Compensated Patient Injuries in the Treatment of Abdominal Aortic and Iliac Artery Aneurysms in Finland: A Nationwide Patient Insurance Registry Study.

OBJECTIVES: Patient injury claims data and insurance records provide detailed information on patient injuries. This study aimed to identify the errors and adverse events that led to patient injuries in vascular surgery for the treatments of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) in Finland. The study also assessed the severity and preventability of the injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Finnish Patient Insurance Centre's insurance charts of compensated patient injuries in the treatment of AAA and IAA. Records of all compensated patient injury claims involving AAA and IAA between 2004 and 2017 inclusive were reviewed. Contributing factors to injury were identified and classified. The injuries were assessed for their preventability by using the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist correctly. The degree of harm was graded by Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Twenty-six patient injury incidents were identified in the treatment of 23 patients. Typical injuries involved delays in diagnosis or treatment, errors in surgical technique or injuries to adjacent anatomic organs. Three (13.0%) patients died due to patient injury. Two deaths were caused by delays in diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) and the third death was due to missed diagnosis of post-operative myocardial infarction. Retained foreign material caused injuries to two (8.7%) patients. One (4.3%) patient had a severe postoperative infection. Three (13.0%) patients experienced an injury to an adjacent organ. One patient had a bilateral and another a unilateral above-the-knee amputation due to patient injury. Three injuries were considered preventable. Most harms were grade IIIb Clavien-Dindo classification in which injured patients required a surgical intervention under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Compensated patient injuries involving the treatment of AAA and IAA are rare, but are often serious. Injuries were identified during all stages of care. Most injuries involved open surgical procedures.

Establishment of Single-Port, Laparoscopic, Pediatric Hernia Repair in a Developing Country.

Background: Single-port, laparoscopic, needle-assisted, inguinal hernia repair (LNAR) in children intends to reduce surgical trauma and enables contralateral assessment and closure of contralateral patent processus vaginalis if necessary. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate that laparoscopic inguinal repair can be performed safely and cost-effectively in a developing country where laparoscopy is not yet commonly used. Methods: In this single-center study, we included all children undergoing LNAR between January 2017 and December 2018. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and hospital costs were assessed. Results: We performed 148 hernia repair operations in 117 children (age range 1 month to 15 years). Mean operative time was 20.8 ± 9.4 minutes. Mean length of hospital stay amounted to 10 ± 7.6 hours, with 77.7% of patients discharged within 6 hours. No intraoperative complications occurred in any patient. Complications occurred in six (5.1%) patients. Three (2.5%) patients experienced residual hydrocele, two (1.4%) patients suffered wound site seroma, and one (0.67%) patient experienced recurrent inguinal hernia 6 months after the initial repair. All complications occurred during the first year of the study period. Likewise, operative time (P < .0001) as well as duration of hospital stay (P < .0001) was significantly shorter in the second year. Total costs for complete treatment were below USD 80 per patient, which is comparable with the costs associated with open herniotomy at the same institution. Conclusion: Single-port LNAR and hydrocele repair in children were established safely and cost-effectively in a developing country. Nevertheless, the procedure was associated with a steep learning curve.

What Is the Cost of a Posterior Capsule Rupture Complication?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost of a posterior capsule rupture (PCR) in patients who underwent planned phacoemulsification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 8,113 cataract surgeries performed between January 2014 and December 2017 at one academic institution. The rate of PCR was 0.55%, and 34 patients with PCR who met inclusion criteria were identified. Investigators evaluated the added operating room time required to manage PCR, subsequent surgeon visits beyond the typical average, referrals to other specialties, further imaging, and additional required surgeries. RESULTS: Patients with PCR had an additional 2.76 (standard deviation [SD] ± 3.27) postoperative encounters and 3.06 (SD ± 3.78) visits to another subspecialty. Operating room time was found to average 61.43 minutes (range: 21 to 191 minutes) at an additional cost of $455.48 (SD ± $407.37). Additional visits, imaging, and procedures added $655.59 (SD ± $767.21). The total additional average cost was $1,111.07 (SD ± $1,021.20) per PCR. CONCLUSION: Posterior capsular ruptures impose a substantial cost burden on the health care system. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:444-447.].

Perioperative Complications in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 102,898 Patients.

There are conflicting results regarding the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients with and without RA undergoing primary TKA. Specifically, we assessed (1) 90-day medical complications, (2) 90-day readmission rates, (3) short-term implant-related complications, (4) 1-year mortality, and (5) total global 90-day episode-of-care costs. The authors of the study hypothesize that RA would increase the rate of medical- and implant-related complications, readmission rates, and costs. A retrospective level of evidence III study was conducted using the Medicare standard analytical files from the PearlDiver database. Patients were queried using the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision codes. Patients with RA were randomly matched 1:1 to controls according to age, gender, and Charlson's comorbidity index. Two mutually exclusive cohorts were formed. Medical- and implant-related complications, readmission rates, and costs were analyzed and compared between the cohorts. Statistical analysis using logistic regression was performed calculating odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and their respective p-values. The query returned 102,898 patients with (n = 51,449) and without (n = 51,449) RA undergoing primary TKA within the Medicare database from 2005 to 2014. Patients with RA had greater odds of medical complications (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.98-2.20, p < 0.001), implant complications (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.24-1.36, p < 0.001), 1-year mortality (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.68-2.70, p = 0.39), total 90-day episode-of-care costs ($16,605 vs. 15,716.53; p < 0.001), and 90-day readmission rates were similar between cohorts (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.12, p < 0.001). RA increases postoperative complications and costs following primary TKA within Medicare patients. Comprehensive preoperative optimization for patients with a diagnosis of RA may mitigate perioperative complications, thus improving patient outcomes, and ultimately reducing episode-of-care costs.

Prior Hip Arthroscopy Increases Risk for Perioperative Total Hip Arthroplasty Complications: A Matched-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic hip surgery is becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. Reports of outcomes of hip arthroscopy converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been limited by small sample sizes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of prior hip arthroscopy on THA complications. METHODS: We queried our institutional database from January 2005 and December 2017 and identified 95 hip arthroscopy conversion THAs. A control cohort of 95 primary THA patients was matched by age, gender, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Patients were excluded if they had undergone open surgery on the ipsilateral hip. Intraoperative complications, estimated blood loss, operative time, postoperative complications, and need for revision were analyzed. Two separate analyses were performed. The first being intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications through 90-day follow-up and a second separate subanalysis of long-term outcomes on patients with minimum 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Average time from hip arthroscopy to THA was 29 months (range 2-153). Compared with primary THA controls, conversion patients had longer OR times (122 vs 103 minutes, P = .003). Conversion patients had a higher risk of any intraoperative complication (P = .043) and any postoperative complication (P = .007), with a higher rate of wound complications seen in conversion patients. There was not an increased risk of transfusion (P = .360), infection (P = 1.000), or periprosthetic fracture between groups (P = .150). When comparing THA approaches independent of primary or conversion surgery, there was no difference in intraoperative or postoperative complications (P = .500 and P = .790, respectively). CONCLUSION: Conversion of prior hip arthroscopy to THA, compared with primary THA, resulted in increased surgical times and increased intraoperative and postoperative complications. Patients should be counseled about the potential increased risks associated with conversion THA after prior hip arthroscopy.

Hospital costs associated with intraoperative hypotension among non-cardiac surgical patients in the US: a simulation model.

Objective: Recent studies indicate intraoperative hypotension, common in non-cardiac surgical patients, is associated with myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, and mortality. This study extends on these findings by quantifying the association between intraoperative hypotension and hospital expenditures in the US. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations (10,000 trial per simulation) based on current epidemiological and cost outcomes literature were developed for both acute kidney injury (AKI) and myocardial injury in non-cardiac surgery (MINS). For AKI, three models with different epidemiological assumptions (two models based on observational studies and one model based on a randomized control trial [RCT]) estimate the marginal probability of AKI conditional on intraoperative hypotension status. Similar models are also developed for MINS (except for the RCT case). Marginal probabilities of AKI and MINS sequelae (myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, cardiac catheterization, and percutaneous coronary intervention) are multiplied by marginal cost estimates for each outcome to evaluate costs associated with intraoperative hypotension. Results: The unadjusted (adjusted) model found hypotension control lowers the absolute probability of AKI by 2.2% (0.7%). Multiplying these probabilities by the marginal cost of AKI, the unadjusted (adjusted) AKI model estimated a cost reduction of $272 [95% CI = $223-$321] ($86 [95% CI = $47-$127]) per patient. The AKI model based on relative risks from the RCT had a mean cost reduction estimate of $281 (95% CI = -$346-$750). The unadjusted (adjusted) MINS model yielded a cost reduction of $186 [95% CI = $73-$393] ($33 [95% CI = $10-$77]) per patient. Conclusions: The model results suggest improved intraoperative hypotension control in a hospital with an annual volume of 10,000 non-cardiac surgical patients is associated with mean cost reductions ranging from $1.2-$4.6 million per year. Since the magnitude of the RCT mean estimate is similar to the unadjusted observational model, the institutional costs are likely at the upper end of this range.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on perioperative complications among patients undergoing hysterectomy: a population-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a known risk factor for perioperative complications in various patient cohorts data is lacking for patients undergoing hysterectomies, one of the most frequently performed surgeries among women. Using national data we therefore aimed to assess the risk in this patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted data on patients who underwent a hysterectomy between 2006 and 2014 from a large nationwide database (n = 459,508). OSA patients (identified by ICD-9 CM codes) were compared to non-OSA patients regarding perioperative outcomes: cardiac, central-nervous, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, renal, respiratory, and thromboembolic complications; as well as opioid prescription, need for blood transfusion, cost of hospitalization, length of stay and ICU admission. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. RESULTS: Overall, 2.67% (n = 11,936) of patients were identified as having OSA. Compared to non-OSA patients, OSA was particularly associated with higher odds for renal (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.70-2.32) and respiratory complications (OR 3.25; 95% CI 2.97-3.56), and ICU admission (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.77-2.94). Further, while significant, OSA was associated with modestly increased cost of hospitalization (+6.24%; P < 0.0001) and length of stay (+2.58%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing hysterectomies, OSA was associated with substantially increased risk of complications and modestly increased resource utilization. Further research is needed to assess currently used perioperative care strategies for OSA patients undergoing hysterectomies, with the goal to improve outcomes.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes between open and minimally invasive nephroureterectomy: A population-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality, as well as the impact on length of stay and total hospital charges of minimally invasive nephroureterectomy compared with open nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: Within the National Inpatient Sample (2008-2013), we identified patients with non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with either minimally invasive nephroureterectomy or open nephroureterectomy. We relied on inverse probability of treatment weighting to reduce the effect of inherent differences between open nephroureterectomy versus minimally invasive nephroureterectomy. Multivariable logistic regression, multivariable Poisson regression models and multivariable linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2013, we identified 3897 patients treated with either minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (1093 [28%]) or open nephroureterectomy (2804 [72%]). In multivariable logistic regression models, minimally invasive nephroureterectomy resulted in lower rates of overall (odds ratio 0.71, P < 0.001), wound (odds ratio 0.49, P = 0.01), intraoperative (odds ratio 0.55, P = 0.01), miscellaneous surgical (odds ratio 0.64, P = 0.008) and miscellaneous medical complications (odds ratio 0.77, P = 0.002). Furthermore, minimally invasive nephroureterectomy was associated with lower rates of transfusions (odds ratio 0.61, P < 0.001). In multivariable Poisson regression models, minimally invasive nephroureterectomy was associated with shorter length of stay (relative risk 0.88, P < 0.001). Finally, higher total hospital charges ($2500 more per patient) were recorded for minimally invasive nephroureterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative and postoperative morbidity, as well as length of stay, but not total hospital charges favor minimally invasive nephroureterectomy over open nephroureterectomy. These outcomes validate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive nephroureterectomy in select upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients.

Cystoscopy at the time of benign hysterectomy: a decision analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gynecologists debate the optimal use for intraoperative cystoscopy at the time of benign hysterectomy. Although adding cystoscopy leads to additional up-front cost, it may also enable intraoperative detection of a urinary tract injury that may otherwise go unnoticed. Prompt injury detection and intraoperative repair decreases morbidity and is less costly than postoperative diagnosis and treatment. Because urinary tract injury is rare and not easily studied in a prospective fashion, decision analysis provides a method for evaluating the cost associated with varying strategies for use of cystoscopy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to quantify costs of routine cystoscopy, selective cystoscopy, or no cystoscopy with benign hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: We created a decision analysis model using TreeAge Pro. Separate models evaluated cystoscopy following abdominal, laparoscopic/robotic, and vaginal hysterectomy from the perspective of a third-party payer. We modeled bladder and ureteral injuries detected intraoperatively and postoperatively. Ureteral injury detection included false-positive and false-negative results. Potential costs included diagnostics (imaging, repeat cystoscopy) and treatment (office/emergency room visits, readmission, ureteral stenting, cystotomy closure, ureteral reimplantation). Our model included costs of peritonitis, urinoma, and vesicovaginal/ureterovaginal fistula. Complication rates were determined from published literature. Costs were gathered from Medicare reimbursement as well as published literature when procedure codes could not accurately capture additional length of stay or work-up related to complications. RESULTS: From prior studies, bladder injury incidence was 1.75%, 0.93%, and 2.91% for abdominal, laparoscopic/robotic, and vaginal hysterectomy, respectively. Ureteral injury incidence was 1.61%, 0.46%, and 0.46%, respectively. Hysterectomy costs without cystoscopy varied from $884.89 to $1121.91. Selective cystoscopy added $13.20-26.13 compared with no cystoscopy. Routine cystoscopy added $51.39-57.86 compared with selective cystoscopy. With the increasing risk of injury, selective cystoscopy becomes cost saving. When bladder injury exceeds 4.48-11.44% (based on surgical route) or ureteral injury exceeds 3.96-8.95%, selective cystoscopy costs less than no cystoscopy. Therefore, if surgeons estimate the risk of injury has exceeded these thresholds, cystoscopy may be cost saving. However, for routine cystoscopy to be cost saving, the risk of bladder injury would need to exceed 20.59-47.24% and ureteral injury 27.22-37.72%. Model robustness was checked with multiple 1-way sensitivity analyses, and no relevant thresholds for model variables other than injury rates were identified. CONCLUSION: While routine cystoscopy increased the cost $64.59-83.99, selective cystoscopy had lower increases ($13.20-26.13). These costs are reduced/eliminated with increasing risk of injury. Even a modest increase in suspicion for injury should prompt selective cystoscopy with benign hysterectomy.

Quantifying the real-world cost saving from using surgical adjuncts to prevent complications during cataract surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical adjuncts in cataract surgery are often perceived as sometimes necessary, always expensive, particularly in the "lean" cost-saving era. However, prevention of a surgical complication, rather than subsequent management, should always be the preferred strategy. We wished to model real-world costs associated with surgical adjuncts use and test the maxim for cataract surgery-"if you think of it, use it". METHODS: We compared UK list prices for equipment and related costs of preventing vitreous loss (VL) via use of surgical adjuncts vs its subsequent management in a hypothetical cataract surgery scenario of a white swollen cataract with a moderately dilated pupil. RESULTS: The original surgery costs for the "cautious with adjuncts, no complications" approach was £943.54, including adjuncts costing £137.47. In the "minimalist, no adjunct" scenario, management of VL using the Anterior Vitrectomy Kit cost £142.45, and additional management and follow-up costs resulted in total cost of £1178.20 (£234.66 (25%) more expensive). If left aphakic, an additional operation for secondary iris clip IOL insertion and further follow-up to address the impact of the complication ultimately cost £2124.67 overall. An additional initial spend on surgical adjuncts of £137.47 could potentially prevent £1293.60 (9× increase) in direct costs in this scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Through simple scenario modelling, we have demonstrated the cost benefits provided by the use of precautionary surgical adjuncts during cataract surgery. VL costs significantly more in terms of complication management and follow-up. This supports the cataract surgeon's maxim-"if you think of it, use it".

Development of an In Situ Thoracic Surgery Crisis Simulation Focused on Nontechnical Skill Training.

BACKGROUND: Our vision was to develop an inexpensive training simulation in a functional operating room (in situ) that included surgical trainees and nursing and anesthesia staff to focus on effective interprofessional communication and teamwork skills. METHODS: The simulation scenario revolved around an airway obstruction by residual tumor after pneumonectomy. This model included our thoracic operating room with patient status displayed by an open access vital sign simulator and a reversibly modified Laerdal airway mannequin (Shavanger, Norway). The simulation scenario was run seven times. Simulations were video recorded and scored with the use of Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) and TeamSTEPPS2. Latent safety threats (LSTs) and feedback were obtained during the debriefing after the simulation. Feedback was captured with the Method Material Member Overall (MMMO) questionnaire. RESULTS: Several LSTs were identified, which included missing and redundant equipment and knowledge gaps in participants' roles. Consultant surgeons received a higher overall score than thoracic surgery fellows on both NOTSS (3.8 versus 3.3) and TeamSTEPPS2 (4.1 versus 3.2) evaluations, suggesting that the scenario effectively differentiated learners from experts with regards to nontechnical skills. The MMMO overall simulation experience score was 4.7 of 5, confirming a high-fidelity model and useful experiential learning model. At the Canadian Thoracic Bootcamp, the MMMO overall experience score was 4.8 of 5, further supporting this simulation as a robust model. CONCLUSIONS: An inexpensive in situ intraoperative crisis simulation model for thoracic surgical emergencies was created, implemented, and demonstrated to be effective as a proof of concept at identifying latent threats to patient safety and differentiating the nontechnical skills of trainees and consultant surgeons.

Estimating the Learning Curve of a Novel Medical Device: Bipolar Sealer Use in Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: The use of cost-effectiveness analysis for medical devices has proven to be challenging because of the existence of the learning effects in the device-operator interactions. The need for the relevant analytical framework for assessing the economic value of such technologies has been recognized. OBJECTIVES: To present a modified difference-in-differences (DID) cost-effectiveness methodology that facilitates visualization of a new health technology's learning curve. METHODS: Using the Premier Perspective database (Premier Inc., Charlotte, NC), we examined the impact of physicians adopting a bipolar sealer (BPS) to control blood loss in primary unilateral total knee arthroplasties on hospital lengths of stay and total hospitalization costs when compared with two control groups. In our DID approach, we substituted month-from-adoption for the calendar-month-of-adoption in both graphical representations and ordinary least-squares regression results to estimate the effect of the BPS. RESULTS: The results clearly demonstrated a learning curve associated with the adoption of the BPS technology. Although the reductions in length of stay were immediate, the first postadoption year costs increased by $1335 (extrahospital controls) to $1565 (within-hospital controls). Importantly, and also consistent with a learning curve hypothesis, these initial higher costs were offset by subsequent cost savings in the second and third years postadoption. CONCLUSIONS: The presented modified DID approach is a suitable and versatile analytical tool for economic evaluation of a slowly diffusing medical device or health technology. It provides a better understanding of the potential learning effects associated with relevant interventions.

The cost of perioperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), also known as a Whipple procedure, is commonly performed for a variety of benign and malignant tumours, including of the pancreatic head and surrounding structures. PD is associated with low mortality but high morbidity and costs. Our objective was to describe the financial burden of complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: We searched for articles using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and EconLit databases from the year 2000. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies. We included studies reporting on hospital cost or charge of in-hospital complications during the index PD admission. Studies including other surgeries but specifically reporting inpatient complication costs of PD were also included. Any type of PD was included. Data was collected using a data extraction table and a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: We identified 15 eligible articles. All included articles were retrospective studies. Acceptable evidence for increased cost due to the presence and grade of complication was found. Strong evidence demonstrated the high rate of complications. Weak evidence linked complications with specific constituents of hospital cost. Complication grade was robustly linked with increased length of stay. Not enough evidence was found to demonstrate a link between PD complications and mortality or readmissions. LIMITATIONS: Included studies were heterogeneous in setting, methodology, costing data, and grading systems. CONCLUSIONS: The presence and grade of PD complications increase hospital cost across diverse settings. The costing methodology should be transparent and complication grading systems should be consistent in future studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO 2017:CRD42017058427.

Economics of gynecologic morcellation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the Food and Drug Administration raised concern over the power morcellator in 2014, the field has seen significant change, with patients and physicians questioning which procedure is safest and most cost-effective. The economic impact of these decisions is poorly understood. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple new technologies have been developed to allow surgeons to continue to afford patients the many benefits of minimally invasive surgery while minimizing the risks of power morcellation. At the same time, researchers have focused on the true benefits of the power morcellator from a safety and cost perspective, and consistently found that with careful patient selection, by preventing laparotomies, it can be a cost-effective tool. SUMMARY: Changes since 2014 have resulted in new techniques and technologies to allow these minimally invasive procedures to continue to be offered in a safe manner. With this rapid change, physicians are altering their practice and patients are attempting to educate themselves to decide what is best for them. This evolution has allowed us to refocus on the cost implications of new developments, allowing stakeholders the opportunity to maximize patient safety and surgical outcomes while minimizing cost.

The cost of intraoperative adverse events in abdominal and pelvic surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of intra-operative adverse events (iAEs) is a vastly under researched area with the potential to provide new methods on how to improve patient outcomes and hospital costs. Our objective was to determine the relationship between iAEs and total hospital costs in abdominal and pelvic surgery. DATA SOURCES: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Embase, MEDLINE and EBM Reviews online databases were searched to identify all studies that reported iAE rates and total hospital costs. We then analyzed the costing approach used in each article using the Drummond tool and evaluated articles quality using the GRADE method. CONCLUSIONS: In total, 1709 unique references were identified through our literature search. After review, 23 were included. All studies that reported iAE rates and cost as the primary outcome found that iAEs significantly increased total hospital costs. We identified a relationship between iAEs and increased hospital costs. Future studies need to be performed to further evaluate the relationship between iAEs and cost as current studies are of low quality.

Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated with Higher Risk of Perioperative Complications.

BACKGROUND: As concerns regarding health-care expenditure in the U.S. remain at the national forefront, outpatient arthroplasty is an appealing option for carefully selected patient populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the nationwide trends and complication rates associated with outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in comparison with standard inpatient TKA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the Humana subset of the PearlDiver Patient Record Database to identify patients who had undergone TKA (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 27447) as either outpatients or inpatients from 2007 to 2015. The incidence of perioperative medical and surgical complications was determined by querying for relevant International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and CPT codes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of complications among outpatients relative to inpatients treated with TKA. RESULTS: Cohorts of 4,391 patients who underwent outpatient TKA and 128,951 patients who underwent inpatient TKA were identified. The median age was in the 70 to 74-year age group in both cohorts. The incidence of outpatient TKA increased across the study period (R = 0.60, p = 0.015). After adjustment for age, sex, and CCI, outpatient TKAs were found to more likely be followed by tibial and/or femoral component revision due to a noninfectious cause (OR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01 to 1.47; p = 0.039), explantation of the prosthesis (OR = 1.35, CI = 1.07 to 1.72; p = 0.013), irrigation and debridement (OR = 1.50, CI = 1.28 to 1.77; p < 0.001), and stiffness requiring manipulation under anesthesia (OR = 1.28, CI = 1.17 to 1.40; p < 0.001) within 1 year. Outpatient TKA was also more frequently associated with postoperative deep vein thrombosis (OR = 1.42, CI = 1.25 to 1.63; p < 0.001) and acute renal failure (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.01 to 1.25; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: With the potential to minimize arthroplasty costs among healthy patients, outpatient TKA is an increasingly popular option. Nationwide data from a private insurance database demonstrated a higher risk of perioperative surgical and medical complications including component failure, surgical site infection, knee stiffness, and deep vein thrombosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of consecutive bilateral cataract surgery on two successive days in tribes at base hospital through community outreach program: A prospective study of Aravali Mountain, North West India.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of consecutive bilateral cataract surgery (CBCS) on two successive days in a single hospital visit. METHODS: Prospective study was conducted on 565 patients of various tribes of hilly area of West Rajasthan who had come to our hospital through community outreach programmed (CORP) between January 2015 and March 2016. Patients with significant bilateral cataract without any other ocular morbidity were advised bilateral manual small incision cataract surgery on two consecutive days. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated, and follow-up was done at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: Out of 565 patients, 519 underwent both eye surgeries. Second eye surgery was deferred for a later date in 46 cases. Because of intraoperative and postoperative complications in the first eye, 31 had delayed surgeries while 15 patients refused to undergo another eye surgery either because of postoperative day 1 poor vision in the operated eye due to retinal pathologies (n = 8) or unwillingness (n = 7). The second eye surgery was performed for 519 patients, out of whom six had intra or postoperative complications. At 1 month follow-up, four patients had unilateral cystoid macular edema and three had prolonged postoperative inflammation. At 3 months, all patients were satisfied and had no complications. None of the patients had sight-threatening complications such as endophthalmitis, corneal decompensation, or vitreoretinal complications. CONCLUSION: CBCS may be considered safe and cost-effective for patients living in remote locations, dependent on CORP.

Medical malpractice claims in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a Dutch overview of 20 years.

BACKGROUND: The success of newly introduced surgical techniques is generally primarily assessed by surgical outcome measures. However, data on medical liability should concomitantly be used to evaluate provided care as they give a unique insight into substandard care from patient's point of view. The aim of this study was to analyze the number and type of medical claims after laparoscopic gynecologic procedures since the introduction of advanced laparoscopy two decades ago. Secondly, our objective was to identify trends and/or risk factors associated with these claims. METHODS: To identify the claims, we searched the databases of the two largest medical liability mutual insurance companies in The Netherlands (MediRisk and Centramed), covering together 96% of the Dutch hospitals. All claims related to laparoscopic gynecologic surgery and filed between 1993 and 2015 were included. RESULTS: A total of 133 claims met our inclusion criteria, of which 54 were accepted claims (41%) and 79 rejected (59%). The number of claims remained relatively constant over time. The majority of claims were filed for visceral and/or vascular injuries (82%), specifically to the bowel (40%) and ureters (20%). More than one-third of the injuries were entry related (38%) and 77% of the claims were filed after non-advanced procedures. A delay in diagnosing injuries was the primary reason for financial compensation (33%). The median sum paid to patients was €12,000 (500-848,689). In 90 claims, an attorney was defending the patient (83% for the accepted claims; 57% for the rejected claims). CONCLUSION: The number of claims remained relatively constant during the study period. Most claims were provoked by bowel and ureter injuries. Delay in recognizing injuries was the most encountered reason for granting financial compensation. Entering the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy continues to be a potential dangerous step. As a result, gynecologists are recommended to thoroughly counsel patients undergoing any laparoscopic procedure, even regarding the risk of entry-related injuries.

Complications and Cost Analysis of Intraoperative Arterial Complications in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background Microvascular anastomotic patency is fundamental to head and neck free flap reconstructive success. The aims of this study were to identify factors associated with intraoperative arterial anastomotic issues and analyze the impact on subsequent complications and cost in head and neck reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all head and neck free flap reconstructions from 2005 to 2013. Patients with intraoperative, arterial anastomotic difficulties were compared with patients without. Postoperative outcomes and costs were analyzed to determine factors associated with microvascular arterial complications. A regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. Results Total 438 head and neck free flaps were performed, with 24 (5.5%) having intraoperative arterial complications. Patient groups and flap survival between the two groups were similar. Free flaps with arterial issues had higher rates of unplanned reoperations (p < 0.001), emergent take-backs (p = 0.034), and major surgical (p = 0.002) and respiratory (p = 0.036) complications. The overall cost of reconstruction was nearly double in patients with arterial issues (p = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that African American race (OR = 5.5, p < 0.009), use of vasopressors (OR = 6.0, p = 0.024), end-to-side venous anastomosis (OR = 4.0, p = 0.009), and use of internal fixation hardware (OR =3.5, p = 0.013) were significantly associated with arterial complications. Conclusion Intraoperative arterial complications may impact complications and overall cost of free flap head and neck reconstruction. Although some factors are nonmodifiable or unavoidable, microsurgeons should nonetheless be aware of the risk association. We recommend optimizing preoperative comorbidities and avoiding use of vasopressors in head and neck free flap cases to the extent possible.

Tube Thoracostomy Complications Increase Cost.

BACKGROUND: Tube thoracostomy (TT) can be an effective therapy for thoracic pathologies. Ineffective placement of TT is common and associated with significant complications. Complications require additional interventions to repair damaged tissues or replace dysfunctional TT. We hypothesize that complicated TT insertion increases cost to the hospital system. METHODS: Adult trauma patients requiring TT at a level 1 trauma center (2012-2013) were reviewed. Intraoperative or image-guided TT placements were excluded. Baseline demographics and TT insertion cost (normalized and assigned by hospital billing records) were recorded. Costs included initial TT equipment, radiographs, and subsequent operative or radiologic intervention to correct TT complications. Complications were categorized using previously validated method. Secondary outcomes included: number of TT inserted, number of chest radiographs performed, and TT dwell time utilizing a standardized TT discontinuation protocol. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients with 246 TT were included. Ninety TT (37%) had complication. Complication categories are postremoval (n = 15, 16.7%), insertional (n = 13, 14.4%), positional (n = 62, 68.9%). Overall median complicated TT cost was 9 times greater than uncomplicated TT insertion, p = 0.001. Insertional complications median cost 21 times greater than an uncomplicated, due to operative and radiologic interventions (p = 0.0001). Positional and postremoval complication rates increased median cost by 3 times compared to uncomplicated TT (p = 0.03). Operative or radiologic interventions (n = 10) were performed for organ injury or uncontrolled hemo-/pneumothorax. Increased dwell time median [IQR] was associated with complicated TT compared to uncomplicated 3 [1-5] versus 2 [1-3], p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: TT is a common procedure. TT complications are often considered benign. However, patients with a complicated TT insertion, especially related to insertional subtypes, have markedly increased hospitalization costs due to need for operative or radiologic repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V-retrospective study. STUDY TYPE: This is a retrospective single-institution study.