Challenging NICE guidelines on parathyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend against routinely using Intra-Operative Parathyroid Hormone (IOPTH) for first-time parathyroid surgery due to its cost and minimal surgical benefit. The European Society of Endocrine Surgeons differ from this and recommends IOPTH with conflicting pre-operative or single imaging. NICE guidance acknowledged that this may change practice in larger centres. We devised a retrospective single-centre cohort study to analyse the impact of IOPTH on decision-making and cost-effectiveness. METHODOLOGY: First-time parathyroidectomy procedures for primary hyperparathyroidism were assessed between 2017 and 2019. Ultrasound (US) and Sestamibi with parathyroid single-photon emission with computed tomography (SPECT-CT) were compared with IOPTH. The contribution of IOPTH to cure and cost effectiveness ratio was calculated. RESULTS: 114 cases were included, with IOPTH performed in all cases, SPECT-CT in 112 and US in 108 cases. A cure rate of 99.1% (113/114) was achieved. 11.4% (13/114) of the cure rate was influenced by IOPTH (P 0.01), instigating further exploration when its levels didn't decrease. This included 7.1% (4/56) in the concordant-imaging cohort. IOPTH accuracy (96.5%) was significantly superior (P = 0.03) to both US (80%) and SPECT-CT (81%). Comparing the total costs for IOPTH testing over 2 years (£39,721) with 13 potential re-operative procedures in its absence (£63,536), a positive cost-effectiveness ratio of £1832 per re-operative procedure averted was achieved. CONCLUSION: Abandoning IOPTH in first-time parathyroid surgery is too ambitious when weighing the cost of re-operative surgery against cost savings obtained by using routine IOPTH to achieve an improved cure rate, even in concordant imaging.

Racial disparities in the utilization of parathyroidectomy among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: Evidence from a nationwide analysis of Medicare claims.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroidectomy offers a chance of cure and mitigation of disease-related complications. The impact of race/ethnicity on referral and utilization of parathyroidectomy has not been fully explored. METHODS: Population-based, retrospective cohort study using 100% Medicare claims from beneficiaries with primary hyperparathyroidism from 2006 to 2016. Associations of race/ethnicity with disease severity, surgeon evaluation, and subsequent parathyroidectomy were analyzed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 210,206 beneficiaries with primary hyperparathyroidism, 63,136 (30.0%) underwent parathyroidectomy within 1 year of diagnosis. Black patients were more likely than other races/ethnicities to have stage 3 chronic kidney disease (10.8%) but had lower prevalence of osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to have been hospitalized for primary hyperparathyroidism-associated conditions (White 4.8%, Black 8.1%, Hispanic 5.8%; P < .001). Patients who were White and met operative criteria were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy than Black, Hispanic, or Asian patients (White 30.5%, Black 23.0%, Hispanic 21.4%, Asian 18.7%; P < .001). Black and Hispanic patients had lower adjusted odds of being evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratios 0.71 [95% confidence interval 0.69-0.74], 0.68 [95% confidence interval 0.61-0.74], respectively) and undergoing parathyroidectomy if evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratios 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.68-0.77], 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.67-0.99]). Asian race was associated with lower adjusted odds of being evaluated by a surgeon (odds ratio 0.64 [95% confidence interval 0.57-0.71]), but no difference in odds of parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Racial/ethnic disparities exist in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism among older adults. Determining the factors that account for this disparity require urgent attention to achieve parity in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Reoperative Cervical Endocrine Surgery: Appropriate Valuation for the Time and Effort?

BACKGROUND: Controversies currently exist regarding the best way to appropriately quantify complexity and to benchmark reimbursement for surgeons. This study aims to analyze surgeon reimbursement in primary and redo-thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy using operative time as a surrogate for complexity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed to identify patients who underwent primary and redo-thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Calculations of median operative time work relative value units per minute and dollars per minute were compared between primary and redo procedures. RESULTS: Thyroidectomy cases represented 53.5% (22,521 cases), and the other 46.5% (19,596 cases) were parathyroidectomy cases. The median dollars per minute in primary thyroidectomy was $4.97 and for redo-thyroidectomy was $8.12 (P < 0.0001). By the same token, dollars per minute were higher in the redo cases with $15.40 when compared with primary parathyroidectomy cases with $13.14 dollars per minute (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: By Current Procedural Terminology codes, surgeons appear to be appropriately reimbursed for redo-thyroid and parathyroid procedures indexed to first time parathyroidectomy based on the compensated operative time of these procedures calculated using a nationally representative sample.

Implementation of a 4-dimensional computed tomography protocol for parathyroid adenoma localization.

PURPOSE: To present the results of our implementation of a four-dimensional computed tomography- (4DCT) based parathyroid localization protocol for primary hyperparathyroidism at a safety net hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism at Elmhurst Hospital Center from June 2016 - September 2019. Patients treated prior to the implementation of 4DCT during October 2018 served as historical controls for comparison. Imaging-related costs and hospital charges were obtained from the Radiology Department for each patient. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent parathyroid surgery during the study period. Twenty patients had undergone 4DCT while 22 had nuclear medicine studies with or without ultrasonography. The sensitivity and specificity of 4DCT was 90.4% and 100% respectively, compared to 63% and 93.7% for nuclear imaging studies and 41% and 95% for ultrasound. The mean number of glands explored was significantly less in the 4DCT group, 1.8 ± 1.19 versus 2.77 ± 1.26 (p = 0.01). There was no increase in infrastructure or personnel costs associated with 4DCT implementation. CONCLUSIONS: 4DCT represents an increasingly common imaging modality for pre-operative parathyroid localization. Here we demonstrate that 4DCT is associated with a reduction in the number of glands explored and enables minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. 4DCT is a cost-effective and clinically sound localization study for parathyroid localization in an urban safety-net hospital.

Timing of parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism with end-stage renal disease: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tertiary hyperparathyroidism associated with end-stage renal disease is characterized by progression from secondary hyperparathyroidism to an autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone that leads to adverse health outcomes. Rates of parathyroidectomy (PTX) have decreased with the use of calcimimetics. Optimal timing of PTX in relation to kidney transplant remains controversial. We aimed to identify the most cost-effective strategy for patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism undergoing kidney transplant. METHODS: We constructed a patient level state transition microsimulation to compare 3 management schemes: cinacalcet with kidney transplant, cinacalcet with PTX before kidney transplant, or cinacalcet with PTX after kidney transplant. Our base case was a 55-year-old on dialysis with tertiary hyperparathyroidism awaiting kidney transplant. Outcomes, including quality-adjusted life years, surgical complications, and mortality, were extracted from the literature, and costs were estimated using Medicare reimbursement data. RESULTS: Our base case analysis demonstrated that cinacalcet with PTX before kidney transplant was dominant, with a lesser cost of $399,287 and greater quality-adjusted life years of 10.3 vs $497,813 for cinacalcet with PTX after kidney transplant (quality-adjusted life years 9.4) and $643,929 for cinacalcet with kidney transplant (quality-adjusted life years 7.4). CONCLUSION: Cinacalcet alone with kidney transplant is the least cost-effective strategy. Patients with end-stage renal disease-related tertiary hyperparathyroidism should be referred for PTX, and it is most cost-effective if performed prior to kidney transplant.

Surgery versus Imaging in Non-Localizing Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Cost-Effectiveness Model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether advanced imaging is cost-effective compared to primary bilateral neck exploration in the management of non-localizing primary hyperparathyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: Cost-effectiveness analysis based on decision tree model and available Medicare financial data using data from 347 consecutive patients having parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism with either 1) positive, concordant ultrasound and sestamibi or 2) negative sestamibi and negative ultrasound. RESULTS: Bilateral neck exploration (BNE) costs $9578 and has a success rate of 97.3%. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) + minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was modeled to have a total cost of $8197 with a success rate of 98.6%. SPECT/computed tomography (CT) + MIP was modeled to have a total cost of $8271 and a 98.9% success rate. Four-dimensional (4D)-CT + MIP was modeled to cost $8146 with a success rate of 99%. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (IECR) (as compared to BNE) were -536.1, -605.5, and -701.6 ($/percent cure rate) for SPECT, SPECT/CT, and 4D-CT respectively. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrate the change in IECR and cut-off points (IECR = 0) for four major variables. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-localizing primary hyperparathyroidism, advanced imaging is associated with cost-savings compared to routine bilateral neck exploration. Increased cost-savings were predicted with increased imaging accuracy and decreased imaging costs. Increasing time for BNE or decreasing time for MIP were associated with increased cost savings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Laryngoscope, 2020.

Reducing cost and improving operating room efficiency: examination of surgical instrument processing.

BACKGROUND: Operating room efficiency can be compromised because of surgical instrument processing delays. We observed that many instruments in a standardized tray were not routinely used during thyroid and parathyroid surgery at our institution. Our objective was to create a streamlined instrument tray to optimize operative efficiency and cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Head and neck surgical instrument trays were evaluated by operating room team leaders. Instruments were identified as either necessary or unnecessary based on use during thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies. The operating room preparation time, tray weights, number of trays, and number of instruments were recorded for the original and new surgical trays. Cost savings were calculated using estimated reprocessing cost of $0.51 per instrument. RESULTS: Three of 13 head and neck trays were converted to thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy trays. The starting head and neck surgical set was reduced from two trays with 98 total instruments to one tray with 36 instruments. Tray weight decreased from 27 pounds to 10 pounds. Tray preparation time decreased from 8 min to 3 min. The new tray saved $31.62 ($49.98 to $18.36) per operation in reprocessing costs. Projected annual savings with hospitalwide implementation is over $28,000.00 for instrument processing alone. Unmeasured hospital savings include decreased instrument wear and replacement frequency, quicker operating room setup, and decreased decontamination costs. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing surgical trays can reduce cost, physical strain, preparation time, decontamination time, and processing times, and streamlining trays is an effective strategy for hospitals to reduce costs and increase operating room efficiency.

Surgeon volume and hospital volume in endocrine neck surgery: how many procedures are needed for reaching a safety level and acceptable costs? A systematic narrative review.

The relationship between quality of care and provider's experience is well known in all fields of surgery. Even in thyroidectomies and parathyroidectomies, the emphasis on positive volume-outcome relationships is believed. It led us to an evaluation of volume activity's impact in terms of quality of care. A systematic narrative review was performed. According to the PRISMA criteria, we selected 87 paper and, after the study selection was performed, 22 studies were finally included in this review. All articles included were unanimous in attributing to activity volume of surgeons as well as centers a substantial importance. Some differences in outcomes between these investigated categories have been found: best results of the high volume surgeon is evident expecially in terms of complications, on the contrary best outcomes of a high volume center are mainly economics, such as hospital stay and general costs of the procedures. A cut-off of 35-40 thyroidectomies per year for single surgeon, and 90-100 thyroidectomies for single center appears reasonable for identifying an adequate activity. Concerning parathyroidectomy, we can consider reasonable a cut off at 10-12 operations/year. More studies are needed in a European or more circumscribed perspective.

Wide variation in cost of surgical care for parathyroidectomy: is there a need for standardization of practice?

BACKGROUND: Identifying hospital and provider variation in surgical cost is a potent method for controlling rising healthcare expenditure and delivering cost-effective care. The purpose of this study was to examine the variation of hospital cost by providers for parathyroidectomy in a single academic institution. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 894 consecutive parathyroidectomies under 8 surgeons in our institution between September 2011 and July 2016. Total duration of stay and cost were evaluated using nonparametric tests. Categorical variables were evaluated with χ2. RESULTS: The median total hospital cost for parathyroidectomy was $4,863.28 (interquartile range: 4,196-5,764), but the median costs per provider varied widely from $4,522.30 to $12,072.87. The median duration of stay was 0 days (IQR: 0-1) and demonstrated a wide variation among providers. Longer duration of practice was associated with lower cost. Despite the variation, only 2% was readmitted after discharge with no patient mortality. CONCLUSION: We found substantial variation in hospital cost among providers for parathyroidectomy despite practicing in the same academic institution, with some surgeons spending 4 time more for the same operation. Implementing institutional standards of practice could be a method to decrease variation and costs of surgical care.

Parathyroidectomy for asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: A revised cost-effectiveness analysis incorporating fracture risk reduction.

BACKGROUND: Recent data demonstrate decreased fracture risk after operation for asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. We performed a revised cost-effectiveness analysis comparing parathyroidectomy versus observation while incorporating fracture risk reduction. METHODS: A Markov transition-state model was created comparing parathyroidectomy and guideline-based medical observation for a 60-year-old female patient with mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Costs were estimated using published Medicare reimbursement data. Treatment strategy outcomes, including risk of fracture, were identified by literature review. Quality adjustment factors were used to weight treatment outcomes. A threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life year was used to determine cost-effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulation were performed to examine the effect of uncertainty on the model. RESULTS: Parathyroidectomy was the dominant strategy (less costly and more effective) with an incremental cost savings of $1,721 and an incremental effectiveness of 0.185 quality-adjusted life years. Parathyroidectomy remained dominant when the relative risk reduction of fracture after operation was ≥14%, the cost of fracture was ≥$7,600, or the probability of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was <12.5%. Monte Carlo simulation showed parathyroidectomy was cost-effective in 995/1,000 hypothetical patients. CONCLUSION: When fracture risk reduction is considered, parathyroidectomy for mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is the dominant strategy when compared to observation.

Perioperative considerations and complications in pediatric parathyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate perioperative considerations and post-operative complications associated with parathyroidectomy in the pediatric population. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database 21 (KID) was searched for patients who underwent parathyroidectomy in 2009 and 2012. Patient demographics, hospital stay, associated charges, and post-operative adverse sequelae were evaluated in all patients and included patient comorbidity and additional procedure requirement analysis. RESULTS: There were 182 patients extrapolating to 262 parathyroidectomies over the two years analyzed. Although a minority of patients were male (45.4%), these patients had greater rates of complications, length of stay, and hospital charges. Importantly, minorities and younger patients (≤15y) also had more complicated post-operative courses. The lengths of stay for patients experiencing post-operative altered mental status (18.7d), post-operative infection (15.5d), respiratory complications (19d), and cardiac complications (13d) were significantly increased compared to individuals without major complications (3.4d) (p < 0.001). Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease, dialysis-dependence, and bone sequelae (most commonly from hungry bone syndrome) also had significantly lengthier stays and greater associated costs. CONCLUSION: Findings from this analysis can be included in a comprehensive pre-operative informed consent process between physicians and patients discussing perioperative considerations and potential complications of parathyroidectomy. Males, younger children, and patients with preexisting renal conditions experienced lengthier and more complicated hospital stays, suggesting the need for closer monitoring of these cohorts.

Comparison of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy under local anaesthesia and minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism: a cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) origins from a solitary adenoma in 70- 95% of cases. Moreover, the advances in methods for localizing an abnormal parathyroid gland made minimally invasive techniques more prominent. This study presents a micro-cost analysis of two parathyroidectomy techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 72 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, video-assisted (MIVAP, group A, 52 patients) or "open" under local anaesthesia (OMIP, group B, 20 patients) for PHPT were reviewed. Operating room, consumable, anaesthesia, maintenance costs, equipment depreciation and surgeons/anaesthesiologists fees were evaluated. The patient's satisfaction and the rate of conversion to conventional parathyroidectomy were investigated. T-Student's, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and Odds Ratio were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 1 patient of the group A and 2 of the group B were excluded from the cost analysis because of the conversion to the conventional technique. Concerning the remnant patients, the overall average costs were: for Operative Room, 1186,69 € for the MIVAP group (51 patients) and 836,11 € for the OMIP group (p<0,001); for the Team, 122,93 € (group A) and 90,02 € (group B) (p<0,001); the other operative costs were 1388,32 € (group A) and 928,23 € (group B) (p<0,001). The patient's satisfaction was very strongly in favour of the group B (Odds Ratio 20,5 with a 95% confidence interval). CONCLUSIONS: MIVAP is more expensive compared to the "open" parathyroidectomy under local anaesthesia due to the costs of general anaesthesia and the longer operative time. Moreover, the patients generally prefer the local anaesthesia. Nevertheless, the rate of conversion to the conventional parathyroidectomy was relevant in the group of the local anaesthesia compared to the MIVAP, since the latter allows a four-gland exploration.

Imaging of the parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most frequent endocrine diseases worldwide. Surgery is the only potentially curable option for patients with this disorder, even though in asymptomatic patients 50 years of age or older without end organ complications, a conservative treatment may be a possible alternative. Bilateral neck exploration under general anaesthesia has been the standard for the definitive treatment. However, significant improvements in preoperative imaging, together with the implementation of rapid parathyroid hormone determination, have determined an increased implementation of focused, minimally invasive surgical approach. Surgeons prefer to have a localization study before an operation (both in the classical scenario and in the minimally invasive procedure). They are not satisfied by having been referred a patient with just a biochemical diagnosis of PHPT. Imaging studies must not be utilized to make the diagnosis of PHPT. They should be obtained to both assist in determining disease etiology and to guide operative procedures together with the nuclear medicine doctor and, most importantly, with the surgeon. On the contrary, apart from minimally invasive procedures in which localization procedures are an obligate choice, some surgeons believe that literature on parathyroidectomy over the past two decades reveals a bias towards localization. Therefore, surgical expertise is more important than the search for abnormal parathyroid glands.

Treatment strategies for primary hyperparathyroidism: what is the cost?

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) contributes to the onset of many chronic conditions. Although parathyroidectomy is the only definitive treatment, observation remains a valid option. Over a 3-year span, a major health plan was queried for HPT and benign parathyroid neoplasm. Patients with secondary and tertiary HPT, Stage III to V kidney disease, and prior renal transplant were excluded. Patients were divided into: observation (Group 1), parathyroidectomy during the study period (Group 2), and parathyroidectomy before the study group (Group 3), and were compared with a control group of 27,092 adult members without HPT using analysis of variance. The 3-year mean total allowed expenditure for Group One (n = 559), Group Two (n = 93), and Group Three (n = 48) were $21,267, $37,043, and $14,702, respectively. Groups One and Two had significantly higher use than the nonparathyroid group (P < 0.0001), whereas that of Group Three was comparable. Group Two had the highest cost, whereas Group Three had a significantly lower cost than Group One (P 0.0001). Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with a higher use of healthcare resources. Patients observed incurred a higher allowed expenditure than those with prior parathyroidectomy. Surgical treatment may represent a cost-effective strategy for treatment of hyperparathyroidism, although more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Assessment of resource use and costs associated with parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in end stage renal disease in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a major complication of end stage renal disease (ESRD). For the National Health Service (NHS) to make appropriate choices between medical and surgical management, it needs to understand the cost implications of each. A recent pilot study suggested that the current NHS healthcare resource group tariff for parathyroidectomy (PTX) (£2071 and £1859 in patients with and without complications, respectively) is not representative of the true costs of surgery in patients with SHPT. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide an estimate of healthcare resources used to manage patients and estimate the cost of PTX in a UK tertiary care centre. METHODS: Resource use was identified by combining data from the Proton renal database and routine hospital data for adults undergoing PTX for SHPT at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, from 2000-2008. Data were supplemented by a questionnaire, completed by clinicians in six centres across the UK. Costs were obtained from NHS reference costs, British National Formulary and published literature. Costs were applied for the pre-surgical, surgical, peri-surgical, and post-surgical periods so as to calculate the total cost associated with PTX. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients (mean age=51.0 years) were identified in the database and 79 from the questionnaires. The main costs identified in the database were the surgical stay (mean=£4066, SD=£,130), the first month post-discharge (£465, SD=£176), and 3 months prior to surgery (£399, SD=£188); the average total cost was £4932 (SD=£4129). From the questionnaires the total cost was £5459 (SD=£943). It is possible that the study was limited due to missing data within the database, as well as the possibility of recall bias associated with the clinicians completing the questionnaires. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that the costs associated with PTX in SHPT exceed the current NHS tariffs for PTX. The cost implications associated with PTX need to be considered in the context of clinical assessment and decision-making, but healthcare policy and planning may warrant review in the light of these results.

Increased efficiency of endocrine procedures performed in an ambulatory operating room.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid and parathyroid procedures historically have been viewed as inpatient procedures. Because of the advancements in surgical techniques, these procedures were transferred from the inpatient operating room (OR) to the outpatient OR at a single academic institution approximately 7 y ago. The goal of this study was to determine whether this change has decreased turnover times and maximized OR utilization. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 707 patients undergoing thyroid (34%) and parathyroid (66%) procedures by a single surgeon at our academic institution between 2005 and 2008. Inpatient and outpatient groups were compared using Student t-test, chi-square test, or the Kruskal-Wallis test where appropriate. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine how patient and hospital factors influenced turnover times. RESULTS: Turnover times were significantly lower in the outpatient OR (mean 18 ± 0.7 min) when compared with the inpatient OR (mean 36 ± 1.4 min) (P < 0.001). When compared by type of procedure, all turnover times remained significantly lower in the outpatient OR. Patients in both ORs were similar in age, gender, and comorbidities. However, inpatients had a higher mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score (2.30 versus 2.13, P < 0.001) and were more likely to have an operative indication of cancer (23.1% versus 9.2%, P < 0.001). Using multiple regression, the inpatient OR remained highly significantly associated with higher turnover times when controlling for these small differences (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine procedures performed in the outpatient OR have significantly faster turnover times leading to cost savings and greater OR utilization for hospitals.

Outpatient parathyroid surgery data from the University Health System Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To determine demographics and cost for outpatients undergoing parathyroid surgery at hospitals belonging to the University Health System Consortium (UHC). STUDY DESIGN: UHC data were accessed in 2011 and reflected data collected from 2005 through 2010 (24 quarters). Searching strategy was based on diagnoses of parathyroid disease and patients undergoing parathyroidectomy across all UHC member facilities. Complications evaluated in this analysis included: hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, aspiration pneumonia, hematoma, wound infection, stroke, myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (PE), and death. SETTING: The University Health System Consortium, Oak Brook, Illinois, was formed in 1984 and consists of 112 academic medical centers and 250 of their affiliated hospitals. This represents 90% of the nonprofit academic medical centers in the United States (www.uhc.edu). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled in the UHC database were studied retrospectively. Data were compiled from discharge summaries into a secure, interactive, Web-based database. The outpatient data collection set has been a recent addition to the originally established UHC inpatient discharge database. RESULTS: There were 21,057 patients who had outpatient parathyroid surgery. The average age was 59.0 (0.8-96.2) yrs. Seventy-six percent of patients were female. Outpatient parathyroidectomy had lower charges than inpatient surgery ($12,738 and $14,657, respectively; P = 0.004, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Complications were low but were likely underreported. CONCLUSION: Parathyroid surgery is increasingly being done in the outpatient setting in the United States. By virtue of omitting inpatient hospitalization, the outpatient approach becomes a more economical way to manage parathyroid disease. This is the largest known series reporting experience with outpatient parathyroid surgery.

[Patient selection in tertiary hospitals based on economic data: exemplified by visceral surgery]. / Patientenauswahl in Krankenhäusern der Maximalversorgung auf Basis ökonomischer Daten: Beispiel Viszeralchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: With respect to economic aspects it remains questionable if tertiary hospitals should focus on operations with high complexity or if surgery for benign diseases should be performed as well. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Institute for Reimbursement in hospitals (InEK) were analyzed for esophageal and pancreatic surgery and for appendectomy, cholezystectomy and thyroid surgery. RESULTS: Operations with a high complexity showed a slightly better revenue-cost relation. Earnings in esophageal and pancreatic surgery varied between 590 EUR and 1,977 EUR, while in operations for benign diseases it ranged from 492 EUR to 1,648 EUR. In patients with a longer hospital stay this advantage diminished. The cost-revenue ratio was much more stable for patients with appendectomy, cholezystectomy or thyroid resection. CONCLUSIONS: For economic reasons tertiary hospitals need to treat not only oncology patients but also patients with benign diseases. The focus on surgery for malignant diseases is economically not recommended because the revenues may be drained by the costs particularly in patients with a longer hospital stay due to complications.

Outcomes and economic analysis of routine preoperative 4-dimensional CT for surgical intervention in de novo primary hyperparathyroidism: does clinical benefit justify the cost?

BACKGROUND: Preoperative imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism provides important localization information. Although 4-dimensional neck CT (4DCT) can precisely localize hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue, the contribution of 4DCT to overall cost, operating room time, and hospital stay is unknown. STUDY DESIGN: Records of 535 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy at our institution from 1996 to 2010 were reviewed. All patients had preoperative cervical ultrasonography and sestamibi scanning, and most (78.9%) underwent preoperative 4DCT. A decision tree was constructed to compare extent of procedure, operating room time, length of stay, failure rate, and total cost of each strategy (with and without 4DCT). Costs were determined by 2010 Medicare reimbursement. RESULTS: For patients with and without preoperative 4DCT, respectively, mean operating room time (64.4 vs 61.4 minutes; p = 0.58) and failure rate (1.9% vs 4.4%; p = 0.12) were not significantly different. Length of stay was higher in the no-CT cohort (0.61 vs 0.23 days; p < 0.001). Patients with a preoperative 4DCT were significantly more likely to undergo a limited parathyroidectomy (90.3% vs 80.5%; p = 0.004). Mean cost of care per patient in the CT and no-CT cohorts was $6,572 and $6,306, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of routine 4DCT into the preoperative workup for surgical intervention in primary hyperparathyroidism does not appear to shorten operating room time or decrease failure rate significantly. However, preoperative 4DCT is associated with shorter hospital stays and improved rates of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. This clinical benefit must be weighed against the increased cost associated with routine preoperative 4DCT.