A cost-utility analysis of 18F-fluorocholine-positron emission tomography imaging for localizing primary hyperparathyroidism in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism historically necessitated bilateral neck exploration to remove abnormal parathyroid tissue. Improved localization allows for focused parathyroidectomy with lower complication risks. Recently, positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine demonstrated high accuracy in detecting these lesions, but its cost-effectiveness has not been studied in the United States. METHODS: A decision tree modeled patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism using single preoperative localization modalities: (1) positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine, (2) 4-dimensional computed tomography, (3) ultrasound, and (4) sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). All patients underwent either focused parathyroidectomy versus bilateral neck exploration, with associated cost ($) and clinical outcomes measured in quality-adjusted life-years gained. Model parameters were informed by literature review and Medicare costs. Incremental cost-utility ratios were calculated in US dollars/quality-adjusted life-years gained, with a willingness-to-pay threshold set at $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year. One-way, 2-way, and threshold sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine gained the most quality-adjusted life-years (23.9) and was the costliest ($2,096), with a total treatment cost of $11,245 or $470/quality-adjusted life-year gained. Sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography and ultrasound were dominated strategies. Compared with 4-dimentional computed tomography, the incremental cost-utility ratio for positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine was $91,066/quality-adjusted life-year gained in our base case analysis, which was below the willingness-to-pay threshold. In 1-way sensitivity analysis, the incremental cost-utility ratio was sensitive to test accuracy, positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine price, postoperative complication probabilities, proportion of bilateral neck exploration patients needing overnight hospitalization, and life expectancy. CONCLUSION: Our model elucidates scenarios in which positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine can potentially be a cost-effective imaging option for primary hyperparathyroidism in the United States. Further investigation is needed to determine the maximal cost-effectiveness for positron emission tomography using radiolabeled 18F-fluorocholine in selected populations.

Screening for primary aldosteronism in the hypertensive obstructive sleep apnea population is cost-saving.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend screening for primary aldosteronism in patients diagnosed with hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Recent studies have shown that adherence to these recommendations is extremely low. It has been suggested that cost is a barrier to implementation. No analysis has been done to rigorously evaluate the cost-effectiveness of widespread implementation of these guidelines. METHODS: We constructed a decision-analytic model to evaluate screening of the hypertensive obstructive sleep apnea population for primary aldosteronism as per guideline recommendations in comparison with current rates of screening. Probabilities, utility values, and costs were identified in the literature. Threshold and sensitivity analyses assessed robustness of the model. Costs were represented in 2020 US dollars and health outcomes in quality-adjusted life-years. The model assumed a societal perspective with a lifetime time horizon. RESULTS: Screening per guideline recommendations had an expected cost of $47,016 and 35.27 quality-adjusted life-years. Continuing at current rates of screening had an expected cost of $48,350 and 34.86 quality-adjusted life-years. Screening was dominant, as it was both less costly and more effective. These results were robust to sensitivity analysis of disease prevalence, test sensitivity, patient age, and expected outcome of medical or surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism. The screening strategy remained cost-effective even if screening were conservatively presumed to identify only 3% of new primary aldosteronism cases. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, rigorous screening for primary aldosteronism is cost-saving due to cardiovascular risk averted. Cost should not be a barrier to improving primary aldosteronism screening adherence.

Patient Perceptions on Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Low-acuity Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of low-acuity surgical procedures in an effort to conserve resources and ensure patient safety. This study aimed to characterize patient-reported concerns about undergoing surgical procedures during the pandemic. METHODS: We administered a cross-sectional survey to patients who had their general and plastic surgical procedures postponed at the onset of the pandemic, asking about barriers to accessing surgical care. Questions addressed dependent care, transportation, employment and insurance status, as well as perceptions of and concerns about COVID-19. Mixed methods and inductive thematic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five patients were interviewed. We identified the following patient concerns: contracting COVID-19 in the hospital (46%), being alone during hospitalization (40%), facing financial stressors (29%), organizing transportation (28%), experiencing changes to health insurance coverage (25%), and arranging care for dependents (18%). Nonwhite participants were 5 and 2.5 times more likely to have concerns about childcare and transportation, respectively. Perceptions of decreased hospital safety and the consequences of possible COVID-19 infection led to delay in rescheduling. Education about safety measures and communication about scheduling partially mitigated concerns about COVID-19. However, uncertainty about timeline for rescheduling and resolution of the pandemic contributed to ongoing concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Providing effective surgical care during this unprecedented time requires both awareness of societal shifts impacting surgical patients and system-level change to address new barriers to care. Eliciting patients' perspectives, adapting processes to address potential barriers, and effectively educating patients about institutional measures to minimize in-hospital transmission of COVID-19 should be integrated into surgical care.

Each procedure matters: threshold for surgeon volume to minimize complications and decrease cost associated with adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: An association has been suggested between increasing surgeon volume and improved patient outcomes, but a threshold has not been defined for what constitutes a "high-volume" adrenal surgeon. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent adrenalectomy by an identifiable surgeon between 1998-2009 were selected from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Logistic regression modeling with restricted cubic splines was utilized to estimate the association between annual surgeon volume and complication rates in order to identify a volume threshold. RESULTS: A total of 3,496 surgeons performed adrenalectomies on 6,712 patients; median annual surgeon volume was 1 case. After adjustment, the likelihood of experiencing a complication decreased with increasing annual surgeon volume up to 5.6 cases (95% confidence interval, 3.27-5.96). After adjustment, patients undergoing resection by low-volume surgeons (<6 cases/year) were more likely to experience complications (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.31, P = .005), have a greater hospital stay (relative risk 1.46, 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.70, P = .003), and at increased cost (+26.2%, 95% confidence interval, 12.6-39.9, P = .02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an annual threshold of surgeon volume (≥6 cases/year) that is associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased hospital cost. This volume threshold has implications for quality improvement, surgical referral and reimbursement, and surgical training.

Racial Disparities in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Have We Bridged the Gap?

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) exist in the United States. There is a paucity of data examining their temporal trends. It was hypothesized that racial disparities in care provided to patients with DTC have improved over the past 15 years. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing surgery for DTC were included from the National Cancer Data Base (1998-2012). Temporal trends in appropriate extent of thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) were described for different racial groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to estimate the adjusted association of receipt of appropriate extent of surgery and RAI, specifically under- and over-treatment, among different racial groups. RESULTS: Among 282,043 DTC patients, 80.3% were non-Hispanic white (white), 8.1% Hispanic, 7.2% non-Hispanic black (black), and 4.4% Asian. Black versus white race/ethnicity was associated with lower odds of receiving appropriate surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78 [confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.87]; p < 0.001). Appropriate RAI treatment was higher in blacks (OR = 1.07 [CI 1.02-1.12]; p = 0.01) and lower for Hispanics (OR = 0.90 [CI 0.86-0.95]; p < 0.001) compared with whites. There was a higher likelihood of RAI under-treatment in minority groups (Hispanic OR = 1.27, black OR = 1.26, Asian OR = 1.25; p < 0.001), and a lower likelihood of RAI over-treatment (Hispanic OR = 0.89, black OR = 0.83, Asian OR = 0.79; p < 0.001) compared with whites. Over time, an increasing proportion of black and white patients underwent appropriate extent of thyroidectomy (1998 vs. 2012: 78% vs. 88% and 81% vs. 91%, respectively). Compared with 1998, fewer patients in 2012 were under-treated with RAI: whites (48% vs. 29%, respectively), blacks (51% vs. 33%), Hispanics (51% vs. 37%), and Asians (55% vs. 39%). The extent of RAI over-treatment increased (1998 vs. 2012): whites (1% vs. 4%), blacks (2% vs. 4%), Hispanics (2% vs. 4%), and Asians (2% vs. 3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate utilization of surgery and RAI for DTC has improved over time. However, the proportion of patients receiving appropriate thyroid surgery is consistently lower for blacks compared with whites. RAI over-treatment increased for all races over the study period. Efforts are needed to standardize DTC care among minority patients.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of adrenalectomy for nonfunctional adrenal incidentalomas: is there a size threshold for resection?

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, but aggressive, malignancy. Current American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)/American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) guidelines recommend resection of nonfunctional adrenal neoplasms ≥ 4 cm. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this approach. METHODS: A decision tree was constructed for patients with a nonfunctional, 4-cm adrenal incidentaloma with no radiographic suspicion for ACC. Patients were randomized to adrenalectomy, surveillance per AACE/AAES guidelines, or no follow-up ("sign-off"). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) includes health care costs, including missed ACC. ICER (dollar/life-year-saved [LYS]) was determined from the societal perspective. Sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the base-case analysis, assuming a 2.0% probability of ACC for a 4-cm tumor, surgery was more cost-effective than surveillance (ICER $25,843/LYS). Both surgery and surveillance were incrementally more cost-effective than sign-off ($35/LYS and $8/LYS, respectively). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the model was sensitive to patient age, tumor size, probability of ACC, mortality of ACC, and cost of hospitalization. The results of the model were stable across different cost and complications related to adrenalectomy, regardless of operative approach. CONCLUSION: In our model, adrenalectomy was cost-effective for neoplasms >4 cm and in patients <65 years, primarily owing to the aggressiveness of ACC. Current AACE/AAES guideline recommendations for the resection of adrenal incidentalomas ≥ 4 cm seem to be cost-effective.

Clinical and economic outcomes of thyroid surgery in elderly patients: a systematic review.

The U.S. population is undergoing a dramatic shift in demographics, with a rise in the proportion of elderly Americans. Given an increased prevalence of thyroid disease and malignancy with age, understanding the safety of thyroid surgery in this age group is increasingly pertinent. There remains disagreement regarding the clinical outcomes of elderly patients after thyroidectomy and the applicability of single-institution cohorts to the population at large. This paper reviews the epidemiology of thyroid disease in the elderly, current surgical indications and practice patterns, and the clinical and economic outcomes of elderly patients with thyroid disease after surgical intervention.

Would scan, but which scan? A cost-utility analysis to optimize preoperative imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism depends on accurate preoperative localization. This study examines the cost-utility of sestamibi in combination with single photon emission computed tomography (sestamibi-SPECT); ultrasound; and 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). METHODS: A decision tree was constructed for patients undergoing initial parathyroidectomy. Patients were randomized to 1 of 5 preoperative localization protocols: (1) ultrasound; (2) sestamibi-SPECT; (3) 4D-CT; (4) sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound; and (5) sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound and 4D-CT, if discordant (sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound ± 4D-CT). From a societal perspective, all relevant costs were included. Input data were obtained from literature and Medicare. The incremental cost-utility ratio was determined in dollars per quality-adjusted life years ($/QALY). Sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the base-case, ultrasound was least expensive, with a cost of $6666, compared to $6773 (4-D CT); $7214 (sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound ± 4D-CT); $7330 (sestamibi-SPECT); and $7371(sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound). Sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound ± 4D-CT were most cost-effective because improved localization resulted in fewer bilateral explorations. QALY were comparable across modalities. Compared to sestamibi-SPECT, ultrasound, 4D- CT, and sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound ± 4D-CT resulted a win-win situation-costing less and accruing more utility. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the model was sensitive to surgery cost and diagnostic accuracy of imaging. CONCLUSION: In our model, sestamibi-SPECT and ultrasound ± 4D-CT were the most cost-effective methods, followed by 4D-CT and ultrasound. Sestamibi-SPECT alone was least cost-effective. Cost-utilities were dependent on the sensitivities of ultrasound and 4D-CT and may vary by institution.

Age matters: a study of clinical and economic outcomes following cholecystectomy in elderly Americans.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease increases with age. The aims of this study were to measure short-term outcomes from cholecystectomy in hospitalized elderly patients, assess the effect of age, and identify predictors of outcomes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis, using the Health Care Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1999-2006), of elderly patients (aged 65-79 and ≥80 years) and a comparison group (aged 50-64 years) hospitalized for cholecystectomy. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate age and outcome relationships. Main outcomes were in-hospital mortality, complications, discharge disposition, mean length of stay, and cost. RESULTS: A total of 149,855 patients aged 65 to 79 years, 62,561 patients aged ≥ 80 years, and 145,675 subjects aged 50 to 64 years were included. Elderly patients had multiple biliary diagnoses and longer times to surgery from admission and underwent more open procedures. Patients aged 65 to 79 years and those aged ≥80 years had higher adjusted odds of mortality (odds ratios [ORs], 2.36 and 5.91, respectively), complications (ORs, 1.57 and 2.39), nonroutine discharge (ORs, 3.02 and 10.76), longer length of stay (ORs, 1.11 and 1.31), and higher cost (ORs, 1.09 and 1.22) than younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients undergoing inpatient cholecystectomy have complex disease, with worse outcomes. Longer time from admission to surgery predicts poor outcome.

To supplement or not to supplement: a cost-utility analysis of calcium and vitamin D repletion in patients after thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after thyroidectomy; prevention and treatment remain areas of ongoing debate. The purpose of this study was to determine the incremental cost utility of routine versus selective calcium and vitamin D supplementation after total or completion thyroidectomy. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis using a Markov decision model was performed for a hypothetical cohort of adult patients after thyroidectomy. Routine or selective supplementation of oral calcium carbonate, vitamin D (calcitriol), and intravenous calcium gluconate, when required, was used. Selective supplementation was determined by serum intact parathyroid hormone levels. The incremental cost utility, measured in U.S. dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), was calculated. RESULTS: In the base-case analysis, the cost of routine supplementation was $102 versus $164 for selective supplementation. Patients in the routine arm gained 0.002 QALYs compared to patients in the selective arm (0.95936 QALYs vs. 0.95725 QALYs). At the population level, this translates into a savings of $29,365/QALY (95% confidence interval, -$66,650 to -$1,772) for routine supplementation. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the model was most sensitive to the utility of the hypocalcemic state, postoperative rates of hypocalcemia, and cost of serum parathyroid hormone testing. CONCLUSIONS: Routine oral calcium and calcitriol supplementation in patients after thyroidectomy seems to be less expensive and results in higher patient utility than selective supplementation. Surgeons who have very low rates of hypocalcemia in their patients may benefit less from routine supplementation.

Early clinical and economic outcomes of patients undergoing living donor nephrectomy in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to maximize kidney transplantation are tempered by concern for the live donor's safety. Case series and center surveys exist, but national aggregate data are lacking. We sought to determine predictors of early clinical and economic outcomes following living donor nephrectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis using 1999-2005 discharge data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. Cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), codes. Clinical and economic outcomes were analyzed with regard to patient and provider characteristics using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. SETTING: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing living donor nephrectomy, identified by the ICD-9 codes. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical and economic outcomes were analyzed with regard to patient and provider characteristics using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital complications, mortality, mean length of stay (LOS), and mean total hospital costs. RESULTS: A total of 6320 cases were identified with 0% mortality and a complication rate of 18.4%. The mean (SD) LOS was 3.3 (0.3) days, and the mean inpatient cost was $10 708 ($505). Independent predictors of donor complications included older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.01), male sex (OR, 1.19), Charlson Comorbidity Index of at least 1 (OR, 1.49), obesity (OR, 1.76), medium-size hospitals (OR, 1.88), and low-volume hospitals (OR, 1.37). Predictors of longer LOS included older age, female sex, Charlson score of at least 1, lower household income, low-volume and urban hospitals, and low-volume surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney donation is associated with a low mortality rate but an 18% complication rate. Donation by those with advanced age or obesity is associated with higher risks. Informed consent should include discussion of these risks.

To stimulate or withdraw? A cost-utility analysis of recombinant human thyrotropin versus thyroxine withdrawal for radioiodine ablation in patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer in the United States.

CONTEXT: Use of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) prior to radioactive iodine remnant ablation for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer avoids the hypothyroid state and improves quality of life. European studies have shown that use of rhTSH vs. thyroid hormone withdrawal is a cost-effective method for preparing patients for ablation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the cost-utility of rhTSH prior to ablation in the United States. DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECTS: A Markov decision model was developed for a hypothetical group of adult patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer who were prepared for ablation by either rhTSH or thyroid hormone withdrawal. Patients entered the model after initial thyroidectomy; follow-up was in accordance with current American Thyroid Association guidelines. Input data were obtained from the literature, Medicare reimbursement schedule, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sensitivity analyses were performed for all clinically relevant inputs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost-utility, measured in U.S. dollars per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY), was measured. RESULTS: Use of rhTSH yielded an incremental cost-utility of $52,554/QALY (95% confidence interval $52,058-53,050/QALY) (incremental societal cost of $1,365/patient; incremental benefit of 0.026 QALY/patient). The majority of cost and benefit occurs during the preablation, ablation, and postablation period; differences in cost are due to cost of rhTSH and differences in productivity loss (days off work). The model was most sensitive to changes in time off work, cost of rhTSH, and differences in utilities of health states. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, the cost-effectiveness of rhTSH for ablation in patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer is highly dependent on potential variations in cost of rhTSH, rates of remnant ablation, time off work, and quality of life.

Endocrine surgery: where are we today? A national survey of young endocrine surgeons.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in endocrine surgery. Educational objectives have been published by the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), but data have not been collected describing the recruitment pool, fellowship, or postfellowship experiences. METHODS: A survey was distributed to endocrine surgeons in practice <7 years and endocrine surgery fellows. Demographic, training, and practice data were collected. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 69% (46/67); 85% were practicing endocrine surgeons and 15% were fellows. In all, 72% of respondents completed an endocrine surgery fellowship, 17% completed surgical oncology, and the remaining individuals completed no fellowship. The mean age was 38 (32-49) years; 39% were women, 67% were white, 26% were Asian, 11% were Hispanic, and 2% were black. A total of 89% completed residency at academic centers. Endocrine surgery fellows performed significantly more endocrine surgery cases in residency than the average graduating chief resident. Mentorship was a critical factor in fellows' decisions to pursue endocrine surgery. Fellows graduated with a median (range) of 150 (50-300) thyroid, 80 (35-200) parathyroid, 10 (2-50) neck dissection, 13 (0-60) laparoscopic adrenal, and 3 (0-35) endocrine-pancreas. Fellows felt the least prepared in neck dissection and pancreas. Of the respondents, 76% of endocrine surgeons in practice are at academic centers, and 75% have practices where most cases are endocrine based. CONCLUSION: Exposure to endocrine surgery and mentorship are powerful factors that influence residents to pursue careers in endocrine surgery. Significant variation is found in the case distribution of fellowships with a relative paucity in neck dissection, pancreas procedures, and research. Recruitment to endocrine surgery should begin in residency, and the standardization of training should be a goal.

Outcomes from 3144 adrenalectomies in the United States: which matters more, surgeon volume or specialty?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of surgeon volume and specialty on clinical and economic outcomes after adrenalectomy. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (>or=18 years) undergoing adrenalectomy in the United States (1999-2005). Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, surgeon specialty (general vs urologist), surgeon adrenalectomy volume, and hospital factors were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The chi(2) test, analysis of variance, and multivariate linear and logistic regression were used to assess in-hospital complications, mean hospital length of stay (LOS), and total inpatient hospital costs. RESULTS: A total of 3144 adrenalectomies were included. Mean patient age was 53.7 years; 58.8% were women and 77.4% white. A higher proportion of general surgeons were high-volume surgeons compared with urologists (34.1% vs 18.2%, P < .001). Low-volume surgeons had more complications (18.2% vs 11.3%, P < .001) and their patients had longer LOS (5.5 vs 3.9 days, P < .001) than did high-volume surgeons; urologists had more complications (18.4% vs 15.2%, P = .03) and higher costs ($13,168 vs $11,732, P = .02) than did general surgeons. After adjustment for patient and provider characteristics in multivariate analyses, surgeon volume, but not specialty, was an independent predictor of complications (odds ratio = 1.5, P < .002) and LOS (1.0-day difference, P < .001). Hospital volume was associated only with LOS (0.8-day difference, P < .007). Surgeon volume, specialty, and hospital volume were not predictors of costs. CONCLUSION: To optimize outcomes, patients with adrenal disease should be referred to surgeons based on adrenal volume and laparoscopic expertise irrespective of specialty practice.

Outcomes following cholecystectomy in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

BACKGROUND: This study is the first population-based measurement of outcomes after cholecystectomy during pregnancy. METHODS: We identified all pregnant women who underwent cholecystectomy in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1996-2006. Outcomes were fetal, maternal, and surgical complications, length of stay (LOS), and hospital cost. Pregnant and nonpregnant women were compared to examine the effects of pregnancy on laparoscopic cholecystectomy outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 9,714 pregnant women underwent cholecystectomy (laparoscopic, 89%). Maternal and fetal complication rates were 4.3% and 5.8%, respectively. Pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to pregnant women who underwent open procedures had higher rates of surgical (19% vs 10%), maternal (9% vs 4%), and fetal (11% vs 5%) complications; longer LOS (6 vs 4 days); and higher cost ($13,198 vs $9,229), all P < .0001. High-volume surgeons were associated with lower rates of surgical (10% vs 13%; P < .05), maternal (1% vs 14%), and fetal (4% vs 10%) complications; shorter LOS (4 vs 5 days); and lower cost ($8,365 vs $10,350), all P < .0001. Patients with Medicaid coverage were associated with higher rates of surgical complications (13% vs 9%), longer LOS (4.3 vs 3.7 days), and higher cost ($10,403 vs $9,037), all P < .0001. On multivariable analysis, these factors remained independent predictors of outcome. Pregnancy was associated with longer LOS and higher cost. CONCLUSION: Complications of cholecystectomy during pregnancy are significant, with disparities based on modifiable variables.

Evolution of the surgeon-volume, patient-outcome relationship.

OBJECTIVE: Higher surgeon volume is associated with improved patient outcomes. This finding has prompted recommendations for increasing specialization and referrals to high-volume surgeons, yet their implementation in clinical practice has not been measured. METHODS: We performed cross-sectional analyses using 1999 and 2005 discharge information from the Health Care Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample to measure whether the number of procedures performed by high-volume surgeons increased over time. Procedures included those demonstrated to have strong surgeon volume-outcome associations in the literature. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes were employed for colorectal procedures, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, thyroidectomy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and carotid endarterectomy. Bivariate analyses and hierarchical generalized linear models were employed to measure association between surgeon volume and length of stay (LOS) and mortality or complications. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the proportion of procedures performed by high-volume surgeons over time, with the most dramatic increases seen for gastrectomy (54%), pancreatectomy (31%), and thyroidectomy (23%). Having a procedure performed by a high-volume surgeon was associated with patient race and insurance status. Overall, unadjusted mortality and LOS were significantly lower for high-volume surgeons compared with low-volume surgeons in 1999 and 2005. In multivariable hierarchical generalized linear models, only differences in LOS by surgeon volume remained significant in both years. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of procedures performed by high-volume surgeons increased over a 6-year period, as evidence mounted in support of a surgeon volume-outcome association. Efforts are still needed to improve access among underserved subsets of the population and eliminate apparent disparities based on patient race and insurance status.

Outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: To perform the first population-based measurement of clinical and economic outcomes after thyroid and parathyroid surgery in pregnant women and identify the characteristics of this population and the predictors of outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Health Care Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS), a 20% sample of nonfederal US hospitals. PATIENTS: All pregnant women, compared with age-matched nonpregnant women, who underwent thyroid and parathyroid procedures from 1999 to 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fetal, maternal, and surgical complications, in-hospital mortality, median length of stay, and hospital costs. RESULTS: A total of 201 pregnant women underwent thyroid (n = 165) and parathyroid (n = 36) procedures and were examined together. The mean age was 29 years, 60% were white, 25% were emergent or urgent admissions, and 46% had thyroid cancer. Compared with nonpregnant women (n = 31 155), pregnant patients had a higher rate of endocrine (15.9 vs 8.1%; P < .001) and general complications (11.4 vs 3.6%; P < .001), longer unadjusted lengths of stay (2 days vs 1 day; P < .001), and higher unadjusted hospital costs ($6873 vs $5963; P = .007). The fetal and maternal complication rates were 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively. On multivariate regression analysis, pregnancy was an independent predictor of higher combined surgical complications (odds ratio, 2; P < .001), longer adjusted length of stay (0.3 days longer; P < .001), and higher adjusted hospital costs ($300; P < .001). Other independent predictors of outcome were surgeon volume, patient race or ethnicity, and insurance status. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women have worse clinical and economic outcomes following thyroid and parathyroid surgery than nonpregnant women, with disparities in outcomes based on race, insurance, and access to high-volume surgeons.

Pediatric endocrine surgery: who is operating on our children?

BACKGROUND: High surgeon volume is associated with improved outcomes in adult endocrine surgery. This is the first population-based outcomes study for thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy in children. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were performed using 1999 to 2005 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample data. Outcomes included complications, length of stay (LOS), and costs. High-volume surgeons performed >30 cervical endocrine procedures per year in adults and children; pediatric surgeons restricted >90% of their practices to patients