Comparative Analysis of Early Outcomes and Complications of PSO Among Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in the annual number of PSOs performed, describe the patient populations associated with each cohort, and compare outcomes between specialties.Summary of Background Data:Pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSO) are complex and advanced spine deformity surgical procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Though both sets of surgeons can be equally qualified and credentialed to perform a PSO, it is possible that differences in training and exposure could translate into differences in patient management and outcomes. METHODS: Patients that underwent lumbar PSO from 2005 to 2014 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry were identified. Relevant demographic, preoperative comorbidity, and postoperative 30-day complications were queried and analyzed. The data was divided into 2 cohorts consisting of those patients who were treated by neurosurgeons versus orthopedic surgeons. Additional data from the Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database was queried and analyzed for comparison. RESULTS: Demographic and comorbidity factors were similar between the neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery cohorts, except there were higher rates of hypertension among orthopedic surgeon-performed PSOs (65.66% vs. 48.67%, P =0.004). Except for 2012, in every year queried, orthopedic surgeons reported more PSOs than neurosurgeons. In patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery, there was a higher rate of PSOs if the surgery was performed by an orthopedic surgeon (OR 1.7824, 95% CI: 1.4017-2.2665). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis after PSOs was higher for neurosurgery compared with orthopedic surgery (8.85% vs. 1.20%, P =0.004). However, besides deep vein thrombosis, there were no salient differences in surgical complication rates between neurosurgeon-performed PSOs and orthopedic surgeon-performed PSOs. CONCLUSIONS: The number of PSO procedures performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons has increased annually. Differences in outcomes between neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons suggest an opportunity for wider assessment and alignment of adult spinal deformity surgery exposure and training across specialties.

The Effect of Patient and Hospital Characteristics on Total Costs of Peripheral Bypass in New York State.

INTRODUCTION: With the aging U.S. population, peripheral vascular procedures will become increasingly common. The objective of this study is to characterize the factors associated with increased total costs after peripheral bypass surgery. METHODS: Data for 34,819 patients undergoing peripheral bypass surgery in NY State were extracted using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database for years 2009-2017. Patient demographics, All Patient Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (APR) severity score, mortality risk, hospital volume, and length of stay data were collected. Primary outcomes were total costs and length of stay. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 28.1% of peripheral bypass surgeries were performed in New York City. 7.9% of patients had extreme APR severity of illness whereas 32.0% had major APR severity of illness. 6.3% of patients had extreme risk of mortality and 1 in every 5 patients (20%) had major risk of mortality. 24.9% of patients were discharged to a facility. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 9.9 days. Patient LOS of 6-11 days was associated with +$2,791.76 total costs. Mean LOS of ≥ 12 days was associated with + $27,194.88 total costs. Multivariate analysis revealed risk factors associated with an admission listed in the fourth quartile of total costs (≥$36,694.44) for peripheral bypass surgery included NYC location (2.82, CI 2.62-3.04), emergency surgery (1.12, CI 1.03-1.22), extreme APR 2.08, 1.78-2.43, extreme risk of mortality (2.73, 2.34-3.19), emergency room visit (1.68, 1.57-1.81), discharge to a facility (1.27, CI 1.15-1.41), and LOS in the third or fourth quartile (11.09, 9.87-12.46). CONCLUSION: The cost of peripheral bypass surgery in New York State is influenced by a variety of factors including LOS, patient comorbidity and disease severity, an ER admission, and discharge to a facility.

Analysis of Outcomes by Extraction Site following Subtotal Colectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis frequently requires surgery as a definitive management strategy. The colonic specimen can be extracted from various sites including a midline incision, the stoma site, or a Pfannenstiel incision. It is unclear if one extraction site offers improved outcomes and fewer complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of charts obtained of colorectal surgery patients was conducted for all patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent a subtotal colectomy between 2008 and 2016 at a single tertiary care institution. Demographic data and outcomes data including parastomal and incisional hernias, advanced wound/ostomy certified nurse referrals, surgical site infections, reoperations, and readmissions were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed to detect any significant differences in outcomes between groups based on extraction site (midline incision, stoma site, or Pfannenstiel incision). RESULTS: Univariate analysis did not show any statistical differences between groups in regard to outcomes. Stoma site extraction did not statistically differ from midline extraction in regard to hernias, advanced ostomy referrals, infections, or reoperations, but midline incision extraction did have a lower risk of readmission (OR = 0.56, p = 0.0066). Pfannenstiel extraction had lower risk of incisional hernias (OR = 0.25, p = 0.0002), advanced ostomy referrals (OR = 0.45, p = 0.0164) and readmission (OR = 0.26, p < 0.0001) as compared to stoma site extraction. CONCLUSIONS: While stoma site extraction can be successfully performed for most patients requiring subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis, Pfannenstiel extraction leads to the fewest number of complications and provides the most consistent results.