Synergistic Effects of Perioperative Complications on 30-Day Mortality Following Hepatopancreatic Surgery

Background

Data on the interaction effect of multiple concurrent postoperative complications relative to the risk of short-term mortality following hepatopancreatic surgery have not been reported. The objective of the current study was to define the interaction effect of postoperative complications among patients undergoing HP surgery on 30-day mortality.

Methods

Using the ACS-NSQIP Procedure Targeted Participant Use Data File, patients who underwent HP surgery between 2014 and 2016 were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) for 30-day mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Two-way interaction effects assessing combinations of complications relative to 30-day mortality were calculated using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) in separate adjusted Cox models.

Results

Among 26,824 patients, 10,886 (40.5%) experienced at least one complication. Mortality was higher among patients who experienced at least one complication versus patients who did not experience a complication (3.0 vs 0.1%, p <?0.001). The most common complications were blood transfusion (16.9%, n?=?4519), organ space infection (12.2%, n?=?3273), and sepsis/septic shock (8.2%, n?=?2205). Combinations associated with additive effect on mortality included transfusion + renal dysfunction (RERI 12.3, 95% CI 5.2–19.4), pulmonary dysfunction + renal dysfunction (RERI 60.9, 95% CI 38.6–83.3), pulmonary dysfunction + cardiovascular complication (RERI 144.1, 95% CI 89.3–199.0), and sepsis/septic shock + renal dysfunction (RERI 11.5, 95% CI 4.4–18.7).

Conclusion

Both the number and specific type of complication impacted the incidence of postoperative mortality among patients undergoing HP surgery. Certain complications interacted in a synergistic manner, leading to a greater than expected increase in the risk of short-term mortality.

     

Postoperative Care Fragmentation Is Associated with Increased 30-Day Mortality after Bariatric Surgery

Background

Compromised access following bariatric centers-or-excellence designations may have led to increased incidence of non-index readmissions and worsened care fragmentation. We seek to evaluate risk factors and impact of non-index readmissions on short-term mortality during readmission using a national bariatric registry data from 2015.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using a national clinical database. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to quantify association between non-index readmissions and 30-day mortality among bariatric patients with 30-day readmissions.

Results

A total of 4704 patients were identified as undergoing bariatric surgery and readmitted within 30 days. Of these, 325 (6.9%) patients were readmitted to a non-index facility while the rest were hospitalized at the original hospital. Patient characteristics were largely similar between the two comparison groups, although patients with in-hospital complications and non-home disposition during the initial stay were more likely to experience non-index readmissions. Multivariate regression demonstrated that non-index readmission was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.4 for 30-day mortality (95% confidence interval 2.6–9.2, p?<?0.01). The most common reason for mortality for both index and non-index readmissions was pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions

Care fragmentation may lead to increased 30-day mortality during readmissions following bariatric surgery. Heightened vigilance and longitudinal follow-up planning is recommended for patients with elevated risk for venous thromboembolism.

     

Effects of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate on 30-Day Mortality and Postoperative Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Risk Stratification Instrument

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common comorbidity that has been shown to adversely affect outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA), as well as to increase the procedure's total costs. However, the effect of different stages of kidney disease and the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with perioperative THA complications are less understood. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between eGFR, both as a categorical and continuous variable and 30-day outcomes and complications.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify 101,925 primary THAs between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016. The following outcomes were assessed: 30-day mortality, 30-day major complications, 30-day minor complications, specific complications, and discharge disposition. To evaluate the effect of eGFR status on outcomes and complication, multivariate regression models were created to adjust for differences in patient demographics and comorbidities. In addition, multivariate spline regressions were developed to assess the nonlinear relationships between eGFR as a continuous variable and the outcomes of interest.ResultsOur study revealed that as eGFR decreases to <30 mL/min/1.73 m², there is an increased risk for mortality and nonhome discharge (P < .05). There was an increased risk for any major complication and any minor complication as well as several specific medical complications such as transfusion and myocardial infarction (P < .05) for an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Patients' eGFR had a nonlinear relationship with mortality (P = .0001), any major complication (P < .001), and any minor complication (P < .001), as well as a number of other specific medical complications. Once the eGFR, <60 mL/min/1.73 m² the increase was exponential for mortality, major complications, and minor complications. For example, mortality increased of 900% for <15 mL/min/1.73 m² or on dialysis, 600% for 15 to 30 mL/min/1.73 m² and 50% for 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Similarly, nonlinear relationships were discovered between eGFR and nonhome discharge (P < .001).ConclusionPatients with lower eGFR, and in particular those with <30 mL/min/1.73 m², are more likely to sustain medical complications and have 6 to 9 times higher mortality than patients with normal eGFR. THA patients with CKD should be appropriately counseled and advised on the risk of postoperative complications by using eGFR as a screening tool.     

Perioperative Mortality Following Bariatric Surgery in Australia

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method of sustainable weight loss for the treatment of morbid obesity. Low mortality associated with these procedures has been reported internationally; however, Australian outcomes are yet to be published. Despite its efficacy, limited access to bariatric surgery exists in Australian public hospitals. This retrospective data analysis was conducted for two reasons. Firstly, to determine the perioperative mortality rate (POMR) associated with bariatric procedures in Australia, and secondly, to compare public and private hospital bariatric surgery admission demographics and outcomes.

Method

A retrospective review of de-identified patient data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database, held by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), was conducted using codes relating to bariatric procedures. POMR calculations were established using AIHW admission data from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2013.

Results

From 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2013, 113,929 patient admissions occurred for patients undergoing a bariatric procedure. Thirty-nine deaths occurred nationally, with an overall average POMR of 0.03%. A higher POMR was associated with public admissions and secondary procedures. A higher proportion of secondary procedures were performed in public hospitals. Primary bariatric procedure incidence increased throughout the study period while secondary bariatric procedure incidence decreased.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the Australian bariatric procedure POMR to be substantially lower than internationally reported figures. Public hospitals were shown to perform far fewer bariatric procedures at a higher POMR than private hospitals. Public hospitals performed a higher proportion of secondary revision procedures.

     

Impact of Gender on 30-Day Complications After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background

Impact of gender on 30-day complications has been investigated in other surgical procedures but has not yet been studied in total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Predisposing Factors for 30-Day Complications Following Achilles Tendon Repair

Certain risk factors for Achilles tendon repair complications, including tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, steroid use, and obesity, have been well-reviewed. This study analyzes the impact of a range of demographic factors on unique surgical complications within the 30-day postoperative period. We extracted data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2017 and searched for Achilles tendon repairs using CPT codes 27650, 27652, and 27654, identifying 4,040 patients. Twenty-two demographic variables and their association with each of 4 complications were analyzed using t tests or chi-squared tests. A logistic regression was conducted to determine independent risk factors for each outcome, based on results from the bivariate analyses. Variables having p <.2 on bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis of the corresponding surgical complication. Patients with open or infected wounds preoperatively were more likely to return with a postoperative surgical infection (p< .001). Likewise, each additional year of the patient's age increased their likelihood of developing a surgical infection (p= .03). Patients with “clean/contaminated” wound sites prior to repair were more likely to return for an additional service (p= .02). Furthermore, each additional inch of the patient's height (p= .03) and every additional minute of operative time increased a patient's risk of developing a new-onset deep vein thrombosis (p= .01). This study offers providers a more complete picture of which preoperative characteristics affect Achilles tendon repair patients, directing management to reduce postoperative complication rates.     

Insulin Dependence Increases the Risk of 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Ankle Fracture Surgery in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus that undergo ankle fracture surgery have higher rates of postoperative complications compared to patients without diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the rate of complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, and patients without diabetes in the 30-day postoperative period following ankle fracture surgery. We also analyzed hospital length of stay, unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and death. Patients who underwent operative management for ankle fractures between 2012 and 2016 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program® database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Multiple logistic regression was implemented. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated along with the 95% confidence interval. A total of 19,547 patients undergoing ankle surgery were identified from 2012 to 2016. Of these patients, 989 (5.06%) had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 1256 (6.43%) had noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 17,302 (88.51%) did not have diabetes mellitus. Compared to patients without diabetes, patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had significantly greater adjusted odds of superficial surgical site infections, deep surgical site infections, osteomyelitis, wound dehiscence, pneumonia, unplanned intubation, mechanical ventilation, urinary tract infection, cardiac arrest, bleeding requiring transfusion, sepsis, hospital length of stay, unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and death following ankle fracture surgery. We demonstrate that insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a strong predictor of 30-day postoperative complications, unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and death following ankle fracture surgery.     

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on 30-Day Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background

The arthroplasty population increasingly presents with comorbid conditions linked to elevated risk of postsurgical complications. Current quality improvement initiatives require providers to more accurately assess and manage risk presurgically. In this investigation, we assess the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as the effect of body mass index (BMI) within MetS, on the risk of complication following hip and knee arthroplasty.

Patient and Perioperative Variables Affecting 30-Day Readmission for Surgical Complications After Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: A Matched Cohort Study

Background

Changes in reimbursement for total hip and knee arthroplasties (THA and TKA) have placed increased financial burden of early readmission on hospitals and surgeons. Our purpose was to characterize factors of 30-day readmission for surgical complications after THA and TKA at a single, high-volume orthopedic specialty hospital.

Prediction Models for 30-Day Mortality and Complications After Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasties for Veteran Health Administration Patients With Osteoarthritis

Background

Statistical models to preoperatively predict patients' risk of death and major complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) could improve the quality of preoperative management and informed consent. Although risk models for TJA exist, they have limitations including poor transparency and/or unknown or poor performance. Thus, it is currently impossible to know how well currently available models predict short-term complications after TJA, or if newly developed models are more accurate. We sought to develop and conduct cross-validation of predictive risk models, and report details and performance metrics as benchmarks.