Global cost of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Following abdominal surgery, postoperative ileus is a common complication significantly increasing patient morbidity and cost of hospital admission. This is the first systematic review aimed at determining the average global hospital cost per patient associated with postoperative ileus. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was performed from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies included compared patients undergoing abdominal surgery who developed postoperative ileus to those who did not, focusing on costing data. The primary outcome was the total cost of inpatient stay. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment tool. Summary meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 2071 studies identified, 88 papers were assessed for full eligibility. The systematic review included nine studies (2005-2022), investigating 1 860 889 patients undergoing general, colorectal, gynaecological and urological surgery. These studies showed significant variations in the definition of postoperative ileus. Six studies were eligible for meta-analysis showing an increase of €8233 (95 per cent c.i. (5176 to 11 290), P < 0.0001, I2 = 95.5 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 66.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (34.8 to 97.9), P < 0.0001, I2 = 98.4 per cent). However, there was significant bias between studies. Five colorectal-surgery-specific studies showed an increase of €7242 (95 per cent c.i. (4502 to 9983), P < 0.0001, I2 = 86.0 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 57.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (36.3 to 78.3), P < 0.0001, I2 = 85.7 per cent). CONCLUSION: The global financial burden of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery is significant. While further multicentre data using a uniform postoperative ileus definition would be useful, reducing the incidence and impact of postoperative ileus are a priority to mitigate healthcare-related costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Gastrointestinal outcomes among older women with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment for endometrial cancer may contribute to bowel dysfunction and other gastrointestinal outcomes. We investigated the risk of several gastrointestinal diagnoses among older women with endometrial cancer and matched women without a history of cancer. METHODS: Women aged 66 years and older diagnosed with endometrial cancer during 2004-2017 (N = 44,386) and matched women without a known cancer history (N = 221,219) were identified in the SEER-Medicare linked data. An index date was defined as the endometrial cancer diagnosis date in that matched set. ICD-9 and -10 diagnosis codes were used to define gastrointestinal outcomes, including constipation, abdominal pain, IBS, fecal incontinence, bowel obstruction, ileus, radiation enteritis or proctitis, colonic stricture, and vascular insufficiency of the bowel in the Medicare claims. Hazard ratios (HRs) for incident gastrointestinal diagnoses were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Compared to women without cancer, women with endometrial cancer had an increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms after the index date, including constipation (HR = 2.27; 95% CI: 2.22-2.32), abdominal pain (HR = 2.94; 95% CI: 2.89-2.99), and fecal incontinence (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.83-2.10). The risk of other gastrointestinal diagnoses was also higher among women with endometrial cancer (e.g., bowel obstruction: HR = 5.72; 95% CI: 5.47-5.98; ileus: HR = 7.22; 95% CI: 6.89-7.57). These associations were also apparent in sensitivity analyses limited to 1+ and 5+ years after the index date. CONCLUSIONS: Older women with endometrial cancer experience an excess risk of gastrointestinal diagnoses that may persist long after cancer diagnosis. Surveillance for these conditions may be a critical part of survivorship care.

Cost of postoperative ileus following colorectal surgery: A cost analysis in the Australian public hospital setting.

AIM: Postoperative ileus (POI) following surgery results in significant morbidity, drastically increasing hospital costs. As there are no specific Australian data, this study aimed to measure the cost of POI after colorectal surgery in an Australian public hospital. METHODS: A cost analysis was performed, for major elective colorectal surgical cases between 2018 and 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. POI was defined as not achieving GI-2, the validated composite measure, by postoperative day 4. Demographics, length of stay and 30-day complications were recorded retrospectively. Costings in Australian dollars were collected from comprehensive hospital billing data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 415 patients included, 34.9% (n = 145) developed POI. POI was more prevalent in males, smokers, previous intra-abdominal surgery, and converted laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.05). POI was associated with increased length of stay (8 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and with higher rates of complications such as pneumonia (15.2% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.027). Total cost of inpatient care was 26.4% higher after POI (AU$37,690 vs. AU$29,822, p < 0.001). POI was associated with increased staffing costs, as well as diagnostics, pharmacy, and hospital services. On multivariate analysis POI, elderly patients, stoma formation, large bowel surgery, prolonged theatre time, complications and length of stay were predictive of increased costs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In Australia, POI is significantly associated with increased complications and higher costs due to prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare resource utilisation. Efforts to reduce POI rates could diminish its morbidity and associated expenses, decreasing the burden on the healthcare system.

Post-cesarean ileus: An assessment of incidence, risk factors and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of post cesarean paralytic ileus and to identify associated risk factors and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of woman who underwent cesarean delivery between 2005 and 2019. All parturients who had cesarean delivery were stratified and compared according to whether or not they were diagnosed with a paralytic ileus. Women were excluded if they had an intestinal injury or repair during the cesarean or if they suffered from a post cesarean mechanical bowel obstruction diagnosed during re-laparotomy. Basic demographics, obstetric history, current delivery characteristics, re-suturing indications and outcomes were obtained and analyzed. Univariate analyses were followed by a multivariate analysis (adjusted Odds Ratio (aORs) ; [95% Confidence Interval]). RESULTS: A total of 23,486 women met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of which 135 (0.6%) were diagnosed with paralytic ileus whilst 23,347 (99.4%) did not and served as the control group. Multivariate analysis revealed that an estimated intra-operative blood loss ≥ 1000 ml was the most significant risk factor for post cesarean paralytic ileus (aOR 2.27 (1.18-4.36)), followed by multifetal gestation (aOR 2.08 (1.24-3.51)), corporeal uterine incision (aOR 1.97 (1.07-3.63)), use of topical hemostatic agents (aOR 1.78 (1.19-2.66)) and increasing maternal age (aOR 1.78 (1.19-2.66)). Regarding maternal outcomes, post cesarean paralytic ileus was associated with higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage (44.4% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.01), transfusion of blood products (23.7% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.01), post-cesarean exploratory laparotomy (4.4% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.01) and prolonged hospital stay (32.6% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our population, whilst post cesarean paralytic ileus is infrequent, when it occurs it is associated with increased short-term maternal morbidity.

Comparison Study of Patient Demographics, Risk Factors, and Lengths of Stay for Postoperative Ileus After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is a potential complication after orthopedic surgery, which has not been well studied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aims of this study were to analyze rates of postoperative ileus; patient demographic profiles; in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); and patient-related risk factors for postoperative ileus after primary TKA. METHODS: A query was performed from January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2014 using the Medicare Standard Analytical Files. Patients who underwent primary TKA and developed postoperative ileus within 3 days after their index procedure were identified. Patients who did not develop ileus represented controls. Primary outcomes analyzed and compared included patient demographics, risk factors, and in-hospital LOS. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ileus patients were older, more likely to be male, and had higher Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index scores (8 vs 6; P < .0001) compared with controls. Male patients (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; P < .0001), patients with preoperative electrolyte/fluid imbalance (OR, 3.40; P < .001), patients older than 70 years (OR, 1.62-2.33; P < .015), and body mass indices greater than 30 kg/m2 (OR, 1.79-2.00; P < .001) were at the greatest risk of developing ileus. In addition, ileus patients had significantly longer in-hospital LOS (5.42 vs 3.22 days; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated differences in patient demographics, patient-related risk factors, and an increased in-hospital LOS for ileus patients after primary TKA. The study is important as it can allow orthopedists to properly identify and optimize patients with certain risk factors to potentially mitigate this adverse event from occurring.

Assessment of Postdonation Outcomes in US Living Kidney Donors Using Publicly Available Data Sets.

Importance: There are limited resources providing postdonation conditions that can occur in living donors (LDs) of solid-organ transplant. Consequently, it is difficult to visualize and understand possible postdonation outcomes in LDs. Objective: To assemble an open access resource that is representative of the demographic characteristics in the US national registry, maintained by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and administered by the United Network for Organ Sharing, but contains more follow-up information to help to examine postdonation outcomes in LDs. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cohort study in which the data for the resource and analyses stemmed from the transplant data set derived from 27 clinical studies from the ImmPort database, which is an open access repository for clinical studies. The studies included data collected from 1963 to 2016. Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network national registry collected from October 1987 to March 2016 were used to determine representativeness. Data analysis took place from June 2016 to May 2018. Data from 20 ImmPort clinical studies (including clinical trials and observational studies) were curated, and a cohort of 11 263 LDs was studied, excluding deceased donors, LDs with 95% or more missing data, and studies without a complete data dictionary. The harmonization process involved the extraction of common features from each clinical study based on categories that included demographic characteristics as well as predonation and postdonation data. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-six postdonation events were identified, represented, and analyzed via a trajectory network analysis. Results: The curated data contained 10 869 living kidney donors (median [interquartile range] age, 39 [31-48] years; 6175 [56.8%] women; and 9133 [86.6%] of European descent). A total of 9558 living kidney donors with postdonation data were analyzed. Overall, 1406 LDs (14.7%) had postdonation events. The 4 most common events were hypertension (806 [8.4%]), diabetes (190 [2.0%]), proteinuria (171 [1.8%]), and postoperative ileus (147 [1.5%]). Relatively few events (n = 269) occurred before the 2-year postdonation mark. Of the 1746 events that took place 2 years or more after donation, 1575 (90.2%) were nonsurgical; nonsurgical conditions tended to occur in the wide range of 2 to 40 years after donation (odds ratio, 38.3; 95% CI, 4.12-1956.9). Conclusions and Relevance: Most events that occurred more than 2 years after donation were nonsurgical and could occur up to 40 years after donation. Findings support the construction of a national registry for long-term monitoring of LDs and confirm the value of secondary reanalysis of clinical studies.

Patients Who Undergo Colectomy for Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis at Low-Volume Hospitals Have More Complications.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) who undergo colectomy at high-volume centers have better outcomes and fewer complications than those at low-volume centers. We aimed to evaluate the hospital volume of total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for pediatric patients with UC and explore time trends in the proportion of colectomies performed at high-volume centers. We then evaluated the association between hospital colectomy volume and complications. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric patients (age, ≤18 y) hospitalized for UC using the Kids' Inpatient Database, a nationally representative database of pediatric hospitalizations. We identified UC hospitalizations with a procedural code (International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th revision) for TAC from 1997 through 2016. We defined complications using diagnosis codes adapted from published algorithms. We defined high-volume as hospitals that performed 10 or more TACs annually. We used multivariate statistics to evaluate the association between hospital volume and in-hospital complications. RESULTS: A total of 1453 hospitalizations of children with UC included a TAC (2306 colectomies nationwide). A total of 766 hospitals performed 1 or more annual colectomies and only 36 (4.7%) were high-volume hospitals, accounting for 21% of colectomies. The proportion of colectomies at high-volume hospitals decreased over time. The absolute risk of complication was 16% at high-volume centers compared with 22% at low-volume centers (adjusted odds ratio, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9). The effect of annual TAC volume on complication risk was not statistically significant for nonemergent admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with UC who undergo colectomy at high-volume centers have fewer complications. However, only a small proportion of pediatric colectomies (<5%) are performed at high-volume centers.

Relationship between duration of preoperative symptoms and postoperative ileus for small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Factors associated with postoperative ileus and increased resource utilization for patients who undergo operative intervention for small-bowel obstruction are not extensively studied. We evaluated the association between total duration of preoperative symptoms and postoperative outcomes in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for small-bowel obstruction (2013-2016). Clinical data were recorded. Total duration of preoperative symptoms included all symptoms before operation, including those before presentation. Primary endpoint was time to tolerance of diet. Secondary endpoints included length of stay, total parenteral nutrition use, and intensive care unit admission. Association between variables and outcomes was analyzed using univariable analysis, multivariable Poisson modeling, and t-test to compare groups. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included. On presentation, the median duration of symptoms before hospitalization was 2 d (range 0-18 d). Total duration of preoperative symptoms was associated with time to tolerance of diet on univariable analysis (Pearson's moment correlation: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.028-0.5, P = 0.03). On multivariable analysis, ascites was correlated with time to tolerance of diet (P < 0.01), but total duration of preoperative symptoms (P = 0.07) was not. Length of stay (Pearson's correlation: 0.24, 95% confidence interval: -0.02 to 0.47, P = 0.07) was not statistically different in patients with longer preoperative symptoms. Symptom duration was not statistically associated with intensive care unit (P = 0.18) or total parenteral nutrition (P = 0.3) utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that preoperative ascites correlated with increased time to tolerance of diet, and duration of preoperative symptoms may be related to postoperative ileus.

Risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy: a decision analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fallopian tubes are commonly removed during laparoscopic and open hysterectomy to prevent ovarian and tubal cancer but are not routinely removed during vaginal hysterectomy because of perceptions of increased morbidity, difficulty, or inadequate surgical training. OBJECTIVE: We sought to quantify complications and costs associated with a strategy of planned salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: We created a decision analysis model using TreeAgePro. Effectiveness outcomes included ovarian cancer incidence and mortality as well as major surgical complications. Modeled complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. We also modeled subsequent benign adnexal surgery beyond the postoperative window. Those whose procedures were converted from a vaginal route were assumed to undergo bilateral salpingectomy, regardless of treatment group, following American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Costs were gathered from published literature and Medicare reimbursement data, with internal cost data from 892 hysterectomies at a single institution used to estimate costs when necessary. Complication rates were determined from published literature and from 13,397 vaginal hysterectomies recorded in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008 through 2013. RESULTS: Switching from a policy of vaginal hysterectomy alone to a policy of routine planned salpingectomy prevents a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1 of every 225 women having surgery and prevents death from ovarian cancer in 1 of every 450 women having surgery. Overall, salpingectomy was a less expensive strategy than not performing salpingectomy ($7350.62 vs $8113.45). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the driving force behind increased costs was the increased risk of subsequent benign adnexal surgery among women retaining their tubes. Planned opportunistic salpingectomy had more major complications than hysterectomy alone (7.95% vs 7.68%). Major complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. Therefore, routine salpingectomy results in 0.61 additional complications per case of cancer prevented and 1.21 additional complications per death prevented. A surgeon therefore must withstand an additional ∼3 complications to prevent 5 cancer diagnoses and ∼6 additional complications to prevent 5 cancer deaths. CONCLUSION: Salpingectomy should routinely be performed with vaginal hysterectomy because it was the dominant and therefore cost-effective strategy. Complications are minimally increased, but the trade-off with cancer prevention is highly favorable.

Nomogram-Derived Prediction of Postoperative Ileus after Colectomy: An Assessment from Nationwide Procedure-Targeted Cohort.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a clinical burden to health-care system. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and predictors of POI in patients undergoing colectomy and create a nomogram by using recently released procedure-targeted nationwide database. Patients who underwent elective colectomy in 2012 and 2013 were identified from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program using the new procedure-targeted database. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Variables in the final stepwise multiple logistic regression model for each outcome were selected in a stepwise fashion using Akaike's information criterion. A nomogram was created to aid in the calculation of POI risk for individual patients. A total of 29,201 patients met the inclusion criteria; 3834 (13.1%) developed POI with a male predominance (55.9%). Patients who developed ileus had longer length of hospital stay (11 vs 5 days; P < 0.001) and operative time (200 vs 174 minutes; P < 0.001). In the stepwise logistic regression model, the following variables were found to be independent risk factors for POI: older age (P < 0.001), male gender (P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists class III/IV (P < 0.001), open approach (P < 0.001), preoperative septic conditions (P < 0.001), omission of oral antibiotic before surgery (P < 0.001), right colectomy or total colectomy vs other procedures (P < 0.001), smoking (P = 0.001), decreased preoperative serum albumin level (P < 0.001), and prolonged operating time (P < 0.001). All postoperative complications were more frequently occurred in patients with POI. The nomogram accurately predicted POI with a concordant index for this model of 0.69. The use of minimal invasive techniques, control of preoperative septic conditions, oral antibiotic bowel preparation and shorter operative time are associated with a decreased rate of POI. External validation is essential for the confirmation and further evaluation of our logistic regression model and nomogram.

Worker's Compensation Status and Outcomes Following Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior lumbar-interbody fusion (ALIF) is a commonly performed procedure for degenerative spinal disorders with reasonable clinical and safety outcomes, although there is limited evidence regarding the impact of ALIF in patients receiving worker's compensation (WC) compared with those without. The aim of our study is to identify whether WC status affects the clinical outcome and rates of complication following ALIF surgery in a prospective cohort. METHODS: We followed prospectively 114 consecutive patients undergoing ALIF surgery from 2012-2014. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with worker's compensation (WC) (n = 24) and those without (n = 90). Patients were evaluated preoperative and postoperatively. Outcome measures included Short Form-12 (SF-12), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), surgical complications, and subsidence. RESULTS: In terms of baseline traits, the WC group had a significantly higher proportion of class III/IV obesity patients, who were younger (46.3 vs. 60.2 years) compared with non-WC. There were no significant differences in fusion rates or preoperative or postoperative disk height. No significant differences were found for hospital stay, blood loss, or operation duration. Similar rates of complications were found between WC versus non-WC cohorts. No significant difference was noted in clinical improvement between the 2 cohorts with SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS, or ODI (P = 0.232). No significant difference was found in the proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference for SF-12 PCS/MCS or ODI. CONCLUSIONS: In our prospective cohort, there were no significant differences found between WC versus non-WC patients in terms of fusion rates, complications, clinical outcomes, or proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference.

"Cool" Topic: Feeding During Moderate Hypothermia After Intracranial Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic moderate hypothermia (MH; T core 33°C-34°C) is being studied for treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Nutrition assessment begins with accurate basal metabolic rate (BMR) determination. Although early enteral nutrition (EN) is associated with improved outcomes, it is often deferred until rewarming. We sought to determine the accuracy of predictive BMR equations and the safety and tolerance of EN during MH after ICH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to 72 hours of MH or normothermia (NT; T core 36°C-37°C). Harris-Benedict (BMR-HB) and Penn-State equation (BMR-PS) calculations were compared with indirect calorimetry (IC) at day (D) 0 and D1-3. Patients with MH received trophic semi-elemental gastric EN. Occurrences of feeding intolerance, gastrointestinal (GI)-related adverse events, and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) were analyzed with a double-sided matched pairs t test. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with ICH participated (6 MH, 7 NT). Mean time to initiate EN: 29.9 (MH) vs 18.4 (NT) hours ( P = .046). Average daily EN calories received D0-3: 398 (MH) vs 1006 (NT) ( P < .01). Three patients with MH experienced high gastric residuals prior to prokinetic agents, 1 had mild ileus, and 1 patient with NT vomited. No GI-related adverse events were reported. One patient with MH and 1 patient with NT had VAP. Two patients with MH received IC, and from D0 to D1-3, BMR-HB remained stable (1331 kcal), BMR-PS decreased (1511 vs 1145 kcal, P = .5), and IC decreased (1413 vs 985 kcal, P = .2). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ICH undergoing MH, resting energy expenditure is decreased and predictive equations overestimate BMR. EN is feasible, although delayed EN initiation, high gastric residuals, and less EN provision are common. Future studies should focus on EN initiation within 24 hours, advanced EN rates, and postpyloric feeds during hypothermia.

Pain control for laparoscopic colectomy: an analysis of the incidence and utility of epidural analgesia compared to conventional analgesia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes between epidural analgesia and conventional intravenous analgesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy. This paper uses a large national database to add a current perspective on trends in analgesia and the outcomes associated with two analgesia options. Our evidence augments the opinions of recent randomized controlled trials. METHODS: The University HealthSystem Consortium, an alliance of more than 300 academic and affiliate institutions, was reviewed for the time period of October 2008 through September 2014. International Classification of Disease 9th Clinical Modification codes for laparoscopic colectomy and epidural catheter placement were used. RESULTS: A total of 29,429 patients met our criteria and underwent laparoscopic colectomy during the study period. One hundred and ten (0.374%) patients had an epidural catheter placed for analgesia. Baseline patient demographics were similar for the epidural and conventional analgesia groups. Total charges were significantly higher in the epidural group ($52,998 vs. $39,277; p < 0.001). Median length of stay was longer in the epidural group (6 vs. 5 days; p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the epidural and conventional analgesia groups in death (0 vs. 0.03%; p = 0.999), urinary tract infection (0 vs. 0.1%; p = 0.999), ileus (11.8 vs. 13.6%; p = 0.582), or readmission rate (9.1 vs. 9.3%; p = 0.942). CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional analgesic techniques, epidural analgesia does not reduce the rate of postoperative ileus, and it is associated with increased cost and increased length of stay. Based on our data, routine use of epidural analgesia for laparoscopic colectomy cannot be justified.

Impact of postsurgical opioid use and ileus on economic outcomes in gastrointestinal surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and economic impact of postoperative ileus (POI) following laparotomy (open) and laparoscopic procedures for colectomies and cholecystectomies in patients receiving postoperative pain management with opioids. METHODS: Using the Premier research database, we retrospectively identified adult inpatients discharged between 2008 and 2010 receiving postsurgical opioids following laparotomy and laparoscopic colectomy and cholecystectomy. POI was identified through ICD-9 diagnosis codes and postsurgical morphine equivalent dose (MED) determined. RESULTS: A total of 138,068 patients met criteria, and 10.3% had an ileus. Ileus occurred more frequently in colectomy than cholecystectomy and more often when performed by laparotomy. Ileus patients receiving opioids had an increased length of stay (LOS) ranging from 4.8 to 5.7 days, total cost from $9945 to $13,055 and 30 day all-cause readmission rate of 2.3 to 5.3% higher compared to patients without ileus. Patients with ileus received significantly greater MED than those without (median: 285 vs. 95 mg, p < 0.0001) and were twice as likely to have POI. MED above the median in ileus patients was associated with an increase in LOS (3.8 to 7.1 days), total cost ($8458 to $19,562), and readmission in laparoscopic surgeries (4.8 to 5.2%). Readmission rates were similar in ileus patients undergoing open procedures regardless of MED. CONCLUSIONS: Use of opioids in patients who develop ileus following abdominal surgeries is associated with prolonged hospitalization, greater costs, and increased readmissions. Furthermore, higher doses of opioids are associated with higher incidence of POI. Limitations are related to the retrospective design and the use of administrative data (including reliance on ICD-9 coding). Yet POI may not be coded and therefore underestimated in our study. Assessment of pre-existing disease and preoperative pain management was not assessed. Despite these limitations, strategies to reduce opioid consumption may improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the associated economic impact.

Multi-institutional outcomes and cost effectiveness of using alvimopan to lower gastrointestinal morbidity after cystectomy and urinary diversion.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy is associated with significant morbidity and cost, with rates of gastrointestinal complications as high as 30%. Alvimopan is a mu opioid receptor antagonist that has been shown in randomized-control trials to accelerate gastrointestinal recovery in patients undergoing bowel resection with primary anastamosis. We report our experience with gastrointestinal recovery for patients undergoing cystectomy with urinary diversion treated with alvimopan and cost benefit associated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and October 2012, 80 patients underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion at two institutions. Forty-two patients in our study did not receive alvimopan preoperatively. Thirty-eight patients received perioperative alvimopan and were without postoperative nasogastric decompression. Return of bowel function, initiation of diet, and gastrointestinal complications and estimated cost of hospitalization were evaluated. RESULTS: Times to first flatus (3.1 days versus 4.7 days, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.96-2.24) and bowel movement (3.9 days versus 4.9 days, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.45-1.55) were significantly shorter in those patients who received alvimopan. Additionally, the initiation of clear liquid diet (4.1 days versus 5.5 days, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.70-2.10), regular diet (5.2 days versus 6.3 days, p < 0.01, 95% CI 0.39-1.81) and hospital discharge (6.1 days versus 7.7 days, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-3.21) were accelerated in the alvimopan cohort. There were no incidences of prolonged ileus in patients who received perioperative alvimopan (0% versus 26.2%, p < 0.01). With an approximate average cost of alvimopan administration $825 per hospitalization, the average cost benefit of administration over control was $1515 per hospitalization. The cost benefit was mainly a result of a shorter inpatient hospitalization and lack of gastrointestinal morbidity which accumulated a majority of the difference. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the use of alvimopan perioperatively significantly accelerates the rate of gastrointestinal recovery and hospital discharge, eliminates the need for nasogastric tube decompression, and reduces the incidence of post-operative ileus in patients following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative ileus following anterior, posterior, and circumferential lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Postoperative ileus is a known complication of surgery. The incidence and risk factors for ileus after lumbar fusion surgery is not well characterized. PURPOSE: To determine rates of postoperative ileus, a population-based database was analyzed to identify incidence, mortality, and risk factors associated with anterior (ALF), posterior (PLF), and combined anterior/posterior (APLF) lumbar fusions. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective database analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 220,522 patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were incidence of postoperative ileus, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital costs, and mortality. METHODS: Data from the NIS were obtained from 2002 to 2009. Patients undergoing ALF, PLF, and APLF for degenerative pathologies were identified and the incidence of postoperative ileus was assessed. Patient demographics, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), LOS, costs, and mortality were assessed. SPSS v.20 was used to detect statistical differences between groups and perform logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors of postoperative ileus. A p value less than .001 denoted significance. RESULTS: A total of 220,522 lumbar fusions were identified in the United States from 2002 to 2009. There were 19,762 ALFs, 182,801 PLFs, and 17,959 APLFs. The incidence of postoperative ileus was increased in ALFs over PLFs (74.9 vs. 26.0 per 1,000; p<.001). Within PLF and APLF groups, CCI scores were increased in the presence of postoperative ileus (p<.001). Across cohorts, patients with postoperative ileus demonstrated greater LOS and costs (p<.001). PLF-treated patients with postoperative ileus demonstrated increased mortality (p<.001). Independent predictors of postoperative ileus included male gender, 3+ fusion levels, alcohol abuse, anemia, fluid/electrolyte disorders, and weight loss (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study demonstrate increased incidence of postoperative ileus associated with anterior approaches for lumbar fusion. Across cohorts, postoperative ileus was associated with increased LOS and costs. To determine the mortality and resource use associated with postoperative ileus, we recommend preoperatively identifying and treating modifiable risk factors, especially when an anterior approach is used.

Alvimopan, a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist, is associated with reduced costs after radical cystectomy: economic analysis of a phase 4 randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of alvimopan treatment vs placebo on health care utilization and costs related to gastrointestinal recovery in patients treated with radical cystectomy in a randomized, phase 4 clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resource utilization data were prospectively collected and evaluated by cost consequence analysis. Hospital costs were estimated from 2012 Medicare reimbursement rates and medication wholesale acquisition costs. Differences in base case mean costs between the study cohorts for total postoperative ileus related costs (hospital days, study drug, nasogastric tubes, postoperative ileus related concomitant medication and postoperative ileus related readmissions) and total combined costs (postoperative ileus related, laboratory, electrocardiograms, nonpostoperative ileus related concomitant medication and nonpostoperative ileus related readmission) were evaluated by probabilistic sensitivity analysis using a bootstrap approach. RESULTS: Mean hospital stay was 2.63 days shorter for alvimopan than placebo (mean±SD 8.44±3.05 vs 11.07±8.23 days, p=0.005). Use of medications or interventions likely intended to diagnose or manage postoperative ileus was lower for alvimopan than for placebo, eg total parenteral nutrition 10% vs 25% (p=0.001). Postoperative ileus related health care costs were $2,340 lower for alvimopan and mean total combined costs were decreased by $2,640 per patient for alvimopan vs placebo. Analysis using a 10,000-iteration bootstrap approach showed that the mean difference in postoperative ileus related costs (p=0.04) but not total combined costs (p=0.068) was significantly lower for alvimopan than for placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with radical cystectomy alvimopan decreased hospitalization cost by reducing the health care services associated with postoperative ileus and decreasing the hospital stay.

Outcomes and costs associated with robotic colectomy in the minimally invasive era.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly common; however, it is unclear if its use for colectomy improves in-hospital outcomes compared with the laparoscopic approach. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare in-hospital outcomes and costs between patients undergoing robotic or laparoscopic colectomy. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective review of the 2008 to 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. SETTINGS, PATIENTS, INTERVENTIONS: All adult patients who underwent an elective robotic or laparoscopic colectomy in hospitals performing both procedures (N = 2583 representing an estimated 12,732 procedures) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of stay, and direct costs of care. Regression models were used to compare these outcomes between procedural approaches while controlling for baseline differences in patient characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 6.1% of patients underwent a robotic procedure. Factors associated with robotic-assisted colectomy included younger age, benign diagnoses, and treatment at a lower-volume center. Patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic procedures experienced similar rates of intraoperative (3.0% vs 3.3%; adjusted OR = 0.88 (0.35-2.22)) and postoperative (21.7% vs 21.6%; adjusted OR = 0.84 (0.54-1.30)) complications, as well as risk-adjusted average lengths of stay (5.4 vs 5.5 days, p = 0.66). However, robotic-assisted colectomy resulted in significantly higher costs of care ($19,231 vs $15,807, p < 0.001). Although the overall postoperative morbidity rate was similar between groups, the individual complications experienced by each group were different. LIMITATIONS: A limitation of this study is the potential miscoding of robotic cases in administrative data. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted colectomy significantly increases the costs of care without providing clear reductions in overall morbidity or length of stay. As the use of robotic technology in colon surgery continues to evolve, critical appraisal of the benefits offered in comparison with the resources consumed is required.

A statewide, community-based assessment of alvimopan's effect on surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Alvimopan was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2008 and has been shown to accelerate gastrointestinal recovery after colectomy. Our independent study evaluated alvimopan as it is used in actual hospital practice in the state of Michigan. We hypothesized that alvimopan significantly decreases incidence of prolonged ileus and reduces length of stay (LOS) in patients who have undergone colectomy. METHODS: We identified 4749 patients from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (N = 28 hospitals) database between August 2007 and December 2010 who underwent elective colectomy operations. A total of 528 patients received alvimopan both pre- and postoperatively. We first selected a control group of patients from hospitals that had never administered alvimopan (n = 1833) and used propensity matching to manage differences in patient demographics and clinical characteristics. To control for hospital and surgeon characteristics, we then performed a sensitivity analysis, using a separate group of historical control patients treated before May 2008 in hospitals that would later administer alvimopan (n = 270). The Fisher exact test was used to compare complication rates, and the Student t test was used to compare LOS. RESULTS: Patients who received alvimopan had significantly lower incidence of prolonged ileus (2.3% vs 7.9%; P < 0.001) and a significantly shorter LOS (4.84 ± 4.54 vs 6.40 ± 4.45 days; P < 0.001) than control patients in hospitals that had never administered alvimopan. No differences were noted in these outcomes using sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the actual utilization of alvimopan leads to a reduction in prolonged ileus and LOS in patients who underwent colectomy. By accelerating postoperative recovery, alvimopan has the potential to benefit patients and health care systems by improving outcomes, ensuring patient comfort, and reducing cost.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology and medical management of postoperative ileus in the elderly.

As the population of the Western world ages, the number of major surgical procedures performed in the elderly population will by necessity increase. Within virtually every surgical specialty, studies have shown that patients should not be denied surgery on the basis of chronological age alone. It has recently been recognized that physiological age is far more important within the decision-making algorithm as to whether or not to proceed with major surgery in the septuagenarian and octogenarian populations and beyond. Not unexpectedly, not only the results of these operations, but also the associated morbidities, are similar in older and younger populations. Therefore, it is not surprising that postoperative ileus (POI) affects patients of all ages. POI is a multifactorial condition that is exacerbated by opioid analgesics, bed rest and other conditions that may be rather prevalent in the postoperative elderly patient. Therefore, as major surgical interventions are considered in this population, appropriate assessment and, ideally, correction of any physiological disturbances should be undertaken along with implementation of standardized enhanced recovery protocols. Ideally, through this combined approach, an appreciable impact can be made on reducing POI while controlling postoperative pain and limiting postoperative thromboembolic, cardiopulmonary, cerebral and infectious complications. This article reviews the potential impact of pharmacological agents, laparoscopy and other manoeuvres on POI in the elderly.