Unplanned readmissions and survival following brain tumor surgery

Activity Measure for Post-Acute care (AM-PAC) scores predict Short and Long-Term outcomes following glioblastoma resection

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma patients may develop functional deficits post-operatively that affect activities of daily living and result in worse outcomes. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) instrument assigns patients basic mobility and daily activity scores, but it is unknown if these scores correlate with post-operative outcomes in glioblastoma patients.

METHODS

Adult (≥18 years) glioblastoma patients evaluated by physical/occupational therapy after resection at a single instution (June 2008-December 2020) were identified. Patient demographics, post-operative AM-PAC scores, and clinical outcomes were collected. Multivariate regression identified associations between AM-PAC scores and post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

600 patients were included (mean age 59.3 years, 59.2 % male); 151 (25.3 %) and 246 (43.8 %) patients had low mobility (<42.9) and activity (<39.4) scores, respectively. 103 (17.2 %) and 177 (29.5 %) patients experienced extended lengths of stay (LOS) in the ICU (≥2 days) and overall (≥7 days), respectively. 154 (25.7 %) patients had non-home discharges. The 30-day readmission rate was 13.7 %. In multivariate analysis, low mobility scores correlated with increased odds of extended overall (p < 0.0001) and ICU (p = 0.0004) LOS, non-home discharge (p < 0.0001), and 30-day readmission (p = 0.0405). Low activity scores correlated with extended overall LOS (<0.0001) and non-home discharge (p < 0.0001). In log-rank analysis, median survival time was shorter for patients with low mobility (9.5 vs. 14.7 months, p < 0.0001) and activity (10.6 vs. 16.3 months, p < 0.0001) scores than for high-scoring patients.

CONCLUSION

AM-PAC basic mobility and daily activity scores are associated with outcomes after glioblastoma resection. These easily obtainable scores may be useful for prognosticating and guiding decision making in post-operative glioblastoma patients.

Glioma grade and post-neurosurgical meningitis risk

BACKGROUND

Post-neurosurgical meningitis (PNM) constitutes a grave complication associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the risk factors predisposing patients to PNM following surgery for low- and high-grade gliomas.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing all patients who underwent glioma surgery involving craniotomy at Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, between 2011 and 2018. Inclusion criteria for PNM were defined as follows: (1) Positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, (2) CSF leukocyte count ≥ 250 × 106/L with granulocyte percentage ≥ 50%, or (3) CSF lactate concentration ≥ 4 mmol/L, detected after glioma surgery. Glioma grades 3-4 were classified as high-grade (n = 261), while grades 1-2 were designated as low-grade (n = 84).

RESULTS

Among the 345 patients included in this study, PNM developed in 7% (n = 25) of cases. The median time interval between glioma surgery and diagnosis of PNM was 12 days. Positive CSF cultures were observed in 7 (28%) PNM cases, with identified pathogens encompassing Staphylococcus epidermidis (3), Staphylococcus aureus (2), Enterobacter cloacae (1), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). The PNM group exhibited a higher incidence of reoperations (52% vs. 18%, p < 0.001) and revision surgery (40% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) in comparison to patients without PNM. Multivariable analysis revealed that reoperation (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.04-6.67) and revision surgery (OR 7.08, 95% CI 2.55-19.70) were significantly associated with PNM, while glioma grade (high-grade vs. low-grade glioma, OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.30-2.22) showed no significant association.

CONCLUSIONS

The PNM rate following glioma surgery was 7%. Patients requiring reoperation and revision surgery were at elevated risk for PNM. Glioma grade did not exhibit a direct link with PNM; however, the presence of low-grade gliomas may indirectly heighten the PNM risk through an increased likelihood of future reoperations. These findings underscore the importance of meticulous post-operative care and infection prevention measures in glioma surgeries.

Impact of unplanned readmissions on lumbar surgery outcomes: a national study of 33,447 patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Unplanned readmissions following lumbar spine surgery have immense clinical and financial implications. However, little is known regarding the impact of unplanned readmissions on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following lumbar spine surgery.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of unplanned readmissions, including specific readmission reasons, on patient reported outcomes 12 months after lumbar spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data was conducted using patients included in the lumbar module of the Quality and Outcomes Database (QOD), a national, multicenter spine registry.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 33,447 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative diseases were included. Mean age was 59.8 (SD=14.04), 53.6% were male, 89.5% were white, 45.9% were employed, and 47.5% had private insurance.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Unplanned 90-day readmissions and 12-month patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) scores, and North American Spine Society (NASS) patient-satisfaction scores.

METHODS

The lumbar module of the QOD was queried for adults undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative disease. Unplanned 90-day readmissions were classified into 4 groups: medical, surgical, pain-only, and no readmissions. Medical and surgical readmissions were further categorized into primary reason for readmission. 12-month PROs assessing patient back and leg pain (NRS), disability (ODI), quality of life (EQ-5D), and patient satisfaction were collected. Multivariable models predicting 12-month PROs were built controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 31,430 patients (94%) had no unplanned readmission while 2,017 patients (6%) had an unplanned readmission within 90 days following lumbar surgery. Patients with readmissions had significantly worse 12-month PROs compared with those with no unplanned readmissions in covariate-adjusted models. Using Wald-df as a measure of predictor importance, surgical readmissions were associated with the worst 12-month outcomes, followed by pain-only, then medical readmissions. In separate covariate adjusted models, we found that readmissions for pain, SSI/wound dehiscence, and revisions were among the most important predictors of worse outcomes at 12-months.

CONCLUSIONS

Unplanned 90-day readmissions were associated with worse pain, disability, quality of life, and greater dissatisfaction at 12-months, with surgical readmissions having the greatest impact, followed by pain-only readmissions, then medical readmissions. Readmissions for pain, SSI/wound dehiscence, and revisions were the most important predictors of worse outcomes. These results may help providers better understand the factors that impact outcomes following lumbar spine surgery and promote improved patient counseling and perioperative management.

Unplanned 30-Day Readmission in Glioblastoma Patients: Implications for the Extent of Resection and Adjuvant Therapy

BACKGROUND

Unplanned early readmission (UER) within 30 days after hospital release is a negative prognostic marker for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM). This work analyzes the impact of UER on the effects of standard therapy modalities for GBM patients, including the extent of resection (EOR) and adjuvant therapy regimen.

METHODS

Records were searched for patients with newly diagnosed GBM between 2014 and 2020 who were treated at our facility. Exclusion criteria were being aged below 18 years or missing data. An overall survival (OS) analysis (Kaplan-Meier estimate; Cox regression) was performed on various GBM patient sub-cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 276 patients were included in the study. UER occurred in 13.4% (n = 37) of all cases, significantly reduced median OS (5.7 vs. 14.5 months, p < 0.001 by logrank), and was associated with an increased hazard of mortality (hazard ratio 3.875, p < 0.001) in multivariate Cox regression when other clinical parameters were applied as confounders. The Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that patients experiencing UER still benefitted from adjuvant radio-chemotherapy when compared to radiotherapy or no adjuvant therapy (p < 0.001 by logrank). A higher EOR did not improve OS in GBM patients with UER (p = 0.659).

CONCLUSION

UER is negatively associated with survival in GBM patients. In contrast to EOR, adjuvant radio-chemotherapy was beneficial, even after UER.

Diagnosis and management of complications from the treatment of primary central nervous system tumors in adults

Central nervous system (CNS) tumor patients commonly undergo multimodality treatment in the course of their disease. Adverse effects and complications from these interventions have not been systematically studied, but pose significant challenges in clinical practice and impact function and quality of life, especially in the management of long-term brain tumor survivors. Here, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) has developed recommendations to prevent, diagnose, and manage adverse effects and complications in the adult primary brain CNS tumor (except lymphomas) patient population with a specific focus on surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. Specifically, we also provide recommendations for dose adaptations, interruptions, and reexposure for pharmacotherapy that may serve as a reference for the management of standard of care in clinical trials. We also summarize which interventions are unnecessary, inactive or contraindicated. This consensus paper should serve as a reference for the conduct of standard therapy within and outside of clinical trials.

Assessment of the impact of frailty on adverse surgical outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for intracranial tumors using modified frailty index: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Modified frailty index (MFI) is an emerging quantitative measure of frailty; however, the quantified risk of adverse outcomes in surgeries for intracranial tumors associated with increasing MFI scores has not been thoroughly reviewed in a comprehensive manner.

METHODS

MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to identify observational studies on the association between 5 and 11 item-modified frailty index (MFI) and perioperative outcomes for neurosurgical procedures including complications, mortality, readmission, and reoperation rate. Primary analysis pooled all comparisons with MFI scores greater than or equal to 1 versus non-frail participants using mixed-effects multilevel model for each outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 24 studies were included in the review and 19 studies with 114,707 surgical operations were included in the meta-analysis. While increasing MFI scores were associated with worse prognosis for all included outcomes, reoperation rate was only significantly higher in patients with MFI ≥ 3. Among surgical pathologies, glioblastoma was influenced by a greater extent to the impact of frailty on complications and mortality that most other etiologies. In agreement with qualitative evaluation of the included studies, meta-regression did not reveal association between mean age of the comparisons and complications rate.

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis provides quantitative risk assessment of adverse outcomes in neuro-oncological surgeries with increased frailty. The majority of literature suggests that MFI is a superior and independent predictor of adverse outcomes compared to age.

Results of a Pilot Study for a Pharmacy Discharge Review in Neurosurgical Patients: A Quality-Safety Initiative

Objective A multidisciplinary collaboration between the neurosurgical team and the pharmacy was established to conduct a pilot study in which discharged neurosurgical patients from a community hospital would receive medication reconciliation services and counseling by a pharmacy specialist to determine the impact on patient safety, readmission rates, and medication compliance. Methods Pharmacists reviewed discharge medication reconciliations of neurosurgical patients to address any discrepancies with the nurse practitioners or physicians prior to discharge and provided discharge medication counseling to the patient/families at the bedside. The service was provided on weekdays during the eight-hour pharmacist shift in addition to other daily responsibilities. Data were analyzed by type and the total number of pharmacy interventions encountered during the discharge medication reconciliation process, time to complete services, and readmission rates. Lastly, the discharged neurosurgical patients that were not seen by pharmacists during the one-month pilot study were reviewed retrospectively to determine potential interventions. Results A total of 48 neurosurgical patients were discharged during the one-month pilot study; 27 patients received discharge medication reconciliation services and counseling from the pharmacy specialists. Sixty-three pharmacy interventions were accepted with prevention of medication errors/adverse drug reactions (21%, n=21) and addition of missing medication (21%, n=21) being the most common intervention types. The mean time to complete the services was 27 minutes and there was one non-medication-related readmission of the 27 patients seen. Twenty-one neurosurgical patients who were discharged without receiving services were reviewed retrospectively. It was determined that there was a potential for another 64 pharmacy interventions in which clarification of indication (33%, n=21) was the most common intervention type, followed by prevention of medication errors/adverse drug reactions (25%, n=16) and addition of missing medication (22%, n=14). There was a total of one medication-related readmission of the 21 patients not seen by the pharmacist during the pilot study. Conclusion The collaboration of pharmacists in the discharge process benefits neurosurgical patients by reducing the number of discrepancies when transitioning home and provides an additional layer of safety to reduce medication errors and/or prevent adverse events.

Prolonged survival in patients with local chronic infection after high-grade glioma treatment: Two case reports

High-grade gliomas are primary brain tumors with poor prognosis, despite surgical treatment followed by radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy. We present two cases of long-term survival in patients treated for high-grade glioma and concomitant prolonged bacterial wound infection. The first patient treated for glioblastoma IDH-wildtype had been without disease progression for 61 months from the first resected recurrence. Despite incomplete chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in the second patient with anaplastic astrocytoma IDH-mutant, she died without disease relapse after 14 years from the diagnosis due to other comorbidities. We assume that the documented prolonged survival could be related to the bacterial infection.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation and risk of venous thromboembolism in glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with malignancies including malignant gliomas have a relatively high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recent evidence has linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation with reduced VTE risk in malignant glioma. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the association of IDH mutation status with risks of VTE in patients with glioma.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline OVID, Cochrane library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify relevant studies. The overall odd ratio (OR) was pooled using the random-effects model. We evaluated the statistical heterogeneity using Cochran's Q statistics and I² tests. We performed subgroup analyses according to age, tumor, study design, and study quality.

RESULTS

A total of 2600 patients from 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with IDH mutant-type gliomas had a significantly lower risk of VTE (OR: 0.21, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.46, I2 = 34 %) compared to patients with IDH wild-type gliomas. Among high-grade (III and IV) glioma, VTE events in IDH-mutant gliomas occurred with an OR of 0.28 (95 % CI: 0.14-0.53). No statistically significant decrease in the VTE risk was observed in grade II gliomas with IDH mutation compared to IDH wild-type gliomas, as indicated by the OR of 0.60 (95 % CI: 0.17-2.11).

CONCLUSION

IDH mutation is significantly associated with 79 % lower risk of VTE among patients with high-grade glioma compared to IDH wild-type. Our findings suggest the potential utility of IDH mutation status regarding thromboprophylaxis, and the need for further studies to elucidate the mechanism of the association.

Predictors and Impact of Postoperative 30-Day Readmission in Glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Postoperative 30-day readmissions have been shown to negatively affect survival and other important outcomes in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate patient readmission risk factors of primary and recurrent patients with GBM.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 418 adult patients undergoing 575 craniotomies for histologically confirmed GBM at an academic medical center. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics were collected and compared by patient readmission status using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U testing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors that predicted 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

The cohort included 69 (12%) 30-day readmissions after 575 operations. Readmitted patients experienced significantly lower median overall survival (11.3 vs 16.4 months, P = .014), had a lower mean Karnofsky Performance Scale score (66.9 vs 74.2, P = .005), and had a longer initial length of stay (6.1 vs 5.3 days, P = .007) relative to their nonreadmitted counterparts. Readmitted patients experienced more postoperative deep vein thromboses or pulmonary embolisms (12% vs 4%, P = .006), new motor deficits (29% vs 14%, P = .002), and nonhome discharges (39% vs 22%, P = .005) relative to their nonreadmitted counterparts. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased odds of 30-day readmission with each 10-point decrease in Karnofsky Performance Scale score (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, P = .002), each single-point increase in 5-factor modified frailty index (OR 1.51, P = .016), and initial presentation with cognitive deficits (OR 2.11, P = .013).

CONCLUSION

Preoperatively available clinical characteristics strongly predicted 30-day readmissions in patients undergoing surgery for GBM. Opportunities may exist to optimize preoperative and postoperative management of at-risk patients with GBM, with downstream improvements in clinical outcomes.

Unplanned reoperation after radical surgery for oral cancer: an analysis of risk factors and outcomes

Background

Unplanned reoperation (UR) after radical surgery for oral cancer (OC) is a health threat for the patients. The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for unplanned reoperation following oral cancer radical surgery, and to explore a potential role for long-term survival.

Methods

The present study followed a retrospective study design. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan–Meier method. The data was analyzed statistically between November and December 2021.

Results

The incidence of UR was 15.7%. The primary cause of UR was reconstructed flap complications. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that diabetes, tumor size, type of reconstruction, and nodal metastasis were independent risk factors for UR. Patients undergoing UR had a longer hospitalization, more post-operative complications, and a higher mortality compared with the non-UR group. UR is negatively correlated with the cancer-specific survival rate of patients (Log-rank test, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Diabetes, tumor size, pedicled flap reconstruction and cervical nodal metastasis (N2) as independent risk factors for UR was discovered. UR was positively correlated with perioperative complications prolong hospital stay, and increased early mortality, but negatively correlated with the cancer-specific survival rate survival rate.

The Relation of Surgical Procedures and Diagnosis Groups to Unplanned Readmission in Spinal Neurosurgery: A Retrospective Single Center Study

Background: Unplanned readmission has gained increasing interest as a quality marker for inpatient care, as it is associated with patient mortality and higher economic costs. Spinal neurosurgery is characterized by a lack of epidemiologic readmission data. The aim of this study was to identify causes and predictors for unplanned readmissions related to index diagnoses and surgical procedures. Methods: In this study, from 2015 to 2017, spinal neurosurgical procedures were recorded for surgical and non-surgical treated patients. The main reasons for an unplanned readmission within 30 days following discharge were identified. Multivariate logarithmic regression revealed predictors of unplanned readmission. Results: A total of 1172 patient records were examined, of which 4.27% disclosed unplanned readmissions. Among the surgical patients, the readmission rate was 4.06%, mainly attributable to surgical site infections, while it was 5.06% for the non-surgical patients, attributable to uncontrolled pain. A night-time surgery presented as the independent predictive factor. Conclusion: In the heterogeneous group of spinal neurosurgical patients, stratification into diagnostic groups is necessary for statistical analysis. Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and spinal abscesses are mainly affected by unplanned readmission. The surgical procedure dorsal root ganglion stimulation is an independent predictor of unplanned re-hospitalizations, as is the timing of surgery.

Neurosurgical Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Germany: A Retrospective Single Center Study of the Second Wave

The healthcare system has been placed under an enormous burden by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to the challenge of providing sufficient care for COVID-19 patients, there is also a need to ensure adequate care for non-COVID-19 patients. We investigated neurosurgical care in a university hospital during the pandemic. We examined the second wave of the pandemic from 1 October 2020 to 15 March 2021 in this retrospective single-center study and compared it to a pre-pandemic period from 1 October 2019 to 15 March 2020. Any neurosurgical intervention, along with patient- and treatment-dependent factors, were recorded. We also examined perioperative complications and unplanned readmissions. A statistical comparison of the study groups was performed. We treated 535 patients with a total of 602 neurosurgical surgeries during the pandemic. This compares to 602 patients with 717 surgeries during the pre-pandemic period. There were 67 fewer patients (reduction to 88.87%) admitted and 115 fewer surgeries (reduction to 83.96%) performed, which were essentially highly elective procedures, such as cervical spinal stenosis, intracranial neurinomas, and peripheral nerve lesions. Regarding complication rates and unplanned readmissions, there was no significant difference between the COVID-19 pandemic and the non-pandemic patient group. Operative capacities were slightly reduced to 88% due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, comprehensive emergency and elective care was guaranteed in our university hospital. This speaks for the sufficient resources and high-quality processes that existed even before the pandemic.

Factors associated with unplanned readmissions and costs following resection of brain metastases in the United States

The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the risk of unplanned readmission following resection of brain metastasis and to identify key risk factors to allow for early intervention strategies in high-risk patients. We analyzed data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2010–2014, and included patients who underwent craniotomy for brain metastasis, identified using ICD-9-CM diagnosis (198.3) and procedure (01.59) codes. The primary outcome of the study was unplanned 30-day all-cause readmission rate. Secondary outcomes included reasons and costs of readmissions. Hierarchical logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with 30-day readmission following craniotomy for brain metastasis. During the study period, 44,846 index hospitalizations occurred for patients who underwent resection of brain metastasis. In this cohort, 17.8% (n = 7,965) had unplanned readmissions within the first 30 days after discharge from the index hospitalization. The readmission rate did not change significantly during the five-year study period (p-trend = 0.286). The median per-patient cost for 30-day unplanned readmission was $11,109 and this amounted to a total of $26.4 million per year, which extrapolates to a national expenditure of $269.6 million. Increasing age, male sex, insurance status, Elixhauser comorbidity index, length of stay, teaching status of the hospital, neurological complications and infectious complications were associated with 30-day readmission following discharge after an index admission for craniotomy for brain metastasis. Unplanned readmission rates after resection of brain metastasis remain high and involve substantial healthcare expenditures. Developing tools and interventions to prevent avoidable readmissions could focus on the high-risk patients as a future strategy to decrease substantial healthcare expense.

National Rates, Reasons, and Risk Factors for 30- and 90-Day Readmission and Reoperation Among Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Analysis Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).

OBJECTIVE

To determine causes of and independent risk factors for 30- and 90-day readmission in a cohort of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Identifying populations at high-risk of 30-day readmission is a priority in healthcare reform so as to reduce cost and patient morbidity. However, among patients undergoing ACDF, nationally-representative data have been limited, and have seldom described 90-day readmissions, early reoperation, or socioeconomic influences.

METHODS

We queried the NRD, which longitudinally tracks 49.3% of hospitalizations, for all adult patients undergoing ACDF. We calculated the rates of, and determined reasons for, readmission and reoperation at 30 and 90 days, and determined risk factors for readmission at each timepoint.

RESULTS

We identified 50,126 patients between January and September 2014. Of these, 2294 (4.6%) and 4152 (8.3%) were readmitted within 30 and 90 days of discharge, respectively, and were most commonly readmitted for infections, medical complications, and dysphagia. The characteristics most strongly associated with readmission were Medicare or Medicaid insurance, length of stay greater than or equal to 4 days, three or more comorbidities, and non-routine discharge, whereas surgical factors (e.g., greater number of vertebrae fused) were more modest. By 30 and 90 days, 8.2% and 11.7% of readmitted patients underwent an additional spinal procedure, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis uses the NRD to thoroughly characterize readmission in the general ACDF population. Readmissions are often delayed (after 30 days), strongly associated with insurance status, and many result in reoperation. Our results are crucial for risk-stratifying future ACDF patients and developing interventions to reduce readmission.Level of Evidence: 3.

Postoperative 30-day emergency department utilization after 7294 cranial neurosurgery procedures at a tertiary neuroscience center

OBJECTIVE

Hospital readmission and the reduction thereof has become a major quality improvement initiative in organized medicine and neurosurgery. However, little research has been performed on why neurosurgical patients utilize hospital emergency rooms (ERs) with or without subsequent admission in the postoperative setting.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective, single-center review of data for all surgical cranial procedures performed from July 2013 to July 2016 in patients who survived to discharge. The study was approved by the institutional review board of the participating medical center.

RESULTS

The authors identified 7294 cranial procedures performed during 6596 hospital encounters in 5385 patients. The rate of postoperative ER utilization within 30 days after surgical hospitalization across all procedure types was 13.1 per 100 surgeries performed. The two most common chief complaints were pain (30.7%) and medical complication (18.2%). After identification of relevant surgical and patient factors with univariable analysis, a multivariable backward elimination logistic regression model was constructed in which Ommaya reservoir placement (OR 2.65, p = 0.0008) and cranial CSF shunt placement (OR 1.40, p = 0.0001) were associated with increased ER utilization. Deep brain stimulation electrode placement (OR 0.488, p = 0.0004), increasing hospital length of stay (OR 0.935, p < 0.0001), and increasing patient age (OR 0.988, p < 0.0001) were associated with lower rates of postoperative ER utilization. One-half (50%) of ER visit patients were readmitted to the hospital. New/worsening neurological deficit chief complaint (OR 1.99, p = 0.0088), fever chief complaint (OR 2.41, p = 0.0205), altered mentation chief complaint (OR 2.71, p = 0.0002), patient chronic kidney disease (OR 3.31, p = 0.0037), brain biopsy procedure type (OR 3.50, p = 0.0398), and wound infection chief complaint (OR 31.4, p = 0.0008) were associated with increased rates of readmission to the hospital from the ER in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors report the rates of and reasons for ER utilization in a large cohort of postoperative cranial neurosurgical patients. Factors identified were associated with both increased and decreased use of the ER after cranial surgery, as well as variables associated with readmission to the hospital after postoperative ER visitation. These findings may direct future quality improvement via prospective implementation of care pathways for high-risk procedures.

Thirty-day hospital readmission rate, reasons, and risk factors after acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation

Objectives

To evaluate the 30‐day hospital readmission rate, reasons, and risk factors for patients with cancer who were discharged to home setting after acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a secondary retrospective analysis of participants in a completed prospective survey study that assessed the continuity of care and functional safety concerns upon discharge and 30 days after discharge in adults. Patients were enrolled from September 5, 2018, to February 7, 2020, at a large academic quaternary cancer center with National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Thirty‐day hospital readmission rate, descriptive summary of reasons for readmissions, and statistical analyses of risk factors related to readmission.

Results

Fifty‐five (21%) of the 257 patients were readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation. The reasons for readmissions were infection (20, 7.8%), neoplasm (9, 3.5%), neurological (7, 2.7%), gastrointestinal disorder (6, 2.3%), renal failure (3, 1.1%), acute coronary syndrome (3, 1.1%), heart failure (1, 0.4%), fracture (1, 0.4%), hematuria (1, 0.4%), wound (1, 0.4%), nephrolithiasis (1, 0.4%), hypervolemia (1, 0.4%), and pain (1, 0.4%). Multivariate logistic regression modeling indicated that having a lower locomotion score (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07–1.56; p = 0.007) at discharge, having an increased number of medications (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.25; p = 0.028) at discharge, and having a lower hemoglobin at discharge (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.03–1.66; p = 0.031) were independently associated with 30‐day readmission.

Conclusion and Relevance

Among adult patients with cancer discharged to home setting after acute inpatient rehabilitation, the 30‐day readmission rate of 21% was higher than that reported for other rehabilitation populations but within the range reported for patients with cancer who did not undergo acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Research is needed to determine the rates of and risk factors for 30‐day hospital readmission after acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation to understand the nature of this problem and to decrease costs associated with readmissions. Among adult patients with cancer discharged to a home setting after acute inpatient rehabilitation, the 30‐day readmission rate of 21% was higher than that reported for other rehabilitation populations but within the range reported for patients with cancer who did not undergo acute inpatient rehabilitation. Cancer rehabilitation patients may have unique risk factors for readmission.

Predicting Early and Late Readmissions Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Background

Postoperative readmissions not only burden the healthcare system but may also affect clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Despite this, little is known about readmissions after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), or their impact on survival outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A single-institution retrospective cohort study of CRS-HIPEC procedures from April 2001 and September 2019 was performed. Early readmission (ERA) was defined as hospitalization within 30 days of discharge post-CRS/HIPEC, while late readmission (LRA) was defined as hospitalization between day 31 and 90 after discharge. Patient demographic, oncological, and perioperative factors were analyzed to identify predictors of readmission, and comparison of survival outcomes was performed.

Results

Overall, 342 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC were included in the study. The incidence of ERA and LRA was 18.5% and 7.4%, respectively. High-grade postoperative complication was the only independent predictor of ERA (HR 3.64, 95% CI 1.47–9.02), while comorbid hypertension (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.17–6.28) and stoma creation (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.23–6.50) were independent predictors for LRA. Patients with readmission had significantly worse disease-free survival than patients who had no readmission (NRA) (LRA 1.1 years, ERA 1.2 years, NRA 1.8 years, p = 0.002), and patients with LRA had worse median overall survival (2.1 years) than ERA patients (3.3 years) or patients without readmission (4.4 years) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Readmission following CRS-HIPEC is associated with adverse survival outcomes. In particular, LRA may portend worse prognosis than ERA.

Surgical and Peri-Operative Considerations for Brain Metastases

Introduction

Brain metastases are the most common brain tumors in adults, whose management remains nuanced. Improved understanding of risk factors for surgical complications and mortality may guide treatment decisions.

Methods

A nationwide, multicenter analysis was conducted with a retrospective cohort. Adult patients in the 2012-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) databases who received a craniotomy for resection of brain metastasis were included.

Results

3500 cases were analyzed, of which 17% were considered frail and 24% were infratentorial. The most common 30-day medical complications were venous thromboembolism (3%, median time-to-event [TTE] 4.5 days), pneumonia (4%, median TTE 6 days), and urinary tract infections (2%, median TTE 5 days). Reoperation and unplanned readmission occurred in 5% and 12% of patients, respectively. Infratentorial approach and frailty were associated with reoperation before discharge (OR 2.0 for both; p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively), but not after discharge. Infratentorial approaches conferred heightened risk for readmission for hydrocephalus (OR 5.1, p=0.02) and reoperation for cerebrospinal fluid diversion (OR 7.1, p<0.001).Overall 30-day mortality was 4%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after discharge. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with increased odds for post-discharge mortality (OR 1.7 and 2.7, p<0.05), but not pre-discharge mortality. We developed a model to identify pre-/peri-operative variables associated with death, including frailty, thrombocytopenia, and high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (AUROC 0.75).

Conclusions

Optimization of metrics contributing to patient frailty and heightened surveillance in patients with infratentorial metastases may be considered in the peri-operative period.

Laser Ablation of Abnormal Neurological Tissue Using Robotic NeuroBlate System (LAANTERN): 12-Month Outcomes and Quality of Life After Brain Tumor Ablation

BACKGROUND

Laser Ablation of Abnormal Neurological Tissue using Robotic NeuroBlate System (LAANTERN) is an ongoing multicenter prospective NeuroBlate (Monteris Medical) LITT (laser interstitial thermal therapy) registry collecting real-world outcomes and quality-of-life (QoL) data.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 12-mo outcomes from all subjects undergoing LITT for intracranial tumors/neoplasms.

METHODS

Demographics, intraprocedural data, adverse events, QoL, hospitalizations, health economics, and survival data are collected; standard data management and monitoring occur.

RESULTS

A total of 14 centers enrolled 223 subjects; the median follow-up was 223 d. There were 119 (53.4%) females and 104 (46.6%) males. The median age was 54.3 yr (range 3-86) and 72.6% had at least 1 baseline comorbidity. The median baseline Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) was 90. Of the ablated tumors, 131 were primary and 92 were metastatic. Most patients with primary tumors had high-grade gliomas (80.9%). Patients with metastatic cancer had recurrence (50.6%) or radiation necrosis (40%). The median postprocedure hospital stay was 33.4 h (12.7-733.4). The 1-yr estimated survival rate was 73%, and this was not impacted by disease etiology. Patient-reported QoL as assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain was stabilized postprocedure. KPS declined by an average of 5.7 to 10.5 points postprocedure; however, 50.5% had stabilized/improved KPS at 6 mo. There were no significant differences in KPS or QoL between patients with metastatic vs primary tumors.

CONCLUSION

Results from the ongoing LAANTERN registry demonstrate that LITT stabilizes and improves QoL from baseline levels in a malignant brain tumor patient population with high rates of comorbidities. Overall survival was better than anticipated for a real-world registry and comparative to published literature.

Outcomes after readmission at the index or nonindex hospital following acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Little is known about the prevalence and outcomes of readmission to nonindex hospitals after an admission for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS). We aimed to determine the rate of nonindex readmissions following AMI‐CS and to evaluate its association with clinical factors, hospitalization cost, length of stay (LOS), and in‐hospital mortality rates.

Hypothesis

Nonindex readmission may lead to worse in‐hospital outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed the data of inpatients with AMI‐CS between 2010 and 2017 using the National Readmission Database. The survey analytical methods recommended by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project were used for national estimates. Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of nonindex readmission, and its association with hospitalization cost, LOS, and in‐hospital mortality rates.

Results

Of 238 349 patients with AMI‐CS, 28028 (11.76%) had an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Of these patients, 7423 (26.48%) were readmitted to nonindex hospitals. Compared with index readmission, nonindex readmission was associated with higher hospitalization costs (p < .0001), longer LOS (p < .0001), and increased in‐hospital mortality rates (p = .0016). Patients who had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, received intubation/mechanical ventilation, or left against medical advice during the initial admission had greater odds of a nonindex readmission.

Conclusions

Over one‐fourth of readmissions following AMI‐CS were to nonindex hospitals. These admissions were associated with higher hospitalization costs, longer LOS, and higher in‐hospital mortality rates. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a continuity of care plan in the acute hospital setting can improve outcomes after AMI‐CS.

Tobacco Use Is Associated with Readmission within 90 Days after Craniotomy

OBJECTIVE

Tobacco use increases morbidity and mortality following craniotomy. Readmission is an important hospital metric of patient outcomes and has been used to inform reimbursement. This study aims to determine if tobacco use is associated with readmission within 90 days of hospital discharge among patients undergoing elective craniotomy.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), a population-based, nationally representative database, was queried from 2010-2014. Patients undergoing craniotomy for benign or malignant tumors, vascular pathologies, and epilepsy were identified. Readmissions within 90 days of index hospitalization were characterized by admitting diagnoses. Tobacco use was defined by ICD-9 coding for active or prior use. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses evaluated patient and hospital factors associated with readmission.

RESULTS

The study population included 77,903 patients treated with craniotomy. Of these, 17,674 (22.6%) were readmitted within 90 days. The most common reasons for readmission were post-operative infection (5.8%), septicemia (4.2%), pulmonary embolism (3.9%), and pneumonia (2.9%). Tobacco use was associated with a 7% increased likelihood of 90-day readmission (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11, p = 0.0008) after accounting for other patient-, disease-, and hospital-level factors in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use was associated with increased 90-day readmission in patients undergoing craniotomy. Recognizing tobacco use as a modifiable risk factor of readmission presents an opportunity to identify susceptible patients.

Patient Risk Factors Associated With 30- and 90-Day Readmission After Cervical Discectomy: A Nationwide Readmission Database Study

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the patient-level risk factors associated with 30- and 90-day unplanned readmissions following elective anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

For cervical disk pathology, both ACDF and CDA are increasingly performed nationwide. However, relatively little is known about the adverse complications and rates of readmission for ACDF and CDA.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Nationwide Readmission Database from the years 2013 to 2015. All patients undergoing either CDA or ACDF were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification coding system. Unique patient linkage numbers were used to follow patients and to identify 30- and 31-90-day readmission rates. Patients were grouped by no readmission (Non-R), readmission within 30 days (30-R), and readmission within 31-90 days (90-R).

RESULTS

There were a total of 13,093 index admissions with 856 (6.5%) readmissions [30-R: n=532 (4.0%); 90-R: n=324 (2.5%)]. Both overall length of stay and total cost were greater in the 30-R cohort compared with 90-R and Non-R cohorts. The most prevalent 30- and 90-day complications seen among the readmitted cohorts were infection, genitourinary complication, and device complication. On multivariate regression analysis, age, Medicaid status, medium and large hospital bed size, deficiency anemia, and any complication during index admission were independently associated with increased 30-day readmission. Whereas age, large hospital bed size, coagulopathy, and any complication during the initial hospitalization were independently associated with increased 90-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

Our nationwide study identifies the 30- and 90-day readmission rates and several patient-related risk factors associated with unplanned readmission after common anterior cervical spine procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

The 30-day readmission rate in neurosurgery-a useful indicator for quality assessment?

BACKGROUND

A shift in how we evaluate healthcare outcomes has driven the introduction of quality indicators as potential parameters to evaluate value-based healthcare delivery. So far, only few studies have been performed evaluating quality indicators in the context of neurosurgery, especially in the European region. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 30-day readmission rate, identify reasons for readmission regarding the various neurosurgical diagnoses, and discuss the usefulness of this rate as a potential quality indicator.

METHODS

During a 6-year period, a total of 8878 hospitalized patients in our neurosurgical department were retrospectively analyzed and included in this study. Reasons for readmission were identified. Patients' diagnoses and baseline characteristics were obtained in order to identify possible risk factors for readmission.

RESULTS

The 30-day readmission rate was 2.9%. The most common reason for unplanned readmissions were surgical site infections. The reasons for readmissions varied significantly between the different underlying neurosurgical diseases (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed hydrocephalus (OR, 4) and shorter length of stay during index admission (OR, 0.9) as risk factors for readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided an analysis of reasons for readmission for various neurosurgical diseases in a large patient spectrum in Germany. Although readmission rates are easy to track and an attractive tool for quality assessment, the rate alone cannot be seen as an adequate measure for quality in neurosurgery as it lacks a homogenous definition and depends on the underlying health care system. In addition, strategies for risk adjustment are required.

Increased complication and mortality among non-index hospital readmissions after brain tumor resection is associated with low-volume readmitting hospitals

OBJECTIVE

Fragmentation of care following craniotomy for tumor resection is increasingly common with the regionalization of neurosurgery. Hospital readmission to a hospital (non-index) other than the one from which patients received their original care (index) has been associated with increases in both morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. The impact of non-index readmission after surgical management of brain tumors has not previously been evaluated. The authors set out to determine rates of non-index readmission following craniotomy for tumor resection and evaluated outcomes following index and non-index readmissions.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of data from cases involving resection of a primary brain tumor were conducted using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) for 2010-2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent association of patient and hospital factors with readmission to an index versus non-index hospital. Further analysis evaluated association of non-index versus index hospital readmission with mortality and major complications during readmission. Effects of readmission hospital procedure volume on mortality and morbidity were evaluated in post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

In a total of 17,459 unplanned readmissions, 84.4% patients were readmitted to index hospitals and 15.6% to non-index hospitals. Patient factors associated with increased likelihood of non-index readmission included older age (75+: OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.75), elective index admission (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.30), increased Elixhauser comorbidity score ≥2 (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.37), and malignant tumor diagnosis (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19-1.45) (all p < 0.04). Readmission to a non-index facility was associated with a 28% increase in major complications (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.43, p < 0.001) and 21% increase in mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.44, p = 0.032) in initial analysis. Following a second multivariable logistic regression analysis including the readmitting hospital characteristics, low procedure volume of a readmitting facility was significantly associated with non-index readmission (p < 0.001). Readmission to a lower-procedure-volume facility was associated with a 46%-75% increase in mortality (OR 1.46-1.75, p < 0.005) and a 21%-35% increase in major complications (OR 1.21-1.34, p < 0.005). Following adjustment for volume at a readmitting facility, admission to a non-index facility was no longer associated with mortality (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71-1.14, p = 0.378) or major complications (OR 1.09, CI 0.94-1.26, p = 0.248).

CONCLUSIONS

Of patient readmissions following brain tumor resection, 15.6% occur at a non-index facility. Low procedure volume is a confounder for non-index analysis and is associated with an increased likelihood of major complications and mortality, as compared to readmission to high-procedure-volume hospitals. Further studies should evaluate interventions targeting factors associated with unplanned readmission.

Early unplanned readmission of neurosurgical patients after treatment of intracranial lesions: a comparison between surgical and non-surgical intervention group

Background

Recent health care policy making has highlighted the necessity for understanding factors that influence readmission. To elucidate the rate, reason, and predictors of readmissions in neurosurgical patients, we analyzed unscheduled readmissions to our neurosurgical department after treatment for cranial or cerebral lesions.

Methods

From 2015 to 2017, all adult patients who had been discharged from our Department of Neurosurgery and were readmitted within 30 days were included into the study cohort. The patients were divided into a surgical and a non-surgical group. The main outcome measure was unplanned inpatient admission within 30 days of discharge.

Results

During the observation period, 183 (7.4%) of 2486 patients had to be readmitted unexpectedly within 30 days after discharge. The main readmission causes were surgical site infection (34.4 %) and seizure (16.4%) in the surgical group, compared to natural progression of the original diagnosis (38.2%) in the non-surgical group. Most important predictors for an unplanned readmission were younger age, presence of malignoma (OR: 2.44), and presence of cardiovascular side diagnoses in the surgical group. In the non-surgical group, predictors were length of stay (OR: 1.07) and the need for intensive care (OR: 5.79).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that reasons for readmission vary between operated and non-operated patients and are preventable in large numbers. In addition, we identified treatment-related partly modifiable factors as predictors of unplanned readmission in the non-surgical group, while unmodifiable patient-related factors predominated in the surgical group. Further patient-related risk adjustment models are needed to establish an individualized preventive strategy in order to reduce unplanned readmissions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-020-04521-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Frailty and outcomes after craniotomy for brain tumor

Frailty has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in a variety of surgical disciplines. Few data exist regarding the relationship of frailty with adverse outcomes in craniotomy for brain tumor resection. We assessed the relationship between frailty and the incidence of major post-operative complication, discharge destination other than home, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality after elective craniotomy for brain tumor resection. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 20,333 adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy for tumor resection in the 2012-2018 ACS-NSQIP Participant Use File. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using all covariates deemed eligible through clinical and statistical significance. 6,249 patients (30.7%) were low-frailty and 2,148 patients (10.6%) were medium-to-high frailty. In multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, BMI, ASA classification, smoking status, dyspnea, significant pre-operative weight loss, chronic steroid use, bleeding disorder, tumor type, and operative time, low frailty was associated with increased adjusted odds ratio of major complication (1.41, 95% CI: 1.23-1.60, p < 0.001), discharge destination other than home (1.32, 95% CI: 1.20-1.46, p < 0.001), 30-day readmission (1.29, 95% CI: 1.15-1.44, p < 0.001), and 30-day mortality (1.87, 95% CI: 1.41-2.47, p < 0.001). Moderate-to-high frailty was also associated with increased adjusted odds of major complication (1.61, 95% CI: 1.35-1.92, p < 0.001), discharge destination other than home (1.80, 95% CI: 1.58-2.05), 30-day readmission (1.39, 95% CI: 1.19-1.62, p < 0.001), and 30-day mortality (2.42, 95% CI: 1.74-3.38, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is associated with increased odds of major post-operative complication, discharge to destination other than home, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality.

Surgical Site Infections after glioblastoma surgery: results of a multicentric retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The effects of surgical site infections (SSI) after glioblastoma surgery on patient outcomes are understudied. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the impact of SSI on the survival of glioblastoma patients.

METHODS

Data from SSI cases after glioblastoma surgeries between 2009 and 2016 were collected from 14 French neurosurgical centers. Collected data included patient demographics, previous medical history, risk factors, details of the surgical procedure, radiotherapy/chemotherapy, infection characteristics, and infection management. Similar data were collected from gender- and age-paired control individuals.

RESULTS

We used the medical records of 77 SSI patients and 58 control individuals. 13 were excluded. Our analyses included data from 64 SSI cases and 58 non-infected glioblastoma patients. Infections occurred after surgery for primary tumors in 38 cases (group I) and after surgery for a recurrent tumor in 26 cases (group II). Median survival was 381, 633, and 547 days in patients of group I, group II, and the control group, respectively. Patients in group I had significantly shorter survival compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The one-year survival rate of patients who developed infections after surgery for primary tumors was 50%. Additionally, we found that SSIs led to postoperative treatment discontinuation in 30% of the patients.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlighted the severity of SSIs after glioblastoma surgery, as they significantly affect patient survival. The establishment of preventive measures, as well as guidelines for the management of SSIs, is of high clinical importance.

Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea as a predictor of 30-day readmission for brain tumor patients

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be associated with negative outcomes and is underdiagnosed. The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a screening tool for OSA that has been validated in both medical and surgical populations. Given that readmission after surgical intervention is an undesirable event, the authors sought to investigate, among patients not previously diagnosed with OSA, the capacity of the STOP-Bang questionnaire to predict 30-day readmissions following craniotomy for a supratentorial neoplasm.

METHODS

For patients undergoing craniotomy for treatment of a supratentorial neoplasm within a multiple-hospital academic medical center, data were captured in a prospective manner via the Neurosurgery Quality Improvement Initiative (NQII) EpiLog tool. Data were collected over a 1-year period for all supratentorial craniotomy cases. An additional criterion for study inclusion was that the patient was alive at 30 postoperative days. Statistical analysis consisted of simple logistic regression, which assessed the ability of the STOP-Bang questionnaire and additional variables to effectively predict outcomes such as 30-day readmission, 30-day emergency department (ED) visit, and 30-day reoperation. The C-statistic was used to represent the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which analyzes the discrimination of a variable or model.

RESULTS

Included in the sample were all admissions for supratentorial neoplasms treated with craniotomy (352 patients), 49.72% (n = 175) of which were female. The average STOP-Bang score was 1.91 ± 1.22 (range 0-7). A 1-unit higher STOP-Bang score accurately predicted 30-day readmissions (OR 1.31, p = 0.017) and 30-day ED visits (OR 1.36, p = 0.016) with fair accuracy as confirmed by the ROC curve (C-statistic 0.60-0.61). The STOP-Bang questionnaire did not correlate with 30-day reoperation (p = 0.805) or home discharge (p = 0.315).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that undiagnosed OSA, as assessed via the STOP-Bang questionnaire, is a significant predictor of patient health status and readmission risk in the brain tumor craniotomy population. Further investigations should be undertaken to apply this prediction tool in order to enhance postoperative patient care to reduce the need for unplanned readmissions.

An additive score optimized by a genetic learning algorithm predicts readmission risk after glioblastoma resection

Thirty-day readmission following glioblastoma (GBM) resection is not only correlated with decreased overall survival but also increasingly tied to quality metrics and reimbursement. This study aimed to determine factors linked with 30-day readmission to develop a simple risk stratification score. From 2005 to 2016, 666 unique resections (467 patients) of primary/recurrent tissue-confirmed glioblastoma were retrospectively identified. We recorded patient demographics and medical history, tumor characteristics, post-operative complications and 30-day readmission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, optimized using a genetic learning algorithm, were used to determine factors associated with readmission. The multivariate model was converted to a simple additive score. The 30-day readmission rate was 20.3% in our cohort of 666 unique resections (60.7% first resection). Lower pre/post-operative KPS, recurrent resection, surgical-site infection, post-operative VTE, post-operative VPS, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility were significantly associated with an increased readmission risk (p < 0.05). MGMT methylation and chemoradiation were associated with decreased readmission risk (p < 0.05). Medical co-morbidities and past medical history, location of tumor in eloquent areas of the brain, and length of ICU/hospital stay did not predict readmission. The Glioblastoma Readmission Risk Score, developed from the multivariate model, accounts for increased BMI, decreased pre-operative KPS, current smoking, post-operative complications, MGMT methylation, and post-operative radiation. This risk score can be routinely used to stratify risk and assist in clinical decision making and outcome analyses.

Neurological and Medical Complications in Brain Tumor Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with brain tumors are susceptible to multiple complications that can affect their survival or quality of life. The scope of these complications is widening due to prolonged overall survival and improved therapies. In this review, we discuss the most common complications in this patient population focusing on the recent literature. We specifically concentrated on tumor-related epilepsy, vasogenic edema, infectious, vascular, chemotherapeutic, radiation, endocrine, and cognitive complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Molecular biomarkers play a role in epileptogenicity in brain tumor patients, and anti-epileptic drugs may cause neuro-cognitive side effects independent of other factors. The pathophysiology of vasogenic edema remains complex and poorly understood. Limited data suggest that newer oral anticoagulants appear to be safe and effective in venous and arterial thromboembolic complications. Brain tumor patients are prone to a wide variety of complications, including some related to new therapies. Optimal management of these complications improves quality of life, and in some cases overall survival.

Safety and costs analysis of early hospital discharge after brain tumour surgery: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

A daily algorithm for hospital discharge (DAHD) is a key point in the concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. We aimed to evaluate the length of stay (LOS), rate of complications, and hospital costs variances after the introduction of the DAHD compared to the traditional postoperative management of brain tumour patients.

METHODS

This is a cohort study with partial retrospective data collection. All consecutive patients who underwent brain tumour resection in 2017 were analysed. Demographics and procedure-related variables, as well as clinical outcomes, LOS and healthcare costs within 30 days after surgery were compared in patients before/pre-implementation and after/post-implementation the DAHD, which included: stable neurological examination; oral feeding without aspiration risk; pain control with oral medications; no intravenous medications. The algorithm was applied every morning and discharge was considered from day 1 after surgery if criteria was fulfilled. The primary outcome (LOS after surgery) analysis was adjusted for the preoperative performance status on a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients were studied (pre-implementation 32, post-implementation 29). The baseline demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. After the DAHD implementation, LOS decreased significantly (median 5 versus 3 days; p = 0.001) and the proportion of patients who were discharged on day 1 or 2 after surgery increased (44.8% vs 3.1%; p < 0.001). Major and minor complications rates, readmission rate, and unplanned return to hospital in 30-day follow-up were comparable between the groups. There was a significant reduction in the median costs of hospitalization in DAHD group (US$2135 vs US$2765, p = 0.043), mainly due to a reduction in median ward costs (US$922 vs US$1623, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Early discharge after brain tumour surgery appears to be safe and inexpensive. The LOS and hospitalization costs were reduced without increasing readmission rate or postoperative complications.

Increased 30-day readmission rate after craniotomy for tumor resection at safety net hospitals in small metropolitan areas

PURPOSE

Unplanned readmission of post-operative brain tumor patients is often attributed to hospital and patient characteristics and is associated with higher mortality and cost. Previous studies demonstrate multiple patient outcome disparities in safety net hospitals (SNHs) when compared to non-SNHs. This study uses the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) to determine if initial brain tumor resection at SNHs is associated with increased 30-day non-elective readmission rates.

METHODS

Patients with benign or malignant primary or metastatic brain tumor undergoing craniotomy for surgical resection were retrospectively identified in the NRD from 2010 to 2014. SNHs were defined as hospitals with Medicaid and uninsured patient burden in the top quartile. Descriptive and multivariate analyses employing survey-adjusted logistic regression evaluated patient and hospital level factors influencing 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

During the study period, 83,367 patients met inclusion criteria. 44.7% of patients had a benign tumor, and 55.3% had a malignant tumor. Secondary CNS neoplasm (5.99%), post-operative infection (5.96%), and septicemia (4.26%) caused most readmissions within 30 days. Patients had increased unplanned readmission rates if they underwent craniotomy for tumor resection at a SNH in a small metropolitan area (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, p = 0.01), but not at a SNH in a large metropolitan area (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05, p = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

This finding may reflect differences in access to care and disparities in neurosurgical resources between small and large metropolitan areas. Inequities in expertise and capacity are relevant as surgical volume was also related to readmission rates. Further studies may be warranted to address such disparities.

Thirty-day readmission risk after intracranial tumor resection surgeries in children

OBJECTIVE

The risk of readmission after brain tumor resection among pediatric patients has not been defined. The authors' objective was to evaluate the readmission rates and predictors of readmission after pediatric brain tumor resection.

METHODS

Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) data sets from 2010 to 2014 were searched for unplanned readmissions within 30 days of the discharge date after pediatric brain tumor resection. Patient demographic variables included sex, age, expected payment source (Medicaid or private insurance), and median annual household income. Readmission events for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or further tumor resection were not included.

RESULTS

Of 282 patients (12.7%) readmitted within 30 days of the index event, the median time to readmission was 10 days (IQR 5-19 days). The most common reason for readmission was hydrocephalus, which accounted for 19% of readmission events. Other CNS-related complications (24%), surgical site infections or septicemia (14%), seizures (7%), and hematological disorders (7%) accounted for other major readmission events. The median charge for readmission events was $35,431, and the median length of readmission stay was 4 days. In multivariate regression, factors associated with a significant increase in readmission risk included Medicaid as the primary payor, discharge from the index event with home health services, and fluid and electrolyte disorders during the index event.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 10% of pediatric brain tumor patients have unplanned readmission events within 30 days of discharge after tumor resection. Medicaid patients and those with preoperative or early postoperative fluid and electrolyte disturbances may benefit from early or frequent outpatient visits after tumor resection.

Thirty-day readmission rate as a surrogate marker for quality of care in neurosurgical patients: a single-center Canadian experience

OBJECTIVE

Readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge is used as a surrogate marker for quality and value of care in the United States (US) healthcare system. Concern exists regarding the value of 30-day readmission as a quality of care metric in neurosurgical patients. Few studies have assessed 30-day readmission rates in neurosurgical patients outside the US. The authors performed a retrospective review of all adult neurosurgical patients admitted to a single Canadian neurosurgical academic center and who were discharged to home to assess for the all-cause 30-day readmission rate, unplanned 30-day readmission rate, and avoidable 30-day readmission rate.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed assessing 30-day readmission rates after discharge to home in all neurosurgical patients admitted to a single academic neurosurgical center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. The primary outcomes included rates of all-cause, unplanned, and avoidable readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with unplanned and avoidable 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 184 of 950 patients (19.4%) were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. One-hundred three patients (10.8%) were readmitted for an unplanned reason and 81 (8.5%) were readmitted for a planned or rescheduled operation. Only 19 readmissions (10%) were for a potentially avoidable reason. Univariate analysis identified factors associated with readmission for a complication or persistent/worsening symptom, including age (p = 0.009), length of stay (p = 0.007), general neurosurgery diagnosis (p < 0.001), cranial pathology (p < 0.001), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p < 0.001), number of initial admission operations (p = 0.01), and shunt procedures (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified predictive factors of readmission, including diagnosis (p = 0.002, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-5.3), cranial pathology (p = 0.002, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.3), ICU admission (p = 0.004, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.2), and number of first admission operations (p = 0.01, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.3-0.87). Univariate analysis performed to identify factors associated with potentially avoidable readmissions included length of stay (p = 0.03), diagnosis (p < 0.001), cranial pathology (p = 0.02), and shunt procedures (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified only shunt procedures as a predictive factor for avoidable readmission (p = 0.02, OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.4-22.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one-fifth of neurosurgical patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. However, only about half of these patients were admitted for an unplanned reason, and only 10% of all readmissions were potentially avoidable. This study demonstrates unique challenges encountered in a publicly funded healthcare setting and supports the growing literature suggesting 30-day readmission rates may serve as an inappropriate quality of care metric in neurosurgical patients. Potentially avoidable readmissions can be predicted, and further research assessing predictors of avoidable readmissions is warranted.

Smoking and Obesity are Risk Factors for Thirty-Day Readmissions Following Skull Base Surgery

Background  Thirty-day readmission has become a significant health care metric reflecting the quality of care and on the cost of service delivery. There is little data on the impact of complications following skull base surgery (SBS) on emergency readmission. Identifying modifiable risk factors for readmission may improve care and reduce cost. Design  The study was designed as a single-center retrospective cohort study. Methods  Records for a consecutive series of 165 patients who underwent open or endoscopic SBS by a single surgeon reviewed. Patients with pituitary adenoma were excluded. The diagnosis, procedure, complications, length of stay (LOS), body mass index (BMI), and smoking status were recorded. Readmission to the neurosurgical department or regional hospitals was either noted prospectively or the patient contacted. Cause and length of readmission was documented. Results  Of the 165 cases, 14 (8.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. Causes for readmission included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 5/14 or 35.7% (overall rate for readmission for this complication in the series is 3.1%), infection in 4/14 (28.6%), hyponatraemia in 2/14 (14.3%), vascular: sinus thrombosis in 1/14 (7.1%), seizures in 1/14 (7.1%), and epistaxis in 1/14 (7.1%). Initial and readmission LOS was 6 and 14 days, respectively. BMI was higher in those readmitted within 30 days (33.2 kg/m ² ) versus no readmission (27.1 kg/m ² ). In addition, of those readmitted within 30 days, 35.7% were smokers compared with 20.8% in those not readmitted. Conclusion  In this series, smoking and raised BMI may be indicators for within 30-day readmission and complications in this population, raising the question of risk factor modification prior to elective intervention.

Adverse events in brain tumor surgery: incidence, type, and impact on current quality metrics

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to determine pre-operative factors associated with adverse events occurring within 30 days after neurosurgical tumor treatment in a German center, adjusting for their incidence in order to prospectively compare different centers.

METHODS

Adult patients that were hospitalized due to a benign or malignant brain were retrospectively assessed for quality indicators and adverse events. Analyses were performed in order to determine risk factors for adverse events and reasons for readmission and reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 2511 cases were enrolled. The 30 days unplanned readmission rate to the same hospital was 5.7%. The main reason for readmission was tumor progression. Every 10th patient had an unplanned reoperation. The incidence of surgical revisions due to infections was 2.3%. Taking together all monitored adverse events, male patients had a higher risk for any of these complications (OR 1.236, 95%CI 1.025-1.490, p = 0.027). Age, sex, and histological diagnosis were predictors of experiencing any complication. Adjusted by incidence, the increased risk ratios greater than 10.0% were found for male sex, age, metastatic tumor, and hemiplegia for various quality indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that most predictors of outcome rates are based on preoperative underlying medical conditions and are not modifiable by the surgeon. Comparing our results to the literature, we conclude that differences in readmission and reoperation rates are strongly influenced by standards in decision making and that comparison of outcome rates between different health-care providers on an international basis is challenging. Each health-care system has to develop own metrics for risk adjustment that require regular reassessment.

The impact of unplanned reoperations in head and neck cancer surgery on survival

OBJECTIVES

Unplanned reoperation causes physical and psychological stress in patients and it costs more in terms of medical, economic and social resource. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and clinical significance of unplanned reoperation (any unscheduled surgery within 30 days from the initial surgery) in patients who had undergone head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 574 consecutive patients who had received surgery for HNC with or without flap reconstruction from 2010 to 2015 were analyzed. Clinical and biochemical characteristics, cause of unplanned reoperation, cancer subsites, and previous treatment history were compared between unplanned reoperation group (n = 60) and control group (n = 514). Multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for unplanned reoperation. Clinical significance was evaluated by multivariable survival analyses using Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Overall rate of unplanned reoperation was 10.5%. Flap complication (40.0%) was the most common cause, followed by infection (16.7%), necrosis (11.7%), and bleeding (8.3%). Higher N (N2) classification, long operation time and previous treatment before surgery were identified as risk factors for unplanned reoperation. Based on multivariable survival analyses, recurrence-free survival was significantly decreased in unplanned reoperation group (Hazard ratio = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [1.23-2.80]), but not overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Unplanned reoperation significantly decreased recurrence-free survival in patients with HNC surgery. Thus, careful surgical/ perioperative management is needed to reduce unplanned reoperation in HNC patients with advanced nodal disease, long operation time or previous treatment history.

Qualitative study of perspectives concerning recent rehospitalisations among a high-risk cohort of veteran patients in Connecticut, USA

OBJECTIVES

Veterans Affairs (VA) patients are at risk for rehospitalisation due to their lower socioeconomic status, older age, poor social support or multiple comorbidities. The study explored inpatients' perceptions about factors contributing to their rehospitalisation and their recommendations to reduce this risk.

DESIGN

Thematic qualitative data analysis of interviews with 18 VA inpatients.

SETTING

VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven Hospital medical inpatient units.

PARTICIPANTS

All were aged 18+ years, rehospitalised within 30 days of most recent discharge, medically stable and competent to provide consent.

MEASUREMENTS

Interviews assessed inpatients' health status after last discharge, reason for rehospitalisation, access to and support from primary care providers (PCP), medication management, home support systems and history of substance use or mental health disorders.

RESULTS

The mean age was 71.6 years (11.1 SD); all were Caucasian, living on limited budgets, and many had serious medical conditions or histories of mental health disorders. Participants considered structural barriers to accessing PCP and limited PCP involvement in medical decision-making as contributing to their rehospitalisation, although most believed that rehospitalisation had been inevitable. Peridischarge themes included beliefs about premature discharge, inadequate understanding of postdischarge plans and insufficiently coordinated postdischarge services. Most highly valued their VA healthcare but recommended increasing PCPs' involvement and reducing structural barriers to accessing primary and specialty care.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PCP involvement in medical decision-making about rehospitalisation, expanded clinic hours, reduced travel distances, improved communications to patients and their families about predischarge and postdischarge plans and proactive postdischarge outreach to high-risk patients may reduce rehospitalisation risk.

Method for temporal keyhole lobectomies in resection of low- and high-grade gliomas

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe a method of resecting temporal gliomas through a keyhole lobectomy and to share the results of using this technique.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of data obtained in all patients in whom the senior author performed resection of temporal gliomas between 2012 and 2015. The authors describe their technique for resecting dominant and nondominant gliomas, using both awake and asleep keyhole craniotomy techniques.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-six patients (50%) had not received prior surgery. Seventeen patients (33%) were diagnosed with WHO Grade II/III tumors, and 35 patients (67%) were diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Thirty tumors were left sided (58%). Thirty procedures (58%) were performed while the patient was awake. The median extent of resection was 95%, and at least 90% of the tumor was resected in 35 cases (67%). Five of 49 patients (10%) with clinical follow-up experienced permanent deficits, including 3 patients (6%) with hydrocephalus requiring placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and 2 patients (4%) with weakness. Three patients experienced early postoperative anomia, but no patients had a new speech deficit at clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors provide their experience using a keyhole lobectomy for resecting temporal gliomas. Their data demonstrate the feasibility of using less invasive techniques to safely and aggressively treat these tumors.

Length of Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Operated on for a High-Grade Glioma: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

High-grade gliomas are associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). This retrospective study with a parallel cohort design investigated influence of continuing prophylactic anticoagulation after discharge on rate of VTE and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients operated on for high-grade glioma.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients who underwent subtotal or gross total resection for high-grade glioma at a single institution were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between duration of thromboprophylaxis (dalteparin administered 21 days vs. 0-7 days) and occurrence of VTE and ICH within 21 or 90 days after surgery, corrected for known risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 301 included patients, 166 received short-term thromboprophylaxis, and 135 received prolonged thromboprophylaxis. In multivariable analysis, prolonged thromboprophylaxis was not significantly associated with occurrence of VTE within 21 days (3.0% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.24) or 90 days (8.9% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.09) after surgery; however, prolonged prophylaxis was associated with occurrence of ICH (5.9% vs. 0.6%; P = 0.03). Additionally, immobility (P = 0.03) and high body mass index (P = 0.02) were associated with occurrence of VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic anticoagulation for 21 days postoperatively was not associated with a decreased rate of VTE compared with thromboprophylaxis until discharge. ICH was more common with prolonged thromboprophylaxis. These results provide insufficient evidence to extend duration of prophylaxis beyond hospitalization. Large-scale randomized prospective studies are needed to clarify safety, efficacy, and optimal timing of postoperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with high-grade glioma.

Reoperation and readmission after clipping of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although reoperation and readmission have been used as quality metrics, there are limited data evaluating the rate of, reasons for, and predictors of reoperation and readmission after microsurgical clipping of unruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent craniotomy for clipping of an unruptured aneurysm electively were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry (2011–2014). Multivariable logistic regression and recursive partitioning analysis evaluated the independent predictors of nonroutine hospital discharge, unplanned 30-day reoperation, and readmission. Predictors screened included patient age, sex, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, functional status, aneurysm location, preoperative laboratory values, operative time, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 460 patients evaluated, 4.2% underwent any reoperation at a median of 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2–17 days) postoperatively, and 1.1% required a cranial reoperation. The most common reoperation was ventricular shunt placement (23.5%); other reoperations were tracheostomy, craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, and decompressive hemicraniectomy. Independent predictors of any unplanned reoperation were age greater than 51 years and longer operative time (p ≤ 0.04). Readmission occurred in 6.3% of patients at a median of 6 days (IQR 5–13 days) after discharge from the surgical hospitalization; 59.1% of patients were readmitted within 1 week and 86.4% within 2 weeks of discharge. The most common reason for readmission was seizure (26.7%); other causes of readmission included hydrocephalus, cerebrovascular accidents, and headache. Unplanned readmission was independently associated with age greater than 65 years, Class II or III obesity (body mass index > 35 kg/m2), preoperative hyponatremia, and preoperative anemia (p ≤ 0.04). Readmission was not associated with operative time, complications during the surgical hospitalization, length of stay, or discharge disposition. Recursive partitioning analysis identified the same 4 variables, as well as ASA classification, as associated with unplanned readmission. The most potent predictors of nonroutine hospital discharge (16.7%) were postoperative neurological and cardiopulmonary complications; other predictors were age greater than 51 years, preoperative hyponatremia, African American and Asian race, and a complex vertebrobasilar circulation aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

In this national analysis, patient age greater than 65 years, Class II or III obesity, preoperative hyponatremia, and anemia were associated with adverse events, highlighting patients who may be at risk for complications after clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The preponderance of early readmissions highlights the importance of early surveillance and follow-up after discharge; the frequency of readmission for seizure emphasizes the need for additional data evaluating the utility and duration of postcraniotomy seizure prophylaxis. Moreover, readmission was primarily associated with preoperative characteristics rather than metrics of perioperative care, suggesting that readmission may be a suboptimal indicator of the quality of care received during the surgical hospitalization in this patient population.

Drivers and Risk Factors of Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Following Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

OBJECTIVES

Unplanned 30-day readmission rates contribute significantly to growing national healthcare expenditures. Drivers of unplanned 30-day readmission after spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation are relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to determine drivers of 30-day unplanned readmission following SCS implantation.

METHODS

The National Readmission Database was queried to identify all patients who underwent SCS implantation for the 2013 calendar year. Patients were grouped by readmission status, "No Readmission" and "Unplanned 30-day Readmission." Patient demographics and comorbidities were collected for each patient. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of unplanned 30-day readmissions and associated driving factors. A multivariate analysis was used to determine independent predictors of unplanned 30-day readmission after SCS implantation.

RESULTS

We identified 1521 patients who underwent SCS implantation, with 113 (7.4%) experiencing an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were similar between both cohorts. The three main drivers for 30-day readmission after SCS implantation include: 1) infection (not related to SCS device), 2) infection due to device (limited to only hardware infection), and 3) mechanical complication of SCS device. Furthermore, obesity was found to be an independent predictor of 30-day readmission (OR: 1.86, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that infectious and mechanical complications are the primary drivers of unplanned 30-day readmission after SCS implantation, with obesity as an independent predictor of unplanned readmission. Given the technological advancements in SCS, repeated studies are necessary to identify factors associated with unplanned 30-day readmission rates after SCS implantation to improve patient outcomes and reduce associated costs.

Topical Vancomycin Reduces Surgical-Site Infections After Craniotomy: A Prospective, Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neurosurgical patients. Topical antibiotics are one potential method to reduce the incidence of these infections.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy of topical vancomycin applied within the wound during craniotomy in a large prospective cohort study at a major academic center.

METHODS

Three hundred fifty-five patients were studied prospectively in this cohort study; 205 patients received 1 g of topical vancomycin powder in the subgaleal space while 150 matched control patients did not. Patients otherwise received identical care. The primary outcome variable was SSI rate factored by cohort. Secondary analysis examined cost savings from vancomycin usage estimated from hospital costs associated with SSI in craniotomy patients.

RESULTS

The addition of topical vancomycin was associated with a significantly lower rate of SSI than standard of care alone (0.49% [1/205] vs 6% [9/150], P = .002). Based on the costs of revision surgery for infections, topical vancomycin usage was estimated to save $1367 446 per 1000 craniotomy patients. No adverse reactions occurred.

CONCLUSION

Topical vancomycin is a safe, effective, and cost-saving measure to prevent SSIs following craniotomy. These results have broad implications for standard of care in craniotomy.

The Influence of Perioperative Seizure Prophylaxis on Seizure Rate and Hospital Quality Metrics Following Glioma Resection

BACKGROUND

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently administered prophylactically to mitigate seizures following craniotomy for brain tumor resection. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the efficacy of AEDs, and their influence on surgery-related outcomes is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of perioperative AEDs on postoperative seizure rate and hospital-reported quality metrics.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, incorporating all adult patients who underwent craniotomy for glioma resection at our institution between 1999 and 2014. Patients in 2 cohorts-those receiving and those not receiving prophylactic AEDs-were compared on the incidence of postoperative seizures and several hospital quality metrics including length of stay, discharge status, and use of hospital resources.

RESULTS

Among 342 patients with glioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery, 301 (88%) received AED prophylaxis and 41 (12%) did not. Seventeen patients (5.6%) in the prophylaxis group developed a seizure within 14 days of surgery, compared with 1 (2.4%) in the standard group (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [0.3-17.4]). Median hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay were similar between the cohorts. There was also no difference in the rate at which patients presented within 90 days postoperatively to the emergency department or required hospital readmission. In addition, the rate of hospital resource consumption, including electroencephalogram and computed tomography scan acquisition, and neurology consultation, was similar between both groups.

CONCLUSION

The administration of prophylactic AEDs following glioma surgery did not influence the rate of perioperative seizures, nor did it reduce healthcare resource consumption. The role of perioperative seizure prophylaxis should be closely reexamined, and reconsideration given to this commonplace practice.