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Tan EJKW, Chen HLR, Chok AY, Tan IEH, Zhao Y, Lee RS, Ang KA, Au MKH, Ong HS, Ho HSS, Poopalalingam R, Tan HK, Kwek KYC. A reduction in hospital length of stay reduces costs for colorectal surgery: an economic evaluation of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program in Singapore. Int J Colorectal Dis 2023; 38:257. [PMID: 37882868 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In 2017, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was introduced in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital as a pilot quality improvement initiative. This study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of NSQIP by evaluating its effects on surgical outcomes, length of stay (LOS), and costs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing colorectal surgery (2017-2020). Patients were divided into two cohorts: pre-NSQIP (2017-2018) and post-NSQIP (2019-2020). Outcomes evaluated were 30-day postoperative complications, LOS, and costs. Total cost-savings from NSQIP intervention's impact on LOS were estimated using a decision model with a one-way sensitivity analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors for prolonged LOS. RESULTS 1905 patients underwent colorectal surgery, with 996 in the pre-NSQIP cohort and 909 in the post-NSQIP cohort. A significant reduction in overall postoperative complications of 4.7% was observed in the post-NSQIP cohort (36.5% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.029). Patients in the post-NSQIP cohort had a shorter median LOS (8.0 vs. 6.0 days, p < 0.001). The implementation of NSQIP resulted in an 8.5% decrease in prolonged LOS > 6 days (p < 0.001), saving S$0.31 million on LOS. Total costs per case were reduced by 20.8% following NSQIP (S$39,539.05 vs. S$31,311.93, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Implementing NSQIP has significantly reduced overall postoperative complications, LOS, and costs and achieved cost savings following colorectal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile John Kwong Wei Tan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
| | - Hui Lionel Raphael Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Aik Yong Chok
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Ivan En-Howe Tan
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Rachel Shiyi Lee
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Kwok Ann Ang
- Finance, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Marianne Kit Har Au
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
- Finance, Singhealth Community Hospitals, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Hock Soo Ong
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Henry Sun Sien Ho
- Department of Urology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Ruban Poopalalingam
- Department of Anesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Hiang Khoon Tan
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Yung Chiang Kwek
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
- Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
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Chok AY, Tan IEH, Zhao Y, Chee MYM, Chen HLR, Ang KA, Au MKH, Tan EJKW. Clinical outcomes and cost comparison of laparoscopic versus open surgery in elderly colorectal cancer patients over 80 years. Int J Colorectal Dis 2023; 38:160. [PMID: 37278975 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The growth of Singapore's geriatric population, coupled with the rise in colorectal cancer (CRC), has increased the number of colorectal surgeries performed on elderly patients. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and costs of laparoscopic versus open elective colorectal resections in elderly CRC patients over 80 years. METHODS A retrospective cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) identified patients over 80 years undergoing elective colectomy and proctectomy between 2018 and 2021. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), 30-day postoperative complications, and mortality rates were analysed. Cost data in Singapore dollars were obtained from the finance database. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine cost drivers. The 5-year overall survival (OS) for the entire octogenarian CRC cohort with and without postoperative complications was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS Of the 192 octogenarian CRC patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery between 2018 and 2021, 114 underwent laparoscopic resection (59.4%), while 78 underwent open surgery (40.6%). The proportion of proctectomy cases was similar between laparoscopic and open groups (24.6% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.949). Baseline characteristics, including Charlson Comorbidity Index, albumin level, and tumour staging, were comparable between both groups. Median operative duration was 52.5 min longer in the laparoscopic group (232.5 vs. 180.0 min, P < 0.001). Both groups had no significant differences in postoperative complications and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. Median LOS was 6 days in the laparoscopic group compared to 9 days in the open group (P < 0.001). The mean total cost was 11.7% lower in the laparoscopic group (S$25,583.44 vs. S$28,970.85, P = 0.012). Proctectomy (P = 0.024), postoperative pneumonia (P < 0.001) and urinary tract infection (P < 0.001), and prolonged LOS > 6 days (P < 0.001) were factors contributing to increased costs in the entire cohort. The 5-year OS of octogenarians with minor or major postoperative complications was significantly lower than those without complications (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic resection is associated with significantly reduced overall hospitalization costs and decreased LOS compared to open resection among octogenarian CRC patients, with comparable postoperative outcomes and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. The extended operative time and higher consumables costs from laparoscopic resection were mitigated by the decrease in other inpatient hospitalization costs, including ward accommodation, daily treatment fees, investigation costs, and rehabilitation expenditures. Comprehensive perioperative care and optimised surgical approach to mitigate the impact of postoperative complications can improve survival in elderly patients undergoing CRC resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aik Yong Chok
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Ivan En-Howe Tan
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
| | - Madeline Yen Min Chee
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | | | - Kwok Ann Ang
- Finance, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Marianne Kit Har Au
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
- Finance, Singhealth Community Hospitals, Singapore, 168582, Singapore
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Chok AY, Zhao Y, Chen HLR, Tan IEH, Chew DHW, Zhao Y, Au MKH, Tan EJKW. Elderly patients over 80 years undergoing colorectal cancer resection: Development and validation of a predictive nomogram for survival. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:892-905. [PMID: 37342856 PMCID: PMC10277950 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i5.892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgery remains the primary treatment for localized colorectal cancer (CRC). Improving surgical decision-making for elderly CRC patients necessitates an accurate predictive tool.
AIM To build a nomogram to predict the overall survival of elderly patients over 80 years undergoing CRC resection.
METHODS Two hundred and ninety-five elderly CRC patients over 80 years undergoing surgery at Singapore General Hospital between 2018 and 2021 were identified from the American College of Surgeons – National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Prognostic variables were selected using univariate Cox regression, and clinical feature selection was performed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. A nomogram for 1- and 3-year overall survival was constructed based on 60% of the study cohort and tested on the remaining 40%. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration plots. Risk groups were stratified using the total risk points derived from the nomogram and the optimal cut-off point. Survival curves were compared between the high- and low-risk groups.
RESULTS Eight predictors: Age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, serum albumin level, distant metastasis, emergency surgery, postoperative pneumonia, and postoperative myocardial infarction, were included in the nomogram. The AUC values for the 1-year survival were 0.843 and 0.826 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The AUC values for the 3-year survival were 0.788 and 0.750 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. C-index values of the training cohort (0.845) and validation cohort (0.793) suggested the excellent discriminative ability of the nomogram. Calibration curves demonstrated a good consistency between the predictions and actual observations of overall survival in both training and validation cohorts. A significant difference in overall survival was seen between elderly patients stratified into low- and high-risk groups (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION We constructed and validated a nomogram predicting 1- and 3-year survival probability in elderly patients over 80 years undergoing CRC resection, thereby facilitating holistic and informed decision-making among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aik Yong Chok
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore 168582, Singapore
| | | | - Ivan En-Howe Tan
- Group Finance Analytics, Singapore Health Services, Singapore 168582, Singapore
| | | | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Marianne Kit Har Au
- Group Finance, Singapore Health Services, Singapore 168582, Singapore
- Singhealth Community Hospitals, Singapore 168582, Singapore
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Chen HLR, Seow-En I, Chok AY, Ngo NT, Cheng TEL, Tan KWE. The role of magnetic resonance tumour regression grade (mrTRG) in the prediction of regression and survival of rectal adenocarcinoma after long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) – a cohort study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:842-848. [PMID: 37113901 PMCID: PMC10129100 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rectal cancer response to neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) is assessed by magnetic resonance tumour regression grade (mrTRG) and this has an impact on surgical management. However, there is limited data on the correlation between mrTRG and pathological tumour regression grade (pTRG). This study aims to evaluate the correlation between mrTRG and pTRG and the prognostic value of mrTRG on survival. Methods Between 2011 and 2016, patients with rectal cancer who underwent LCCRT and had post-LCCRT MRI were included in the study. Both mrTRG and pTRG were dichotomised into good responders (mrTRG 1-3 and pTRG 0-1) and poor responders (mrTRG 4-5 and pTRG 2-3). Correlation between mrTRG and pTRG was assessed with Cohen κ analysis. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier test and Cox proportional hazard models. Results There were 59 patients included in this study. There were significant reductions in anal sphincter and circumferential resection margin involvement in post-LCCRT MRI. Fair agreement was found between mrTRG and pTRG (κ=0.345). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of mrTRG 1-3 to predict good pathological response were 100%, 46.3% and 62.7%, respectively. On survival analysis, mrTRG 1-3 was not associated with improved overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Conclusions While there is fair agreement in correlation between mrTRG and pTRG, MRI remains an objective, noninvasive assessment of tumour response. Further studies are required to improve the ability of mrTRG to predict good responders to LCCRT and evaluate its role as a prognostic marker for survival.
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Chen HLR, Chok AY, Cheng TEL, Tan KWE. Pouch volvulus after laparoscopic ileal pouch anal anastomosis: the Achilles heel? ANZ J Surg 2021; 92:2322-2323. [PMID: 34958164 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aik Yong Chok
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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