Correlation of Colorectal Surgical Skill With Patient Outcomes: A Cautionary Tale.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has demonstrated a correlation between video ratings of surgical skill and clinical outcomes. Some have proposed the use of video review for technical skill assessment, credentialing, and quality improvement. OBJECTIVE: Before its adoption as a quality measure for colorectal surgeons, we must first determine whether video-based skill assessments can predict patient outcomes among specialty surgeons. DESIGN: Twenty-one surgeons submitted one representative video of a minimally invasive colectomy. Each video was edited to highlight key steps and then rated by 10 peer surgeons using a validated American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons assessment tool. Linking surgeons' ratings to a validated surgical outcomes registry, we assessed the relationship between skill and risk-adjusted complication rates. SETTINGS: The study was conducted with the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a statewide collaborative including 70 community, academic, and tertiary hospitals. PATIENTS: Patients included those who underwent minimally invasive colorectal resection performed by the participating surgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures included 30-day risk-adjusted postoperative complications. RESULTS: The average technical skill rating for each surgeon ranged from 2.6 to 4.6. Risk-adjusted complication rate per surgeon ranged from 9.9% to 33.1%. Patients of surgeons in the bottom quartile of overall skill ratings were older and more likely to have hypertension or to smoke; patients of surgeons in the top quartile were more likely to be immunosuppressed or have an ASA score of 3 or higher. After patient- and surgery-specific risk adjustment, there was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between the bottom and top quartile surgeons (17.5% vs 16.8%, respectively, p = 0.41). LIMITATIONS: Limitations included retrospective cohort design with short-term follow-up of sampled cases. Videos were edited to highlight key steps, and reviewers did not undergo training to establish norms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that video-based peer rating of minimally invasive colectomy was not correlated with postoperative complications among specialty surgeons. As such, the adoption of video review for use in credentialing should be approached with caution. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B802.CORRELACIÓN ENTRE LA HABILIDAD QUIRÚRGICA COLORRECTAL Y LOS RESULTADOS OBTENIDOS EN EL PACIENTE: RELATO PRECAUTORIOANTECEDENTES:Trabajos anteriores han demostrado una correlación entre la video-calificación de la habilidad quirúrgica y los resultados clínicos. Algunos autores han propuesto el uso de la revisión de videos para la evaluación de la habilidad técnica, la acreditación y la mejoría en la calidad quirúrgica.OBJETIVO:Antes de su adopción como medida de calidad entre los cirujanos colorrectales, primero debemos determinar si las evaluaciones de habilidades basadas en video pueden predecir los resultados clínicos de los pacientes entre cirujanos especializados.DISEÑO:Veintiún cirujanos enviaron un video representativo de una colectomía mínimamente invasiva. Cada video fue editado para resaltar los pasos clave y luego fué calificado por 10 cirujanos revisores utilizando una herramienta de evaluación validada por la ASCRS. Al vincular las calificaciones de los cirujanos al registro de resultados quirúrgicos aprobado, evaluamos la relación entre la habilidad y las tasas de complicaciones ajustadas al riesgo.AJUSTE:Colaboración en todo el estado incluyendo 70 hospitales comunitarios, académicos y terciarios, el Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative.PACIENTES:Todos aquellos sometidos a resección colorrectal mínimamente invasiva realizada por los cirujanos participantes.MEDIDA DE RESULTADO PRINCIPAL:Complicaciones posoperatorias ajustadas al riesgo a los 30 días.RESULTADOS:La calificación de la habilidad técnica promedio de cada cirujano osciló entre 2.6 y 4.6. La tasa de complicaciones ajustada al riesgo por cirujano osciló entre el 9,9% y el 33,1%. Los pacientes operados por los cirujanos del cuartil inferior de las calificaciones generales de habilidades eran fumadores y añosos, y tambiés más propensos a la hipertensión arterial. Los pacientes operados por los cirujanos del cuartil superior tenían más probabilidades de ser inmunosuprimidos o tener una puntuación ASA> = 3. Después del ajuste de riesgo específico de la cirugía y el paciente, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las tasas de complicaciones entre los cirujanos del cuartil inferior y superior (17,5% frente a 16,8%, respectivamente, p = 0,41).LIMITACIONES:Diseño de cohortes retrospectivo con seguimiento a corto plazo de los casos muestreados. Los videos se editaron para resaltar los pasos clave y los revisores no recibieron capacitación para establecer normas.CONCLUSIONES:Nuestro estudio demuestra que la evaluación realizada por los revisores basada en el video de la colectomía mínimamente invasiva no se correlacionó con las complicaciones post-operatorias entre los cirujanos especialistas. Por tanto, la adopción de la revisión del video quirúrgico para su uso en la acreditación profesional, debe abordarse con mucha precaución. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B802. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Achieving the High-Value Colectomy: Preventing Complications or Improving Efficiency.

BACKGROUND: There is increased focus on the value of surgical care. Postoperative complications decrease value, but it is unknown whether high-value hospitals spend less than low-value hospitals in cases without complications. Previous studies have not evaluated both expenditures and validated outcomes in the same patients, limiting the understanding of interactions between clinical performance, efficient utilization of services, and costliness of surgical episodes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify payment differences between low- and high-value hospitals in colectomy cases without adverse outcomes using a linked data set of multipayer claims and validated clinical outcomes. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational cohort study. We assigned each hospital a value score (ratio of cases without adverse outcome to mean episode payment). We stratified hospitals into tertiles by value and used analysis of variance tests to compare payments between low- and high-value hospitals, first for all cases, and then cases without adverse outcome. SETTING: January 2012 to December 2016, this investigation used clinical registry data from 56 hospitals participating in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, linked with 30-day episode payments from the Michigan Value Collaborative. PATIENTS: A total of 2947 patients undergoing elective colectomy were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was risk-adjusted, price-standardized 30-day episode payments. RESULTS: The mean adjusted complication rate was 31% (±10.7%) at low-value hospitals and 14% (±4.6%) at high-value hospitals (p < 0.001). Low-value hospitals were paid $3807 (17%) more than high-value hospitals ($22,271 vs $18,464, p < 0.001). Among cases without adverse outcome, payments were still $2257 (11%) higher in low-value hospitals ($19,424 vs $17,167, p = 0.04). LIMITATIONS: This study focused on outcomes and did not consider processes of care as drivers of value. CONCLUSIONS: In elective colectomy, high-value hospitals achieve lower episode payments than low-value hospitals for cases without adverse outcome, indicating mechanisms for increasing value beyond reducing complications. Worthwhile targets to optimize value in elective colectomy may include enhanced recovery protocols or other interventions that increase efficiency in all phases of care. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B56. LOGRANDO LA COLECTOMÍA DE ALTO VALOR: PREVINIENDO COMPLICACIONES O MEJORANDO LA EFICIENCIA: Hay un mayor enfoque en el valor de la atención quirúrgica. Las complicaciones postoperatorias disminuyen el valor, pero se desconoce si en los casos sin complicaciones, los hospitales de alto valor gastan menos que los hospitales de bajo valor. Estudios anteriores no han evaluado ambos gastos y validado resultados en los mismos pacientes, limitando la comprensión de las interacciones entre el rendimiento clínico, utilización eficiente de los servicios y costos de los episodios quirúrgicos.Identificar las diferencias de pago entre los hospitales de alto y bajo valor, en casos de colectomía sin resultados adversos, utilizando un conjunto de datos vinculados de reclamos de pago múltiple y resultados clínicos validados.Estudio de cohorte observacional retrospectivo. Asignamos a cada hospital una puntuación de valor (proporción de casos sin resultado adverso al pago medio del episodio). Estratificamos los hospitales por valor en terciles y utilizamos el análisis de pruebas de varianza para comparar los pagos entre hospitales de bajo y alto valor, primero para todos los casos y luego casos sin resultados adversos.De enero del 2012 a diciembre del 2016, utilizando datos de registro clínico de 56 hospitales que participan en el Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, vinculado con pagos de episodios de 30 días, del Michigan Value Collaborative.Un total de 2947 pacientes con colectomía electiva.Pagos por episodio de 30 días, ajustados al riesgo y estandarizados por precio.La tasa media de complicación ajustada fue de 31% (±10.7%) en hospitales de bajo valor y 14% (±4.6%) en hospitales de alto valor (p < 0.001). A los hospitales de bajo valor se les pagó $3807 (17%) más que a los hospitales de alto valor ($22,271 frente a $18,464, p < 0.001). Entre los casos sin resultados adversos, los pagos fueron de $2257 (11%) más altos en hospitales de bajo valor ($19,424 vs $17,167, p = 0.04).Este estudio se centró en los resultados y no se consideraron a los procesos de atención, como impulsores de valor.En la colectomía electiva, los hospitales de alto valor logran pagos de episodios más bajos, que en los hospitales de bajo valor con casos sin resultados adversos, indicando mecanismos para aumentar el valor, más allá que la reducción de complicaciones. Objetivos valiosos para optimizar el valor de la colectomía electiva, pueden incluir mejoras en los protocolos de recuperación, así como otras intervenciones que aumenten la eficiencia en todas las fases de la atención. Vea el resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B56.

Uptake of Total Mesorectal Excision and Total Mesorectal Excision Grading for Rectal Cancer: A Statewide Study.

BACKGROUND: Total mesorectal excision is associated with decreased local recurrence and improved disease-free survival following rectal cancer resection. The extent to which total mesorectal excision has been adopted in the United States is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess trends in total mesorectal excision performance and grading in Michigan hospitals. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. Trends in total mesorectal excision performance and grade assignment were analyzed by using χ tests and linear regression. SETTINGS: Participating hospitals (initially 14 hospitals, now 38) abstracted medical records data for rectal cancer cases from 2007 to 2016. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent rectal cancer resection were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures were surgeon-documented total mesorectal excision performance and pathologist-reported total mesorectal excision grade. RESULTS: Of 510 rectal cancer cases, 367 (72.0%) had surgeon-reported total mesorectal excision performance and 78 (15.3%) had pathologist-reported total mesorectal excision grade. Between-hospital variability in total mesorectal excision performance ranged from 0% to 97% and total mesorectal excision grading ranged from 0% to 90%. Total mesorectal excision grading was associated with a higher likelihood of also having adequate lymph node assessment (88.5% versus 71.9%, p = 0.002). There has been a statistically significant trend toward an increase in total mesorectal excision grading in the original 14 hospitals (p = 0.001), but not in the complete cohort of all hospitals (p = 0.057). LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective cohort design with sampled rectal cancer cases. In addition, there is insufficient granularity to capture all factors associated with total mesorectal excision performance or grade assignment. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of total mesorectal excision performance and grade assignment are widely variable throughout the state of Michigan. Overall, grade assignment remains very low. This suggests an opportunity for quality improvement projects to increase total mesorectal excision performance and grading, involving both the surgeons and pathologists for effective implementation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B53. IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE LA ESCISIÓN MESORRECTAL TOTAL Y LA CLASIFICACIÓN POR ESCISIÓN MESORRECTAL TOTAL PARA EL CÁNCER RECTAL: UN ESTUDIO A NIVEL ESTATAL.: La escisión mesorrectal total se asocia con una menor recurrencia local y una mejor supervivencia libre de enfermedad después de la resección del cáncer rectal. Se desconoce hasta que punto se ha adoptado la escisión mesorrectal total en los Estados Unidos.Se intento evaluar las tendencias en el rendimiento y la clasificación de la escisión mesorrectal total en los hospitales de Michigan.Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de la "Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative". Las tendencias en el rendimiento de la escisión mesorrectal total y la asignación de grado se analizaron mediante pruebas de chi-cuadrada y regresión lineal.Los hospitales participantes (inicialmente 14 hospitales, ahora 38) extrajeron datos de registros médicos de los casos de cáncer rectal desde 2007 hasta 2016.Pacientes que se sometieron a resección de cáncer rectal.Las principales medidas de resultado fueron el rendimiento de la escisión mesorrectal total documentado por el cirujano y el grado de escisión mesorrectal total informada por el patólogo.De 510 casos de cáncer rectal, 367 (72.0%) tenían un rendimiento de escisión mesorrectal total reportado por el cirujano y 78 (15.3%) tenían un grado de escisión mesorrectal total reportado por el patólogo. La variabilidad entre hospitales en el rendimiento de la escisión mesorrectal total varió del 0 al 97% y la clasificación de la escisión mesorrectal total varió del 0 al 90%. La clasificación de la escisión mesorrectal total se asoció con una mayor probabilidad de tener también una evaluación adecuada de los ganglios linfáticos (88.5% versus 71.9%, p = 0.002). Ha habido una tendencia estadísticamente significativa hacia un aumento en la clasificación de la escisión mesorrectal total en los 14 hospitales originales (p = 0.001), pero no en la cohorte completa de todos los hospitales (p = 0.057).Diseño de cohorte retrospectivo con casos de cáncer rectal muestreados. Además, no hay suficiente granularidad para capturar todos los factores asociados con el rendimiento de la escisión mesorrectal total o la asignación de grados.Las tasas de rendimiento de escisión mesorrectal total y asignación de grado son muy variables en todo el estado de Michigan. En general, la asignación de calificaciones sigue siendo muy baja. Esto sugiere una oportunidad para que los proyectos de mejora de la calidad aumenten el rendimiento y la clasificación de la escisión mesorrectal total, involucrando tanto a los cirujanos como a los patólogos para una implementación efectiva. Vea el resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B53.

Targeting Value-Driven Quality Improvement for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Michigan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate complete episode expenditures for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a common and lower-risk operation, to characterize novel targets for value-based quality improvement. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite enthusiasm for improving the overall value of surgical care, most efforts have focused on high-risk inpatient surgery. METHODS: We identified 19,213 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 2012 to 2015 using data from Medicare and a large private payer. We calculated price-standardized payments for the entire surgical episode of care and stratified patients by surgeon. We used linear regression to risk- and reliability-adjusted expenditures for patient characteristics, diagnoses, and the use of additional procedures. RESULTS: Fully adjusted total episode costs varied 2.4-fold across surgeons ($7922-$17,500). After grouping surgeons by adjusted total episode payments, each component of the total episode was more expensive for patients treated by the most expensive versus the least expensive quartile of surgeons. For example, payments for physician services were higher for the most expensive surgeons [$1932, 95% confidence interval (CI) $1844-$2021] compared to least expensive surgeons ($1592, 95% CI $1450-$1701, P < 0.01). Overall differences were driven by higher rates of complications (10% vs. 5%) and readmissions (14% vs. 8%), and lower rates of ambulatory procedures (77% vs. 56%) for surgeons with the highest versus lowest expenditures. Projections showed that a 10% increase ambulatory operations would yield $3.6 million in annual savings for beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS: Episode payments for laparoscopic cholecystectomy vary widely across surgeons. Although improvements in several domains would reduce expenditures, efforts to expand ambulatory surgical practices may result in the largest savings to beneficiaries in Michigan.

Association Between Hospital Staffing Models and Failure to Rescue.

OBJECTIVE: To identify hospital staffing models associated with failure to rescue (FTR) rates at low- and high-performing hospitals. BACKGROUND: FTR is an important quality measure in surgical safety and is a metric that hospitals are seeking to improve. Specific unit-level determinants of FTR, however, remain unknown. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study using data from the Michigan Quality Surgical Collaborative, which is a prospectively collected and clinically audited database in the state of Michigan. We identified 44,567 patients undergoing major general or vascular surgery from 2008 to 2012. Our main outcome measures were mortality, complications, and FTR rates. RESULTS: Hospital rates of FTR across low, middle, and high tertiles were 8.9%, 16.5%, and 19.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). Low FTR hospitals tended to have a closed intensive care unit staffing model (56% vs 20%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of board-certified intensivists (88% vs 60%, P < 0.001) when compared to high FTR hospitals. There was also significantly more staffing of low FTR hospitals by hospitalists (85% vs 20%, P < 0.001) and residents (62% vs 40%, P < 0.01). Low FTR hospitals were noted to have more overnight coverage (75% vs 45%, P < 0.001) as well as a dedicated rapid response team (90% vs 60%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low FTR hospitals had significantly more staffing resources than high FTR hospitals. Although hiring additional staff may be beneficial, there remain significant financial limitations for many hospitals to implement robust staffing models. Thus, our ongoing work seeks to improve rescue and implement effective staffing strategies within these constraints.

Surgeon utilization of minimally invasive techniques for inguinal hernia repair: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: MIS utilization for inguinal hernia repair is low compared to in other procedures. The impact of low adoption in surgeons is unclear, but may affect regional access to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We explored the impact of surgeon MIS utilization in inguinal hernia repair across a statewide population. METHODS: We analyzed 6723 patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair from 2012 to 2016 in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. The primary outcome was surgeon MIS utilization. The geographic distribution of high MIS-utilizing surgeons was compared across Hospital Referral Regions using Pearson's Chi-squared test. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify patient and hospital factors associated with MIS utilization. RESULTS: Surgeon MIS utilization varied, with 58% of 540 surgeons performing no MIS repair. For the remaining surgeons, MIS utilization was bimodally distributed. High-utilization surgeons were unevenly distributed across region, with corresponding differences in regional MIS rate ranging from 10 to 48% (p < 0.001). MIS was used in 41% of bilateral and 38% of recurrent hernia. MIS repair was more likely with higher hospital volume and less likely for patients aged 65+ (OR 0.68, p = 0.003), black patients (OR 0.75, p = 0.045), patients with COPD (OR 0.57, p < 0.001), and patients in ASA class > 3 (OR 0.79 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MIS utilization varies between surgeons, likely driving differences in regional MIS rates and leading to guideline-discordant care for patients with bilateral or recurrent hernia. Interventions to reduce this practice gap could include training programs in MIS repair, or regionalization of care to improve MIS access.

Mechanisms of age and race differences in receiving minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Black patients and older adults are less likely to receive minimally invasive hernia repair. These differences by race and age may be influenced by surgeon-specific utilization rate of minimally invasive repair. In this study, we explored the association between race, age, and surgeon utilization of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with the likelihood of receiving MIS inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients undergoing elective primary inguinal hernia repair from 2012 to 2016, using data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a 72-hospital clinical registry. Surgeons were stratified by proportion of MIS performed. Using hierarchical logistic regression models, we investigated the association between receiving MIS repair and race, age, and surgeon MIS utilization rate. RESULTS: Out of 4667 patients, 1253 (27%) received MIS repair. Out of 190 surgeons, 81 (43%) performed only open repair. Controlling for surgeon MIS utilization, race was not associated with MIS receipt (OR 0.93, p = 0.775), but older patients were less likely to receive MIS repair (OR 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Race differences were explained by surgeon MIS utilization, implicating access to MIS-performing surgeon as a mediator. Conversely, age disparity was independent of MIS utilization, even after adjusting for comorbidities, indicating some degree of provider bias against performing MIS repair in older patients. Interventions to address disparities should include systematic efforts to improve access, as well as provider and patient education for older adults.

Understanding Disparities in Surgical Outcomes for Medicaid Beneficiaries.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated whether outcome disparities between Medicaid and private insurance beneficiaries are driven by the hospital at which the patient receives care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the hospital on surgical outcomes in Medicaid beneficiaries. METHODS: We identified 139,566 non-elderly Medicaid and private insurance beneficiaries undergoing general, vascular, or gynecological surgery between 2012 and 2017 using a statewide clinical registry in Michigan. We calculated risk-adjusted rates of complications, readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and post-acute care utilization using multivariable logistic regression, accounting for patient and procedural factors. We then evaluated whether, and to what extent, the hospital influenced outcome disparities between Medicaid and privately insured beneficiaries. RESULTS: Risk-adjusted rates for all outcomes were higher in Medicaid beneficiaries. For example, overall post-discharge ED visit rates were 14.3% (95% CI 13.7% to 14.9%) for Medicaid compared to 7.5% (95% CI 7.1% to 7.9%, P < 0.01) for private insurance beneficiaries. Hospital factors explained 3.9% of the observed difference in complication rates between Medicaid and private insurance beneficiaries. In contrast, hospital factors explained a greater proportion of the disparities in readmissions (30.6%), ED visits (33.0%), and post-acute care utilization (16.1%). Results were similar when restricting the study population to elective cases only. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital factors account for a significant proportion of the disparities in post-discharge resource utilization between Medicaid and private insurance beneficiaries. Policies aiming to improve the quality and equity of surgical care for Medicaid beneficiaries should focus on the post-discharge period.

The Use of Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the Time of Benign Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To delineate the use of opportunistic salpingectomy over the study period, to examine factors associated with its use, and to evaluate whether salpingectomy was associated with perioperative complications. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: The Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. PATIENTS: Women undergoing ovarian-conserving hysterectomy for benign indications from January 2013 through April 2015. INTERVENTIONS: The primary outcome was the performance of opportunistic salpingectomy with ovarian preservation during benign hysterectomy. The change in the rate of salpingectomy was examined at 4-month intervals to assess a period effect over the study period. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate independent effects of patient, operative, and period factors. Perioperative outcomes were compared using propensity score matching. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 10 676 (55.9%) ovarian-conserving hysterectomies among 19 090 benign hysterectomies in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative in the study period. The rate of opportunistic salpingectomy was 45.8% (n = 4890). Rates of opportunistic salpingectomy increased over the study period from 27.5% to 61.6% (p < .001), demonstrating a strong period effect in the consecutive 4-month period analysis. Salpingectomy was more likely with the laparoscopic approach (odds ratio = 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 3.15-3.85) and among women younger than 60 years of age (odds ratio = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.34-1.92). There was substantial variation in salpingectomy across hospital sites, ranging from 3.6% to 79.9%. Salpingectomy was associated with a 12-minute increase in operative time (p < .001), but there were no differences in the estimated blood loss or perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: The rates of salpingectomy increased significantly over the study period. The laparoscopic approach and younger age are associated with an increased probability of salpingectomy. Salpingectomy is not associated with increased blood loss or perioperative complications.

Intraoperative hyperglycemia is independently associated with infectious complications after non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hyperglycemia and its associated increase in morbidity and mortality have been well studied in the critical care and cardiac surgery literature. However, there is little data regarding the impact of intraoperative hyperglycemia on post-operative infectious complications in non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: All National Surgery Quality Improvement Program patients undergoing general, vascular, and urological surgery at our tertiary care center were reviewed. After integrating intraoperative glucose measurements from our intraoperative electronic health record, we categorized patients as experiencing mild (8.3-11.0 mmol/L), moderate (11.1-16.6 mmol/L), and severe (≥ 16.7 mmol/L) intraoperative hyperglycemia. Using multiple logistic regression to adjust for patient comorbidities and surgical factors, we evaluated the association of hyperglycemia with the primary outcome of postoperative surgical site infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or sepsis within 30 days. RESULTS: Of 13,954 patients reviewed, 3150 patients met inclusion criteria and had an intraoperative glucose measurement. 49% (n = 1531) of patients experienced hyperglycemia and 15% (n = 482) patients experienced an infectious complication. Patients with mild (adjusted odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval [1.01 to 1.68], p-value = 0.04) and moderate hyperglycemia (adjusted odds ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval [1.08-2.28], p-value = 0.02) had a statistically significant risk-adjusted increase in infectious complications. The model c-statistic was 0.72 [95% confidence interval 0.69-0.74]. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to demonstrate an independent relationship between intraoperative hyperglycemia and postoperative infectious complications. Future studies are needed to evaluate a causal relationship and impact of treatment.

Population-based Assessment of Intraoperative Fluid Administration Practices Across Three Surgical Specialties.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variation in hospitals' approaches to intraoperative fluid management and their association with postoperative recovery. BACKGROUND: Despite increasing interest in goal-directed, restricted-volume fluid administration for major surgery, there remains little consensus on optimal strategies, due to the lack of institution-level studies of resuscitation practices. METHODS: Among 64 hospitals in a state-wide surgical collaborative, we profiled fluid administration practices during 8404 intestinal resections, 22,854 hysterectomies, and 1471 abdominopelvic endovascular procedures. We computed intraoperative fluid balance, accounting for patient morphometry, crystalloid, colloid, blood products, urine, blood loss, duration, and approach. We stratified hospitals by average fluid balance quartile, and compared patterns across disciplines and associations with risk-adjusted postoperative length of stay (pLOS). RESULTS: There was wide variation in fluid balance between hospitals (P < 0.001, all procedures), but significant within-hospital correlation across operations (Pearson rho: intestinal-hysterectomy = 0.50, intestinal-endovascular = 0.36, hysterectomy-endovascular = 0.54, all P < 0.05). Highest fluid balance hospitals had significantly longer adjusted pLOS than lowest balance hospitals for intestinal resection (6.5 vs 5.7 d, P < 0.001) and hysterectomy (1.9 vs 1.7 d, P < 0.001), but not endovascular (2.1 vs 2.3 d, P = 0.69). Risk-adjusted complication rates were not associated with fluid balance rankings. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals' approaches to intraoperative fluid administration vary widely, and their practice patterns are pervasive across disparate procedures. High fluid balance hospitals have 12% to 14% longer risk-adjusted pLOS for visceral abdominal surgery, independent of patient complexity and complications. These findings are consistent with evidence that isovolemic resuscitation in enhanced recovery protocols accelerates recovery of bowel function.

Optimizing Value of Colon Surgery in Michigan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of bundling perioperative care measures in colon surgery. BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) in colectomy are associated with increased morbidity and cost. Perioperative care bundling has been designed to improve processes of care surrounding colectomy operations. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study performed by the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) of patients who underwent elective colon surgery from 2012 to 2015. We identified 3,387 patients in the MSQC database who underwent colon surgery. Of these cases, 332 had associated episodic cost data. RESULTS: High compliance (3-6 bundle elements) and low compliance (0-2 bundle elements) had a risk-adjusted SSI rate of 8.2% (95% confidence interval, CI, 7.2-9.2%) and 16.0% (95% CI, 12.9-19.1%), respectively (P < 0.01). When compared with low compliance, the high compliance group had an absolute risk reduction of 3.6% (P < 0.01), 2.9% (P < 0.01) and 1.3% (P < 0.01) for SSI rates in superficial space, deep space, and organ space, respectively. Low compliance had an average episodic cost of $20,046 (95% CI, $17,281-$22,812) whereas high compliance had an episodic cost of $15,272 (95% CI, $14,354-$16,192). This showed a $4,774 (95% CI, $1,859-$7,688) and 23.8% cost reduction (P < 0.01). Facility base payments decreased 14.8% ($13,444; $11,458), professional payments decreased 43.9% ($5,180; $2,906), and other payments decreased 36.2% ($1,422; $908). CONCLUSIONS: A colectomy perioperative care bundle in Michigan is associated with improved value of surgical care. We will expand efforts to implement perioperative care bundles in Michigan to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Reducing surgical site infections after hysterectomy: metronidazole plus cefazolin compared with cephalosporin alone.

BACKGROUND: Organisms that are isolated from vaginal cuff infections and pelvic abscesses after hysterectomy frequently include anaerobic vaginal flora. Metronidazole has outstanding coverage against nearly all anaerobic species, which is superior to both cefazolin and second-generation cephalosporins. Cefazolin plus metronidazole has been demonstrated to reduce infectious morbidity compared with either cefazolin or second-generation cephalosporins in other clean-contaminated procedures, which include both as colorectal surgery and cesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the combination of cefazolin plus metronidazole before hysterectomy was more effective in the prevention of surgical site infection than existing recommendations of cefazolin or second-generation cephalosporin. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative from July 2012 through February 2015. The primary outcome was surgical site infection. Patients who were >18 years old and who underwent abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic hysterectomy for benign or malignant indications were included if they received 1 of the following prophylactic antibiotic regimens: cefazolin, second-generation cephalosporin, or cefazolin plus metronidazole. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the independent effect of an antibiotic regimen, and propensity score matching was used to validate the findings. RESULTS: The study included 18,255 hysterectomies. The overall rate of surgical site infection was 1.8% (n=329). The unadjusted rate of surgical site infection was 1.8% (n=267) for cefazolin, 2.1% (n=49) for second-generation cephalosporin, and 1.4% (n=13) for cefazolin plus metronidazole. After adjustment for differences in patient and operative factors among the antibiotic cohorts, compared with cefazolin plus metronidazole, we found the risk of surgical site infection was significantly higher for patients who received cefazolin (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.99) or second-generation cephalosporin (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-4.41). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort, the use of prophylactic cefazolin plus metronidazole resulted in lower surgical site infection rates after hysterectomy compared with cefazolin or second-generation cephalosporin.

Hospital Analgesia Practices and Patient-reported Pain After Colorectal Resection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize patient-reported outcomes of analgesia practices in a population-based surgical collaborative. BACKGROUND: Pain control among hospitalized patients is a national priority and effective multimodal pain management is an essential component of postoperative recovery, but there is little understanding of the degree of variation in analgesia practice and patient-reported pain between hospitals. METHODS: We evaluated patient-reported pain scores after colorectal operations in 52 hospitals in a state-wide collaborative. We stratified hospitals by quartiles of average pain scores, identified hospital characteristics, pain management practices, and clinical outcomes associated with highest and lowest case-mix-adjusted pain scores, and compared against Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems pain management metrics. RESULTS: Hospitals with the lowest pain scores were larger (503 vs 452 beds; P < 0.001), higher volume (196 vs 112; P = 0.005), and performed more laparoscopy (37.7% vs 27.2%; P < 0.001) than those with highest scores. Their patients were more likely to receive local anesthesia (31.1% vs 12.9%; P < 0.001), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (33.5% vs 14.4%; P < 0.001), and patient-controlled analgesia (56.5% vs 22.8%; P < 0.001). Adverse postoperative outcomes were less common in hospitals with lowest pain scores, including complications (20.3% vs 26.4%; P < 0.001), emergency department visits (8.2% vs 15.8%; P < 0.001), and readmissions (11.3% vs 16.2%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pain management after colorectal surgery varies widely and predicts significant differences in patient-reported pain and clinical outcomes. Enhanced postoperative pain management requires dissemination of multimodal analgesia practices. Attention to patient-reported outcomes often omitted from surgical outcomes registries is essential to improving quality from the patient's perspective.

Variation in Hospital Thromboprophylaxis Practices for Abdominal Cancer Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism remains a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality following cancer surgery. Although evidence-based guidelines recommend major cancer surgery thromboprophylaxis starts before incision and continues at least 7-10 days postoperatively, the extent to which the guidelines are followed is unknown. We assessed variation in thromboprophylaxis practices for abdominal cancer surgery in a regional surgical collaborative. METHODS: We studied abdominal resections for primary gastrointestinal, hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB), and neuroendocrine malignancies in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative from July 2012 to September 2013 (N = 2967 patients in 52 hospitals). We obtained detailed perioperative and postoperative pharmacologic and mechanical thromboprophylaxis information for patients without documented exemptions (e.g., active bleeding, allergy), and compared differences in procedure mix and operative complexity across hospitals based on their perioperative thromboprophylaxis rates. Additionally, we surveyed hospitals to identify variations in perioperative practice and barriers to prophylaxis administration. RESULTS: Overall, 40.4 % of eligible patients had perioperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis for abdominal cancer surgery, and 25.3 % of the highest-risk patients had evidence of inadequate postoperative prophylaxis (under-prophylaxis, either by dose or duration). Hospital perioperative thromboprophylaxis rates ranged from 0 to 96.1 %, and postoperative thromboprophylaxis rates ranged from 73.9 to 100 %. Epidural use was not independently associated with hospital pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis rates. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery receive perioperative thromboprophylaxis, and there is wide variation in hospital thromboprophylaxis utilization despite strong evidence-based guidelines supporting its use.

Comparison of robotic and other minimally invasive routes of hysterectomy for benign indications.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of evidence showing improved clinical outcomes with robotic-assisted hysterectomy over other minimally invasive routes for benign indications, this route has increased in popularity over the last decade. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare clinical outcomes and estimated cost of robotic-assisted vs other routes of minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications. STUDY DESIGN: A statewide database was used to analyze utilization and outcomes of minimally invasive hysterectomy performed for benign indications from Jan. 1, 2013, through July 1, 2014. A 1-to-1 propensity score-match analysis was performed between women who had a hysterectomy with robotic assistance vs other minimally invasive routes (laparoscopic and vaginal, with or without laparoscopy). Perioperative outcomes, intraoperative bowel and bladder injury, 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations were compared. Cost estimates of hysterectomy routes, surgical site infection, and postoperative blood transfusion were derived from published data. RESULTS: In all, 8313 hysterectomy cases were identified: 4527 performed using robotic assistance and 3786 performed using other minimally invasive routes. A total of 1338 women from each group were successfully matched using propensity score matching. Robotic-assisted hysterectomies had lower estimated blood loss (94.2 ± 124.3 vs 175.3 ± 198.9 mL, P < .001), longer surgical time (2.3 ± 1.0 vs 2.0 ± 1.0 hours, P < .001), larger specimen weights (178.9 ± 186.3 vs 160.5 ± 190 g, P = .007), and shorter length of stay (14.1% [189] vs 21.9% [293] ≥2 days, P < .001). Overall, the rate of any postoperative complication was lower with the robotic-assisted route (3.5% [47] vs 5.6% [75], P = .01) and driven by lower rates of superficial surgical site infection (0.07% [1] vs 0.7% [9], P = .01) and blood transfusion (0.8% [11] vs 1.9% [25], P = .02). Major postoperative complications, intraoperative bowel and bladder injury, readmissions, and reoperations were similar between groups. Using hospital cost estimates of hysterectomy routes and considering the incremental costs associated with surgical site infections and blood transfusions, nonrobotic minimally invasive routes had an average net savings of $3269 per case, or 24% lower cost, compared to robotic-assisted hysterectomy ($10,160 vs $13,429). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopy does not decrease major morbidity following hysterectomy for benign indications when compared to other minimally invasive routes. While superficial surgical site infection and blood transfusion rates were statistically lower in the robotic-assisted group, in the absence of substantial reductions in clinically and financially burdensome complications, it will be challenging to find a scenario in which robotic-assisted hysterectomy is clinically superior and cost-effective.

Surgical site infection following hysterectomy: adjusted rankings in a regional collaborative.

BACKROUND: Surgical site infection after abdominal hysterectomy (defined as open and laparoscopic) will be a metric used to rank and penalize hospitals in the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction program. Hospitals whose Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction score places them in the bottom quartile will lose 1% of reimbursement from the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare Services. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this analysis were to develop a risk adjustment model for surgical site infection after hysterectomy, to calculate adjusted surgical site infection rates, to rank hospitals by the predicted to expected (P/E) ratio, and to compare the number of outlier hospitals with the number in the bottom quartile. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of hysterectomies from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative performed between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014. Superficial, deep, and organ space surgical site infections were categorized according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Deep and organ space surgical site infections were considered 1 group for this analysis because these spaces are contiguous after hysterectomy. Hospital rankings focused on deep/organ space events because the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction program will rank and penalize based on them, not superficial surgical site infection. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression, which takes into account hospital effects, was used to identify risk factors for all surgical site infections and deep/organ space surgical site infections. Predicted to expected ratios for deep surgical site infection were calculated for each hospital and used to determine hospital rankings. Outliers were defined as those hospitals who predicted to expected confidence intervals crossed the reference line of 1. The number of outlier hospitals was compared with the number in the bottom quartile. RESULTS: The overall surgical site infection rate following hysterectomy was 2.1% (351 of 16,548). Deep/organ space surgical site infection accounted for 1.0% (n = 167 of 16,548). Deep surgical site infection was associated independently with younger age, longer surgical times, gynecological cancer, and open hysterectomy. There was a marginal association with blood transfusion. After risk adjustment of rates and ranking by the predicted to expected ratio, there was a change in quartile rank for 42.8% of hospitals (21 of 49). Two hospitals were identified as outliers. However, if the bottom quartile was identified, as called for by the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction program, 10 additional hospitals would be targeted for a penalty. Hospitals with < 300 beds were most likely to see their quartile rank worsen, whereas those > 500 beds were most likely to see their quartile rank improve (P = .01). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for patient-related factors and site variation, more than 40% of hospitals will change quartile rank with respect to deep surgical site infection. Identifying a quartile of hospitals that are statistically different from others was not feasible in our collaborative because only 2 of 12 hospitals were outliers. These findings suggest that under the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction program, many hospitals will be unjustly penalized.

Results of a statewide survey of surgeons' care practices for emergency Hartmann's procedure.

BACKGROUND: Emergency general surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality but has seldom been targeted for practice improvement. The goal of this study was to determine whether perioperative practices vary among surgeons for emergency Hartmann's procedures and whether perioperative care practices are associated with hospitals' complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of surgeons at 27 Michigan hospitals. Questionnaires focused on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care practices. Hospitals were divided into quartiles of risk-adjusted complication rates. Responses of surgeons at hospitals with the lowest complication rates were compared to those with the highest, to determine whether there were systematic differences. Qualitative content analysis was performed for open-ended questions. RESULTS: A total of 106 surgeons returned questionnaires (response rate 49%). We identified variation in use of bowel preparation, ostomy site marking, rectal stump management, ostomy protrusion, skin closure method, antibiotics duration, and ambulation/physical therapy practices. Surgeons from hospitals with low complication rates were more likely to use a clean instrument tray during wound closure (61% versus 11%, P = 0.001) and reported greater use of laparoscopic lavage without resection for emergency diverticulitis cases (31% versus 6%, P = 0.05). Surgeons in the lower complication rate hospitals listed more modifiable care factors in their open-ended responses to questions about reasons for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' practices vary for emergency Hartmann's procedure. This study serves as a proof of concept that studying surgeons' practices is feasible within a quality collaborative setting. Such data can be used to generate testable hypotheses for performance improvement aimed in high-risk, emergency surgery.

A Favorability Score for Vaginal Hysterectomy in a Statewide Collaborative.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Because it is associated with fewer complications and more rapid recovery, the vaginal approach is preferred for benign hysterectomy. Patient characteristics that traditionally favor a vaginal approach include adequate vaginal access, small uterine size, and low suspicion for extrauterine disease. However, the low proportion of hysterectomies performed vaginally in the United States suggests that these data are not routinely applied in clinical practice. We sought to analyze the association of parity, prior pelvic surgery, and uterine weight with the use of the vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, and abdominal approaches to hysterectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: The Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative is a statewide organization of 52 academic and community hospitals in Michigan funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network, including patients from all insurance payers. PATIENTS: Five thousand six hundred eight women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions from January 1, 2013, through December 8, 2013, and included in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. INTERVENTIONS: To assess potential for vaginal hysterectomy, a favorability score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 was calculated by summing 1 point each for parity ≥1, no prior pelvic surgery, and uterine weight <250 g. Frequencies of surgical approaches to hysterectomy were compared using chi-square tests across favorability scores. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The use of robotic hysterectomy was most frequent (41.9%, n = 2349/5608) followed by abdominal (19.7%, n = 1103/5608), laparoscopic (14.4%, n = 809/5608), vaginal (13.5%, n = 758/5608), and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal (10.5%, n = 589/5608) hysterectomy. With favorability scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 0.6% (n = 1/167), 5% (n = 66/1324), 13.7% (n = 415/3036), and 25.5% (n = 276/1081) of cases and abdominal hysterectomy in 41.9% (n = 70/167), 30.8% (n = 408/1324), 17.5% (n = 531/3036), and 8.7% (n = 94/1081), respectively. There was little variation in the rates of laparoscopic hysterectomy (13.3%-16.8%, p = .429) and robotic hysterectomy (39.5%-42.4%, p = .518) across favorability scores. CONCLUSION: In a population of women undergoing hysterectomy in the state of Michigan, the use of vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy varied with respect to parity, prior pelvic surgery, and uterine weight, but there was little variation in the use of laparoscopic and robotic approaches. The favorability score could potentially be used as a quality improvement tool to evaluate practice patterns with respect to the use of various surgical approaches to hysterectomy.

Variation in Transfusion Practices and the Effect on Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the patient-level effects of blood transfusion on postoperative outcomes and to estimate the effects of different transfusion practices on hospital-level risk-adjusted outcomes. BACKGROUND: Postoperative transfusion practices and their effects on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery are not well understood. METHODS: Demographic, operative, and outcomes data for 48,720 patients undergoing general or vascular surgery at 52 hospitals between July 2012 and April 2014 were obtained. The main exposure variable was receipt of any blood transfusion within 72 hours after surgery. Thirty-day mortality, any morbidity, infectious complications, and postoperative myocardial infarction were the outcomes of interest. Propensity score matching was used to minimize confounding by indication. Hospitals were categorized as having a restrictive, average, or liberal transfusion practice based on average trigger hemoglobin values. RESULTS: A total of 2243 (4.6%) patients received a postoperative blood transfusion. After propensity matching, a postoperative transfusion was associated with increased 30-day mortality (3.6% excess absolute risk), any morbidity (4.4% excess absolute risk), and infectious morbidity (1.0% excess absolute risk). However, a transfusion was associated with 3.5% absolute risk reduction in postoperative myocardial infarction. At the hospital level, there was a wide variation in transfusion practices. Hospitals with liberal practices were twice as likely to transfuse patients and had higher risk-adjusted mortality rates than restrictive hospitals (3.1% vs 2.2%; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Postoperative transfusions after noncardiac surgery are associated with increased adverse postoperative outcomes, with the exception of postoperative myocardial infarction. Hospitals that are liberal in their transfusion practices have higher 30-day mortality rates, suggesting potential interventions for quality improvement.