High-volume versus low-volume for esophageal resections for cancer: the essential role of case-mix adjustments based on clinical data

Hospital volume-mortality association after esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative mortality plays an important role in evaluating the surgical safety of esophagectomy. Although postoperative mortality after esophagectomy is partly influenced by the yearly hospital surgical case volume (hospital volume), this association remains unclear.

METHODS

Studies assessing the association between hospital volume and postoperative mortality in patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were searched for eligibility. Odds ratios were pooled for the highest versus lowest categories of hospital volume using a random effects model. The dose-response association between hospital volume and the risk of postoperative mortality was analyzed. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Fifty-six studies including 385 469 participants were included. A higher-volume hospital significantly reduced the risk of postesophagectomy mortality by 53% compared with their lower-volume counterparts (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.42-0.53). Similar results were found in subgroup analyses. Volume-outcome analysis suggested that postesophagectomy mortality rates remained roughly stable after the hospital volume reached a plateau of 45 esophagectomies per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher-volume hospitals had significantly lower postesophagectomy mortality rates in patients with esophageal cancer, with a threshold of 45 esophagectomies per year for a high-volume hospital. This remarkable negative correlation showed the benefit of a better safety in centralization of esophagectomy to a high-volume hospital.

Minimum Volume Standards: An Incentive To Perform More Radical Cystectomies?

Background

Minimum volume standards (MVS) for hospitals and/or surgeons remain a subject of debate. Opponents of MVS emphasize the possible negative effects of centralization, such as an unwanted incentive to perform surgery.

Objective

To evaluate whether the introduction of MVS for radical cystectomy (RC) in the Netherlands resulted in more RCs outside guideline-recommended indications.

Design setting and participants

All RCs performed for bladder cancer in the Netherlands between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. During this period, two MVS were sequentially implemented for RC. RCs in intermediate-volume hospitals (hospitals that approximated the MVS) were compared with RCs in high-volume hospitals (hospitals exceeding the MVS by ≥5 RCs/yr) in a period before and a period after implementation of each of the two MVS.

Outcomes measurements and statistical analysis

Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate whether hospitals performed more RCs outside the recommended indication (cT2-4a N0 M0) and whether an increase in the number of RCs towards the end of the year could be observed.

Results and limitations

After MVS implementation, no clear shift towards disease stages outside the recommended indication for RC was observed in comparison to the period before the MVS. Results for high-volume and intermediate-volume hospitals were similar. In addition, no increase in RCs towards the end of the year was evident.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence indicating an unwanted incentive to perform more RCs as a result of MVS in the Netherlands. Our results further strengthen the case for MVS implementation.

Patient summary

We evaluated whether criteria for the minimum number of radical cystectomies (surgical removal of the bladder) that hospitals have to perform caused urologists to perform more of these operations than necessary in order to meet the minimum level. We found no evidence that minimum criteria led to such an unwanted incentive.

A Population-Based Study Using Belgian Cancer Registry Data Supports Centralization of Esophageal Cancer Surgery in Belgium

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer surgery outcomes benefit from higher hospital volumes. Despite the evidence, organization of national health care often is complex and depends on various factors. The volume-outcome results of this population-based study supported national health policy measures regarding concentration of esophageal resections in Belgium.

METHODS

The Belgian Cancer Registry (BCR) database was linked to administrative data on cancer treatment. All Belgian patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer in 2008-2018 undergoing resection were allocated to the hospital at which surgery was performed. The study assessed hospital volume association with 90-day mortality and 5-year overall survival, classifying average annual hospital volume of resections as low (LV, <6), medium (MV, 6-19), or high (HV, ≥20) and as a continuous covariate in the regression models.

RESULTS

The study included 4156 patients who had surgery in 79 hospitals (2 HV hospitals [37% of all surgeries], 12 MV hospitals [30% of all surgeries], and 65 LV hospitals [33% of all surgeries]). Adjusted 90-day mortality in HV hospitals was lower than in LV hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.21-0.65; p = 0.001). Case-mix adjusted 5-year survival was superior in HV versus LV (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.31-0.60; p < 0.001). The continuous model demonstrated a lower 90-day mortality (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23-0.71; p = 0.002) and a superior 5-year survival (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33-0.63; p < 0.001) in hospitals with volumes of 40 or more resections annually.

CONCLUSION

Population-based data from the BCR confirmed a strong volume-outcome association for esophageal resections. Improved 5-year survival in centers with annual volumes of 20 or more resections was driven mainly by the achievement of superior 90-day mortality. These findings supported centralization of esophageal resections in Belgium.

Risk Factors for Tumor Positive Resection Margins After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: Results From the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for tumor positive resection margins after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Esophagectomy after nCRT is associated with tumor positive resection margins in 4% to 9% of patients. This study evaluates potential risk factors for positive resection margins after nCRT followed by esophagectomy.

METHODS

All patients who underwent an elective esophagectomy following nCRT in 2011 to 2017 in the Netherlands were included. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between potential risk factors and tumor positive resection margins.

RESULTS

In total, 3900 patients were included. Tumor positive resection margins were observed in 150 (4%) patients. Risk factors for tumor positive resection margins included tumor length (in centimeters, OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.1), cT4-stage (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-6.7), and an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.6). Predictors associated with a lower risk of tumor positive resection margins were squamous cell carcinoma (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7), distal tumors (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-1.0), minimally invasive surgery (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), and a hospital volume of >60 esophagectomies per year (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide cohort study, tumor and surgical related factors (tumor length, histology, cT-stage, tumor location, surgical procedure, surgical approach, hospital volume) were identified as risk factors for tumor positive resection margins after nCRT for esophageal cancer. These results can be used to improve the radical resection rate by careful selection of patients and surgical approach and are a plea for centralization of esophageal cancer care.

Clinical characteristics and survival of esophageal cancer patients: annual report of the surgical treatment in Shanghai Chest Hospital, 2016

Background

Esophageal cancers present a significant burden of disease and remain one of the most lethal of cancers worldwide, particular in China. Surgical treatment remains the cornerstone of esophageal cancers, and a real-world data from a high-volume esophageal cancer center have guiding significance in evaluation of the current clinical practice. This report describes the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and survival of surgical treatment in patients with esophageal cancer in Shanghai Chest Hospital (SCH).

Methods

All patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer who received esophagectomy or endoscopic resection at SCH in 2016 were included in this study. The baseline characteristics, treatment-related outcomes, and follow-up data were collated from the medical records and a prospectively maintained database. The clinicopathological characteristics, surgical complications, and oncologic outcomes were summarized. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate their survival and Cox regression model was used to estimate the associated risk factors.

Results

In 2016, a total of 546 patients with esophageal cancer received surgical or endoscopic resection at SCH (including 517 esophagectomies and 29 endoscopic resections). Most patients (52.4%) were between 60-69 years old, 79.5% were male, and for more than half of all patients (51.3%), the tumor was located at the middle thoracic esophagus. Overall, 11.0% (60/546) of patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 45.8% (250/546) of patients were treated with adjuvant therapy. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (including thoracoscopy and robot-assisted) was performed in 58.0% of patients and the R0 resection rate was 90.3%. The postoperative 30- and 90-day mortality was 0.73% and 1.1%, respectively. For the esophagectomy cohort, the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 86.5%, 67.8%, 59.9%, 54.5%, 51.8%, and for cancer specific survival (CSS), the rates were 91.8%, 74.2%, 66.6%, 61.2%, and 59.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Through a standardized surgical procedure, the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer were acceptable with good safety and oncological control in a high-volume center in China. This study reveals important surgical treatment effects of esophageal cancer patients and contributes to improvement of clinical management and future treatment development.

Risk factors and outcomes of fatal respiratory events after esophageal cancer surgery from 2011 through 2018: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications are common after esophageal cancer surgery, but information regarding fatal respiratory events, such as postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure, is lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of fatal respiratory events after esophageal cancer surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective population-based cohort study based on data from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. All adult patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer who underwent esophageal surgery between January 2011 and December 2018 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 7039 patients were included in the final analysis. Among them, 100 patients (1.4%) experienced fatal respiratory adverse events (ARDS, 55 patients [0.8%]; respiratory failure, 45 patients [0.6%]). On multivariable logistic regression, residence in rural areas (vs. urban areas) at the time of surgery, open thoracotomy (vs. video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), and lower annual case volume were associated with a higher prevalence of fatal respiratory adverse events. Moreover, postoperative fatal respiratory adverse events were related to increased in-hospital mortality, 1 year mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased total hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSION

In South Korea, 1.4% of patients experienced fatal respiratory events (ARDS or respiratory failure) after esophageal cancer surgery. Some factors were revealed as risk factors for fatal respiratory events, and fatal respiratory events worsened clinical outcomes after esophageal cancer surgery.

European Society of Gynaecological Oncology quality indicators for the surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Quality of surgical care as a crucial component of a comprehensive multi-disciplinary management improves outcomes in patients with endometrial carcinoma, notably helping to avoid suboptimal surgical treatment. Quality indicators (QIs) enable healthcare professionals to measure their clinical management with regard to ideal standards of care.

OBJECTIVE

In order to complete its set of QIs for the surgical management of gynecological cancers, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) initiated the development of QIs for the surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

QIs were based on scientific evidence and/or expert consensus. The development process included a systematic literature search for the identification of potential QIs and documentation of the scientific evidence, two consensus meetings of a group of international experts, an internal validation process, and external review by a large international panel of clinicians and patient representatives. QIs were defined using a structured format comprising metrics specifications, and targets. A scoring system was then developed to ensure applicability and feasibility of a future ESGO accreditation process based on these QIs for endometrial carcinoma surgery and support any institutional or governmental quality assurance programs.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine structural, process and outcome indicators were defined. QIs 1-5 are general indicators related to center case load, training, experience of the surgeon, structured multi-disciplinarity of the team and active participation in clinical research. QIs 6 and 7 are related to the adequate pre-operative investigations. QIs 8-22 are related to peri-operative standards of care. QI 23 is related to molecular markers for endometrial carcinoma diagnosis and as determinants for treatment decisions. QI 24 addresses the compliance of management of patients after primary surgical treatment with the standards of care. QIs 25-29 highlight the need for a systematic assessment of surgical morbidity and oncologic outcome as well as standardized and comprehensive documentation of surgical and pathological elements. Each QI was associated with a score. An assessment form including a scoring system was built as basis for ESGO accreditation of centers for endometrial cancer surgery.

Implementation, relevance, and virtual adaptation of neuro-oncological tumor boards during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide provider survey

Purpose

Neuro-oncology tumor boards (NTBs) hold an established function in cancer care as multidisciplinary tumor boards. However, NTBs predominantly exist at academic and/or specialized centers. In addition to increasing centralization throughout the healthcare system, changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have arguably resulted in advantages by conducting clinical meetings virtually. We therefore asked about the experience and acceptance of (virtualized) NTBs and their potential benefits.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed via a web-based platform. Specialized neuro-oncological centers in Germany were identified based on the number of brain tumor cases treated in the respective institution per year. Only one representative per center was invited to participate in the survey. Questions targeted the structure/organization of NTBs as well as changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 65/97 institutions participated in the survey (response rate 67%). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regular conventions of NTBs were maintained by the respective centers and multi-specialty participation remained high. NTBs were considered valuable by respondents in achieving the most optimal therapy for the affected patient and in maintaining/encouraging interdisciplinary debate/exchange. The settings of NTBs have been adapted during the pandemic with the increased use of virtual technology. Virtual NTBs were found to be beneficial, yet administrative support is lacking in some places.

Conclusions

Virtual implementation of NTBs was feasible and accepted in the centers surveyed. Therefore, successful implementation offers new avenues and may be pursued for networking between centers, thereby increasing coverage of neuro-oncology care.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-021-03784-w.

Institutional case-volume-incorporated mortality risk prediction model after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Most risk prediction models predicting short-term mortality after cardiac surgery incorporate patient characteristics, laboratory data, and type of surgery, but do not account for surgical experience. Considering the impact of case volume on patient outcome after high-risk procedures, we attempted to develop a risk prediction model for mortality after cardiac surgery that incorporates institutional case volume.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 2009 to 2016 were identified. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery (n = 57,804) were randomly divided into the derivation cohort (n = 28,902) or the validation cohorts (n = 28,902). A risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality was developed from the derivation cohort and the performance of the model was evaluated in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

The model demonstrated fair discrimination (c-statistics, 0.76 for in-hospital mortality in both cohorts; 0.74 for 1-year mortality in both cohorts) and acceptable calibration. Hospitals were classified based on case volume into 50 or less, 50-100, 100-200, or more than 200 average cardiac surgery cases per year and case volume was a significant variable in the prediction model.

CONCLUSIONS

A new risk prediction model that incorporates institutional case volume and accurately predicts in-hospital and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery was developed and validated.

Effect of institutional case volume on mid-term mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

OBJECTIVE

The impact of center case volume on mid-term postoperative outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) is still controversial and requires investigation. The aim of this study was to compare mid-term survival after CABG according to the institutional annual CABG case volume.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent CABG from 2009 to 2016 were identified by searching National Health Insurance database of Korea for CABG procedure codes. Hospitals were classified into three groups based on annual case volume; low-volume centers (< 20 cases/year), medium-volume centers (20-50 cases/year), and high-volume centers (> 50 cases/year).

RESULTS

A total of 22,575 CABG were performed in 95 centers during the study period, and 14,697 (65.1%) cases performed at 15 high-volume centers, 5,262 (23.3%) cases at 26 medium-volume centers, and 2,616 (11.6%) cases at 54 low-volume centers. The overall 1-year mortality rate was the lowest in high-volume centers (6.5%), followed by medium-volume centers (10.6%) and low-volume centers (15.2%). Logistic regression identified medium-volume centers (adjusted OR 1.30 [95% CI 1.15-1.49], P < 0.01) and low-volume centers (adjusted OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.51-2.03], P < 0.01) as risk factors for 1-year mortality after CABG compared to high-volume centers. In the Cox proportional hazard model, low- and medium-volume centers were significantly risk factors for poor survival (adjusted HR 1.41 [95% CI 1.31-1.54], P < 0.01 and HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.17-1.35], P < 0.01 for low- and medium-volume centers, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher institutional case volume of CABG was associated with lower mid-term mortality.

Failure to Cure in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Esophageal Carcinoma: Hospital of Surgery Influences Prospects for Cure: A Nation-wide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe failure to cure in terms of incidence, hospital variation, and as an outcome parameter for salvage esophagectomy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Failure to cure is a composite outcome measure that could be used for hospital comparison in esophageal carcinoma care.

METHODS

All patients registered in the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit who underwent potentially curative esophageal carcinoma surgery in 2011 to 2018, were included in this nationwide cohort study. Failure to cure was defined as: 1) no surgical resection due to intraoperative metastasis or locally irresectable tumor, 2) macroscopically or microscopically incomplete resection, or 3) 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Association of baseline characteristics with failure to cure was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression in the total population and in salvage patients.

RESULTS

Some 5894 patients from 22 hospitals were included, of whom 630 (10.7%) had failure to cure (hospital variation [5.5%-19.1%]). Higher age, preoperative weight loss, higher ASA-score, higher N-stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or no neoadjuvant therapy (compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy), open surgery, and resection before 2014 were associated with failure to cure. After case-mix correction, 2 hospitals had statistically significant higher failure to cure percentages, whereas 2 had lower percentages. Of 151 salvage esophagectomy patients, 32.5% had failure to cure. The failure to cure rate after salvage surgery was 27.6% in high-volume hospitals and 47.6% in medium-volume hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of failure to cure was 10.7%. Given the significant hospital variation in the percentage of failure to cure, improvement is needed. Since salvage procedures are more often successful in high-volume hospitals, further centralization of this procedure is warranted.

European Society of Gynaecological Oncology quality indicators for surgical treatment of cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Optimizing and ensuring the quality of surgical care is essential to improve the management and outcome of patients with cervical cancer.To develop a list of quality indicators for surgical treatment of cervical cancer that can be used to audit and improve clinical practice.

METHODS

Quality indicators were developed using a four-step evaluation process that included a systematic literature search to identify potential quality indicators, in-person meetings of an ad hoc group of international experts, an internal validation process, and external review by a large panel of European clinicians and patient representatives.

RESULTS

Fifteen structural, process, and outcome indicators were selected. Using a structured format, each quality indicator has a description specifying what the indicator is measuring. Measurability specifications are also detailed to define how the indicator will be measured in practice. Each indicator has a target which gives practitioners and health administrators a quantitative basis for improving care and organizational processes.

DISCUSSION

Implementation of institutional quality assurance programs can improve quality of care, even in high-volume centers. This set of quality indicators from the European Society of Gynaecological Cancer may be a major instrument to improve the quality of surgical treatment of cervical cancer.

Improved survival of glioblastoma patients treated at academic and high-volume facilities: a hospital-based study from the National Cancer Database

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to explore the association between facility type (academic center [AC] vs non-AC), facility volume (high-volume facility [HVF] vs low-volume facility [LVF]), and outcomes of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment.

METHODS

Based on the National Cancer Database (NCDB), GBM patients were categorized by treatment facility type (non-AC vs AC) and volume [4 categories (G1-G4): < 5.0, 5.0-14.9, 15.0-24.9, and ≥ 25.0, cases/year]. HVF was defined based on the 90th percentile of annual GBM cases (≥ 15.0 cases/year). Outcomes include overall survival (OS), the receipt of surgery and adjuvant therapies, 30-day readmission/mortality, 90-day mortality, and prolonged length of inpatient hospital stay (LOS). Kaplan-Meier methods and accelerated failure time (AFT) models were applied for survival analysis, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to compare differences in the receipt of treatment and related short-term outcomes by facility type and volume.

RESULTS

A total of 40,256 GBM patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 were included. Patients treated at an AC & HVF experienced the longest survival (median OS: 13.3, 11.8, 11.1, and 10.3 months; time ratio [TR]: 1.00 [Ref.], 0.96, 0.92, and 0.89; for AC & HVF, AC & LVF, non-AC & HVF, and non-AC & LVF, respectively), regardless of care transition/treatment referral. Tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were most frequently utilized in AC & HVF. Prolonged LOS, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality were decreased by 20%, 22%, and 16% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, at AC & HVF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of superior outcomes when GBM patients are treated at AC and HVF. Standardization of health care across facility type and/or volume and comprehensive neuro-oncological care should be a potential goal in the management of GBM patients.

Trends in survival based on treatment modality for esophageal cancer: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to examine the trends in treatment modalities and the respective survival rates for esophageal cancer in the province of Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

This is a population-based study of all esophageal cancer cases diagnosed in Ontario between 2007 and 2015, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, with known disease stage. Other characteristics include sex, age, date of diagnosis, and treatment modalities. Treatment modalities were classified as no-treatment, radiation only or chemotherapy only, chemoradiation, and surgical resection.

RESULTS

In total, 2572 patients were identified with esophageal cancer from 2007 to 2015, of which 2014 (78.3%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 66.6 (SD = 11.7) years. Survival rate increased over time in patients who underwent chemoradiation or surgical resection but remained unchanged for the radiation-only or chemotherapy-only group and decreased for the no-treatment group. Survival considerably improved (15-20%) for patients with stages I-III disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive trends in the survival rate for esophageal patients could be due to adoption of multimodal therapy. Despite a lower proportion of advanced disease among patients over 80, they received less curative treatments compared with other age groups. Further studies are required to identify strategies to maximize survival for patients with stage IV disease, and patients 80 years and older.

Impact of facility type and volume in low-grade glioma outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study was to investigate the impact of facility type (academic center [AC] vs non-AC) and facility volume (high-volume facility [HVF] vs low-volume facility [LVF]) on low-grade glioma (LGG) outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 5539 LGG patients (2004-2014) from the National Cancer Database. Patients were categorized by facility type and volume (non-AC vs AC, HVF vs LVF). An HVF was defined as the top 1% of facilities according to the number of annual cases. Outcomes included overall survival, treatment receipt, and postoperative outcomes. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards models were applied. The Heller explained relative risk was computed to assess the relative importance of each survival predictor.

RESULTS

Significant survival advantages were observed at HVFs (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55-0.82, p < 0.001) and ACs (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.97, p = 0.015), both prior to and after adjusting for all covariates. Tumor resection was 41% and 26% more likely to be performed at HVFs vs LVFs and ACs vs non-ACs, respectively. Chemotherapy was 40% and 88% more frequently to be utilized at HVFs vs LVFs and ACs vs non-ACs, respectively. Prolonged length of stay (LOS) was decreased by 42% and 24% at HVFs and ACs, respectively. After tumor histology, tumor pattern, and codeletion of 1p19q, facility type and surgical procedure were the most important contributors to survival variance. The main findings remained consistent using propensity score matching and multiple imputation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of survival benefits among LGG patients treated at HVFs and ACs. An increased likelihood of undergoing resections, receiving adjuvant therapies, having shorter LOSs, and the multidisciplinary environment typically found at ACs and HVFs are important contributors to the authors' finding.

Analysis of the National Cancer Database Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the United States

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been poorly studied, approached with therapeutic nihilism, and likely undertreated. We studied the impact of clinical and patient factors on the survival of ESCC in the United States.

METHODS

We selected patients with stage I to III ESCC from 2004 to 2013, using the National Cancer Database. Patients were categorized into the following treatment modalities: (1) definitive chemoradiation therapy (CR), (2) neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophageal resection (ER), (3) ER alone, and (4) ER followed by adjuvant therapy. Our main outcome measure was overall survival.

RESULTS

We identified 11,229 patients with ESCC undergoing definitive CR (78.6%); neoadjuvant therapy followed by ER (8.5%), ER alone (10.1%), and ER followed by adjuvant therapy (2.6%). Compared with neoadjuvant therapy, both ER alone and definitive CR were associated with substantially increased mortality. Patients treated at high-volume centers (>20), regardless of whether they underwent ER, had improved survival compared with facilities that performed 10 to 19, 5 to 9, and less than 5 ERs per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated at high-volume facilities were more likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy, and there was a marked inverse relationship between annual surgical volume and long-term survival for both surgically and non-surgically treated patients with stage I to III ESCC.

Head and Neck Cancer Complications in the Geriatric Population Based on Hospital Case Volume

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether surgical case volume is a predictive factor of surgical outcomes when managing geriatric patients with head andneck cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were obtainedfrom the Vizient Database, which included a total of 93 academicinstitutions. Men and women aged between 65 and 100 years undergoing head and neck cancer surgery during 2009 and 2012,excluding cases of thyroid cancer and skin cancer of the head and neck(n = 4544) were included in the study. Hospital case volume was definedas low (≤21 cases/year), moderate (22-49 cases/year), or high (≥50 cases/year). The frequency of comorbidities and complications wasmeasured by hospital case volume using a χ² test. Significancewas determined with an α level of .05.

RESULTS

The largest number of head and neck cancer cases involving comorbidities (90.54%) and the highest rate of overall complications(27.50%) occurred in moderate case volume institutions compared to athe complication rate of 22.89% in low volume hospitals and 21.50% in highvolume hospitals (P < .0001). The most common comorbidities across all3 hospital case volumes included hypertension, metastatic cancer,and chronic pulmonary disease and the most common complicationsincluded hemorrhage/hematoma and postoperative pulmonarycompromise.

CONCLUSION

With more geriatric patients requiring surgery for head andneck cancer, it would be beneficial to manage the more complex cases at high volume centers and to develop multidisciplinary teams to optimizecase management and minimize complications.

Impact of hospital care volume on clinical outcomes of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In cervical cancer, the impact of hospital volume of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) has not been investigated systematically as in ovarian cancer.The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of hospital care volume of LRH on treatment outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched with the terms "cervical cancer," "radical hysterectomy," and "laparoscopy." The selection criteria included studies presenting operative outcomes and/or perioperative complications of LRH from high-volume hospitals (HVHs) (≥15 cases/year) and low-volume hospitals (LVHs) (<15 cases/year). Fifty-nine studies including 4367 cases were selected. Linear regression analysis weighted by the average annual case number in each study was performed to evaluate differences between the groups.

RESULTS

In HVH, a higher number of lymph nodes (24.5 vs 21.1; P = .037) were retrieved by LRH in older women (48.4 vs 44.5 years; P = .010) with tendencies of shorter operation time (224.4 vs 256.4 minutes; P = .096) and less blood loss (253.1 vs 322.2 mL; P = .080). Compared with LVH, HVH had fewer patients with stage IA disease (13.8 vs 24.4%; P = .003) and more patients with stage IIA disease (15.3 vs 7.1%; P = .052) with comparable 5-year overall survival (93.1 vs 88.6%; P = .112).

CONCLUSION

HVH is a prognostic factor for operative outcome and perioperative complications in patients with cervical cancer undergoing LRH. The exact effect of hospital volume on survival outcome needs to be evaluated.

Quality indicators for hip fracture care, a systematic review

Quality indicators are used to measure quality of care and enable benchmarking. An overview of all existing hip fracture quality indicators is lacking. The primary aim was to identify quality indicators for hip fracture care reported in literature, hip fracture audits, and guidelines. The secondary aim was to compose a set of methodologically sound quality indicators for the evaluation of hip fracture care in clinical practice. A literature search according to the PRISMA guidelines and an internet search were performed to identify hip fracture quality indicators. The indicators were subdivided into process, structure, and outcome indicators. The methodological quality of the indicators was judged using the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation (AIRE) instrument. For structure and process indicators, the construct validity was assessed. Sixteen publications, nine audits and five guidelines were included. In total, 97 unique quality indicators were found: 9 structure, 63 process, and 25 outcome indicators. Since detailed methodological information about the indicators was lacking, the AIRE instrument could not be applied. Seven indicators correlated with an outcome measure. A set of nine quality indicators was extracted from the literature, audits, and guidelines. Many quality indicators are described and used. Not all of them correlate with outcomes of care and have been assessed methodologically. As methodological evidence is lacking, we recommend the extracted set of nine indicators to be used as the starting point for further clinical research. Future research should focus on assessing the clinimetric properties of the existing quality indicators.

Laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia: are there factors associated with anatomic recurrence?

BACKGROUND

Repair of giant paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is associated with a favorably high rate of symptom improvement; however, rates of recurrence by objective measures remain high. Herein we analyze our experience with laparoscopic giant PEH repair to determine what factors if any can predict anatomic recurrence.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data on PEH characteristics, variations in operative techniques, and surgeon factors for 595 patients undergoing laparoscopic PEH repair from 2008 to 2015. Upper GI study was performed at 6 months postoperatively and selectively thereafter-any supra-diaphragmatic stomach was considered hiatal hernia recurrence. Exclusion criteria included revisional operation (22.4%), size <5 cm (17.6%), inadequate follow-up (17.8%), and confounding concurrent operations (6.9%). Inclusion criteria were met by 202 patients (31% male, median age 71 years, and median BMI 28.7).

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 6 months (IQR 6-12), overall anatomic recurrence rate was 34.2%. Symptom recurrence rate was 9.9% and revisional operation was required in ten patients (4.9%). Neither patient demographics nor PEH characteristics (size, presence of Cameron erosions, esophagitis, or Barrett's) correlated with anatomic recurrence. Technical factors at operation (mobilized intra-abdominal length of esophagus, Collis gastroplasty, number of anterior/posterior stitches, use of crural buttress, use of pledgeted or mattress sutures, or gastrostomy) were also not correlated with recurrence. Regarding surgeon factors, annual volume of fewer than ten cases per year was associated with increased risk of anatomic failure (54 vs 33%, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis identified surgeon experience (<10 cases per year) as an independent factor associated with early hiatal hernia recurrence (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.34-10.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic repair of giant PEH is associated with high anatomic recurrence rate but excellent symptom control. PEH characteristics and technical operative variables do not appear to significantly affect rates of recurrence. In contrast, surgeon volume does appear to contribute significantly to durability of repair.

The center volume-outcome effect in pancreas transplantation: a national analysis

BACKGROUND

Although increased hospital volume has been correlated with improved outcomes in certain surgical procedures, the effect of center volume on pancreas transplantation (PT) is less understood. Our study aims to establish whether a volume-outcome effect exists for PT.

METHODS

Through an established linkage between the University HealthSystem Consortium and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) databases, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult PT recipients between 2009 and 2012. Surgical volume was divided equally into low volume (LV), middle volume (MV), and high volume (HV) tertiles for each year that was studied. Hospital outcomes were measured through University HealthSystem Consortium, and long-term outcomes were measured through Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Statistical analysis was performed using regression analyses and the Kaplan-Meier method. Median follow-up period was 2 y.

RESULTS

Among the 2309 PT recipients included, 815 (35.3%) were performed at LV centers, 755 (32.7%) at MV centers, and 739 (32.0%) at HV centers. Compared with MV and LV centers, organs transplanted at HV centers were more frequently donation after cardiac death (5.1% versus 2.4% versus 3.3%, P = 0.01) and from older donors (2.8% [>50 y] versus 0.8% versus 0.1%, P < 0.001). In addition, HV recipients were older (31.5% [>50 y] versus 20.9% versus 19.7%, P < 0.001) and had worse functional status (39.5% dependent versus 9.7% versus 9.9%, P < 0.001). Patient and graft survival were similar across hospital volume tertiles. Center volume was not predictive of readmission rates, total length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, or total direct cost on multivariate analysis (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Short- and long-term outcomes after PT are not affected by hospital volume. Although LV centers confine their cases to low-risk patients, HV centers transplant a higher percentage of high-risk donor and recipient combinations with equivalent outcomes.

Impact of Facility Type and Surgical Volume on 10-Year Survival in Patients Undergoing Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated improved in-hospital mortality after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at teaching hospitals. The objective of this study was to evaluate if resection of HCC at academic cancer programs (ACP) is associated with improved 10-year survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) (1998 to 2011), we evaluated patients undergoing hepatic resection for HCC at ACPs, comprehensive community cancer programs (CCCPs), and community cancer programs (CCPs). High volume cancer programs (HVCPs) were defined as performing 10 or more hepatectomies per year. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models by stepwise selection were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of predictors of survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate survival curves at each facility type, and survival rates were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

We identified 12,757 patients undergoing hepatic resection for HCC at ACPs (n = 8,404), CCPs (n = 483), and CCCPs (n = 3,870). Sixty-two percent (n = 5,191) of patients treated at ACPs were at high volume institutions compared with 11.6% (n = 446) and 0% of CCCPs and CCPs, respectively (p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, patients undergoing hepatic resection at transplant centers (p < 0.0001) and HVCPs had significantly improved survival (p < 0.0001). Adjusted 10-year survival rates were 28.7% at high volume ACPs, 28.2% at high volume CCCPs, 24.9% at low volume CCCPs, 25.1% at low volume ACPs, and 21.3% at CCPs (p ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing hepatic resection for HCC at HVCPs had a significantly improved 10-year survival. Regionalization of HCC treatment to HVCPs may improve long-term survival.

Management of Barrett's high-grade dysplasia: initial results from a population-based national audit

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous studies reported significant variation in the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus. However, these are based on self-reported clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the management of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus in England by using patient-level data and to compare practice with guidelines.

METHODS

From April 2012 to March 2013, National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England prospectively collected data on patients newly diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) of the esophagus as part of the National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Audit. Data were collected on patient characteristics, diagnosis and endoscopic findings, treatment planning, and therapy.

RESULTS

Between April 2012 and March 2013, NHS trusts reported 465 cases of HGD. Diagnosis was confirmed by a second pathologist in 79.4% of cases (270/340), and 86.0% (374/465) had their treatment planned at a multidisciplinary team meeting. A total of 290 patients (62.4%) were managed endoscopically (frequently with endoscopic resection or radiofrequency ablation), whereas 26 patients (5.6%) had esophagectomy. The proportion of patients managed by surveillance varied by age (P < .001), ranging from 19.5% in patients aged <65 years to 63.8% in patients aged ≥85 years. More patients received active treatment if their cases were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting (73.5% vs 44.3%; P < .001) or managed at higher-volume trusts (87.8% vs 55.4%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was marked variation in the management of HGD across England, with a third of patients receiving no active treatment. Patients discussed at a specialist multidisciplinary meeting or managed in high-volume trusts were more likely to receive active treatment.

Population-based cohort study of the management and survival of patients with early-stage oesophageal adenocarcinoma in England

BACKGROUND

Until recently, oesophagectomy was the treatment of choice for early oesophageal cancer. Endoscopic treatment has been introduced relatively recently. This observational national database study aimed to describe how endoscopic therapy has been introduced in England and to examine the safety of this approach.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study was undertaken of patients diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma between October 2007 and June 2009 using three linked national databases. Patients with early-stage disease (T1 tumours with no evidence of spread) were identified, along with the primary treatment modality where treatment intent was curative. Short-term outcomes after treatment and 5-year survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 5192 patients diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, 306 (5·9 per cent) were considered to have early-stage disease before any treatment, of whom 239 (79·9 per cent of 299 patients with data on treatment intent) were managed with curative intent. Of 175 patients who had an oesophagectomy, 114 (65·1 (95 per cent c.i. 57·6 to 72·7) per cent) survived for 5 years. Among these, 47 (30·3 per cent of 155 patients with tissue results available) had their disease upstaged after pathological staging; this occurred more often in patients who did not have staging endoscopic ultrasonography before surgery. Of 41 patients who had an endoscopic resection, 27 (66 (95 per cent c.i. 49 to 80) per cent) survived for 5 years. Repeat endoscopic therapy was required by 23 (56 per cent) of these 41 patients.

CONCLUSION

Between 2007 and 2009, oesophagectomy remained the initial treatment of choice (73·2 per cent) among patients with early-stage oesophageal cancer treated with curative intent; one in five patients were managed endoscopically, and this treatment was more common in elderly patients. Although the groups had different patient characteristics, 5-year survival rates were similar.

Quality Management and Key Performance Indicators in Oncologic Esophageal Surgery

Ranking systems and comparisons of quality and performance indicators will be of increasing relevance for complex "high-risk" procedures such as esophageal cancer surgery. The identification of evidence-based standards relevant for key performance indicators in esophageal surgery is essential for establishing monitoring systems and furthermore a requirement to enhance treatment quality. In the course of this review, we analyze the key performance indicators case volume, radicality of resection, and postoperative morbidity and mortality, leading to continuous quality improvement. Ranking systems established on this basis will gain increased relevance in highly complex procedures within the national and international comparison and furthermore improve the treatment of patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Evidence and practice in spine registries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review and a survey in order to (1) evaluate the evidence for the impact of spine registries on the quality of spine care, and with that, on patient-related outcomes, and (2) evaluate the methodology used to organize, analyze, and report the "quality of spine care" from spine registries.

METHODS

To study the impact, the literature on all spinal disorders was searched. To study methodology, the search was restricted to degenerative spinal disorders. The risk of bias in the studies included was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Additionally, a survey among registry representatives was performed to acquire information about the methodology and practice of existing registries.

RESULTS

4,273 unique references up to May 2014 were identified, and 1,210 were eligible for screening and assessment. No studies on impact were identified, but 34 studies were identified to study the methodology. Half of these studies (17 of the 34) were judged to have a high risk of bias. The survey identified 25 spine registries, representing 14 countries. The organization of these registries, methods used, analytical approaches, and dissemination of results are presented.

INTERPRETATION

We found a lack of evidence that registries have had an impact on the quality of spine care, regardless of whether intervention was non-surgical and/or surgical. To improve the quality of evidence published with registry data, we present several recommendations. Application of these recommendations could lead to registries showing trends, monitoring the quality of spine care given, and ultimately improving the value of the care given to patients with degenerative spinal disorders.

Trends in Hospital Volume and Failure to Rescue for Pancreatic Surgery

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate trends in selection of high volume (HV) hospitals for pancreatic surgery, as well as examine trends in preoperative complications, mortality, and failure to rescue (FTR).

METHOD

Patients who underwent pancreatic resection between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Preoperative morbidity, mortality, and FTR were examined over time. Hospital volume was stratified into tertiles based on the number of pancreatic resections per year for each time period. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of hospital volume on risk of complication, postoperative mortality, and FTR over time.

RESULT

A total of 35,986 patients were identified. Median hospital volume increased from 13 in 2000-2003 to 55 procedures/year in 2008-2011 (P < 0.001). Morbidity remained relatively the same over time at low volume (LV), intermediate volume (IV), and HV hospitals (all P > 0.05). Overall postoperative mortality was 5%, and it decreased over time across all hospital volumes (P < 0.05). FTR was more common at LV (12.0%) and IV (8.5%) volume hospitals compared with HV hospitals (6.4%). The improvement in FTR over time was most pronounced at LV and IV hospitals versus HV hospitals (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Median hospital volume for pancreatic surgery has increased over the past decade. While the morbidity remained relatively stable over time, mortality improved especially in LV and IV hospitals. This improvement in mortality seems to be related to a decreased FTR.

Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative therapy for pancreatic cancer, despite a high rate of systemic recurrence. Because of local invasion or distant spread, a minority of patients presenting with pancreatic cancer are candidates for surgery. Although perioperative mortality is low in high-volume settings, pancreatic surgery remains associated with considerable morbidity. Minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques are increasingly used for pancreatic resection, although not always applicable to all patients. Strategies to extend the benefits of margin-negative surgical resection to more patients include surgery with vascular resection and reconstruction for locally invasive tumors, and resection after neoadjuvant therapy.

Outcomes after transhiatal esophagectomies in an eastern-European low-volume center

BACKGROUND

The present study proposes to analyze the results obtained after transhiatal esophagectomies (THE), from the perspective of an Eastern European surgical center with low esophageal resection volume (LV).

AIMS

Our analysis, which to the authors' knowledge is the first of its kind in Romania, has the purpose of comparing our results with those obtained in higher or similar volume centers, in order to derive conclusions regarding the quality of therapeutic management for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer in Romania.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

In total, 70 patients were included, in whom THE was performed during the period 1997-2013 by six senior surgeons. The majority of our patients had esophageal cancers (n=66; 94.3%); we also performed 4 THE procedures for benign conditions (n=3; 4.27%) and esophageal perforation (n=1; 1.42%).

RESULTS

The majority of cancer-group patients had T3/N+ tumors. The nodal involvement in the T2, T3 and T4 categories was 9.9%, 21.6% and 35.1%, respectively. Complications were identified in 45 patients (68.2%), with the majority being represented by pulmonary complications (16 patients; 24.3%) and cervical leaks (15 cases; 22.7%). In-hospital mortality was 9.09%. We found a one-year overall survival rate of 58.7% (95%CI: 51.7-65.7%), 27.2% at 2 years (95%CI: 21.2-36.2%) and 10.5% at 3 years (95%CI: 6.5-14.5%). The median survival rate was estimated to be 16 months.

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and in-hospital mortality after THE was performed in low-volume centers, despite being significantly higher than reported in HV centers, could be kept at reasonable rates. In our opinion, the measures which have the potential to raise the standard of care for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer in Romania are represented by the standardization of therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for esophageal cancer and the centralization of these major oncologic interventions in surgical excellence centers.

Outcome-volume relationships and transhiatal esophagectomy: minimizing "failure to rescue"

Background

The objective of this study is to describe the system and technical factors that enabled our moderate size transhiatal esophagectomy program to achieve low mortality rates.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 200 consecutive patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Primary outcomes included operative times, estimated blood loss, frequency and nature of complications, and lengths of stay in the hospital and the intensive care unit.

Results

In general, surgical outcomes tended to improve over the course of this study. We identified decreased operative time, intra-operative blood loss, frequency of complications, and lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay as the program matured. Through coordinated actions of the surgical and anesthesia teams, all intraoperative injuries were responded to in an effective, emergent fashion and all but one patient was saved. This resulted in an inhospital and 30-day mortality rate of only 0.5%.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a dual attending approach, focus on avoiding “failure to rescue”, increased volume, and a surgeon driven commitment to quality improvement may lead to low mortality rates after transhiatal esophagectomy.

Hospital and surgeon volume in relation to long-term survival after oesophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Centralisation of healthcare, especially for advanced cancer surgery, has been a matter of debate. Clear short-term mortality benefits have been described for oesophageal cancer surgery conducted at high-volume hospitals and by high-volume surgeons.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the association between hospital volume, surgeon volume and hospital type in relation to long-term survival after oesophagectomy for cancer, by a meta-analysis.

DESIGN

The systematic literature search included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, EMBASE and Science Citation Index, for the period 1990-2013. Eligible articles were those which reported survival (time to death) as HRs after oesophagectomy for cancer by hospital volume, surgeon volume or hospital type. Fully adjusted HRs for the longest follow-up were the main outcomes. Results were pooled by a meta-analysis, and reported as HRs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies from seven countries met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported hospital volume (N=13), surgeon volume (N=4) or hospital type (N=4). A survival benefit was found for high-volume hospitals (HR=0.82, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.90), and possibly also, for high-volume surgeons (HR=0.87, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.02) compared with their low-volume counterparts. No association with survival remained for hospital volume after adjustment for surgeon volume (HR=1.01, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.06; N=2), while a survival benefit was found in favour of high-volume surgeons after adjustment for hospital volume (HR=0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98; N=2).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated better long-term survival (even after excluding early deaths) after oesophagectomy with high-volume surgery, and surgeon volume might be more important than hospital volume. These findings support centralisation with fewer surgeons working at large centres.

Centralization of esophagectomy: how far should we go?

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to define a statistically sound and clinically meaningful cutoff point for annual hospital volume for esophagectomy. Higher hospital volumes are associated with improved outcomes after esophagectomy. However, reported optimal volumes in literature vary, and minimal volume standards in different countries show considerable variation. So far, there has been no research on the noncategorical, nonlinear, volume-outcome relationship in esophagectomy.

METHODS

Data were derived from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Restricted cubic splines were used to investigate the nonlinear effects of annual hospital volume on 6 month and 2 year mortality rates. Outcomes were adjusted for year of diagnosis, case-mix, and (neo)adjuvant treatment.

RESULTS

Between 1989 and 2009, 10,025 patients underwent esophagectomy for cancer in the Netherlands. Annual hospital volumes varied between 1 and 83 year, increasing over time. Increasing annual hospital volume showed a continuous, nonlinear decrease in hazard ratio (HR) for mortality along the curve. Increasing hospital volume from 20 year (baseline, HR = 1.00) to 40 and 60 year was associated with decreasing 6 month mortality, with a HR of 0.73 (95 % confidence interval (0.65-0.83) and 0.67 (0.58-0.77) respectively. Beyond 60 year, no further decrease was detected. Higher hospital volume also was associated with decreasing 2 year mortality until 50 esophagectomies year with a HR of 0.86 (0.79-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Centralization of esophagectomy to a minimum of 20 resections/year has been effectively introduced in the Netherlands. Increasing annual hospital volume was associated with a nonlinear decrease in mortality up to 40-60 esophagectomies/year, after which a plateau was reached. This finding may guide quality improvement efforts worldwide.

Impact of centralization of pancreatic cancer surgery on resection rates and survival

BACKGROUND

Centralization of pancreatic surgery has been shown to reduce postoperative mortality. It is unknown whether resection rates and survival have also improved. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of nationwide centralization of pancreatic surgery on resection rates and long-term survival.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2009 with cancer of the pancreatic head were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Changes in referral pattern, resection rates and survival after pancreatoduodenectomy were analysed. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of hospital volume (20 or more procedures per year) on survival after resection.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2009, 11,160 patients were diagnosed with cancer of the pancreatic head. The resection rate increased from 10.7 per cent in 2000-2004 to 15.3 per cent in 2005-2009 (P < 0.001). No significant difference in survival after resection was observed between the two intervals (P = 0.135), although survival was significantly better in high-volume hospitals (median survival 18 months versus 16 months in low/medium-volume hospitals; P = 0.017). After adjustment for patient and tumour characteristics, high hospital volume remained associated with better overall survival after resection (hazard ratio 0.70, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.58 to 0.84; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Centralization of pancreatic cancer surgery led to increased resection rates. High-volume centres had significantly better survival rates. Centralization improves patient outcomes and should be encouraged.

Systematic review comparing radiofrequency ablation and complete endoscopic resection in treating dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a critical assessment of histologic outcomes and adverse events

BACKGROUND

With recent advances in endoscopy, endoscopic techniques have surpassed esophagectomy in the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of complete EMR and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of dysplastic BE.

DESIGN

Systematic review of literature.

PATIENTS

Diagnosis of BE with high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal cancer.

INTERVENTION

Complete EMR or RFA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Complete eradication of dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia at the end of treatment and after >12 months' follow-up. Adverse event rates associated with treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 1 trial directly compared the 2 techniques; most studies were observational case series. Dysplasia was effectively eradicated at the end of treatment in 95% of patients after complete EMR and 92% after RFA. After a median follow-up of 23 months for complete EMR and 21 months for RFA, eradication of dysplasia was maintained in 95% of patients treated with complete EMR and 94% treated with RFA. Short-term adverse events were seen in 12% of patients treated with complete EMR but in only 2.5% of those treated with RFA. Esophageal strictures were adverse events in 38% of patients treated with complete EMR, compared with 4% of those treated with RFA. Progression to cancer appeared to be rare after treatment, although follow-up was short.

LIMITATIONS

Small studies, heterogeneous in design, with variable outcome measures. Also follow-up durations were short, limiting evaluation of long-term durability of both treatments.

CONCLUSION

RFA and complete EMR are equally effective in the short-term treatment of dysplastic BE, but adverse event rates are higher with complete EMR.

Failure to rescue as a source of variation in hospital mortality after hepatic surgery

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms that underlie the association between high surgical volume and improved outcomes remain uncertain. This study examined the impact of complications and failure to rescue patients from these complications on mortality following hepatic resection.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients who had liver surgery between 2000 and 2010. Hospital volume was stratified into tertiles (low, intermediate and high). Rates of major complications, failure to rescue and mortality following hepatic surgery were compared.

RESULTS

Some 9874 patients were identified. The major complication rate was 19.6 per cent in low-volume, 19.3 per cent in intermediate-volume and 16.6 per cent in high-volume hospitals (P < 0.001). Most common major complications included respiratory insufficiency or failure (8.8 per cent), acute renal failure (4.2 per cent) and gastrointestinal bleeding (3.9 per cent), with each of these complications being less common in high-volume hospitals (P < 0.050). The incidence of major morbidity following hepatectomy remained the same over the past decade, but failure to rescue patients from these complications decreased (P = 0.011). The overall inpatient mortality rate following liver surgery was 3.2 per cent (3.8, 3.6 and 2.3 per cent for low-, intermediate- and high-volume hospitals respectively; P < 0.001). The rate of failure to rescue (death after a complication) was higher at low- and intermediate-volume hospitals (16.8 and 16.1 per cent respectively) compared with high-volume hospitals (11.8 per cent) (P = 0.032). After accounting for patient and hospital characteristics, patients treated at low-volume hospitals who had a complication were 40 per cent more likely to die than patients with a complication in a high-volume hospital (odds ratio 1.40, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.02 to 1.93).

CONCLUSION

The risk of death following hepatic surgery is lower at high-volume hospitals. The reduction in mortality appears to be the result of both lower complication rates and a better ability in high-volume hospitals to rescue patients with major complications.

Patient- and surgeon-adjusted control charts for monitoring performance

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether an innovative graphical tool for accurate measurement of individual surgeon performance metrics, adjusted for both surgeon-specific and patient-specific factors, significantly alters interpretation of performance data.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of all total knee replacements (TKRs) conducted at the host institution between 1996 and 2009. The database was randomly divided into training and testing datasets. Using multivariate generalised estimating equation regression models, the training dataset enabled generation of patient-risk and surgeon-experience adjustment factors. To simulate prospective monitoring of individual surgeon outcomes, the testing dataset was mapped on control charts. Weighted κ statistics were calculated to measure the agreement between patient-risk adjusted and fully adjusted control charts.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients undergoing TKR at the host institution 1996-2009.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Operative efficiency.

RESULTS

5313 procedures were analysed. Adjusted control charts were generated using a training dataset comprising 3756 procedures performed by 13 surgeons. The operative time gradually declined by 121 min with 25 years of experience (p<0.0001). Charts were tested by monitoring four other surgeons, performing an average of 389 procedures each. Adjustment for surgeon experience significantly altered the interpretation of operative efficiency (κ=0.29 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.47)), and enhanced assessment of a surgeon's improvement or diminishment in efficiency over time. Specifically, experience adjustment inverted the interpretation of surgeon efficiency from above average to below average, or from improving to declining performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjustment for surgeon experience is necessary for accurate interpretation of metrics over the course of a surgeon's career. Patient-adjusted and surgeon-adjusted control charts provide an accurate method of monitoring individual operative efficiency.

The volume effect in liver surgery--a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an inverse relationship between hospital and surgeon volume and mortality in many types of complex surgery. The aim of this paper is to investigate the volume effect on outcomes of liver surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A literature search was conducted using Medline and EMBASE from 1995 to 2012. A random effects model was used.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were selected for detailed analysis. Definition of a high-volume institution varied from 2 to more than 33 procedures per year. The pooled odds ratio of mortality rate in low- vs high-volume centres was 2.0 [95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.6-2.4; P < 0.001]. Some studies divided centres into more than two groups and compared the highest and lowest volume groups. The pooled odds ratio of mortality rate for this comparison type was 3.2 (95 % CI, 1.7-5.8; P < 0.001). Funnel plots suggest possible publication bias. There was inadequate data to compare morbidity. Only two of seven studies demonstrated a shorter length of stay in the high-volume centres. There was no convincing volume effect on long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a strong relationship between volume and perioperative mortality. No difference in morbidity, length of stay or survival was demonstrated.