Postacute Care Utilization and Episode of Care Payments Following Common Elective Operations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe PAC utilization and associated payments for patients undergoing common elective procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Utilization and costs of PAC are well described for benchmarked conditions and operations but remain understudied for common elective procedures. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adult patients in a statewide administrative claims database undergoing elective cholecystectomy, ventral or incisional hernia repair (VIHR), and groin hernia repair from 2012 to 2019. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds of PAC utilization, and multivariable linear regression to determine the association of 90-day episode of care payments and PAC utilization. RESULTS: Among 34,717 patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy, 0.7% utilized PAC resulting in significantly higher payments ($19,047 vs $7830, P < 0.001). Among 29,826 patients undergoing VIHR, 1.7% utilized PAC resulting in significantly higher payments ($19,766 vs $9439, P < 0.001). Among 37,006 patients undergoing groin hernia repair, 0.3% utilized PAC services resulting in significantly higher payments ($14,886 vs $8062, P < 0.001). We found both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with PAC utilization. Morbid obesity was associated with PAC utilization following VIHR [odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.02, P < 0.001]. Male sex was associated with lower odds of PAC utilization for VIHR (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.35-0.51, P < 0.001) and groin hernia repair (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.98, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: We found both modifiable (eg, obesity) and nonmodifiable (eg, female sex) patient factors that were associated with PAC. Optimizing patients to reduce PAC utilization requires an understanding of patient risk factors and systems and processes to address these factors.

Application of Component Separation and Short-Term Outcomes in Ventral Hernia Repairs.

INTRODUCTION: Component separation (CS) techniques have evolved in recent years. How surgeons apply the various CS techniques, anterior component separation (aCS) versus posterior component separation (pCS), by patient and hernia-specific factors remain unknown in the general population. Improving the quality of ventral hernia repair (VHR) on a large scale requires an understanding of current practice variations and how these variations ultimately affect patient care. In this study, we examine the application of CS techniques and the associated short-term outcomes while taking into consideration patient and hernia-specific factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a clinically rich statewide hernia registry, the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Hernia Registry, of persons older than 18 y who underwent VHR between January 2020 and July 2021. The exposure of interest was the use of CS. Our primary outcome was a composite end point of 30-d adverse events including any complication, emergency department visit, readmission, and reoperation. Our secondary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI). Multivariable logistic regression examined the association of CS use, 30-d adverse events, and SSI with patient-, hernia-, and operative-specific variables. We performed a sensitivity analysis evaluating for differences in application and outcomes of the posterior and aCS techniques. RESULTS: A total of 1319 patients underwent VHR, with a median age (interquartile range) of 55 y (22), 641 (49%) female patients, and a median body mass index of 32 (9) kg/m2. CS was used in 138 (11%) patients, of which 101 (73%) were pCS and 37 (27%) were aCS. Compared to patients without CS, patients undergoing a CS had larger median hernia widths (2.5 cm (range 0.01-23 cm) versus 8 cm (1-30 cm), P < 0.001). Of the CS cases, 49 (36%) performed in hernias less than 6 cm in size. Following multivariate regression, factors independently associated with the use of a CS were diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.36), previous hernia repair (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.96), hernia width (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.22-1.34), and an open approach (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 2.24-6.53). Compared to patients not having a CS, use of a CS was associated with increased odds of 30-d adverse events (OR: 1.88 95% CI: 1.13-3.12) but was not associated with SSI (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 0.74-4.63). Regression analysis demonstrated no differences in 30-d adverse events or SSI between the pCS and aCS techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-level report of patients undergoing VHR with concurrent posterior or aCS. These data suggest wide variation in the application of CS in VHR and raises a concern for potential overutilization in smaller hernias. Continued analysis of CS application and the associated outcomes, specifically recurrence, is necessary and underway.

The impact of frailty on ventral hernia repair outcomes in a statewide database.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative frailty is a strong predictor of postoperative morbidity in the general surgery population. Despite this, there are a paucity of research examining the effect of frailty on outcomes after ventral hernia repair (VHR), one of the most common abdominal operations in the USA. We examined the association of frailty with short-term postoperative outcomes while accounting for differences in preoperative, operative, and hernia characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the Michigan Surgery Quality Collaborative Hernia Registry (MSQC-HR) for adult patients who underwent VHR between January 2020 and January 2022. Patient frailty was assessed using the validated 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI5) and categorized as follows: no (mFI5 = 0), moderate (mFI5 = 1), and severe frailty (mFI5 ≥ 2). Our primary outcome was any 30-day complication. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of frailty with outcomes while controlling for patient, operative, and hernia variables. RESULTS: A total of 4406 patients underwent VHR with a mean age (SD) of 55 (15) years, 2015 (46%) females, and 3591 (82%) white patients. The mean (SD) BMI of the cohort was 33 (8) kg/m2. A total of 2077 (47%) patients had no frailty, 1604 (36%) were moderately frail, and 725 (17%) were severely frail. The median hernia size (interquartile range) was 2.5 cm (1.5-4.0 cm). Severe frailty was associated with increased odds of any complication (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 3.12, 95% CI 1.78-5.47), serious complication (aOR 5.25, 95% CI 2.17-13.19), SSI (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.58-7.34), and post-discharge adverse events (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.24-2.33). CONCLUSION: After controlling for patient, operative, and hernia characteristics, frailty was independently associated with increased odds of postoperative complications. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative frailty assessment for risk stratification and to inform patient counseling.

Surgeon Variation in the Application of Robotic Technique for Abdominal Hernia Repair: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the utilization of robotic technique for abdominal hernia repair has increased rapidly, there is no consensus as to when it should be applied for optimal outcomes. High variability exists within surgeon practices regarding how they use this technology, and the factors that drive robotic utilization remain largely unknown. This study aims to explore the motivating factors associated with surgeons' decisions to utilize a robotic approach for abdominal hernia repair. METHODS: An exploratory mixed-methods approach was utilized. Surgeons who performed abdominal hernia repairs were interviewed to identify impactful themes motivating surgical approach. This informed a retrospective analysis of ventral hernia repairs performed in 2020 within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. Surgeon robotic utilization rates were calculated. Among selective robotic users, multivariable regression evaluated the patient and hernia factors associated with robotic utilization. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of 21 interviews revealed three dominant themes in the decision to utilize robotic technology: access and resources, surgeon comfort, and market factors. Among 71 surgeons caring for 1174 hernia patients, robotic utilization rates ranged from 0% to 98% of cases. There were 27 surgeons identified as selective robotic users, who cared for 423 patients. Multivariable regression revealed that hernia location was the only factor associated with robotic technique, with non-midline hernias associated with a 4.47 (95% confidence interval 1.34-14.88) higher odds of robotic repair than epigastric hernias. CONCLUSIONS: Major drivers of robotic technique for hernia repair were found to be perceived benefits and availability, rather than patient or hernia characteristics. These data will contribute to an understanding of surgeon decision-making and help develop improvements to patient care.

Factors associated with disease-free and abdominal recurrence-free survival in abdominopelvic and retroperitoneal sarcomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retroperitoneal and abdominopelvic sarcomas are rare heterogeneous malignancies. The only therapy proven to improve disease-free survival (DFS) is R0/R1 surgical resection. We sought to analyze whether additional factors such as radiation and systemic therapy were associated with DFS and abdominal recurrence-free survival (RFS). METHODS: Retrospective review of adults (≥18) with resectable abdominopelvic and retroperitoneal sarcomas who underwent intent-to-cure surgery at a high-volume tertiary referral center between 1998 and 2015. The main outcome measures were DFS and abdominal RFS. RESULTS: Overall, 159 patients met the criteria for inclusion. Median follow-up was 4.8 years (range 0.1-18.9 years). The most common histology was liposarcoma (49%). Systemic therapy was administered to 48% of patients and was not associated with improved outcomes. The neoadjuvant radiotherapy group (11%) had improved adjusted DFS (5.46 years, 95% CI [3.68, 7.24] vs. 3.1 years, 95% CI [2.48, 3.73]) and abdominal RFS (6.14 years, 95% CI [4.38, 7.89] vs. 3.22 years, 95% CI [2.61, 3.84]). The adjuvant radiotherapy group (19%) had no improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients undergoing resection for retroperitoneal or abdominopelvic sarcoma, neoadjuvant radiation improved DFS and abdominal RFS. A follow-up of over three years was needed to appreciate a difference in outcomes.

Variation in approach for small (< 2 cm) ventral hernias across a statewide quality improvement collaborative.

INTRODUCTION: Operative technique for hernias < 2 cm is highly controversial. Limited data exist about this practice at a population level. Within this context we sought to describe practice patterns and use of mesh among patients undergoing repair of small hernias within the setting of a statewide quality improvement collaborative. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing hernia repair in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Hernia Registry was conducted. Patients who underwent repair of a hernia < 2 cm from January 1, 2020 to July 8, 2021 were included. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe cohort characteristics and compare patients who did and did not receive mesh. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds of receiving mesh after accounting for patient and hernia characteristics. RESULTS: Among 570 patients, 56.1% (n = 320) had mesh placed. Most repairs were conducted via open approach (n = 437, 76.5%). Patients who received mesh were older (51.8 vs 48.6, p < 0.01), had higher BMI (31.7 vs 30.0, p < 0.01), were more often ASA Class III (35.9% vs 24.4%, p < 0.01), more often had diabetes (15.9% vs 10.0%, 0.04) and hypertension (44.7% vs 30.4%, p < 0.01), and had higher hernia width (1.2 cm vs 1.0 cm, p < 0.0001). After adjustment, ASA Class III (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.31-8.89), current smoking status (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04-3.18), higher mean hernia width (aOR 5.68, 95% CI 2.97-10.85), and laparoscopic (aOR 12.9, 95% CI 5.02-32.96) or robotic (aOR 24.3, 95% CI 6.96-84.96) were associated with mesh use, while COPD (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.07-0.96) was associated with less mesh use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of mesh for small hernias remains controversial. We found that patients who had mesh placed at the time of surgery were potentially patients at higher risk for complications. The decision to use mesh may be driven by patient-related factors that predispose to complications and operative recurrence rather than evidence indicating that it is superior in this population.

Implementation of a synoptic operative note for abdominal wall hernia repair: a statewide pilot evaluating completeness and communication of intraoperative details.

BACKGROUND: Variable approaches to intraoperative communication impede our understanding of surgical decision-making and best practices. This is critical among hernia repairs, where improved outcomes are reliant on understanding the impact of different patient characteristics and surgical approaches. In this context, a hernia-specific synoptic operative note was piloted as part of an effort to create a statewide hernia registry. We aimed to understand the impact of the synoptic operative note on variable missingness and evaluate barriers and facilitators to improved intraoperative communication and note adoption. METHODS: In January 2020, the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) registry was expanded to capture hernia-specific intraoperative variables. A synoptic operative note for hernia repair was piloted at 8 hospitals. The primary outcome was change in hernia variable communication, measured by missingness. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we performed semi-structured interviews with data abstractors (n = 4) and surgeons (n = 4) at 5 pilot sites to assess barriers and facilitators of implementation. Interviews were iteratively analyzed using content analysis with both deductive and inductive approaches. RESULTS: From January to June 2020, 870 hernia repairs were performed across 8 pilot and 53 control sites. Pilot sites had significantly less missingness for all hernia-specific variables. At pilot sites, 46% of notes were fully complete in regard to hernia variables, compared to 21% at control sites (p value < 0.001). While collection of intraoperative variables improved after synoptic note implementation, low note adoption was reported. Facilitators of improved variable collection were (1) communication with data abstractors and (2) stakeholder acknowledgment of widespread benefit, while barriers included (1) surgeon resistance to practice change, (2) EMR/technology, and (3) interruptions to communication and implementation. CONCLUSION: This mixed-methods evaluation of a synoptic operative note implementation suggests that sustained communication, particularly with abstractors, was the most impactful intervention. Future implementation efforts may have improved effectiveness with interventions supplementary to surgeon-level direction.

The Impact of Surgeon Adherence to Preoperative Optimization of Hernia Repairs.

BACKGROUND: At the patient level, optimizing risk factors before surgery is a proven approach to improve patient outcomes after hernia repair. However, nearly 25% of patients are not adequately optimized before surgery. It is currently unknown how surgeon-level adherence to preoperative optimization impacts postoperative outcomes. In this context, we evaluated the association between surgeon adherence to optimization practices and surgeon-level postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative data from 2014 to 2018 was analyzed to examine rates of surgeon adherence to preoperative optimization when performing elective ventral and incisional hernia repair. Adherence was defined as operating on patients who were nontobacco users with a body mass index >18.5 kg/m2 and <40 kg/m2. Surgeons were assigned a risk- and reliability-adjusted adherence rate which was used to divide surgeons into tertiles. Outcomes were compared between adherence tertiles. RESULTS: Across 70 hospitals in Michigan, 15,016 patients underwent ventral and incisional hernia repair, cared for by 454 surgeons. Surgeon adherence to preoperative optimization ranged from 51% to 76%. Surgeons in the lowest optimization tertile had higher rates of emergency department visits (8.78% versus 7.05% versus 7.03%, P < 0.001), serious complications (2.12% versus 1.56% versus 1.84%, P = 0.041), and any complication (4.08% versus 3.37% versus 4.04%, P = 0.043), than middle and high optimization tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' clinical outcomes, including complication rates, are affected by the proportion of their patients who are preoperatively optimized with regard to obesity and tobacco use. These results suggest that surgeons can improve their postoperative outcomes by addressing these issues before surgery.

High-Risk Prescribing Increases Rates of New Persistent Opioid Use in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: The association between surgeon prescribing practices and new persistent postoperative opioid use is not well understood. We examined the association between surgeon prescribing and new persistent use among total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Medicare claims in Michigan was performed. The study cohort consisted of orthopedic surgeons performing THAs from 2013 to 2016 and their opioid-naïve patients, aged >65 years. High-risk prescribing included high daily doses, overlapping benzodiazepine prescriptions, concurrent opioid prescriptions, prescriptions from multiple providers, or long-acting opioid prescriptions. The occurrence of a preoperative prescription, initial prescription size, and 30-day prescription dosage were examined as individual exposures. Surgeons were categorized into quartiles by prescribing practices, and multilevel hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine associations with postoperative new persistent opioid use. RESULTS: Surgeons exhibited high-risk prescribing for 66% of encounters. Patients of surgeons with the highest rates of high-risk prescribing were more likely to develop persistent use compared with patients of surgeons with the lowest rates (adjusted rates: 9.7% vs 4.6%, P = .011). Patients of surgeons with initial prescription sizes in the "high" (third) quartile (adjusted odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.51), and of surgeons in the "highest" (fourth) quartile of 30-day prescription dosage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.61), were more likely to develop persistent opioid use compared with patients of surgeons with low initial and 30-day prescription sizes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The development of persistent opioid use after surgery is multifactorial, and surgeon prescribing patterns play an important role. Reducing prescribing and encouraging opioid alternatives could minimize postoperative persistent opioid use.

Prescribed Opioid Dosages, Payer Type, and Self-Reported Outcomes After Surgical Procedures in Michigan, 2018-2020.

Importance: Collaborative quality improvement (CQI) models, often supported by private payers, create hospital networks to improve health care delivery. Recently, these systems have focused on opioid stewardship; however, it is unclear whether reduction in postoperative opioid prescribing occurs uniformly across health insurance payer types. Objective: To evaluate the association between insurance payer type, postoperative opioid prescription size, and patient-reported outcomes in a large statewide CQI model. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used data from 70 hospitals within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative clinical registry for adult patients (age ≥18 years) undergoing general, colorectal, vascular, or gynecologic surgical procedures between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Exposure: Insurance type, classified as private, Medicare, or Medicaid. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was postoperative opioid prescription size in milligrams of oral morphine equivalents (OME). Secondary outcomes were patient-reported opioid consumption, refill rate, satisfaction, pain, quality of life, and regret about undergoing surgery. Results: A total of 40 149 patients (22 921 [57.1%] female; mean [SD] age, 53 [17] years) underwent surgery during the study period. Within this cohort, 23 097 patients (57.5%) had private insurance, 10 667 (26.6%) had Medicare, and 6385 (15.9%) had Medicaid. Unadjusted opioid prescription size decreased for all 3 groups during the study period from 115 to 61 OME for private insurance patients, from 96 to 53 OME for Medicare patients, and from 132 to 65 OME for Medicaid patients. A total of 22 665 patients received a postoperative opioid prescription and had follow-up data for opioid consumption and refill. The rate of opioid consumption was highest among Medicaid patients throughout the study period (16.82 OME [95% CI, 12.57-21.07 OME] greater than among patients with private insurance) but increased the least over time. The odds of refill significantly decreased over time for patients with Medicaid compared with patients with private insurance (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98). Adjusted refill rates for private insurance remained between 3.0% and 3.1% over the study period; adjusted refill rates among Medicare and Medicaid patients decreased from 4.7% to 3.1% and 6.5% to 3.4%, respectively, by the end of the study period. Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study of surgical patients in Michigan from 2018 to 2020, postoperative opioid prescription size decreased across all payer types, and differences between groups narrowed over time. Although funded by private payers, the CQI model appeared to have benefitted patients with Medicare and Medicaid as well.

Demographic Factors Associated With Research and Career Interests in Aspiring Academic Surgeons: What are the Implications for Tomorrow's Workforce?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the research and career interests of aspiring academic surgeons and determine the influence of demographic factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey SETTING: Single institution, academic general surgery residency program PARTICIPANTS: Medical students invited to interview during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 residency cycle RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four of 160 (96%) potential respondents representing 63 medical schools completed the survey, American Association for Public Opinion Research Response Rate 6. Fifty-three percent of the study population was female. Seventeen percent identified as Black, 14% Asian, 13% Latinx, 50% white, and 6% other. Respondents were most interested in education, professional development, and surgical culture (32%) followed by basic and translational science (23%), global and community health (20%), and health services (18%). On multiple logistic regression, interest in global/community health was associated with identifying as Black (OR 5.9 [2.0, 17.8] p = 0.001) and female (OR 2.7 [1.0, 7.0] p = 0.044). A plurality of participants were undecided on future specialty (n = 63, 41%). The most common specialty interests were surgical oncology (n = 28, 18%); trauma, acute care, or surgical critical care (n = 21, 14%); pediatric and cardiothoracic surgery (n = 20 for each, 13%); and abdominal transplant (n = 15, 10%). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional survey of highly competitive academic general surgery applicants, respondents who were underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and women were more interested in research fields with a history of lower relative NIH funding. In light of these findings, academic programs seeking a more diverse residency workforce should consider strategies beyond recruitment to promote the scholarly achievement of women and URiM residents.

Opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing after COVID-19 hospitalization.

Opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing after COVID-19 hospitalization is not well understood. We aimed to characterize opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing among naïve patients hospitalized for COVID and to identify the risk factors associated with a new prescription at discharge. In this retrospective study of patients across 39 Michigan hospitals from March to November 2020, we identified 857 opioid- and benzodiazepine-naïve patients admitted with COVID-19 not requiring mechanical ventilation. Of these, 22% received opioids, 13% received benzodiazepines, and 6% received both during the hospitalization. At discharge, 8% received an opioid prescription, and 3% received a benzodiazepine prescription. After multivariable adjustment, receipt of an opioid or benzodiazepine prescription at discharge was associated with the length of inpatient opioid or benzodiazepine exposure. These findings suggest that hospitalization represents a risk of opioid or benzodiazepine initiation among naïve patients, and judicious prescribing should be considered to prevent opioid-related harms.

Outcomes of a Presurgical Optimization Program for Elective Hernia Repairs Among High-risk Patients.

Importance: Preoperative optimization is an important clinical strategy for reducing morbidity; however, nearly 25% of persons undergoing elective abdominal hernia repairs are not optimized with respect to weight or substance use. Although the preoperative period represents a unique opportunity to motivate patient health behavior changes, fear of emergent presentation and financial concerns are often cited as clinician barriers to optimization. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of evidence-based patient optimization before surgery by implementing a low-cost preoperative optimization clinic. Design, Setting, and Participants: This quality improvement study was conducted 1 year after a preoperative optimization clinic was implemented for high-risk patients seeking elective hernia repair. The median (range) follow-up was 197 (39-378) days. A weekly preoperative optimization clinic was implemented in 2019 at a single academic center. Referral occurred for persons seeking elective hernia repair with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40, age 75 years or older, or active tobacco use. Data analysis was performed from February to July 2020. Exposures: Enrolled patients were provided health resources and longitudinal multidisciplinary care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were safety and eligibility for surgery after participating in the optimization clinic. The hypothesis was that the optimization clinic could preoperatively mitigate patient risk factors, without increasing patient risk. Safety was defined as the occurrence of complications during participation in the optimization clinic. The secondary outcome metric centered on the financial impact of implementing the preoperative optimization program. Results: Of the 165 patients enrolled in the optimization clinic, most were women (90 patients [54.5%]) and White (145 patients [87.9%]). The mean (SD) age was 59.4 (15.8) years. Patients' eligibility for the clinic was distributed across high-risk criteria: 37.0% (61 patients) for weight, 26.1% (43 patients) for tobacco use, and 23.6% (39 patients) for age. Overall, 9.1% of persons (15 patients) were successfully optimized for surgery, and tobacco cessation was achieved in 13.8% of smokers (8 patients). The rate of hernia incarceration requiring emergent surgery was 3.0% (5 patients). Economic evaluation found increased operative yield from surgical clinics, with a 58% increase in hernia-attributed relative value units without altering surgeon workflow. Conclusions and Relevance: In this quality improvement study, a hernia optimization clinic safely improved management of high-risk patients and increased operative yield for the institution. This represents an opportunity to create sustainable and scalable models that provide longitudinal care and optimize patients to improve outcomes of hernia repair.