The impact of surgical subspecialization on patient outcomes following emergency colorectal resections in the north of England: a retrospective cohort study

Outcomes of emergency colorectal surgery within a non-colorectal split site service-a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Emergency colorectal surgery carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Subspecialisation and split-site geographically distinct services may lead to critically unwell patients presenting to a non-colorectal specialist centre requiring urgent on-site intervention.

AIMS

This study aims to determine outcomes of this high-risk patient cohort.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study of emergency colorectal laparotomies at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) between January 2016 and August 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included rate of primary anastomosis, complications and overall mortality. Subgroup analysis of the vascular ischaemia cohort and colorectal surgeon involvement was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen patients were included. The median NELA (National Emergency Laparotomy Audit) score was 6.4% (IQR 2.5%-16.7%) and the 30-day mortality rate was 22% (26/118). The rate of primary anastomosis was 24.6%. Twenty-five patients had a vascular ischaemic pathology demonstrating a higher median NELA score (14.3%, IQR 5-22.4% vs. non-ischaemic group 5.7%, IQR 1.7-14.2%, p = 0.013) and thirty-day mortality (44%, 11/25 vs. 16.1%, 15/93, p = 0.006) than those without ischaemic pathology. Colorectal surgeon involvement in cases without ischaemia (23/93) was associated with a similar 30-day mortality (13.1% colorectal surgeon vs. 17.1% non-colorectal specialist surgeon, p = 0.755) and rate of primary anastomosis (30.4% colorectal surgeon vs. 31.8% non-colorectal specialist surgeon, p = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The high mortality rate described highlights a specific group of unwell patients unfit for transfer. Research registration number: researchregistry7101.

Impact of Surgeon Specialization on Outcomes in Emergency Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal emergencies represent a large proportion of acute general surgical workload and carry significant mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Identify the influence of surgeon specialization on mortality and other outcomes in emergency colorectal surgery.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases were performed for studies published from January 1, 1990, to August 27, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies investigating outcomes in emergency colorectal surgery for adults, comparing colorectal against noncolorectal surgeon specialization, were included. Exclusion criteria were: 1) publications studying primarily pediatric populations; 2) studies incorporating patients who had undergone surgery before 1990; and 3) studies only published in abstract form or non-English language.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were rates of anastomotic leak, reintervention, primary anastomosis, and laparoscopic approach.

RESULTS

Of 7676 studies identified, 155 were selected for full-text review and 21 were included for quantitative analysis. Eleven studies showed improved 30-day (OR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.68; p < 0.0001) and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.89; p = 0.007) with colorectal specialization. There was a significantly higher rate of primary anastomosis (OR 2.95; 95% CI, 2.02-4.31; p < 0.0001) and use of laparoscopic surgery (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.42-4.00; p = 0.001) among specialized colorectal surgeons. Specialization was also associated with a significant reduction in any stoma formation (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98; p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed for anastomotic leak (OR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.45-1.07; p = 0.10) or reintervention rates (OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.55-1.10; p = 0.16).

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity exists within the included patient populations and definitions of colorectal specialization observed in different countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency colorectal surgery undertaken by specialized colorectal surgeons is associated with significantly improved postoperative mortality, lower rates of stoma formation, and increased rates of primary anastomosis and minimally invasive surgery.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42022300541.

Gender differences among shoulder arthroplasty surgeons: past, present, and future

BACKGROUND

Reducing differences in the gender representation of shoulder arthroplasty surgeons may help optimize patient care. This work aimed to determine (1) the current gender distribution of surgeons performing shoulder arthroplasty, (2) how gender relates to practice patterns among shoulder arthroplasty surgeons, and (3) how gender distribution has been changing over time.

METHODS

The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data for the years 2012-2020 were used to identify orthopedic surgeons performing anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (Current Procedural Terminology code 23472). The data set provides self-reported gender, credentials, National Provider Identifier, annual volume of all procedures (based on Current Procedural Terminology codes) that were performed ≥11 times in the calendar year, and location for all included providers. The data set was linked to the Medicare Physician Compare data set using National Provider Identifiers to determine hospital affiliations, year of medical school graduation, and graduating medical school. All included hospitals were queried to determine academic status (affiliated orthopedic residency or fellowship program). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) directory was reviewed to determine the gender breakdown of current members.

RESULTS

The number of surgeons performing ≥11 shoulder arthroplasties annually increased from 821 (13 women [1.6%]) in 2012 to 1840 (53 women [2.9%], P = .05) in 2019. One female surgeon ranked in the top 100 surgeons by shoulder arthroplasty volume in 2012 and in 2020. Female surgeons graduated more recently from medical school (mean, 2005) compared with male surgeons (mean, 1997; P < .001). About 10% of female surgeons (10.8%, 12 of 111) and male surgeons (9.1%, 229 of 2528) practiced at hospitals with orthopedic residents (P = .50). Female surgeons performing shoulder arthroplasty were less likely than male surgeons to perform total knee arthroplasty (29.4% vs. 54.1%, P < .001) and total hip arthroplasty (12.6% vs. 34.7%, P < .001). There were 86 female members of ASES (6.7%, 86 of 1275), with a significant difference in the proportion of women in differing membership categories (P = .017).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A diverse cohort of high-volume shoulder replacement surgeons is integral to delivering high-quality shoulder arthroplasty. Currently, the proportion of women performing high-volume shoulder replacement in the United States is small, with little improvement in recent years. However, women performing shoulder arthroplasty are younger and are often involved in academic practices, and the membership of ASES is increasingly female. Continued efforts to promote orthopedics-and to mentor female residents and medical students interested in shoulder surgery-may bring real change to the gender differences among shoulder replacement surgeons over the coming years.

Effect of surgeon's seniority and subspeciality interest on mortality after emergency laparotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate effect of surgeon's seniority (trainee surgeon vs. consultant surgeon) and surgeon's subspeciality interest on postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL).

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted and reported according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA statement standards, respectively. We evaluated all studies comparing the risk of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing EL between (a) trainee surgeon and consultant surgeon, and (b) surgeon without and with subspeciality interest related to pathology. Random effects modelling was applied for the analyses. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Analysis of 256 844 patients from 13 studies showed no difference in the risk of postoperative mortality between trainee-led and consultant-led EL (OR: 0.76, p = 0.12). However, EL performed by a surgeon without subspeciality interest related to the pathology was associated with a higher risk of postoperative mortality compared with a surgeon with subspeciality interest (OR: 1.38, p < 0.00001). In lower gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, EL done by upper GI surgeons resulted in higher risk of mortality compared with lower GI surgeons (OR: 1.43, p < 0.00001). In upper GI pathologies, EL done by lower GI surgeons resulted in higher risk of mortality compared with upper GI surgeons (OR: 1.29, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While confounding by indication cannot be excluded, level 2 evidence with moderate certainty suggests that trainee-led EL may not increase the risk of postoperative mortality but EL by a surgeon with subspeciality interest related to the pathology may reduce the risk of mortality.

Disparities and access to thoracic surgeons among esophagectomy patients in the United States

Esophagectomy is a complex operation with significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have shown that sub-specialization is associated with improved esophagectomy outcomes. We hypothesized that disparities would exist among esophagectomy patients regarding access to thoracic surgeons based on demographic, geographic, and hospital factors. The Premier Healthcare Database was used to identify adult inpatients receiving esophagectomy for esophageal and gastric cardia cancer, Barrett's esophagus, and achalasia from 2015 to 2019 using ICD-10 codes. Patients were categorized as receiving their esophagectomy from a thoracic versus non-thoracic provider. Survey methodology was used to correct for sampling error. Backwards selection from bivariable analysis was used in a survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of esophagectomy provider specialization. During the study period, 960 patients met inclusion criteria representing an estimated population size of 3894 patients. Among them, 1696 (43.5%) were performed by a thoracic surgeon and 2199 (56.5%) were performed by non-thoracic providers. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with decreased likelihood of receiving care from a thoracic provider included Black (OR 0.41, p < 0.001), Other (OR 0.21, p < 0.001), and Unknown race (OR 0.22, p = 0.04), and uninsured patients (OR 0.53, p = 0.03). Urban hospital setting was associated with an increased likelihood of care by a thoracic provider (OR 4.43, p = 0.001). In this nationally representative study, Nonwhite race, rural hospital setting, and lower socioeconomic status were factors associated with decreased likelihood of esophagectomy patients receiving care from a thoracic surgeon. Efforts to address these disparities and provide appropriate access to thoracic surgeons is warranted.

Colorectal travelling fellowships: Exploring current perspective and future direction

Travelling Surgical fellowships (TSF) have a longstanding tradition in promoting out-of-programme surgical training, fostering collegiality and collaboration among surgeons. In this retrospective review we explore its historical context and examine existing practices and likely future trends. More specifically, we focus on colorectal travelling fellowships (CTF) and provide additional quantitative and qualitative analyses, highlighting the most valued theme-based surgical experiences and examine their merits and impacts. The TSF time-series analysis was based on a total of 350 awarded fellowships from 2000 to 2019. CTF analysis was based on 98 fellowships. The accelerated utilization of internet-based virtual interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic has offered an opportunity to examine its possible intermediate and long-term disruptive effects.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Consensus Guidelines for Emergency Laparotomy Part 3: Organizational Aspects and General Considerations for Management of the Emergency Laparotomy Patient

BACKGROUND

This is Part 3 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy using an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses organizational aspects of care.

METHODS

Experts in management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations.

RESULTS

Components of organizational aspects of care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi process.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are based on best current available evidence for organizational aspects of an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and include discussion of less common aspects of care for the surgical patient, including end-of-life issues. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies.

Clinician preferences in the treatment of acutely symptomatic hernia: the 'MASH' survey

INTRODUCTION

There is limited high-quality evidence to guide the management of acute hernia presentation. The aim of this study was to survey surgeons to assess current trends in assessment, treatment strategy and operative decisions in the management of acutely symptomatic hernia.

METHODS

A survey was developed with reference to current guidelines, and reported according to Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guidelines. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Sheffield (UREC:034047). The survey explored practice in groin, umbilical/paraumbilical and incisional hernia presenting acutely. It captured respondent demographics, and preferences for investigations, treatment strategies and repair techniques for each hernia type, using a five-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Some 145 responses were received, of which 39 declared a specialist hernia practice. Essential investigations included urea and electrolytes (58.6%) and inflammatory markers (55.6%). Computed tomography scan of the abdomen was essential for assessment of incisional hernia (90.9%), but not for other hernia types. Bowel compromise drives early surgery, and increasing American Society of Anesthesiology score pushes towards non-operative management. Type of repair was driven by hernia contents, with increasing contamination associated with increased rates of suture repair. Where mesh was proposed in contaminated settings, biological types were preferred. There was variation in the potential use of laparoscopy for groin hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey provides a snapshot of current trends in the management of acutely symptomatic hernia. It demonstrates variation across aspects of assessment and repair technique. Additional data are required to inform practice in these areas.

Trends in emergency colorectal surgery: a 7-year retrospective single-centre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Emergency colorectal resections carry a higher morbidity and mortality than elective surgery. The use of minimally invasive surgery has now become widespread in elective colorectal surgery, with improved patient outcomes. Laparoscopy is being increasingly used for emergency colorectal resections, but its role is still being defined. Our aim was to observe the uptake of laparoscopy for emergency colorectal surgery in our centre.

METHOD

A retrospective single-centre cohort study was performed using local National Emergency Laparotomy Audit data from January 2014-December 2020. All patients who had a colorectal resection were included. Trends in the number and type of resections were recorded. Primary outcome was the proportion of cases started and completed laparoscopically. Secondary outcomes included rate of conversion to open, length of stay and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total 523 colorectal resections were performed. The number of cases attempted and completed laparoscopically steadily increased over the study period (28.3% to 63.3% and 16.3% to 35.4%, respectively). The mean rate of conversion to open was 43.8%. The greatest expansion in laparoscopy was for cases of intestinal obstruction, perforation and peritonitis, and for those undergoing Hartmann's procedure and right hemicolectomy. 30‑day mortality for cases completed laparoscopically was much lower than those converted or started with open surgery (2.1% vs 11.7% and 17.5%, respectively). Laparoscopic approach was independently associated with reduced length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy has been successfully adopted for emergency colorectal resections in our centre, with half of cases felt to be suitable for minimally invasive surgery.