Geographic variation in the surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis: characterizing practice patterns and outcomes

Background Context

The role of arthrodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis remains controversial. We hypothesized that practice patterns and outcomes for this patient population may vary widely.

Trends in Lumpectomy and Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery in the US, 2011–2016

Background

Oncoplastic breast surgery aims to optimize efficacy of surgical resection and cosmesis to maximize patient satisfaction; however, despite the benefits, oncoplastic techniques have not been widely adopted in the US. This study examined trends in the incidence of lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) with or without oncoplastic techniques from 2011 to 2016.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of claims from the Optum Clinformatics database (January 2010–March 2017). Female patients with no history of breast surgery in the prior year were categorized into three independent cohorts: isolated lumpectomy (Lx), lumpectomy with tissue transfer (LxTT), or lumpectomy with mammaplasty and/or mastopexy (LxMM). Oncoplastic techniques (in cohorts two and three) were performed at either time of the initial lumpectomy or during 90-day follow-up.

Results

Overall, 19,253 patients met the inclusion criteria (91.1% Lx, 5.2% LxTT, and 3.7% LxMM). Significantly fewer patients with Lx had a family history of breast cancer compared with patients with oncoplastic techniques (26.4% vs. 33.7% and 37.9%, respectively; p?<?0.001). The incidence of Lx declined significantly from 2011 (92.9%) to 2016 (88.1%), while LxTT and LxMM increased from 4.2 to 7.2% and 2.8 to 4.7%, respectively (both p?<?0.001). The greatest utilization of oncoplastic techniques was observed in the Pacific census division (19.2%), while lowest utilization was in the East South Central division (3.2%; p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

While increased adoption of oncoplastic techniques was observed, the compound annual growth rate remained below 10% and varied significantly by region. Further adoption of oncoplastic techniques is necessary to improve cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction following breast-conserving surgery.