scholarly journals The Impact of New Surgical Techniques on Geographical Unwarranted Variation: The Case of Benign Hysterectomy

Author(s):  
Daniel Adrian Lungu ◽  
Elisa Foresi ◽  
Paolo Belardi ◽  
Sabina Nuti ◽  
Andrea Giannini ◽  
...  

Since the 1980s, the international literature has reported variations for healthcare services, especially for elective ones. Variations are positive if they reflect patient preferences, while if they do not, they are unwarranted, and thus avoidable. Benign hysterectomy is among the most frequent elective surgical procedures in developed countries, and, in recent years, it has been increasingly delivered through minimally invasive surgical techniques, namely laparoscopic or robotic. The question therefore arises over what the impact of these new surgical techniques on avoidable variation is. In this study we analyze the extent of unwarranted geographical variation of treatment rates and of the adoption of minimally invasive procedures for benign hysterectomy in an Italian regional healthcare system. We assess the impact of the surgical approach on the provision of benign hysterectomy, in terms of efficiency (by measuring the average length of stay) and efficacy (by measuring the post-operative complications). Geographical variation was observed among regional health districts for treatment rates and waiting times. At a provider level, we found differences for the minimally invasive approach. We found a positive and significant association between rates and the percentage of minimally invasive procedures. Providers that frequently adopt minimally invasive procedures have shorter average length of stay, and when they also perform open hysterectomies, fewer complications.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S V Valente de Almeida ◽  
H Ghattas ◽  
G Paolucci ◽  
A Seita

Abstract We measure the impact introducing a of 10% co-payment component on hospitalisation costs for Palestine refugees from Lebanon in public and private hospitals. This ex-post analysis provides a detailed insight on the direction and magnitude of the policy impact in terms of demand and supply for healthcare. The data was collected by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and include episode level information from all public, private and Red Crescent Hospitals in Lebanon, between April 2016 and October 2017. This is a complete population episode level dataset with information from before and after the policy change. We use multinomial logit, negative binomial and linear models to estimate the policy impact on demand by type of hospital, average length of stay and treatment costs for the patient and the provider. After the new policy was implemented patients were 18% more likely to choose a (free-of-charge) PRCS hospital for secondary care, instead of a Private or Public hospital, where the co-payment was introduced. This impact was stronger for episodes with longer stays, which are also the more severe and more expensive cases. Average length of stay decreased in general for all hospitals and we could not find a statistically significant impact on costs for the provider nor the patient. We find evidence that the introduction of co-payments is hospital costs led to a shift in demand, but it is not clear to what extent the hospitals receiving this demand shift were prepared for having more patients than before, also because these are typically of less quality then the others. Regarding costs, there is no evidence that the provider managed to contain costs with the new policy, as the demand adapted to the changes. Our findings provide important information on hospitalisation expenses and the consequences of a policy change from a lessons learned perspective that should be taken into account for future policy decision making. Key messages We show that in a context of poverty, the introduction of payment for specific hospital types can be efficient for shifting demand, but has doubtable impact on costs containment for the provider. The co-payment policy can have a negative impact on patients' health since after its implementation demand increased at free-of-charge hospitals, which typically have less resources to treat patients.


2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 920-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. Hawkins ◽  
F.D. Lewis ◽  
R.S. Medeiros

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of two groups of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with attention to the impact of reduced length of stay (LOS) in the trauma center (TC) and rehabilitation hospital (RH). From 1991 to 1994, 55 patients, Group 1, with serious TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥3) were admitted to a level 1 TC and subsequently transferred to a comprehensive inpatient RH. These results have been previously published. From 1996 to 2002, 64 similarly injured patients, Group 2, received inpatient care at the same TC and RH. These patients had a marked decrease in length of stay. Functional Independence Measures (FIM) were obtained at admission (Adm), discharge (D/C), and at 1 year follow-up for both groups. The average length of stay at the TC dropped from 36 days in Group 1 to 26 days in Group 2. In addition, the average length of stay at the RH dropped from 46 days (Group 1) to 25 days (Group 2); overall, an average reduction of 31 days of inpatient care. Group 2 had significantly lower FIM scores at the time of RH discharge for self-care, locomotion, and mobility compared to Group 1. At the 1 year follow-up, however, there were no significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 in these FIM scores. FIM scores at 1 year were higher in Group 2 for communication (90% vs 71%) and social cognition (77% vs 49%) compared to Group 1. Over one-fourth of each group returned to work by the 1 year follow-up. Socially disruptive behavior occurred at least weekly in 28 per cent (Group 1) and 23 per cent (Group 2) of patients. The outcome for serious TBI is better than generally perceived. Reduction of inpatient LOS did not adversely affect the ultimate functional outcome. The decreased LOS placed a greater demand on outpatient rehabilitative services as well as a greater burden on the family of the brain-injured patient


Author(s):  
Guillaume S. Chevrollier ◽  
Amanda K. Nemecz ◽  
Courtney Devin ◽  
Kendrick V. Go ◽  
Misung Yi ◽  
...  

Objective Enhanced recovery pathways reduce length of stay and costs following lung resection. However, many fear that early discharge may lead to increased hospital readmissions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether early discharge was associated with increased readmission following anatomic lung resection. Methods Using the lung resection database approved by our institutional review board, we identified all patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy and segmentectomy between January 2010 and March 2017 at our institution, where an enhanced recovery pathway is well established. Thirty-day readmissions were compared between patients with short- and average length of stay, defined as 1 to 2 days and 3 to 5 days, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of patients matched by propensity scores was performed to determine odds of 30-day readmission for each group. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results A total of 296 patients met inclusion criteria. Unadjusted analysis revealed a 3-fold increased rate of readmission in the group with average length of stay (9%, n = 12) versus the group with short length of stay (3%, n = 5; P < 0.01). At baseline, patients with average length of stay had increased rates of preoperative chemotherapy (13%, n = 18 vs. 4%, n = 6; P < 0.01) and radiation (12%, n = 16 vs. 3%, n = 5). Patients with average length of stay also had higher rates of lobectomy (95%, n = 127 vs. 86%, n = 140; P = 0.02) and postoperative complications (31%, n = 41 vs. 4%, n = 7; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, patients with average length of stay had a 2.3-fold greater odds of readmission, which was not statistically significant (OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 0.60 to 9.02; P = 0.22). Conclusions Early discharge following minimally invasive anatomic lung resection does not increase the risk of hospital readmission in patients treated within an enhanced recovery pathway.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0048
Author(s):  
Kar Teoh ◽  
Kartik Hariharan

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: A calcaneal osteotomy can be used to treat a variety of pathologic entities in which the hindfoot needs realignment. Minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy (MICO) is becoming increasingly popular due to being soft tissue friendly, its ability to place other incisions nearby and high union rate. Previous studies have look specifically at medialising MICO or comparing open calcaneal osteotomy versus MICO. The purpose of our study was to compare 3 different types of commonly used MICO in our centre. Methods: Sixty-two MICO which fit the criteria were included in this study. They were performed in our unit from 2010 and 2016 and all patients had at least one year follow up data. The type of osteotomies was as follows: Medialising, n = 34, Lateralising, n =15 and Zadek (Dorsal closing wedge), n =13. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded. The diagnosis for 31/34 of the medialising MICO was Stage 2 PTTD, the diagnosis for 12/15 of the lateralising MICO was cavus foot, while the diagnosis for all Zadek MICO was for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Apart from the Zadek MICO, the other MICO were all associated with other procedures. The average age (years) were as follows: Medialising, 58 (30 – 74); Lateralising, 33 (14 – 67) and Zadek, 47 (42-62). Results: The average calcaneal displacement was 10.2 (range: 8 – 12) mm for medialising MICO, and 6.6 (4 – 8) mm for lateralising MICO(p=0.021). Average time to union was 7.8 (5.4 – 11.6) weeks for medialising MICO, 6.2 (4.6 to 7.9) weeks for lateralising MICO, and 6.1 (4.1 – 7.6) weeks for Zadek MICO. All the MICO healed radiologically and clinically. Five (8%) patients (Medialising, n = 2; Lateralising n =2; Zadek, n =1) reported transient sural nerve paraesthesia following surgery. Wound problems developed in 5 patients (Lateralising, n =3; Zadek, n =2). The number of total complications were as follow: Medialising, n = 5, Lateralising, n = 7 and Zadek, n =5. Average length of stay was as follows: Medialising, 2(0-8) days; Lateralising, 1(0-3) day and Zadek, 1(0-3) day. Conclusion: Minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy was safe with a high union rate and low complication rates and length of stay across all 3 common osteotomies. The average calcaneal displacement was significantly less for lateralising than medialising which is similar to reported figures for open osteotomy. Wound problems were more likely for lateralising and Zadek MICO compared to medialising and this could be because of how the osteotomies are shifted.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Simpson ◽  
Claire Packer ◽  
Andrew Stevens ◽  
James Raftery

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a framework to predict the impact of new health technologies on average length of hospital stay.Methods: A literature search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Health Management Information Consortium databases was conducted to identify papers that discuss the impact of new technology on length of stay or report the impact with a proposed mechanism of impact of specific technologies on length of stay. The mechanisms of impact were categorized into those relating to patients, the technology, or the organization of health care and clinical practice.Results: New health technologies have a variable impact on length of stay. Technologies that lead to an increase in the proportion of sicker patients or increase the average age of patients remaining in the hospital lead to an increase in individual and average length of stay. Technologies that do not affect or improve the inpatient case mix, or reduce adverse effects and complications, or speed up the diagnostic or treatment process should lead to a reduction in individual length of stay and, if applied to all patients with the condition, will reduce average length of stay.Conclusions: The prediction framework we have developed will ensure that the characteristics of a new technology that may influence length of stay can be consistently taken into consideration by assessment agencies. It is recognized that the influence of technology on length of stay will change as a technology diffuses and that length of stay is highly sensitive to changes in admission policies and organization of care.


Author(s):  
Alexander Charles MORRELL ◽  
Andre Luiz Gioia MORRELL ◽  
Flavio MALCHER ◽  
Allan Gioia MORRELL ◽  
Alexander Charles MORRELL-JUNIOR

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic best approach of repairing inguinoscrotal hernias are still debatable. Incorrect handling of the distal sac can possibly result in damage to cord structures and negative postoperative outcomes as ischemic orquitis or inguinal neuralgia. Aim: To describe a new technique for a minimally invasive approach to inguinoscrotal hernias and to analyze the preliminary results of patients undergoing the procedure. Methods: A review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted in patients who underwent minimally invasive repair using the “primary abandon-of-the-sac” (PAS) technique for inguinoscrotal hernias. Patient´s demographics, as well as intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were also analyzed. Results: Twenty-six male were submitted to this modified procedure. Mean age of the case series was 53.8 years (range 34-77) and body mass index was 26.8 kg/m2 (range 20.8-34.2). There were no intraoperative complications or conversion. Average length of stay was one day. No surgical site infections, pseudo hydrocele or neuralgia were reported after the procedure and two patients presented seroma. No inguinal hernia recurrence was verified during the mean 21.4 months of follow up. Conclusion: The described technique is safe, feasible and reproducible, with good postoperative results.


Author(s):  
Mason J. Webster ◽  
Derek M. Herbert ◽  
Peter T. Pascoal ◽  
Justin C. Smith

RF Ablation Efficacy Testing: Modern surgical techniques utilize radio frequency ablation tools in minimally invasive procedures around the world today. The safety and efficacy of these tools must be verified before being used in human trials. This verification is typically performed on bovine, ovine, or porcine tissues which simulate clinical use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1168-1174
Author(s):  
Mikael Kastengren ◽  
Peter Svenarud ◽  
Göran Källner ◽  
Anders Franco-Cereceda ◽  
Jan Liska ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVES An increasing number of mitral valve operations are performed using minimally invasive procedures. The initiation of a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery programme constitutes a unique opportunity to study outcome differences in patients with similar characteristics operated on through a sternotomy versus a minimally invasive procedure. The goal of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery before versus those having surgery after the introduction of a minimally invasive programme. METHODS The single-centre study included mitral valve procedures performed through a sternotomy or with a minimally invasive approach between January 2012 and May 2019. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce selection bias. RESULTS A total of 605 patients (294 sternotomy, 311 minimally invasive) who underwent mitral valve surgery were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching resulted in 251 matched pairs. In the propensity score-matched analysis, minimally invasive procedures had longer extracorporeal circulation duration (149 ± 52 vs 133 ± 57 min; P = 0.001) but shorter aortic occlusion duration (97 ± 36 vs 105 ± 40 min, P = 0.03). Minimally invasive procedures were associated with a lower incidence of reoperation for bleeding (2.4% vs 7.2%; P = 0.012), lower need for transfusion (19.1% vs 30.7%; P = 0.003) and shorter in-hospital stay (5.0 ± 2.7 vs 7.2 ± 4.6 days; P &lt; 0.001). The 30-day mortality was low in both groups (0.4% vs 0.8%; P = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery was associated with short-term outcomes comparable to those with procedures performed through a sternotomy. Initiating a minimally invasive mitral valve programme with a limited number of surgeons and a well-executed institutional selection strategy did not confer an increased risk for adverse events.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Greg J. Marchand ◽  
Ali Azadi ◽  
Sienna Anderson ◽  
Stacy Ruther ◽  
Sophia Hopewell ◽  
...  

In the field of minimally invasive surgery, there is constant drive to devise and execute the most minimally invasive surgeries possible. By the very nature of laparoscopy and robotic surgery, what one can accomplish with several ports of a given size will invariably be studied and attempted with fewer ports and with ports of smaller sizes. Although more complex pathology may require a more invasive approach, surgical cases without serious complicating factors may be amenable to extremely minimally invasive procedures. We report one such case where a 32-year-old female suffering from adenomyosis and endometriosis was able to receive a laparoscopic single-port hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy through a single 11 mm port created with a blunt trochar.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nedim Ruhotina ◽  
Julien Dagenais ◽  
Giorgio Gandaglia ◽  
Akshay Sood ◽  
Firas Abdollah ◽  
...  

Introduction: Robotic and laparoscopic surgical training is an integral part of resident education in urology, yet the effect of resident involvement on outcomes of minimally-invasive urologic procedures remains largely unknown. We assess the impact of resident participation on surgical outcomes using a large multi-institutional prospective database.Methods: Relying on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Participant User Files (2005-2011), we abstracted the 3 most frequently performed minimally-invasive urologic oncology procedures. These included radical prostatectomy, radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess the impact of trainee involvement (PGY 1-2: junior, PGY 3-4: senior, PGY ≥5: chief) versus attending-only on operative time, length-of-stay, 30-day complication, reoperation and readmission rates.Results: A total of 5459 minimally-invasive radical prostatectomies,1740 minimally-invasive radical nephrectomies and 786 minimally-invasive partial nephrectomies were performed during the study period, for which data on resident surgeon involvement was available. In multivariable analyses, resident involvement was not associated with increased odds of overall complications, reoperation, or readmission rates for minimally-invasive prostatectomy, radical and partial nephrectomy. However, operative time was prolonged when residents were involved irrespective of the type of procedure. Length-of-stay was decreased with senior resident involvement in minimally-invasive partial nephrectomies (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, p = 0.04) and prostatectomies (OR 0.68, p = 0.01). The major limitations of this study include its retrospective observational design, inability to adjust for the case complexity and surgeon/hospital characteristics, and the lack of information regarding the minimally-invasive approach utilized (whether robotic or laparoscopic).Conclusions: Resident involvement is associated with increased operative time in minimally-invasive urologic oncology procedures. However, it does not adversely affect the complication, reoperation or readmission rates, as well as length-of-stay.


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