Burnout: A Call to Action From the AUA Workforce Workgroup.

PURPOSE: We hypothesize burnout has failed to improve and certain demographics may be disproportionately affected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The AUA Workforce Workgroup examined work from the annual AUA Census over the past several years. Particular to this study, relevant burnout-related data were examined from the past 5 years. RESULTS: In 2021, 36.7% of urologists reported burnout compared to 36.2% in 2016. Burnout in men decreased from 36.3% to 35.2%, but increased in women from 35.3% to 49.2%. When examined by age, the largest increases in burnout were seen in those <45 years old, increasing from 37.9% to 44.8%, followed by 45-54 years old, increasing from 43.4% to 44.6%. When asked about the effect of COVID-19 on burnout, 54% of urologists didn't feel COVID-19 impacted burnout. Beyond burnout, only 25.0% of men and 4.6% of women reported no conflict between work and personal responsibilities, while 25.7% of men and 44.7% of women resolved these conflicts in favor of work or were unable to resolve them. Of respondents, 22.5% of men and 37.1% of women were "dissatisfied" with work-life balance. Similarly, 33.6% of men reported their work schedule does not leave enough time for personal/family life, compared to 57.5% of women. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, urologists have higher burnout now when compared to 2016. The gender discrepancy has vastly widened with women experiencing burnout at an increased rate of 14% compared to 2016, while burnout in men decreased by 1%. Burnout has increased the most in those <45 years old. Further action is needed to substantiate the causes of burnout.

Operative duration and short term morbidity and mortality following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

INTRODUCTION: To elucidate the association between operative duration (OD) and postoperative complications, which has been poorly studied in radical cystectomy. We hypothesize an increase in morbidity in radical cystectomy cases which have a longer OD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) between the years 2012 and 2018 were reviewed for radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion or continent diversion. Total operative time was divided into deciles and stratified comparisons were made using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11,128 patients were examined. OD by minutes was stratified into the following deciles: 90-201, 202-237, 238-269, 270-299, 300-330, 331-361, 362-397, 398-442, 443-508, > 508. Operative times were shorter for patients with advanced age (p < 0.001), male gender (p < 0.001), low body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), bleeding diathesis (p = 0.019), COPD (p = 0.004), and advanced ASA class (p < 0.001). Complications significantly associated with prolonged OD included surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, sepsis/septic shock, renal failure and venous thromboembolism. On multivariate analysis, factors predictive of perioperative morbidity included presence of bleeding disorder (OR 1.70, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.37-2.12, p < 0.001), ASA Class IV-V compared to I-II (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.89-2.72, p < 0.001), and prolonged operative time (tenth decile OR 3.05, 95% CI 2.55-3.66, ninth decile OR 2.11 95% CI 1.77-2.50, third decile OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.56, second decile OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.86-1.21 compared to first decile, p < 0.001) Conclusion: OD is an independent predictor of post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing radical cystectomy, even when adjusting for patient specific factors. Those patients within the longest decile had over 3-fold increase in the risk of morbidity compared to those with shorter OD.

Patient safety education and perceptions of safety culture in American and Canadian urological residency training programs.

INTRODUCTION To assess the perception of patient safety culture and the infrastructure to support patient safety (PS) education within American and Canadian urological residency programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A needs assessment was developed by experts in patient safety. The survey contained items about prior PS education, perceived value of learning PS, components of an ideal PS curriculum, and desired resources to facilitate PS education. Select items from the validated AHRQ Survey on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) were also included. The survey was distributed electronically (12/2018-2/2019) to all urology residents (RES) and program directors (PD) of urological residency programs via the Society of Academic Urologists. All responses were anonymous. RESULTS: A total of 26 PD (18.3%; 26/142) and 100 RES (6.7%; 100/1,491) completed the survey. Nearly all RES received PS training (79%), but this was lower for PD (42%). The majority of RES and PD felt that PS was an important educational competency (RES = 83%; PD = 89%) and a pathway for academic success (RES 74%; PD 84%). Both groups desired an online PS curriculum (RES = 69%; PD = 68%) with error causation models (RES = 42%; PD = 52%) as the primary topic to cover. Assessment of safety culture confirmed safety is a priority, but only 1 PD (5%; 1/19) and 25 RES (25%; 25/100) rated their residency program's overall safety grade as 'excellent'. CONCLUSIONS: PS education remains a priority for program directors and urological trainees. Both groups called for additional resources from urological professional societies for this education. To that end, an online, centralized, freely accessible PS curriculum is under development.

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.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Background: The journey of minimally invasive (MI) urology is one of quality improvement (QI) and patient safety. New techniques have been progressively studied for adoption and growth. As more advanced methods of data collection and analysis are developed, a review of the patterns and history of these principles in the development of MI urology can inform future urologic QI and patient safety initiatives. Objective: To perform a scoping review identifying patterns of QI and patient safety in MI urology. Methods: PubMed and the American Urological Association (AUA) journal search page were screened on December 2022 for publications using the search parameters "quality improvement" and "minimally invasive." Articles were screened according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Results: The initial literature search identified 471 articles from PubMed and 57 from the AUA journal search page. After screening, 528 articles were relevant to the topic and reviewed. Four hundred eighty-two articles were duplicates or did not meet inclusion criteria. Forty-six are included in this review. Conclusion: Urology has developed a pattern of assessing MI surgery vs the open counterpart. This includes analyzing the newest approach to understand complications, examining the factors contributing to complications, and lastly designing projects to mitigate future risk. This information, as well as advanced methods of data collection, has identified areas of improvement for new QI projects. The stage is set for a promising future with the adoption of advanced QI in daily urologic practice to improve patient safety and minimize errors.

Surgical Intraoperative Handoff Initiative: Standardizing Operating Room Communication using SHRIMPS.

BACKGROUND: Operating room (OR) handoffs are not universally standardized, though standardized sign outs have been proven to provide effective communication in other aspects of healthcare. We hypothesize creating a standardized handoff will improve communication between OR staff. STUDY DESIGN: A frontline stakeholder approached our quality improvement (QI) team with concern regarding inadequate quality surgical technician handoffs during staff changes. An audit tool was created for a pilot cohort of 23 cases to evaluate surgical technician handoffs from 5/2022 through 11/2022. Handoffs occurred in 82.6% of cases. Elements of handoff varied significantly, with an average of 34.4% completion of critical handoff elements. Audits were reviewed with stakeholders to develop a standardized communication checklist, including domains regarding sponges, sharps, hidden items, replaced items, instruments, implants, medications, procedure overview, and specimens. An acronym of these domains, SHRIMPS, was affixed to each OR wall. RESULTS: In the initial Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, piloted in urology, general surgery, and neurosurgery, 100% of the 15 observed cases included handoff, averaging 76 seconds per handoff. Additionally, 100% of cases announced a handoff to the surgeon, and all elements were addressed 99.6% of the time. PDSA cycle 2 involved implementation to all service lines. Of the 68 cases observed, 100% included handoff, averaging 69.4 seconds per handoff, with 98.2% of elements addressed, though only 97.1% of handoffs were announced. CONCLUSIONS: Little communication standardization exists within the OR, especially regarding intraoperative staff changes. Implementation of a standardized handoff between surgical technicians resulted in substantial improvement in critical communication during staff changes.

Exploring the Demands of Urology: On-Call Compensation, Frequency, and Variability.

INTRODUCTION: We investigate and analyze the available information regarding on-call patterns among urologists in the US. METHODS: The AUA Workforce Workgroup collaborated with the AUA Data Team to analyze information from the 2022 AUA Census. Extracted data were analyzed to identify variability across gender, subspecialty, hours worked per week, AUA section, salary, and practice setting. We used χ2 tests to compare the groups with respect to each factor and defined statistical significance as a P value less than .05. RESULTS: There were significant differences by gender and several other on-call factors including being required to take call to maintain hospital privileges (reported by 76% of female urologists vs 67% of male urologists; P = .026), getting paid for weekend call (28% of females vs 38% of males; P = .030), and making over $500 per day when taking weekend call (18% of females vs 32% of males; P < .001). Other differences existed between AUA sections in percentage of physicians receiving over $500 for weekday or weekend calls (P < .001). Lastly, practice setting differed in likelihood of being paid over $500 for weekday call (44% reported by private practice urologists, 7% reported by academic urologists, 14% reported by institutional urologists; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the substantial variability in on-call responsibilities and structure within the AUA workforce. Further research and regular participation in future censuses are recommended to continue to characterize these trends.

Evaluating Factors That Influence Health Care Resource Utilization in Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

Introduction: Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but it is associated with complications. The association of health care resource utilization (HRU) and TURP has been poorly studied. We seek to evaluate HRU in patients undergoing TURP and identify factors contributing to outcomes. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was reviewed from 2012 to 2018 for TURP by Current Procedural Terminology code. All data will be deidentified with IRB exemption. HRU was defined as discharge to continued care, unplanned readmission within 30 days, or prolonged length of stay (LOS) (>75th percentile). We included preoperative variables, including age, body mass index, diabetes, and ASA class (a classification system to assess for fitness of patients perior to surgery). Operative duration (OD) was broken into deciles by minutes. Preoperative characteristics and outcomes were compared against OD. Predictors of HRU were found using a stepwise multivariate logistic regression. Results: Overall, 38,749 patients were included. The following variables were significantly associated with OD (values are three shortest and three longest deciles, respectively): any HRU (35.9%, 32.4%, 31.4% and 32.4%, 33.7%, 37.6%) and prolonged LOS (31.3%, 27.6%, 26.5% and 28.0%, 30.4%, 34.1%). Findings in the first decile seemed to be an outlier, as shown in Figure 1. Complications associated with OD are shown in Figure 2. On multivariable analysis, patients with OD >58 minutes were more likely to have increased HRU; odds ratio 1.22, 1.33, 1.54, and 1.78 for deciles 58-66, 67-78, 78-99, and >100, respectively; p80, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, hypertension, diabetes, not functionally independent, ASA class III and IV-V, and dirty/infected wound class, p < 0.005. [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text] Conclusions: OD is an independent predictor of HRU in patients undergoing TURP and is more modifiable than other preoperative variables associated with increased HRU. Patients in the longest decile were more likely to have complications and increased HRU. Further study is needed to evaluate causation.

Occupational Therapy Utilization in Veterans With Dementia: A Retrospective Review of Root Cause Analyses of Falls Leading to Adverse Events.

INTRODUCTION: Falls in persons with dementia are associated with increased mortality. Occupational therapy (OT) is a rehabilitation discipline, which has, among its goals, the promotion of safety and fall prevention in older adults and those with dementia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate root cause analysis (RCA) data to identify causes of falls with adverse events in patients with dementia who were referred to or receiving OT services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: This study used retrospective review of RCAs within the National Center for Patient Safety database for the VHA. The RCA database was searched using these terms: falls with adverse events, dementia, and OT. Descriptive statistical analysis of demographic information, location, occurrence of orthopedic fracture, and mortality was used. All root causes were qualitatively categorized using thematic analysis of determined causes. RESULTS: Eighty RCAs were included in analysis. Mean age of veterans included was 80 years; 96% were male; 76% resulted in hip fracture; and 20% died as a result of the fall. Occupational therapy evaluations occurred within 7 days of admission to VHA and falls most frequently occurred within 4 days of OT evaluation. Most common causes included inappropriate or lack of equipment (21%), need for falls/rehabilitation assessment (20%), compliance/training to fall protocol of all staff (19%), and behavior/medical status (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier identification for OT evaluation need may improve access to services, and use of proper equipment to decrease frequency of falls may improve patient safety for older adults with dementia.

Use of Lean Methodologies in Outpatient Urology Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to apply lean methodologies to identify and improve processes in the urology clinic. METHODS: A total of 85 appointments in provider and procedure clinics were observed and analyzed using time studies, spaghetti diagrams and process mapping tools. The team determined wait times and rework as areas for quality improvement. Rework is defined as the technician or provider having to see the patient multiple, separate times during a visit. We implemented assigning 1 technician to 1 provider, prepping patient charts in advance, and daily huddles. The team performed a PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle and observed 53 more appointments. RESULTS: Through these interventions the clinic saw improvements in all areas of concern. In the provider clinic, the initial wait times decreased by 63%. Rework decreased by 48%. The overall number of technician rework decreased by 17% and overall provider rework decreased by 50% saving a median of 6 minutes per visit. The procedure clinic saw improvements including up to a 43% decrease in the initial wait time, the chance of all rework decreasing by 55% and the technician rework decreased by 36%, saving 16 minutes per visit. CONCLUSIONS: These interventions proved beneficial in reducing waste and operating a more effective and efficient clinic.

The Current State of Educational Debt among Practicing Urologists.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown urology trainees to carry large amounts of educational debt. However, little is known about the educational debt metrics in the urology workforce. Therefore, we set out to characterize educational debt among practicing urologists. METHODS: The American Urological Association (AUA) Workforce Workgroup examined the 2019 AUA Census data. Domains pertaining to demographics and educational debt were examined. RESULTS: Of respondents 31.6% never had educational debt, 47.6% have paid off all their debt, 9.9% had ≤$150,000 debt, and 11% had >$150,000. Of the respondents practicing urology for 11-15 years since completing residency 20.2% had ≤$150,000 debt and 6.5% reported >$150,000 compared to 29% and 17.4%, respectively, for those practicing urology 6-10 years since completing residency. Of female urologists 18.6% had ≤$150,000 and 18.4% carried over >$150,000 compared to 9.0% and 10.1%, respectively, among male urologists (p <0.001). Concerning race, 21% of Black respondents carried ≤$150,000 and 30.4% carried >$150,000 compared to 9.4% and 10.9% in whites and 12.5% and 4.2% in Asian respondents. Furthermore, those in academic settings were more likely to have educational debt compared to those in private groups, 13.5% vs 10.7% vs 10.1% ≤$150,000 and 12.5% vs 10.9% vs 10.3% >$150,000, respectively (p=0.01); 23.6% felt their educational debt contributed to burnoutConclusions:A large percentage of practicing urologists carry educational debt for several years after residency. A higher percentage of respondents with Black race and female gender have debt compared to white and Asian race, and male gender. A substantial proportion of those with debt feel the debt contributes to burnout.

Impact of Urology Trainee Debt Levels on Future Practice Choices and Expectations.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive trainee debt continues to be a problem. Little is known about how debt influences future practice decisions. We sought to examine the correlation between educational debt and anticipated practice choices and career expectations to better understand the impact of debt on urology trainees to inform urology workforce policy. METHODS: Data were collected from urology trainees who completed the AUA Annual Census between 2016 and 2018. We examined level of debt among urology trainees against their anticipated practice choices compensation expectation and various debt relief variables. RESULTS: Among 705 U.S. urology trainees who completed the survey, 22% had no debt, 23% had <$150,000 debt, 27% had $150,000 to $250,000 of debt, and the remaining 27% had >$250,000. Debt level did not appear to significantly affect anticipated future practice setting or the decision to pursue fellowship. Concerning how loan forgiveness influenced practice opportunity, 31% of trainees reported no effect, 42% some effect and 27% great effect. Those trainees with higher level of debt appeared to be more likely to accept a practice opportunity if loan forgiveness was offered (p ≤0.001). Those trainees with higher level of debt were more likely to anticipate higher annual compensation as compared to those with less debt (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 70% of those trainees with debt had $150,000 of debt or higher. Our study showed carrying educational debt is statistically associated with trainees' choice of anticipated practice for better compensation and tuition forgiveness. Workforce policy should consider addressing the financial burden of urology trainees.

Implementing a Root Cause Analysis Program to Enhance Patient Safety Education in Urology Residency.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and assess the implementation and effectiveness of a RCA based program in Urology residency. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education states programs should encourage patient safety (PS) and provide formal PS education. However, data suggests most programs fall short. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) has been established as an effective method for event analysis and PS. METHODS: A RCA program was designed to analyze and discuss PS events in our department. This began with an educational session about RCA methodology. Subsequently, teams composed of faculty and residents were charged with selecting an adverse event to present at our monthly PS conference. Over a 6-month period, each team presented a recent complication, event timeline, and fish bone diagram. RESULTS: A RCA was completed and presented following adverse outcomes: fascial dehiscence, neonatal urosepsis, superior mesenteric artery ligation, pyelonephritis after ureteroscopy, and surgical site infection. Quantitative peer assessment of the presentations demonstrated aptitude in selecting an appropriate case (mean Likert scale score of 4.8/5), prioritizing important factors (score: 4.85), defining root causes (score: 4.9/5), and proposing solutions (score: 4.65/5). The qualitative feedback assessment noted the value of critical thinking to reduce complications, with the greatest limitation being time constraints. In addition, suggestions for improving the process included inclusion of ancillary staff involvement and selection of topics with modifiable solutions. CONCLUSION: RCA can be used as an educational tool for practice-based learning and improvement education. The program was well received and will continue in our department.

Increased Operative Duration of Minimally Invasive Prostatectomy is Associated with Significantly Increased Risk of 30-Day Morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the effect of operative duration on morbidity in minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. Operative duration has been shown to be a risk factor for negative outcomes in multiple surgical procedures but minimal data exist regarding urological procedures. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried by CPT code from 2011 to 2016. Standard NSQIP morbidities were used. Univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to determine risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 35,105 patients were studied. Operative duration was broken into deciles, by minutes. Several variables were significantly associated with operative duration. The values stated represent variables in the shortest and longest deciles, respectively, including body mass index 27.6 kg/m2 and 29.7 kg/m2, diabetes 11.6% of patients and 14.7%, and smoking 12.5% of patients and 14.5%. Several morbidities were significantly associated with operative duration, with shortest and longest deciles reported respectively, including complications 4.1% and 9.9%, surgical site infection 0.6% and 1.9%, transfusion 0.9% and 3.2%, sepsis 0.3% and 1.2%, pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis 0.6% and 1.8%, renal insufficiency 0.2% and 1.1%, and urinary tract infection 1.5% and 2.9%. The longest 3 deciles were significantly more likely to have complications with increasing odds ratios with increasing operative duration, with an adjusted OR of 1.6, 1.7 and 2.3. CONCLUSIONS: Operative duration is an independent predictor of morbidity, even when adjusting for patient specific preoperative factors. Patients in the longest decile were more than twice as likely to have complications. Further study on ideal operative duration, such as nomograms, as well as causation of longer operative duration and ways to increase operating room efficiency is needed.

Identifying a Break in the Chain: An Analysis of Where Ureteroscope Damage Occurs in the Hospital Cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing and variables associated with damage to flexible ureteroscopes (fURS) at our institution. Flexible ureteroscopy is an important modality in the treatment of benign and malignant conditions of the upper urinary tract. While the durability and versatility of fURS have improved considerably, repair costs remain high and time out of commission diminishes workflow. After purchasing new digital fURS, we studied how and when these instruments were being damaged. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018, we performed leak testing on fURS both before and after use. We gathered intraoperative data related to the user, the surgical indication, and the associated tools used in all cases that employed a digital or fiber optic fURS. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed to identify risk factors for intraoperative fURS damage. RESULTS: During the study period, complete data was gathered for 281 cases. Twenty-two fURS failed leak testing indicating an overall leak failure rate of 7.8%. Of these, 15 failed leak testing preoperatively indicating nonoperative damage occurring sometime during transport, handling, or sterile processing. The other 7 failures occurred during the procedures. No intraoperative variables were significantly associated with failures. CONCLUSION: Our institutional leak failure rate is 8% (22/281). The majority of these failures did not occur during surgery. Of the 7 that occurred during surgery, larger stone burden and higher wattage showed mild association. Ongoing evaluation will target minimizing fURS damage outside of the operating room.

Assessment of Radiation Safety Knowledge Among Urology Residents in the United States.

Introduction: Urologists are increasingly exposed to fluoroscopy, which can cause cellular damage. Appropriate awareness and safety precautions concerning fluoroscopy are necessary and likely should be a focus during training. We sought to assess radiation safety knowledge among Urology residents in the United States. Methods: A 19-question survey was constructed to assess radiation safety training, knowledge, behavior, and attitudes. The survey was sent through REDCap™ (Research Electronic Data Capture) to all Urology program directors and coordinators in the United States with a request to distribute to their residents. The survey was closed after 3 weeks. Results: One hundred thirty-six urology trainees responded during the study period. Thirteen percent learned fluoroscopic radiation safety formally, 46% informally, 35% both informally and formally, and 6% no education. Forty-six percent reported radiation safety being part of their curriculum. When asked about directional X-ray travel and exposure, only 54% answered correctly. Regarding conditions related to radiation exposure, 94% believe infertility is potentially related, 83% cataracts, 93% leukemia and lymphoma, 57% central nervous system tumors, 77% birth defects, and 4% diabetes. Regarding protection, 9% wear lead-lined glasses, 30% dosimeters, 99% thyroid shields, 0% lead gloves, 97% lead apron, 26% lead shield, and 0% nothing. Regarding fluoroscopy machine settings, 7% knew the machine used was set to continuous, 73% pulse, and 21% were unsure. Sixty-six percent had awareness of the directional travel of the machine routinely used. Regarding safety techniques, 99% knew decreasing time and 100% knew wearing protective materials decrease exposure. However, when asked about distance and exposure, 55% answered incorrectly. Most respondents believe radiation safety is important (89%) and desire more formal education (64%). Conclusions: Trainees lack sufficient knowledge in several key areas regarding radiation safety. Formal education may be considered during training and is desired by trainees. This education is likely needed to ensure trainees learn methods to keep them safe during their career.

Increased Operative Duration in Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy Is Associated with Significantly Increased Risk of 30-Day Morbidity.

Introduction: Operative duration (OD) is associated with complications but has been poorly studied in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN). We seek to examine the relationship between OD and complications in MIPN. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2011 to 2016 by CPT code. Risk factors for complications were determined using univariable and multivariable analysis. Results: In all, 12,018 patients were examined. OD was broken into deciles, ∼1200 patients in each, by minutes, <111, 111 to 131, 132 to 149, 159 to 164, 165 to 180, 181 to 196, 197 to 215, 216 to 238, 239 to 276, >276. Variables significantly associated with OD (values stated are shortest and longest deciles, respectively) include: male 47.8% and 68.2% of patients; body mass index 28.5 and 31.3 kg/m2; diabetes 13.4% and 23.7%; smoking 20.4% and 22.0%; taking medication for hypertension 53.1% and 64.2%. Morbidities significantly associated with OD (shortest and longest deciles reported, respectively) include: complications 4.2% of patients and 14.2%; postoperative transfusion 1.3% and 7.8%; pulmonary embolism (PE)/deep vein thrombosis 0.5% and 1.2%; renal insufficiency 0.3% and 1.7%; cardiac arrest or stroke 0.3% and 1.4%. On multivariable analysis, patients with OD >180 minutes were significantly more likely to have complications odds ratio of 2.0, 2.3, 2.3, 3.2, and 3.7 for deciles 181 to 196, 197 to 215, 216 to 238, 239 to 276, >276, respectively, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Even when adjusting for patient-specific preoperative factors, OD is an independent predictor of significant morbidity. Patients in the longest decile were nearly four times as likely to have complications. Further study is needed to determine reasons for prolonged OD.

Examining and Understanding Value: The Impact of Preoperative Characteristics, Intraoperative Variables, and Postoperative Complications on Cost of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

Introduction and Objective: Quality-based reimbursement continues to gain popularity as value-based care becomes more prominent. Our goal is to describe the impact of preoperative characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications on the cost of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Materials and Methods: Using our institution's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data, we identified minimally invasive prostatectomies performed from January 2012 to March 2017. A retrospective chart review was done to collect perioperative data; financial data were collected from the business office. Results: Two hundred seventy-five patients were identified during this time period. Median total cost was $16,600 (interquartile range $15,100-$18,300), and median direct cost (DC) was $11,200 ($10,100-$12,400). Among preoperative characteristics, body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, diabetes, hypertension, and blood urea nitrogen >21 were associated with increased DCs of $500, $500, $200, and $600, respectively (p < 0.05). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III was associated with increased DC of $200 compared with ASA classes I-II (p < 0.05). Considering intraoperative characteristics, increasing operative times and estimated blood loss (EBL) were associated with increased DC (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). Occurrence of any postoperative complication was associated with increased DC of $1400 (p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, a 1-U increase in BMI was associated with a $129 increase in DC (p < 0.001), a length of stay (LOS) greater than 3 days was associated with a $4099 increase in DC (p < 0.001), a 30-minute increase in operating room duration was associated with a $410 increase in DC (p < 0.05), any postoperative complication was associated with a $5397 increase in DC (p < 0.01), and treatment for diabetes was associated with a $1860 increase in DC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BMI, diabetes, operative duration, EBL, LOS, and postoperative complications were associated with significantly increased DC of RALP. Understanding perioperative factors affecting cost contributes to understanding value in prostatectomy and improving quality in urologic care.