Does it matter where you get your surgery for colorectal cancer?

The influence of hospital-related factors on outcomes following colorectal surgery is not well-established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between hospital factors on outcomes in surgically managed colorectal cancer patients.

We performed a 2-year (2014–2015) analysis of the NIS database. Adult (> 18 years) patients who underwent open or laparoscopic colorectal resection were identified using ICD-9 codes. Patients were stratified based on hospital: volume (low vs. high), teaching status, and location (urban vs. rural). Outcome measures were complications and mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

A total of 153,453 patients with CRC were identified of which 35.3% underwent surgical management. Mean age was 69 ± 13 years, 51.6% were female, and 67% were white. Twenty-seven percent of the patients were managed at a high-volume center, 48% at intermediate-volume center while 25% at a low-volume center. Complications and mortality rates were lower in patients who were managed at high-volume centers and urban hospitals, while no difference was noticed based on teaching status. On regression analysis, patients managed at high-volume centers (OR 0.76 [0.56–0.89]) and urban hospitals (OR 0.83 [0.64–0.91]) have lower odds of complications; similarly, high-volume centers (OR 0.79 [0.65–0.90]) and urban facility (OR 0.87 [0.70–0.92]) were associated with lower odds of mortality. However, there was no association between teaching status and outcomes.

Hospital factors significantly influence outcomes in patients with CRC managed surgically. High-volume centers and urban facilities have relatively better outcomes. Regionalization of care along with the appropriate availability of resources may improve outcomes in patients with CRC.

Level III, Retrospective Observational Study