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Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 10/2008

01-10-2008 | ssat plenery presentation

High Volume and Outcome After Liver Resection: Surgeon or Center?

Authors: Robert W. Eppsteiner, Nicholas G. Csikesz, Jessica P. Simons, Jennifer F. Tseng, Shimul A. Shah

Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 10/2008

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Abstract

Introduction

In a case controlled analysis, we attempted to determine if the volume–survival benefit persists in liver resection (LR) after eliminating differences in background characteristics.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), we identified all LR (n = 2,949) with available surgeon/hospital identifiers performed from 1998–2005. Propensity scoring adjusted for background characteristics. Volume cut-points were selected to create equal groups. A logistic regression for mortality was then performed with these matched groups.

Results

At high volume (HV) hospitals, patients (n = 1423) were more often older, white, private insurance holders, elective admissions, carriers of a malignant diagnosis, and high income residents (p < 0.05). Propensity matching eliminated differences in background characteristics. Adjusted in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the HV group (2.6% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.02). Logistic regression found that private insurance and elective admission type decreased mortality; preoperative comorbidity increased mortality. Only LR performed by HV surgeons at HV centers was independently associated with improved in-hospital mortality (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22–0.83).

Conclusions

A socioeconomic bias may exist at HV centers. When these factors are accounted for and adjusted, center volume does not appear to influence in-hospital mortality unless LR is performed by HV surgeons at HV centers.
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Metadata
Title
High Volume and Outcome After Liver Resection: Surgeon or Center?
Authors
Robert W. Eppsteiner
Nicholas G. Csikesz
Jessica P. Simons
Jennifer F. Tseng
Shimul A. Shah
Publication date
01-10-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery / Issue 10/2008
Print ISSN: 1091-255X
Electronic ISSN: 1873-4626
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-008-0627-3

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