robotic-assisted surgery continues to expand, the cost-effectiveness of this platform remains unclear. The present study aimed to compare hospitalization costs and clinical outcomes between robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic approaches for major abdominal operations. METHODS: All adults receiving minimally invasive gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy (right, left, transverse, sigmoid), ventral hernia repair, hysterectomy, and abdominoperineal resection were identified in the 2012 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample. Records with concurrent operations were excluded. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were developed to examine the association of the operative approach with costs, length of stay, and complications. An interaction term between the year and operative approach was used to analyze cost differences over time. RESULTS: Of an estimated 1,124,450 patients, 75.8% had laparoscopic surgery, and 24.2% had robotic-assisted surgery. Compared to laparoscopic, patients with robotic-assisted operations were younger and more commonly privately insured. The average hospitalization cost for laparoscopic cases was $16,000 ± 14,800 and robotic-assisted cases was $18,300 ± 13,900 (P < .001). Regardless of procedure type, all robotic-assisted operations had higher costs compared to laparoscopic operations. Risk-adjusted trend analysis revealed that the discrepancy in costs between laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery persisted and widened over time from $1,600 in 2012 to $2,600 in 2019. Compared to laparoscopic procedures, robotic procedures had a 2.2% reduction in complications (9.4 vs 11.6%, P < .001) and a 0.7-day decrement in the length of stay (95% confidence interval -0.8 to -0.7). CONCLUSION: Disparities in costs between robotic and laparoscopic abdominal operations have persisted over time. Given the modest decrement in adverse outcomes, further investigation into the clinical benefits of robotic surgery is warranted to justify its greater costs.

Association of hospital volume with conversion to open from minimally invasive colectomy in patients with diverticulitis: A national analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for diverticular disease, the impact of conversions to open (CtO) colectomy remains understudied. The present study used a nationally representative database to characterize risk factors and outcomes associated with CtO in patients with diverticular disease. METHODS: All elective adult hospitalizations entailing colectomy for diverticulitis were identified in the 2017-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Annual institutional caseloads of MIS and open colectomy were independently tabulated. Restricted cubic splines were utilized to non-linearly estimate the risk-adjusted association between hospital volumes and CtO. Additional regression models were developed to evaluate the association of CtO with outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Of an estimated 110,281 patients with diverticulitis who met study criteria, 39.3% underwent planned open colectomy, 53.3% completed MIS, and 7.4% had a CtO. Following adjustment, an inverse relationship between hospital MIS volume and risk of CtO was observed. In contrast, increasing hospital open volume was positively associated with greater risk of CtO. On multivariable analysis, CtO was associated with lower odds of mortality (AOR 0.3, p = 0.001) when compared to open approach, and similar risk of mortality when compared to completed MIS (AOR 0.7, p = 0.436). CONCLUSION: In the present study, institutional MIS volume exhibited inverse correlation with adjusted rates of CtO, independent of open colectomy volume. CtO was associated with decreased rates of mortality compared to planned open approach but equivalence risk relative to completed MIS. Our findings highlight the importance of MIS experience and suggest that MIS may be safely pursued as the initial surgical approach among diverticulitis patients.

Acute clinical and financial outcomes of esophagectomy at safety-net hospitals in the United States.

BACKGROUND: While safety-net hospitals (SNH) play a critical role in the care of underserved communities, they have been associated with inferior postoperative outcomes. This study evaluated the association of hospital safety-net status with clinical and financial outcomes following esophagectomy. METHODS: All adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective esophagectomy for benign and malignant gastroesophageal disease were identified in the 2010-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Centers in the highest quartile for the proportion of uninsured/Medicaid patients were classified as SNH (others: non-SNH). Regression models were developed to evaluate adjusted associations between SNH status and outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and resource use. Royston-Parmar flexible parametric models were used to assess time-varying hazard of non-elective readmission over 90 days. RESULTS: Of an estimated 51,649 esophagectomy hospitalizations, 9,024 (17.4%) were performed at SNH. While SNH patients less frequently suffered from gastroesophageal malignancies (73.2 vs 79.6%, p<0.001) compared to non-SNH, the distribution of age and comorbidities were similar. SNH was independently associated with mortality (AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.50), intraoperative complications (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.20-1.74) and need for blood transfusions (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.35-1.93). Management at SNH was also associated with incremental increases in LOS (+1.37, 95% CI 0.64-2.10), costs (+10,400, 95% CI 6,900-14,000), and odds of 90-day non-elective readmission (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Care at safety-net hospitals was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and non-elective rehospitalization following elective esophagectomy. Efforts to provide sufficient resources at SNH may serve to reduce complications and overall costs for this procedure.

Evaluation of hospital readmission rates as a quality metric in adult cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of 30-day non-elective readmissions as a quality metric for adult cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Unplanned readmissions is a quality metric for adult cardiac surgery. However, its reliability in benchmarking hospitals remains under-explored. METHODS: Adults undergoing elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical aortic valve replacement/repair (SAVR) or mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) were tabulated from 2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Multi-level regressions were developed to model the likelihood of 30-day unplanned readmissions and major adverse events (MAE). Random intercepts were estimated, and associations between hospital-specific risk-adjusted rates of readmissions and were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: Of an estimated 86 024 patients meeting study criteria across 298 hospitals, 62.6% underwent CABG, 22.5% SAVR and 14.9% MVR. Unadjusted readmission rates following CABG, SAVR and MVR were 8.4%, 9.3% and 11.8%, respectively. Unadjusted MAE rates following CABG, SAVR and MVR were 35.1%, 32.3% and 37.0%, respectively. Following adjustment, interhospital differences accounted for 4.1% of explained variance in readmissions for CABG, 7.6% for SAVR and 10.0% for MVR. There was no association between readmission rates for CABG and SAVR (r=0.10, p=0.09) or SAVR and MVR (r=0.09, p=0.1). A weak association was noted between readmission rates for CABG and MVR (r=0.20, p<0.001). There was no significant association between readmission and MAE for CABG (r=0.06, p=0.2), SAVR (r=0.04, p=0.4) and MVR (r=-0.03, p=0.6). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that readmissions following adult cardiac surgery may not be an ideal quality measure as hospital factors do not appear to influence this outcome.

Association of initial management on readmissions for spontaneous pneumothorax in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: In adolescents, initial treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax (PTX) must balance the recurrence risk with invasiveness. While institutional series have sought to define the role of early intervention, large-scale analysis is lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of initial strategy on recurrence and resource utilization in a nationally representative cohort. METHODS: Patients (10-20 years) admitted for first-time pneumothorax were identified using the 2010-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Based on the initial management strategy, patients were classified as nonoperative management, chest tube drainage only, and operative intervention. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the impact of approach on outcomes of interest. The primary outcome was recurrence within 90 days, while length of stay and hospitalization costs were secondarily considered. RESULTS: Of an estimated 20,887 patients, 35.5% were classified as nonoperative management, 35.2% as chest tube drainage only, and 29.2% as operative intervention. Compared to others, the operative intervention cohort more frequently had Marfan syndrome and emphysematous blebs. After adjustment, patients initially managed operatively experienced lower odds of recurrence (adjusted odds ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.64), while chest tube drainage only had increased risk (adjusted odds ratio: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.59-2.34) with nonoperative management as reference. Incremental 90-day length of stay was greater in operative intervention (ß: +2.4 days, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-3.0) compared to nonoperative management, but 90-day costs were similar. CONCLUSION: Initial operative management for first-time pneumothorax appears to reduce risk of recurrence while demonstrating similar total costs. Due to high recurrence rates associated with conservative approaches, initial surgical intervention may be considered in this patient population.