Rural For-Profit Hospitals Are Associated With Higher Commercial Prices for 3 Common Urological Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Rural patients lack access to urological services, and high local prices may dissuade underinsured patients from surgery. We sought to describe commercially insured prices for 3 urological procedures at rural vs metropolitan and for-profit vs nonprofit hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of commercially insured prices from the Turquoise Health Transparency data set was performed for ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, and transurethral resection of prostate. Hospital characteristics were linked using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Healthcare Cost Reporting Information System. Linear modeling analyzed median hospital price and its association with hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 1,532 hospitals reported urological prices in Turquoise. Median prices for each procedure were higher at rural for-profits (ureteroscopy $16,522, transurethral resection of bladder tumor $5,393, transurethral resection of prostate $9,999) vs rural nonprofits (ureteroscopy $4,512, transurethral resection of bladder tumor $2,788, transurethral resection of prostate $3,881) and metropolitan for-profits (ureteroscopy $5,411, transurethral resection of bladder tumor $3,420, transurethral resection of prostate $4,874). Rural for-profit status was independently associated with 160% higher price for ureteroscopy (relative cost ratio 2.60, P < .001), 50% higher for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (relative cost ratio 1.50, P = .002), and 113% higher for transurethral resection of prostate (relative cost ratio 2.13, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Prices are higher for 3 common urological surgeries at rural for-profit hospitals. Differential pricing may contribute to disparities for underinsured rural residents who lack access to nonprofit facilities. Interventions that facilitate transportation and price shopping may improve access to affordable urological care.

Association of Rural Hospital for-Profit Status With Higher Publicly Reported Prices for the Components of Inpatient Hematuria Evaluation Among Commercially Insured Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rural patients have limited access to urological care and are vulnerable to high local prices. Little is known about price variation for urological conditions. We aimed to compare reported commercial prices for the components of inpatient hematuria evaluation between for-profit vs not-for-profit and rural vs metropolitan hospitals. METHODS: We abstracted commercial prices for the components of intermediate- and high-risk hematuria evaluation from a price transparency data set. We compared hospital characteristics between those that do and do not report prices for a hematuria evaluation using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Healthcare Cost Reporting Information System. Generalized linear modelling evaluated the association between hospital ownership and rural/metropolitan status with prices of intermediate- and high-risk evaluations. RESULTS: Of all hospitals, 17% of for-profits and 22% of not-for-profits report prices for hematuria evaluation. For intermediate-risk, median price at rural for-profit hospitals was $6,393 (interquartile range [IQR] $2,357-$9,295) compared to $1,482 (IQR $906-$2,348) at rural not-for-profits and $2,645 (IQR $1,491-$4,863) at metropolitan for-profits. For high-risk, rural for-profit hospitals' median price was $11,151 (IQR $5,826-$14,366) vs $3,431 (IQR $2,474-$5,156) at rural not-for-profits and $4,188 (IQR $1,973-$8,663) at metropolitan for-profits. Rural for-profit status was associated with an additional higher price for intermediate- (relative cost ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.16-2.28, P = .005) and high-risk evaluations (relative cost ratio 1.50, 95% CI 1.15-1.97, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Rural for-profit hospitals report high prices for components of inpatient hematuria evaluation. Patients should be aware of prices at these facilities. These differences may dissuade patients from undergoing evaluation and lead to disparities.

Serum soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) and fibulin-3 levels correlate with baseline malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) tumor volumes but are not useful as biomarkers of response in an immunotherapy trial.

OBJECTIVES: Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) and fibulin-3 serum levels may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Here, we evaluate these markers for correlation to tumor volume, prognosis and response assessment in a clinical trial of immunogene therapy in combination with chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serial serum levels of SMRP and fibulin-3 were measured in adult patients with biopsy-proven MPM enrolled in two prospective clinical trials. Pre-therapy computed tomography (CT) measurements of tumor burden were calculated and correlated with pre-therapy serum SMRP and fibulin-3 levels in these two trials. Serological data were also correlated with radiological assessment of response using Modified RECIST criteria over the first 6 months of intrapleural delivery of adenovirus-IFN alpha (Ad.IFN-α) combined with chemotherapy. RESULTS: A cohort of 58 patients who enrolled in either a photodynamic therapy trial or immunotherapy clinical trial had available imaging and SMRP serological data for analysis of whom 45 patients had serological fibulin-3 data. The cohort mean total tumor volume was 387 cm3 (STD 561 cm3). Serum SMRP was detectable in 57 of 58 patients (mean 3.8 nM, STD 6.0). Serum fibulin-3 was detected in 44 of 45 patients (mean 23 ng/mL, STD 14). At pre-therapy baseline in these two trials, there was a strong correlation between tumor volume and serum SMRP levels (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and a moderate correlation between tumor volume and serum fibulin-3 levels (r = 0.36, p = 0.014). Twenty-eight patients in the immunotherapy trial had longitudinal serologic and radiographic data. Fold-changes in SMRP and fibulin-3 did not show significant correlations with modified RECIST measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Although our data show correlations of SMRP and fibulin-3 with initial tumor volumes as measured by CT scanning, the use of SMRP and fibulin-3 as serological biomarkers in the immunotherapy trial were not useful in following tumor response longitudinally.

Delayed-Phase Enhancement for Evaluation of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma on Computed Tomography: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiologic assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) on computed tomography (CT) imaging can be limited by similar attenuations of MPM and adjacent tissues. This can result in inaccuracies in defining the presence and extent of pleural tumor burden. We hypothesized that increasing the time delay for pleural enhancement will optimize discrimination between MPM and noncancerous tissues on CT. Here we conduct a prospective observational study to determine the optimal time delay for imaging MPM on CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult MPM patients (n = 15) were enrolled in this prospective exploratory imaging trial. Patients with < 1 cm MPM thickness, prior pleurectomy, pleurodesis, pleural radiotherapy, or antiangiogenic therapy were excluded. All patients underwent a dynamically-enhanced CT with multiple time delays (0 - 10 minutes) after intravenous contrast administration. Tumor tissue attenuation was measured at each phase of enhancement. A qualitative assessment of tumor enhancement kinetics was also performed. The optimal phase of enhancement based on qualitative lesion conspicuity and quantitative tumor enhancement was then compared. RESULTS: MPM tumor enhancement was quantitatively and qualitatively increased at time delays beyond the conventional time delay for thoracic CT imaging (40-60 seconds). Patient tumor enhancement kinetics, displayed as the fraction of maximal tumor tissue attenuation as a function of time, revealed an optimal time delay of 230 to 300 seconds after intravenous contrast administration. There was an association between degree of tumor enhancement and subjective lesion conspicuity. CONCLUSION: Optimal MPM contrast enhancement occurs at a later phase than typically acquired with conventional thoracic CT imaging.

Implementing a patient safety culture survey to identify and target process improvements in academic ambulatory urology practices: a multi-institutional collaborative.

INTRODUCTION: A shared professional culture focused on patient safety is critical to delivering high-quality care. There is a need for objective metrics to help identify target areas for improvement in patient safety culture. The Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) was developed and validated by the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to measure patient safety culture in the ambulatory setting. In this study we report on safety culture and practices in six academic urology clinics utilizing this validated questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SOPS was administered to all staff in ambulatory urology practices affiliated with participating centers. Percent positive responses were calculated for each of 10 validated composite domains and were compared between sites and respondent roles. Nonparametric statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between groups. RESULTS: The survey was administered to 185 staff members, with an overall response rate of 66%. Within each domain there was substantial variability between sites, with significant differences observed in staff training (p = 0.034), office processes/standardization (p = 0.008), patient care tracking (p = 0.047), communication about errors (p = 0.001), and organizational learning (p = 0.015). Similar variation was seen between respondent roles with significant differences for patient care tracking (p = 0.002) and communication about errors (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The SOPS is a clinically useful tool to identify issues impacting a practice's safety culture. Substantial variability was observed within each composite domain at the levels of practice site and respondent role. Comparing composite domain results between clinics will allow leadership to identify gaps and evaluate policies and resources of higher performing peer sites.

Impact of Reduced Preincision Antibiotic Infusion Time on Surgical Site Infection Rates: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the impact of total preincision infusion time on surgical site infections (SSIs) and establish an optimal time threshold for subsequent prospective study. BACKGROUND: SSIs remain a major cause of morbidity. Although regulated, the total time of infusion of preincision antibiotics varies widely. Impact of infusion time on SSI risk is poorly understood. METHODS: All consecutive patients (n = 46,791) undergoing inpatient surgical intervention were retrospectively enrolled (2014-2015) and monitored for 1 year. Primary outcomes: the presence of SSI infection as predicted by reduced preoperative antibiotic infusion time. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: preintervention compliance, the impact of a quality improvement algorithm to optimize infusion time compliance. Multivariate logistic regression of the retrospective cohort demonstrated predictors of infection. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the timing threshold predictive of infection. Cost impact of avoidable infections was analyzed. RESULTS: Only 36.1% of patients received preincision infusion of vancomycin in compliance with national and institutional standards (60-120 min). Cephalosporin infusion times were 53 times more likely to be compliant [odds ratio (OR) 53.33, P < 0.001]. Vancomycin infusion times that were not compliant with national standards (less than standard 60-120 min) did not predict infection. However, significantly noncompliant, reduced preincision infusion time, significantly predicted SSI (<24.6 min infusion, AUC = 0.762). Vancomycin infusion, initiated too close to surgical incision, predicted increased SSI (OR = 4.281, P < 0.001). Implementation of an algorithm to improve infusion time, but not powered to demonstrate infection /reduction, improved vancomycin infusion start time (257% improvement, P < 0.001) and eliminated high-risk infusions (sub-24.6 min). CONCLUSIONS: Initially, vancomycin infusion rarely met national guidelines; however, minimal compliance breach was not associated with SSI implications. The retrospective data here suggest a critical infusion time for infection reduction (24.6 min before incision). Prospective implementation of an algorithm led to 100% compliance. These data suggest that vancomycin administration timing should be studied prospectively.

The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) for Discharge Planning in a Posterior Lumbar Fusion Population.

BACKGROUND: As the use of bundled care payment models has become widespread in neurosurgery, there is a distinct need for improved preoperative predictive tools to identify patients who will not benefit from prolonged hospitalization, thus facilitating earlier discharge to rehabilitation or nursing facilities. OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) in patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion for predicting discharge disposition. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion from June 2016 to February 2017 were prospectively enrolled. RAPT scores and discharge outcomes were recorded for patients aged 50 yr or more (n = 432). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of RAPT score to predict discharge disposition. Multivariate regression was performed in a backwards stepwise logistic fashion to create a binomial model. RESULTS: Escalating RAPT score predicts disposition to home (P < .0001). Every unit increase in RAPT score increases the chance of home disposition by 55.8% and 38.6% than rehab and skilled nursing facility, respectively. Further, RAPT score was significant in predicting length of stay (P = .0239), total surgical cost (P = .0007), and 30-d readmission (P < .0001). Amongst RAPT score subcomponents, walk, gait, and postoperative care availability were all predictive of disposition location (P < .0001) for both models. In a generalized multiple logistic regression model, the 3 top predictive factors for disposition were the RAPT score, length of stay, and age (P < .0001, P < .0001 and P = .0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Preoperative RAPT score is a highly predictive tool in lumbar fusion patients for discharge disposition.

Comparison of Urologic Transfers to Academic Medical Centers: A Multi-institutional Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To examine urologic transfers and rate of tertiary center interventions from 4 geographically distinct academic medical centers. METHODS: Four academic medical centers were selected for this study including Baylor College of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Kentucky, and University of Pennsylvania Hospital (Penn). Baylor College of Medicine and Penn primarily service large metropolitan city centers and University of Kentucky and University of Alabama at Birmingham primarily service large rural populations. Transfer logs were pulled for each institution over a 2-year period, and a retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate transfer diagnosis and need for procedural management upon admission. Date of transfer, transfer diagnosis, and interventions performed during tertiary center admission were extracted from the transfer log data sets. The transfer diagnosis was categorized into 1 of 11 mutually exclusive categories. RESULTS: Overall, 984 urologic transfers were included. Sixty-nine percent (682/984) of patients were transferred to the 2 rural centers, and 30.7% (302/984) were transferred to the 2 metropolitan centers. The most common reason for transfer was nephrolithiasis at 26% (256 of 984 transfers). The overall surgical intervention rate for all urologic transfers in this study was 44.4% (437 of 984 total transfers). Rural center transfers had a lower rate of surgical intervention than metropolitan centers (42.7% vs 48.3%) as well as a markedly higher number of total transfers during the study period (682 vs 302). CONCLUSION: Given that a majority of patients did not require surgical intervention, methods for avoiding unnecessary urologic transfers are warranted.

Evaluation of the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool for Postoperative Disposition Needs After Cervical Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bundled care payment models are becoming more prevalent in neurosurgery. Such systems place the cost of postsurgical facilities in the hands of the discharging health system. Opportunity exists to leverage prediction tools for discharge disposition by identifying patients who will not benefit from prolonged hospitalization and facilitating discharge to post-acute care facilities. OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of the Risk Assessment and Predictive Tool (RAPT) along with other clinical variables to predict discharge disposition in a cervical spine surgery population. METHODS: Patients undergoing cervical spine surgery at our institution from June 2016 to February 2017 and over 50 yr old had demographic, surgical, and RAPT variables collected. Multivariable regression analyzed each variable's ability to predict discharge disposition. Backward selection was used to create a binomial model to predict discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients were included in the study. Lower RAPT score, RAPT walk subcomponent, older age, and a posterior approach predicted discharge to a post-acute care facility compared to home. Lower RAPT also predicted an increased risk of readmission. RAPT score combined with age increased the predictive capability of discharge disposition to home vs skilled nursing facility or acute rehabilitation compared to RAPT alone (P < .001). CONCLUSION: RAPT score combined with age is a useful tool in the cervical spine surgery population to predict postdischarge needs. This tool may be used to start early discharge planning in patients who are predicted to require post-acute care facilities. Such strategies may reduce postoperative utilization of inpatient resources.

Lymphangitic carcinomatosis: A common radiographic manifestation of local failure following extended pleurectomy/decortication in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

INTRODUCTION: The lymphangitic carcinomatosis (LC) pattern of metastatic malignancy is associated with a poor prognosis but is currently not well defined in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Here, we report the incidence and prognostic significance of the radiographic development of LC in MPM following extended pleurectomy/decortication (EPD). METHODS: Consecutive patients with biopsy-proven MPM undergoing EPD with intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) at our institution from 2008 to 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Patients without available post-surgical clinical or imaging data for direct review were excluded. CT images were reviewed by an experienced, board-certified thoracic radiologist and confirmed by consensus review. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated by Kaplan Meier methodology. Hazard ratios were compared with a cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: 44 patients underwent EPD with PDT during the study period and had available clinical and imaging data. During the follow-up period (median 34 months), 17 patients (39%) developed LC at a median of 10 months after surgery (IQR 5-21 months). 16 of the 17 patients who developed LC (94%) died during the follow-up period, compared to 17 of the 27 who did not develop LC (63%). OS for the LC versus non-LC group was 53% versus 93% at 1 year and 18% versus 67% at 3 years. LC was significantly associated with a lower OS (HR 4.07; 95% confidence interval 1.44-11.48; p = 0.008). PFS for the LC group versus non-LC group was 8 months (IQR 5-9 months) compared to 17 months (IQR 11-24 months) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: LC is a common form of failure in MPM following EPD and is associated with a poor prognosis. Thus, further studies are warranted to determine if any evidence of preoperative LC should be an absolute contraindication to EPD and may warrant an EPP or no surgery at all.

National Variation in Opioid Prescription Fills and Long-Term Use in Opioid Naïve Patients after Urological Surgery.

PURPOSE: Prescription opioid use is increasing, leading to increased addiction and mortality. Postoperative care is often the first exposure to opioids of a patient but little data exist on national prescription patterns in urology. We examined post-discharge opioid fills after urological procedures and the association with long-term use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients in a private national insurance database who underwent 1 of 15 urological procedures between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2014. Patients with an opioid fill in the preceding 6 months were excluded from study. Claims for opioids from 30 days before the operation until 7 days after discharge characterized an initial prescription. Factors associated with persistent opioid use (an opioid claim 91 to 180 days after the operation) and chronic opioid use (10 or more refills of a 120-day or greater supply in the year after the operation) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall 96,580 patients were included in study, of whom 49,391 (51%) filled an initial opioid prescription. Variation in the initial prescribed amount existed within procedures. Persistent use occurred in 6.2% of patients while chronic use occurred in 0.8%. Increased prescription in patients treated with transurethral prostate resection, vasectomy, female sling surgery, cystoscopy and stent insertion were associated with an increased risk of persistent as well as chronic use. CONCLUSIONS: National variation in opioid prescribing practice exists after urological operations. Patients who fill larger amounts of opioids after certain major and minor urological procedures are at increased risk for long-term opioid use. This provides evidence for procedure specific prescribing guidelines to minimize risk and promote standardization.

Hospital Teaching Status Impacts Surgical Discharge Efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of data regarding the efficiency of care provided by teaching hospitals. Yet, instruction on transitions in care and an understanding of systems-based practice are key components of modern graduate medical education. We aimed to determine the relationship between hospital teaching status and the discharge efficiency from a surgical service. SETTING: Patients who were cared for at teaching and nonteaching hospitals captured in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample from 2012. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 272,090 patients who underwent one of 44 predefined general surgery procedure types. DESIGN: Patients were stratified based on treating hospital teaching status (TH vs. NTH). Procedure-specific early discharge (PSED) was defined for each operation type as a discharge that occurred within the lowest 25th percentile for overall length of stay. PSED was used as the discharge efficiency metric. To adjust for cofounders and hospital level clustering, multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine the association between teaching status and PSED. Subgroup analysis was performed by operation type. Models were constructed with and without adjustment for inpatient complications. RESULTS: There were 140,878 (51.8%) patients who received care at a TH. TH status was significantly associated with lower PSED (TH: 10.7% vs. NTH: 11.4%; p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (TH: 5.5 days vs. NTH: 4.5 days; p < 0.001). In the adjusted model of the overall cohort, patients treated at a TH were 8% less likely to receive a PSED compared to those treated at NTH (odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval (0.88, 0.97); p < 0.002). Differences in the rates and odds of PSED were noted across the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching hospital status is associated with a reduced likelihood of PSED. The effect of TH on PSED varied by procedure subgroup. Examining the recovery pathways and discharge practices at NTH may allow for the identification of more efficient methods of care that can be applied to the broader healthcare system.

National trends and disparities of minimally invasive surgery for localized renal cancer, 2010 to 2015.

PURPOSE: To investigate national utilization trends of minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) and minimally-invasive radical nephrectomy (RN), and to identify disparities in the usage of these techniques across different sociodemographic subgroups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Cancer Database to identify patients undergoing partial or RN for cT1N0M0 renal cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Main outcomes of interest were the utilizations of minimally-invasive (robotic and laparoscopic) PN and RN. RESULTS: A total of 46,346 and 37,712 subjects who underwent PN and RN, respectively, were analyzed. During the study interval, increased utilization of robotic surgery paralleled the decreased utilization of open surgery. Robotic PN increased from 35.2% to 63.7% and robotic RN increased from 10.3% to 26.3%. The utilization of laparoscopic surgery was decreasing for PN but stable for RN through the study period. In the PN cohort, multivariable logistic regression showed non-Hispanic black (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84-0.96]) and Hispanic (OR = 0.91 [0.84-0.99]) subjects were associated with less utilization of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (vs. non-Hispanic white). Younger (18-64 years) Medicare (OR = 0.83 [0.77-0.90]), Medicaid (OR = 0.80 [0.74-0.87]), and uninsured (OR = 0.55 [0.49-0.62]) were also associated with less utilization of MIS (vs. private insurance). Compared with low socioeconomic status (SES), upper middle (OR = 1.14 [1.07-1.21]) and high (OR = 1.24 [1.16-1.33]) SES were associated with higher utilization of MIS. Similar demographic, insurance, and SES-related disparities were identified in the RN cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of MIS for localized renal cancer has increased significantly and was mainly attributed to increased usage of robotic surgery. Racial/ethnic, insurance, and SES related disparities in MIS utilization were identified. Our findings demonstrate a targetable subgroup of patients who do not have the same access to advances in surgical technology.

Next-day discharge after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: an analysis of the US National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

PURPOSE: Clinical care pathways and new technologies have decreased the length of stay after many surgeries. However, doubt exists about the safety of shorter hospital stays. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of next-day discharge after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy in a national cohort of US patients and surgeons. METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we analyzed patients who underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy from 2012 to 2016. Patients were grouped into discharge on post-operative day 1, or discharge on days 2 and 3. Propensity score matching was used to balance patient characteristics and univariable analysis was used to determine the effect of next-day discharge on readmission, post-discharge complications, and major post-discharge complications. RESULTS: A total of 8153 patients were included in the analysis and 4430 were matched. The matched cohort was balanced on all patient and peri-operative characteristics. On univariable analysis, no increase in odds were observed in the next-day discharge group for readmission (odds ratio 0.8; 95% confidence interval 0.6-1.4; p = 0.2), post-discharge complications (odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.4; p = 0.9), or post-discharge major complications (odds ratio 0.9; 95% confidence interval 0.5-1.4; p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Next-day discharge in select patients after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is effectively being utilized by a large, nationwide cohort of surgeons. This approach is feasible in certain patient populations though further research must determine selection criteria for safe next-day discharge.

30-day readmission after radical cystectomy: Identifying targets for improvement using the phases of surgical care.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative readmissions following radical cystectomy (RC) have gained attention in the past decade. Postoperative and post-discharge complications play a role in readmission rates; however, our ability to predict readmissions remains poor. METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified patients with bladder cancer undergoing RC from 2013-2015. Complications were defined as postoperative and post-discharge. Outcomes were 30-day readmission, post-discharge complications, and post-discharge major complications. Patient, operative, and complication factors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified 4457 patients who underwent RC; 9.2% of patients experienced a postoperative complication, 18.8% experienced a post-discharge complication, and 20.3% were readmitted. Overweight and obese body mass index (BMI), dependent functional status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a continent diversion, and duration of operation were associated with post-discharge complications. Postoperative complications were not associated with post-discharge complications. Readmission was associated with Black race (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.1), overweight (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.8) and obese BMI (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.9), diabetes (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.5), COPD (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-1.8), steroid use (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.2), a continent diversion (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7), duration of operation (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.1-1.2), and postoperative complications (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-2.0). The majority of readmissions experienced a post-discharge complication. CONCLUSIONS: Factors that span the preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and post-discharge phases of care were identified to increase readmission risk. To improve readmission rates, interventions will have to target factors across the surgical experience.

Early Discharge After Radical Nephrectomy: An Analysis of Complications and Readmissions.

INTRODUCTION: Length of stay (LOS) is increasingly being viewed as a quality metric, and efforts to reduce LOS are present across most surgical subspecialties. However, data on whether reducing LOS is safe in patients who undergo radical nephrectomy (RN) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess whether early discharge after RN affects readmission rates and postdischarge complications using a national cohort of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent RN from 2012 to 2015. Procedures were stratified as minimally invasive or open. Early discharge was defined as less than or equal to the procedure-specific 25th percentile for LOS. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with readmission and postdischarge complications. A sensitivity analysis excluded patients with a LOS >75th percentile. RESULTS: A total of 11,429 patients were included. The 25th percentile for LOS was 2 days in the minimally invasive group and 3 days in the open group. In multivariable analysis, early discharge did not increase the risk of postdischarge complications (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.08; P = .214) and decreased the risk of readmission (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.87; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Early discharge after RN does not increase the risk of postdischarge complications or readmission. With the appropriate patient selection, decreasing LOS might lead to decreased surgical costs and improved patient flow. This work provides a foundation for future research that might optimize perioperative care pathways to decrease LOS.

Comparison of Interhospital Urological Transfers between a Metropolitan and Rural Tertiary Care Institution.

INTRODUCTION: Urological services are not available at all hospitals and the transfer of patients between medical centers provides an avenue to meet medical need. In rural areas patients often visit community medical centers with limited services and require transfer. We compared the transfer process between 2 tertiary care institutions, one serving a metropolitan population and the other a rural population. METHODS: Two academic medical centers were selected, with one that primarily services a large metropolitan city center and one that primarily services a large rural population. Transfer logs for the urological services from September 2015 to September 2017 were compared. Records were examined for an affiliated urologist at the originating hospital, distance traveled, reason for transfer and the need for surgical management. Variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Overall 606 transfers were included in the study, with 16% (97) transferred to the metropolitan center and 84% (509) transferred to the rural center. Patients transferred to the rural center were younger (53.3 vs 61.9 years, p <0.001) and traveled further (64.2 vs 36.5 miles, p <0.001) compared to the metropolitan site. Hospitals referring patients to the rural center were less likely to have an affiliated urologist (66.7% vs 91.1%, p=0.008). Overall 38% of patients were treated surgically, which was not different between the institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist between transfers to the rural and the metropolitan center, suggesting an increased need for basic urological services in the surrounding rural community. At both centers most patients did not require a procedure and might avoid transfer through telehealth or collaborative care networks.

Using Patient Safety Reporting Systems to Understand the Clinical Learning Environment: A Content Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine patient safety event reporting behavior by trainees caring for surgical patients compared to other clinicians. DESIGN: Qualitative analysis of a patient safety event reporting system comparing reports entered by trainees to those entered by attending physicians and nurses. Categorical data associated with reports were compared, and free-text event descriptions underwent content analysis focusing on themes related to report completeness and report focus. SETTING: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, an academic tertiary care hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: All patient safety event reports related to surgical patients from a 6-month period (July-December 2016). RESULTS: One thousand four hundred twenty-three reports were entered by trainees (T), attendings (A), and nurses (N). Trainees had a lower number of reports entered per reporter compared to nurses (T median [IQR]: 1 [1-2], N: 2 [1-3]), and the highest percentage of reports entered anonymously for any group (T: 28.7%, N: 9.9%, A: 4.6%). The overall distribution of event location and event type differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001). Trainee reports were found to have a broader range of focus, more elements associated with completeness of reports, and more frequent use of blame language. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical trainees report a wide variety of issues in the perioperative, floor, and ICU settings. Their reports often include more details than those entered by other clinicians, but feature higher rates of anonymous reporting and use of blame language. Analysis of patient safety event reports by trainees compared with other healthcare professionals can reveal important insights into the clinical learning environment and areas for safety improvement.

Obesity and 30-Day Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between obesity and postoperative outcomes following minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) and minimally invasive radical nephrectomy (MIRN). METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database, we identified adult patients who underwent either MIPN or MIRN from 2012 to 2016. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) according the World Health Organization classification of obesity (nonobese [BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2], class I obesity [BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2], class II obesity [BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2], and class III obesity [BMI≥40 kg/m2]). Multivariable logistic regressions alternately including obesity class, comorbidity score, and both were used to evaluate the association among these variables with post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 21,334 patients (MIPN=10,444, MIRN=10,890) were included. When only obesity class or comorbidity score was included in our multivariable logistic regression model, both variables were associated with increased odds of overall 30-day complications. However, when both class or comorbidity were included in the model, comorbidity but not obesity was found to be associated with increased postoperative complications. Obesity was also not found to be associated with unplanned readmission. However, obesity was independently associated with prolonged operative time and discharge to continued care in the full model. CONCLUSION: This NSQIP study suggests that BMI does not independently predict the likelihood of overall complications or readmission within 30 days, and should not be considered a major barrier for MIPN or MIRN. Instead, obesity should be taken into consideration with other comorbidities when risk-stratifying patients prior to minimally invasive nephrectomy.

The value of delayed phase enhanced imaging in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) can underestimate the presence of local tumor invasion. Since accurate staging is vital optimal choice of therapy, techniques that optimize pleural imaging are needed. Here we estimate the optimal timing of MPM enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: All MPM patients with intravenous (IV) contrast enhanced staging MRI between 2000-2016 at our institution were retrospectively selected for image analysis. Patients with incomplete imaging protocol and maximum pleural tumor thickness <1 cm were excluded. Quantitative measurements of tumor signal intensity were obtained on pre-contrast and post-contrast phases where MRI acquisition parameters were fixed. Using best-fit model curves, predicted maximum time points of enhancement were determined using a simulation of predicted values. Additionally, a qualitative assessment of tumor conspicuity was performed at all IV contrast time delays imaged. A statistical analysis assessed for correlation between qualitative lesion conspicuity and quantitative tumor enhancement. RESULTS: Of the 42 MPM patients who had undergone staging MRI during the study period, 12 patients met the study criteria. Peak tumor enhancement was between 150 and 300 sec following IV contrast administration. Within this time window, 80% of patients are projected to have reached >80%, >85%, and >90% peak tumor enhancement. There was a statistically significant correlation between increasing tumor enhancement and subjective lesion conspicuity. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal MPM enhancement on MRI likely occurs at a time delay between 2.5-5 min following IV contrast administration. Further study of delayed phase enhancement of MPM with dynamic contrast enhanced MRI is warranted.