The association of age with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of colorectal cancer: a UK single-centre retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is uncommon in patients under the age of 40 years and its association with poor histological features and survival is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate age-related differences in clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients diagnosed with CRC. METHOD: A single-centre retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with CRC between 2004 and 2013 was performed. Patients were stratified into three age groups: (1) 18-40 years, (2) 41-60 years and (3)> 60 years. Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: A total of 1328 patients were included, of whom 57.2% were men. There were 28 (2.1%) patients in group 1, 287 (21.6%) in group 2 and 1013 (76.3%) in group 3. Group 1 had the highest proportion of rectal tumours (57.1% in group 1, 50.2% in group 2 and 31.9% in group 3; P < 0.001). Tumour histology and disease stage were comparable between the groups. Group 1 had significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) than the two older groups (44%, 78% and 77%, respectively; P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age was not an independent prognostic factor whereas Stage III disease [hazard ratio (HR) 4.42; 95% CI 2.81-6.94; P < 0.001] and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.06-2.58; P = 0.026) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Patients under the age of 40 are more likely to present with rectal cancer and have comparable histological features than the older groups. Despite higher rates of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, the young group were found to have worse DFS.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic near-total colectomy and ileo-distal sigmoid anastomosis as a modification of total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for prophylactic surgery in patients with adenomatous polyposis syndromes: a comparative study.

AIM: Colectomy in patients with adenomatous polyposis (AP) syndromes demands good oncological and surgical outcome. Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA) is one surgical option for these patients. Anastomotic leakage rates of 11% have been reported following TC-IRA. Ileo-distal sigmoid anastomosis (IDSA) is a recent modification of our practice. Our aim was to compare postoperative outcome in patients with AP following near-total colectomy with IDSA (NT-IDSA) and TC-IRA at a single institution. METHOD: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify patients with AP who underwent laparoscopic NT-IDSA and TC-IRA. Patient demographics, early morbidity and mortality and outcome of endoscopic surveillance were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients with AP underwent laparoscopic colectomy between 2006 and 2017, of whom 139 (72.8%) underwent TC-IRA and 52 (27.2%) NT-IDSA. The median age at surgery in the TC-IRA and NT-IDSA groups was 20 years (IQR 17-45) and 27 years (IQR 19-50), respectively. Grade II complications were comparable between the two groups. There were no anastomotic leakages in the NT-IDSA group compared with 15 (10.8%) in the TC-IRA group (P = 0.0125) and no reoperation in the NT-IDSA group compared with 17 (12.2%) in the TC-IRA group (P = 0.008). The frequency of polypectomies per flexible sigmoidoscopy was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that laparoscopic NT-IDSA for polyposis is associated with a significant improvement in anastomotic leakage rates and surgical outcome. It is too soon to tell whether NT-IDSA alters the need for further intervention, either endoscopic polypectomy or further surgery.

Acceptability, effectiveness and safety of a Renew® anal insert in patients who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Restorative proctocolectomy has gained acceptance in the surgical management of medically refractive ulcerative colitis and cancer prevention in familial adenomatous polyposis. Incontinence following restorative proctocolectomy occurs in up to 25% of patients overnight. The Renew® insert is an inert single-use device which acts as an anal plug. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability, effectiveness and safety of the Renew® insert in patients who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy. The device has yet to be assessed in patients who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy. METHOD: This was a prospective study exploring the acceptability, effectiveness and safety of the Renew® insert in improving incontinence in patients who had undergone restorative proctocolectomy. A total of 15 patients with incontinence were asked to use the Renew® insert for 14 days following their standard care. The Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowels was used pre- and posttreatment to assess response and patients were asked to report the perceived acceptability, effectiveness and safety of the device at the end of the trial. RESULTS: The device was acceptable to 8/15 (53%) of patients and was effective in 6/15 (40%). Only 2/15 (13%) of patients raised any safety concerns, and these were minor. The device was associated with a significant reduction in night seepage (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In a small study, the Renew® insert can be both acceptable and effective and is also associated with few safety concerns. It is also associated with significant reductions in night-time seepage.

Review of current practice and outcomes following ileoanal pouch surgery: lessons learned from the Ileoanal Pouch Registry and the 2017 Ileoanal Pouch Report.

AIM: The second Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) Ileoanal Pouch Registry (IPR) report was released in July 2017 following a first report in 2012. This article provides a summary of data derived from the most recent IPR report (2017 Ileoanal Pouch Report. https://www.acpgbi.org.uk/content/uploads/2016/07/Ileoanal-Pouch-Report-2017-FINAL.compressed.pdf). METHOD: The IPR is an electronic database of voluntarily submitted data including patient demographics, disease, intra-operative and postoperative factors submitted by consultant surgeons or delegates. Data up to 31 March 2017 have been analysed for this report. RESULTS: A total of 5352 pouch operations were carried out at 76 UK and four European centres by 154 surgeons over four decades. Recorded procedures have increased over time but data submission is voluntary and underestimates actual volume. Significant variation exists in institutional volume; 73 centres entered data on patients undergoing pouch surgery during the past 5 years. Of these, 44 centres have submitted ≤ 10 cases, with 10 centres submitting one patient and nine centres two cases. Since 2013, minimal access surgery has been employed in 54% of cases. Rectal dissection was undertaken in the total mesorectal excision plane in 69%. J-pouch configuration was used in 99% of cases and 90% of pouch-anal anastomoses were performed using a stapled technique. Including all years, the IPR rate of pelvic sepsis was 9.4% and the rate of pouch failure was 4.7%. CONCLUSION: The IPR holds the largest voluntary repository of data on ileoanal pouch surgery. The second report from the IPR records marked refinements in surgical technique over time but also highlights wide variation in institutional caseload and outcome across the UK.

Management of early pouch-related septic complications in ulcerative colitis: a systematic review.

AIM: It is well established that ileo-anal pouch-related septic complications (PRSC) increase the risk of pouch failure. There are a number of publications that describe the management of early PRSC in ulcerative colitis (UC) in small series. This article aims to systematically review and summarize the relevant current data on this subject and provide an algorithm for the management of early PRSC. METHOD: A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2017 describing the clinical management of PRSC in patients with UC within 30 days of primary ileo-anal pouch surgery were included. A qualitative analysis was undertaken due to the heterogeneity and quality of studies included. RESULTS: A total of 1157 abstracts and 266 full text articles were screened. Twelve studies were included for analysis involving a total of 207 patients. The studies described a range of techniques including image-guided, endoscopic, surgical and endocavitational vacuum methods. Based on the evidence from these studies, an algorithm was created to guide the management of early PRSC. CONCLUSION: The results of this review suggest that although successful salvage of early PRSC is improving there is little information available relating to methods of salvage and outcomes. Novel techniques may offer an increased chance of salvage but comparative studies with longer follow-up are required.

Variation in practice of pouch surgery in England - using SWORD data to cut to the chase and justify centralization.

AIM: Increasing scrutiny on both individual and unit outcomes after surgical procedures is now expected. In the field of inflammatory bowel disease, this is particularly pertinent for outcomes after ileoanal pouch surgery. METHOD: The Surgical Workload and Outcomes Research Database (SWORD) relies on administrative data derived from Hospital Episode Statistics collected in England. The platform was interrogated for pouch procedures undertaken in England between April 2009 and December 2016 to assess national caseload and, between April 2012 and December 2016, to assess variation in caseload and outcomes after pouch surgery. RESULTS: In England there is a suggestion that numbers of pouch procedures may be decreasing. Over 80% of Trusts offering pouch surgery do so at very low volume with less than five procedures per year. There is also a clear phenomenon of the occasional pouch surgeon with 126 surgeons undertaking just one pouch operation during the study period of almost 5 years. Laparoscopic practice varies but 60% of pouches overall were done via an open approach. Mean length of stay was 10.1 days and average 30-day readmission rates were 27.4%. Outside London there appears to be an increasing trend for higher volume units to do more adult pouch procedures and lower volume units to do fewer. CONCLUSION: Low volume units and occasional pouch surgeons present a strong argument for centralization of pouch surgery. Data from England outside London suggest that this may already be happening.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM: There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology. METHODS: Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines. RESULTS: All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management. CONCLUSION: These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Inequalities in Implementation and Different Outcomes During the Growth of Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery in England: A National Population-Based Study from 2002 to 2012.

AIM: Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery has developed from unproven technique to mainstay of treatment. This study examined the application and relative outcomes of laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery over time, as laparoscopic uptake and experience have grown. METHODS: Adults undergoing elective laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery in the English NHS during 2002-2012 were included. Age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and Index of Multiple Deprivation were compared over time. Post-operative 30-day mortality, length of stay, failure to rescue reoperation and the associated mortality rate were examined. RESULTS: Laparoscopy rates rose from 1.1 to 50.8%. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery had lower comorbidity by 0.24 points (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.20-0.27) and lower socioeconomic deprivation by 0.16 deciles (95% CI 0.12-0.20) than those having open procedures. Overall mortality fell by 48.0% from 2002-2003 to 2011-2002 and was 37.8% lower after laparoscopic surgery. Length of stay and mortality after surgical re-intervention also fell. However, re-intervention rates were higher after laparoscopic procedures by 7.8% (95% CI 0.9-15.2%). CONCLUSIONS: There was clear and persistent inequality in the application of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery during this study. Further work must explore and remedy inequalities to maximise patient benefit. Higher re-intervention rates after laparoscopy are unexplained and differ from randomized controlled trials. This may reflect differences in surgeons and practice between research and usual care settings and should be further investigated.

Natural history of anorectal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Progression from anorectal abscess to fistula is poorly described and it remains unclear which patients develop a fistula following an abscess. The aim was to assess the burden of anorectal abscess and to identify risk factors for subsequent fistula formation. METHODS: The Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to identify all patients presenting with new anorectal abscesses. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to identify factors predictive of fistula formation. RESULTS: A total of 165 536 patients were identified in the database as having attended a hospital in England with an abscess for the first time between 1997 and 2012. Of these, 158 713 (95·9 per cent) had complete data for all variables and were included in this study, the remaining 6823 (4·1 per cent) with incomplete data were excluded from the study. The overall incidence rate of abscess was 20·2 per 100 000. The rate of subsequent fistula formation following an abscess was 15·5 per cent (23 012 of 148 286) in idiopathic cases and 41·6 per cent (4337 of 10 427 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (26·7 per cent coded concurrently as ulcerative colitis; 47·2 per cent coded as Crohn's disease). Of all patients who developed a fistula, 67·5 per cent did so within the first year. Independent predictors of fistula formation were: IBD, in particular Crohn's disease (hazard ratio (HR) 3·51; P < 0·001), ulcerative colitis (HR 1·82; P < 0·001), female sex (HR 1·18; P < 0·001), age at time of first abscess 41-60 years (HR 1·85 versus less than 20 years; P < 0·001), and intersphincteric (HR 1·53; P < 0·001) or ischiorectal (HR 1·48; P < 0·001) abscess location compared with perianal. Some 2·9 per cent of all patients presenting with a new abscess were subsequently diagnosed with Crohn's disease; the median time to diagnosis was 14 months. CONCLUSION: The burden of anorectal sepsis is high, with subsequent fistula formation nearly three times more common in Crohn's disease than idiopathic disease, and female sex is an independent predictor of fistula formation following abscess drainage. Most fistulas form within the first year of presentation with an abscess.

The prevalence of chronic peri-pouch sepsis in patients treated for antibiotic-dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis.

AIM: Chronic peri-pouch sepsis (CPPS) may be mistaken for antibiotic-dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis (ADRP), but requires different treatment such as drainage. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of CPPS in patients thought to have ADRP. The secondary aims were to identify any specific features on pouchoscopy suggesting CPPS and to determine the results of treatment for CPPS. METHOD: The records of patients who had been treated for ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Only those with endoscopic evidence of pouch inflammation who had also undergone MRI of the pelvis were included. The findings on pouchoscopy and the outcome of treatment were determined. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (43 men, 63%) were identified with apparent ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015. MRI of the pelvis showed CPPS in 26 (38%). In those with CPPS, the inflammation was more often located in the upper pouch alone (15%) compared with patients without CPPS (0%) (P = 0.0184). Examination under anaesthesia was performed in 13 of those with CPPS. In five a collection was identified and drained; symptoms improved in only one (4%). Eighteen patients (69%) remained on antibiotics and seven (27%) had a defunctioning stoma or underwent pouch excision. CONCLUSION: In patients thought to have ADRP, 38% had CPPS on MRI. There was no clinically relevant specific feature on pouchoscopy suggestive of CPPS. The possibility of CPPS should be considered early in patients with apparent ADRP and pelvic MRI performed. This might lead to earlier detection of CPPS and appropriate treatment.

Risk of metachronous colorectal cancer following colectomy in Lynch syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Lynch syndrome (LS) accounts for 2-4% of all colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, and is associated with an increased risk of developing metachronous colorectal cancer (mCRC). The role of extended colectomy in LS CRC is controversial. There are limited studies comparing the risk of mCRC following segmental colectomy and extended colectomy. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the risk of developing mCRC following segmental and extended colectomy for LS CRC and endoscopic compliance. METHOD: A systematic review of major databases was performed using predefined terms. All original articles published in English comparing the risk of mCRC in LS patients after segmental and extended colectomy from 1950 to January 2016 were included. RESULTS: The search retrieved 324 studies. Six studies involving 871 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 705 (80.9%) underwent segmental colectomy and 166 (19.1%) extended colectomy. Average follow-up was 91.2 months. The mCRC rate was 22.8% and 6% in the segmental and extended colectomy groups, respectively. The segmental group were over four times more likely to develop mCRC (OR 4.02, 95% CI: 2.01-8.04, P < 0.0001). mCRC occurred in patients after segmental colectomy despite 1-2-yearly postoperative endoscopic surveillance. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that extended colectomy reduces the risk of mCRC by over four-fold compared with segmental colectomy. mCRC occurred in the segmental group despite postoperative endoscopic surveillance. This needs to be borne in mind when deciding on the appropriate surgical management of LS patients with CRC. We recommend that extended colectomy should be considered for patients with confirmed LS CRC.

Short-term efficacy and safety of three novel sphincter-sparing techniques for anal fistulae: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of complex anal fistulae, particularly those involving a significant portion of the anal sphincter in which fistulotomy would compromise continence, is challenging. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) and over-the-scope clip (OTSC®) proctology system are all novel sphincter-sparing techniques targeted at healing anal fistulae. In this study, all published articles on these techniques were reviewed to determine efficacy, feasibility and safety. METHODS: A systematic search of major databases was performed using defined terms. All studies reporting on experience of these techniques were included and outcomes (fistula healing and safety) evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (VAAFT-12, FiLaC™-3, OTSC®-3) including 1245 patients were analysed. All were case series, and outcomes were heterogeneous with follow-up ranging from 6 to 69 months and short-term (< 1 year) healing rates of 64-100%. Morbidity was low with only minor complications reported. There was one report of minor incontinence following the first reported study of FiLaC™, and this was treated successfully at 6 months with rubber band ligation of hypertrophied prolapsed mucosa. There are inconsistencies in the technique in studies of VAAFT and FiLaC™. CONCLUSIONS: All three techniques appear to be safe and feasible options in the management of anal fistulae, and short-term healing rates are acceptable with no sustained effect on continence. There is, however, a paucity of robust data with long-term outcomes. These techniques are thus welcome additions; however, their long-term place in the colorectal surgeon's armamentarium, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, remains uncertain.

Systematic review of surgical innovation reporting in laparoendoscopic colonic polyp resection.

BACKGROUND: The IDEAL framework (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study) proposes a staged assessment of surgical innovation, but whether it can be used in practice is uncertain. This study aimed to review the reporting of a surgical innovation according to the IDEAL framework. METHODS: Systematic literature searches identified articles reporting laparoendoscopic excision for benign colonic polyps. Using the IDEAL stage recommendations, data were collected on: patient selection, surgeon and unit expertise, description of the intervention and modifications, outcome reporting, and research governance. Studies were categorized by IDEAL stages: 0/1, simple technical preclinical/clinical reports; 2a, technique modifications with rationale and safety data; 2b, expanded patient selection and reporting of both innovation and standard care outcomes; 3, formal randomized controlled trials; and 4, long-term audit and registry studies. Each stage has specific requirements for reporting of surgeon expertise, governance details and outcome reporting. RESULTS: Of 615 abstracts screened, 16 papers reporting outcomes of 550 patients were included. Only two studies could be put into IDEAL categories. One animal study was classified as stage 0 and one clinical study as stage 2a through prospective ethical approval, protocol registration and data collection. Studies could not be classified according to IDEAL for insufficient reporting details of patient selection, relevant surgeon expertise, and how and why the technique was modified or adapted. CONCLUSION: The reporting of innovation in the context of laparoendoscopic colonic polyp excision would benefit from standardized methods.

The impact of shortened postgraduate surgical training on colorectal cancer outcome.

BACKGROUND: Shortened postgraduate surgical training reforms, known as Calman, have altered delivery of surgical training in the UK with reduced working hours and training time aiming to produce a more subspecialised workforce. AIMS: This study aims to compare rectal cancer surgical outcomes of Calman-trained consultants in a single institution to published data. Additionally, the study compared colorectal cancer surgical outcome between Calman-trained consultants (CTCs) and non-Calman consultants (NCTCs) in a national dataset. METHODS: Local dataset Clinicopathological outcome of rectal cancer resection undertaken by CTCs in a single institution (2006-2010) were compared against NCTC counterparts. National dataset All elective colorectal cancer resections between 2004 and 2008 in English NHS hospitals were included. CTCs (present from 2004 onwards) were compared to NCTCs (present prior to 2004). Outcome measures included 30-day in-hospital mortality, reoperation and readmission rates. RESULTS: Local dataset One hundred thirteen patients were operated under five CTC. The 30-day in-hospital mortality for CTCs (1%) was favourable compared to published rates (3-5%). Local recurrence rate (4.4%) was comparable to NCTC (3.6%). National dataset Between 2004 and 2008, 44,106 patients underwent elective colorectal resection. Multiple regression demonstrated CTC patients had a reduced length of stay and reduced reoperation rate. No difference in mortality and unplanned readmission rates were seen. CONCLUSION: CTCs have similar safety outcome to NCTCs for colorectal cancer resection procedures. Further work is needed to assess the impact of further training reductions on clinical outcome.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on postoperative outcome following colorectal cancer surgery.

AIM: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in prevalence and is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in asymptomatic and vascular surgery populations. This study aimed to determine the role of CKD in stratifying peri- and postoperative risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with nonmetastatic disease undergoing elective curative resection. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and undergoing surgical resection between 2006 and 2011 were identified from a prospectively collated database. Further information on survival and cause of death was gathered from a regional cancer registry. Estimated glomerular filtration rates were calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed for disease-free and overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the role of CKD after stratification by several clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: Seven-hundred and eight colorectal resections were studied [median follow up: 45 (interquartile range, 21-65) months). Overall postoperative complications were similar, but patients with CKD were more likely to develop cardiovascular morbidity (P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality [4.8% (six of 124) in the CKD group vs 2.1% (12/580) in the non-CKD group]. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed poorer overall survival for localized (Stage I-II; P = 0.019) and Stage III (P = 0.001) CRC in the CKD population. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CKD as an independent prognostic factor for noncancer death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.07-3.10); P = 0.027] but not for overall survival [HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 0.90-1.47); P = 0.116]. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD may be more likely to develop cardiovascular complications following CRC resection and have an increased risk of a noncancer death. Future research should explore the interaction of CKD in competing mortality risks following CRC surgery.

Mortality in high-risk emergency general surgical admissions.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence of variable standards of care for patients undergoing emergency general surgery in the National Health Service (NHS). The aim of this study was to quantify and explore variability in mortality amongst high-risk emergency general surgery admissions to English NHS hospital Trusts. METHODS: The Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database was used to identify high-risk emergency general surgery diagnoses (greater than 5 per cent national 30-day mortality rate). Adults admitted to English NHS Trusts with these diagnoses between 2000 and 2009 were included in the study. Thirty-day in-hospital mortality was adjusted for patient and hospital factors. Trusts were grouped into high- and low-mortality outliers, and resource availability was compared between high- and low-mortality outlier institutions. RESULTS: Some 367 796 patients admitted to 145 hospital Trusts were included in the study; the 30-day mortality rate was 15·6 per cent (institutional range 9·2-18·2 per cent). Fourteen and 24 hospital Trusts were identified as high- and low-mortality outlier institutions respectively. Intensive care and high-dependency bed resources, as well as greater institutional use of computed tomography (CT), were independent predictors of reduced mortality (P < 0·001). Low-mortality outlying Trusts had significantly more intensive care beds per 1000 hospital beds (20·8 versus 14·0; P = 0·017) and made significantly greater use of CT (24·6 versus 17·2 scans per bed per year; P < 0·001) and ultrasonography (42·5 versus 30·2 scans per bed per year; P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: There is significant variability in mortality risk between hospital Trusts treating high-risk emergency general surgery patients. Equitable access to essential hospital resources may reduce variability in outcomes.

Hierarchical multilevel analysis of increased caseload volume and postoperative outcome after elective colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to explore the impact of surgeon and institution volume on outcome following colorectal surgery in England using multilevel hierarchical analysis. METHODS: An observational study design was used. All patients undergoing primary elective colorectal resection between 2000 and 2008 were included from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Consultant surgeons and hospitals were divided into tertiles (low, medium and high volume) according to their mean annual colorectal cancer resection caseload. Outcome measures examined were postoperative 30-day mortality, 28-day readmission and reoperation, and length of stay. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, co-morbidity, social deprivation, year of surgery, operation type and surgical approach. RESULTS: A total of 109 261 elective cancer colorectal resections were included. High-volume consultant surgeons and hospitals were defined as performing more than 20·7 and 103·5 elective colorectal cancer procedures per year respectively. Consultant and hospital operative volumes increased throughout the study period. In hierarchical regression models, greater surgeon and institutional volume independently predicted only shorter length of hospital stay. No statistical association was observed between higher provider volume and postoperative mortality, 28-day reoperation or readmission rates. CONCLUSION: Increasing elective colorectal cancer caseload alone may have marginal postoperative benefit.

Systematic review of discharge coding accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Routinely collected data sets are increasingly used for research, financial reimbursement and health service planning. High quality data are necessary for reliable analysis. This study aims to assess the published accuracy of routinely collected data sets in Great Britain. METHODS: Systematic searches of the EMBASE, PUBMED, OVID and Cochrane databases were performed from 1989 to present using defined search terms. Included studies were those that compared routinely collected data sets with case or operative note review and those that compared routinely collected data with clinical registries. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies were included. Twenty-five studies compared routinely collected data with case or operation notes. Seven studies compared routinely collected data with clinical registries. The overall median accuracy (routinely collected data sets versus case notes) was 83.2% (IQR: 67.3-92.1%). The median diagnostic accuracy was 80.3% (IQR: 63.3-94.1%) with a median procedure accuracy of 84.2% (IQR: 68.7-88.7%). There was considerable variation in accuracy rates between studies (50.5-97.8%). Since the 2002 introduction of Payment by Results, accuracy has improved in some respects, for example primary diagnoses accuracy has improved from 73.8% (IQR: 59.3-92.1%) to 96.0% (IQR: 89.3-96.3), P= 0.020. CONCLUSION: Accuracy rates are improving. Current levels of reported accuracy suggest that routinely collected data are sufficiently robust to support their use for research and managerial decision-making.