Patient comorbidity score predicting the incidence of perioperative complications: assessing the impact of comorbidities on complications in spine surgery

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Campbell ◽  
Sanjay Yadla ◽  
Rani Nasser ◽  
Jennifer Malone ◽  
Mitchell G. Maltenfort ◽  
...  

Object Present attempts to control health care costs focus on reducing the incidence of complications and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). One approach uses restriction or elimination of hospital payments for HACs. Present approaches assume that all HACs are created equal and that payment restrictions should be applied uniformly. Patient factors, and especially patient comorbidities, likely impact complication incidence. The relationship of patient comorbidities and complication incidence in spine surgery has not been prospectively reported. Methods The authors conducted a prospective assessment of complications in spine surgery during a 6-month period; an independent auditor and a validated definition of perioperative complications were used. Initial demographics captured relevant patient comorbidities. The authors constructed a model of relative risk assessment based on the presence of a variety of comorbidities. They examined the impact of specific comorbidities and the cumulative effect of multiple comorbidities on complication incidence. Results Two hundred forty-nine patients undergoing 259 procedures at a tertiary care facility were evaluated during the 6-month duration of the study. Eighty percent of the patients underwent fusion procedures. One hundred thirty patients (52.2%) experienced at least 1 complication, with major complications occurring in 21.4% and minor complications in 46.4% of the cohort. Major complications doubled the median duration of hospital stay, from 6 to 12 days in cervical spine patients and from 7 to 14 days in thoracolumbar spine patients. At least 1 comorbid condition was present in 86% of the patients. An increasing number of comorbidities strongly correlated with increased risk of major, minor, and any complications (p = 0.017, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Patient factors correlating with increased risk of specific complications included systemic malignancy and cardiac conditions other than hypertension. Conclusions Comorbidities significantly increase the risk of perioperative complications. An increasing number of comorbidities in an individual patient significantly increases the risk of a perioperative adverse event. Patient factors significantly impact the relative risk of HACs and perioperative complications.

2018 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Sudlow ◽  
H Tuffaha ◽  
AT Stearns ◽  
IA Shaikh

Introduction An increasing proportion of the population is living into their nineties and beyond. These high risk patients are now presenting more frequently to both elective and emergency surgical services. There is limited research looking at outcomes of general surgical procedures in nonagenarians and centenarians to guide surgeons assessing these cases. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients aged ≥90 years undergoing elective and emergency general surgical procedures at a tertiary care facility between 2009 and 2015. Vascular, breast and endocrine procedures were excluded. Patient demographics and characteristics were collated. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. The impact of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade, operation severity and emergency presentation was assessed using multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 161 patients (58 elective, 103 emergency) were identified for inclusion in the study. The mean patient age was 92.8 years (range: 90–106 years). The 90-day mortality rates were 5.2% and 19.4% for elective and emergency procedures respectively (p=0.013). The median survival was 29 and 19 months respectively (p=0.001). Emergency and major gastrointestinal operations were associated with a significant increase in mortality. Patients undergoing emergency major colonic or upper gastrointestinal surgery had a 90-day mortality rate of 53.8%. Conclusions The risk for patients aged over 90 years having an elective procedure differs significantly in the short term from those having emergency surgery. In selected cases, elective surgery carries an acceptable mortality risk. Emergency surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of death, particularly after major gastrointestinal resections.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162110148
Author(s):  
Philipp Gerner ◽  
Stavros G. Memtsoudis ◽  
Crispiana Cozowicz ◽  
Ottokar Stundner ◽  
Mark Figgie ◽  
...  

Background: Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) procedures are associated with an increased risk of complications when compared with unilateral approaches. In 2006, in an attempt to reduce this risk, our institution implemented selection criteria that specified younger and healthier patients as candidates for BTKA. Questions/Purpose: We sought to investigate the effect of these selection criteria on perioperative outcomes. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we used institutional data to identify patients who underwent BTKA between 1998 and 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent surgery before the 2006 introduction of our selection criteria (1998–2006) and those who underwent surgery after (2007–2014). Groups were compared in terms of demographics, comorbidity burden, and incidence of perioperative complications. Regression analysis was performed, calculating incidence rate ratios to evaluate changes in complication rates. Results: Before the selection criteria were implemented in 2006, patients who underwent BTKA were older and had a higher comorbidity burden. The rate of major complications per 1000 hospital days decreased from 31.5 in 1998 to 7.9 in 2014. A reduction in cardiac complications was the most significant contributor to this decrease in major complications. Conclusion: After stringent criteria for BTKA candidates were implemented at our institution, selection of younger patients with lower comorbidity burden was accompanied by a reduction in the incidence of operative complications. This suggests that introducing such criteria can be associated with a reduction in adverse perioperative outcomes.


2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrick P Hubbard ◽  
Kelly R Wolfe

OBJECTIVE: To report a seizure occurring secondary to meperidine treatment despite normal renal and central nervous system (CNS) function, and to provide a review of meperidine's role in pain management, including its use in pancreatitis and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old white woman with a history of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. On admission to the hospital, the serum creatinine level was 0.6 mg/dL with slightly elevated aspartate aminotransferase of 56 U/L (normal range 0–31) and alanine aminotransferase of 34 U/L (0–31). The patient received repeated and escalating doses of intravenous meperidine, resulting in a generalized seizure on day 4 of hospitalization. The accumulated meperidine dose was 2125 mg. Buprenorphine was substituted in place of meperidine, and the patient had no further reported complications. She was then transferred to a tertiary-care facility for sphincter of Oddi reevaluation. An objective causality assessment revealed the adverse drug event as probable. DISCUSSION: Despite alternative opioids, meperidine continues to be used in pain management. Meperidine is different from other opioids because its active metabolite, normeperidine, is neurotoxic. Patients with renal insufficiency, liver failure, or CNS dysfunction are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions related to normeperidine accumulation. Due to normeperidine's extended half-life, however, accumulation of normeperidine can occur in any patient receiving repeated doses of meperidine. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates the potential hazards that exist when using meperidine in any patient. Meperidine's inherent risks of both undertreating pain and causing adverse drug reactions should prompt clinicians and health organizations to restrict its use in pain management. This restriction should not make exceptions to meperidine's traditional use in pancreatitis or sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 851-855
Author(s):  
Young Lu ◽  
Charles C. Lin ◽  
Hayk Stepanyan ◽  
Andrew P. Alvarez ◽  
Nitin N. Bhatia ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective large database study. Objective: To determine the impact of cirrhosis on perioperative outcomes and resource utilization in elective spinal fusion surgery. Methods: Elective spinal fusion hospitalizations in patients with and without cirrhosis were identified using ICD-9-CM codes between the years of 2009 and 2011 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Main outcome measures were in-hospital neurologic, respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal and urinary, pulmonary embolism, wound-related complications, and mortality. Length of stay and inpatient costs were also collected. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to compare the in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without cirrhosis undergoing spinal fusion. Results: A total of 1 214 694 patients underwent elective spinal fusions from 2009 to 2011. Oh these, 6739 were cirrhotic. Cirrhosis was a significant independent predictor for respiratory (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.58; P < .001), gastrointestinal (OR = 1.72, CI 1.48-2.00; P < .001), urinary and renal (OR = 1.90, CI 1.70-2.12; P < 0.001), wound (OR = 1.36, CI 1.17-1.58; P < 0.001), and overall inpatient postoperative complications (OR = 1.43, CI 1.33-1.53; P < .001). Cirrhosis was also independently associated with significantly greater inpatient mortality (OR = 2.32, CI 1.72-3.14; P < .001). Cirrhotic patients also had significantly longer lengths of stay (5.35 vs 3.35 days; P < .001) and inpatient costs ($36 738 vs $29 068; P < .001). Conclusions: Cirrhosis is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications, mortality and greater resource utilization. Cirrhotic patients undergoing spinal fusion surgeries should be counseled on these increased risks. Current strategies for perioperative management of cirrhotic patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery need improvement.


2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Campbell ◽  
Sanjay Yadla ◽  
Jennifer Malone ◽  
Mitchell G. Maltenfort ◽  
James S. Harrop ◽  
...  

Object Prospective examination of perioperative complications in spine surgery is limited in the literature. The authors prospectively collected data on patients who underwent spinal fusion at a tertiary care center and evaluated the effect of spinal fusion and comorbidities on perioperative complications. Methods Between May and December 2008 data were collected prospectively in 248 patients admitted to the authors' institution for spine surgery. The 202 patients undergoing spine surgery with instrumentation were further analyzed in this report. Perioperative complications occurring within the initial 30 days after surgery were included. All adverse occurrences, whether directly related to surgery, were included in the analysis. Results Overall, 114 (56.4%) of 202 patients experienced at least one perioperative complication. Instrumented fusions were associated with more minor complications (p = 0.001) and more overall complications (0.0024). Furthermore, in the thoracic and lumbar spine, complications increased based on the number of levels fused. Advanced patient age and certain comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiac disease, or a history of malignancy were also associated with an increased incidence of complications. Conclusions Using a prospective methodology with a broad definition of complications, the authors report a significantly higher perioperative incidence of complications than previously indicated after spinal fusion procedures. Given the increased application of instrumentation, especially for degenerative disease, a better estimate of clinically relevant surgical complications could aid spine surgeons and patients in an individualized complication index to facilitate a more thorough risk-benefit analysis prior to surgery.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Allen ◽  
Ben Banapoor ◽  
Emily C. Weeks ◽  
Thomas Payton

Objectives. To assess the impact of a scribe program on an academic, tertiary care facility. Methods. A retrospective analysis of emergency department (ED) data, prior to and after scribe program implementation, was used to quantitatively assess the impact of the scribe program on measures of ED throughput. An electronic survey was distributed to all emergency medicine residents and advanced practice providers to qualitatively assess the impact of the scribe program on providers. Results. Several throughput time measures were significantly lower in the postscribe group, compared to prescribe implementation, including time to disposition. The left without being seen (LWBS) decrease was not statistically significant. A total of 30 providers responded to the survey. 100% of providers indicated scribes are a valuable addition to the department and they enjoy working with scribes. 90% of providers indicated scribes increase their workplace satisfaction and quality of life. Conclusions. Through evaluation of prescribe and postscribe implementation, the postscribe time period reflects many throughput improvements not present before scribes began. Scribe Program implementation led to improved ED throughput for discharged patients with further system-wide challenges needing to be addressed for admitted patients.


2010 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia G. Teufack ◽  
Peter Campbell ◽  
Pascal Jabbour ◽  
Mitchell Maltenfort ◽  
James Evans ◽  
...  

Object The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have moved to limit hospital augmentation of diagnosis-related group billing for “never events” (adverse events that are serious, largely preventable, and of concern to the public and health care providers for the purpose of public accountability) and certain hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). Similar restrictions may be applied to physician billing. The financial impact of these restrictions may fall on academic medical centers, which commonly have populations of complex patients with a higher risk of HACs. The authors sought to quantify the potential financial impact of restrictions in never events and periprocedural HAC billing on a tertiary neurosurgery facility. Methods Operative cases treated between January 2008 and June 2008 were reviewed after searching a prospectively maintained database of perioperative complications. The authors assessed cases in which there was a 6-month lag time to allow for completion of hospital and physician billing. They speculated that other payers would soon adopt the present CMS restrictions and that procedure-related HACs would be expanded to cover common neurosurgery procedures. To evaluate the impact on physician billing and to directly contrast physician and hospital billing impact, the authors focused on periprocedural HACs, as opposed to entire admission HACs. Billing records were compiled and a comparison was made between individual event data and simultaneous cumulative net revenue and net receipts. The authors assessed the impact of the present regulations, expansion of CMS restrictions to other payers, and expansion to rehospitalization and entire hospitalization case billing due to HACs and never events. Results A total of 1289 procedures were completed during the examined period. Twenty-five procedures (2%) involved patients in whom HACs developed; all were wound infections. Twenty-nine secondary procedures were required for this cohort. Length of stay was significantly higher in patients with HACs than in those without (11.6 ± 11.5 vs 5.9 ± 7.0 days, respectively). Fifteen patients required readmission due to HACs. Following present never event and HAC restrictions, hospital and physician billing was minimally affected (never event billing as percent total receipts was 0.007% for hospitals and 0% for physicians). Nonpayment for rehospitalization and reoperation for HACs by CMS and private payers yielded greater financial impact (CMS only, percentage of total receipts: 0.14% hospital, 0.2% physician; all payers: 1.56% hospital, 3.0% physician). Eliminating reimbursement for index procedures yielded profound reductions (CMS only as percentage of total receipts: 0.62% hospital, 0.8% physician; all payers: 5.73% hospital, 8.9% physician). Conclusions The authors found potentially significant reductions in physician and facility billing. The expansion of never event and HACs reimbursement nonpayment may have a substantial financial impact on tertiary care facilities. The elimination of never events and reduction in HACs in current medical practices are worthy goals. However, overzealous application of HACs restrictions may remove from tertiary centers the incentive to treat high-risk patients.


Author(s):  
Sadhna Sharma ◽  
Biju Govind ◽  
Kondal Rao

Background: Long-term use of NSAIDs, by patients having cardiovascular conditions, has shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular events and increased risk of death. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the complications related to NSAID use by the elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: The study was a single-center prospective observational study conducted November 2017 to October 2018. Elderly patients (>60 years) suffering from various CVDs and reported NSAID intake daily for at least one month were included. A questionnaire included demographic, treatment related history and complete details of NSAIDs intake including nature, dose, indication, source etc. The same questionnaire was again filled at the end of one-year follow-up.Results: A total of 100 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 72±8.6 years. Majority of the patients (93%) had hypertension, and 69% of the patient had previous MI.  Five NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, and ketorolac) were used routinely. At least one over the counter NSAID used was reported by 86%, 57% were prescribed at least one NSAIDs by their orthopaedics and physicians. At the end of 1-year follow-up, authors found that 71% had MI (2% increase), 4% developed reinfarction, 20% had severe left ventricular failure (4% increase), 7% had atrial fibrillation (1% increase), and 2% patients died and 63% patients reported raise in systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg.Conclusions: High prevalence of concomitant NSAID use among elderly CVD patients, which might be contributing towards increase in CVS morbidity and mortality.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. E273-E280
Author(s):  
Gregoris Komodikis ◽  
Vedavyas Gannamani ◽  
Sivaram Neppala ◽  
Michael Li ◽  
Geno J Merli ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Spine surgery rates have increased and the high postoperative morbidity in these patients result in increased costs. Consequently, it is essential to identify patients at risk of adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess whether preoperative Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance can predict high-grade postoperative complications. METHODS A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective thoracolumbar spine surgery in a tertiary care hospital between 2017 and 2018. Patients were assessed preoperatively and assigned to the slow-TUG group if unable to perform or test performance time was ≥18.4 s. Primary outcome: high-grade postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes: overall complications, length of stay (LOS), discharge to healthcare facility, readmission and emergency department (ED) presentation. Patients were followed-up until 6 wk after surgery. RESULTS One hundred three patients (mean age 62.95 ± 10.97 yr) were enrolled. Slow-TUG group were more likely to be classified as American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) class 3 (74.1% vs 47.4%, P = .02), non-independent (25.9% vs 5.3%, P &lt; .01), and frail (92.3% vs 42.1%, P &lt; .01). TUG was an independent predictor of high-grade complications (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 4.97, 95% CI: 1.18-22.47), overall complications (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.33-11.81), discharge to a skilled-nursing facility (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.00-10.70), readmission within 6 wk of surgery (OR: 9.14, 95% CI: 2.39-41.26) and LOS (adjusted incident rate ratio (IRR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.80). CONCLUSION Compared to traditional risk factors, TUG is an important predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes and may be used preoperatively to identify high-risk thoracolumbar surgery patients.


Author(s):  
Jeremey Walker ◽  
Molly E Fleece ◽  
Russell L Griffin ◽  
Sixto M Leal ◽  
Jorge A Alsip ◽  
...  

Abstract We describe the impact of universal masking and universal testing at admission on high risk exposures to SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare workers. Universal masking decreased the rate per patient day of high risk exposures by 68%, and universal testing further decreased those exposures by 77%.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document