Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A novel risk scoring system reliably predicts readmission after pancreatectomy.
Postoperative readmissions have been proposed by Medicare as a quality metric and can impact provider reimbursement. Because readmission after pancreatectomy is common, we sought to identify factors associated with readmission to establish a predictive risk scoring system. ⋯ The RAP score is a novel and clinically useful risk scoring system for readmission after pancreatectomy. Identification of patients with increased risk of readmission using the RAP score will allow efficient resource allocation aimed to attenuate readmission rates. It also has potential to serve as a new metric for comparative research and quality assessment.
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There have been no comprehensive studies across an organized statewide trauma system using a standardized method to determine cost. ⋯ Patient care cost rose with increasing ISS, length of stay, ICU days, and ventilator days for patients with length of stay >2 days and ISS 9+. Level I centers had the highest mean ISS, length of stay, ICU days, and ventilator days, along with the highest PCC. Lesser trauma accounted for lower charges, payments, and PCC for Level II, III, and IV TCs, and the margin was variable. Verification and response costs per patient were highest for Level I and II TCs.
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Ventral incisional hernias (VIH) develop in up to 20% of patients after abdominal surgery. No widely applicable preoperative risk-assessment tool exists. We aimed to develop and validate a risk-assessment tool to predict VIH after abdominal surgery. ⋯ The HERNIAscore accurately identifies patients at increased risk for VIH. Although external validation is needed, this provides a starting point to counsel patients and guide clinical decisions. Increasing the use of laparoscopy, weight-loss programs, community smoking prevention programs, and incisional reinforcement may help reduce rates of VIH.
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Multicenter Study
Postmastectomy radiation for N2/N3 breast cancer: factors associated with low compliance rate.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines recommend postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for women with N2/N3 breast cancer. We examined the compliance rate of PMRT using the National Cancer Data Base and determined what factors are associated with low compliance rate with PMRT. ⋯ One third of patients with N2/N3 disease did not receive PMRT. Socioeconomic variables were not contributory factors. Noncompliance with PMRT is related to lack of receipt of chemotherapy, nonreadmission, or death within 30 days after surgery.
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Multicenter Study
Risk stratification for readmission after major hepatectomy: development of a readmission risk score.
Hospital readmission is becoming a quality measure, despite poor understanding of the risks of readmission. This study examines readmission risk factors after major hepatectomy and develops a predictive model. ⋯ The risk of hospital readmission within 90 days after major hepatectomy is high and is reliably predicted with a novel scoring system.