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Surgical Team (surgical + team)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Surgery & Surgical Specialties	31%
Transplantation	13%

Selected Abstracts

Optimizing patient flow in a large hospital surgical centre by means of discrete-event computer simulation models

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 6 2008
Rodrigo B. Ferreira MSc
Abstract Objective, This study used the discrete-events computer simulation methodology to model a large hospital surgical centre (SC), in order to analyse the impact of increases in the number of post-anaesthetic beds (PABs), of changes in surgical room scheduling strategies and of increases in surgery numbers. Methods, The used inputs were: number of surgeries per day, type of surgical room scheduling, anaesthesia and surgery duration, surgical teams' specialty and number of PABs, and the main outputs were: number of surgeries per day, surgical rooms' use rate and blocking rate, surgical teams' use rate, patients' blocking rate, surgery delays (minutes) and the occurrence of postponed surgeries. Two basic strategies were implemented: in the first strategy, the number of PABs was increased under two assumptions: (a) following the scheduling plan actually used by the hospital (the ,rigid' scheduling , surgical rooms were previously assigned and assignments could not be changed) and (b) following a ,flexible' scheduling (surgical rooms, when available, could be freely used by any surgical team). In the second, the same analysis was performed, increasing the number of patients (up to the system ,feasible maximum') but fixing the number of PABs, in order to evaluate the impact of the number of patients over surgery delays. Conclusion, It was observed that the introduction of a flexible scheduling/increase in PABs would lead to a significant improvement in the SC productivity. [source]

Conception of a navigation system controlling diaphyseal fracture reduction treated with external fixation

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 1 2009
T. Leloup
Abstract Background The reduction of long bone fractures treated with external fixation is usually performed with fluoroscopic images, which include several disadvantages: 2D information, distortions, and irradiation to the patient and the surgical team. This article presents a new navigation technique to control the reduction of such fractures while minimizing the irradiation. Methods Optically tracked markers are fixed to pins inserted into the bone fragments. These last are modelled using two initial calibrated radiographs. The models can be improved with several types of anatomical data and are displayed in real time. Results This navigation system was tested on dry bones and an anatomical specimen leg. Conclusions This new technique allows the visualization of the fracture in real time and from any viewpoint during the reduction. Irradiation is minimized using only two X-ray images. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Understanding waiting lists as the matching of surgical capacity to demand: are we wasting enough surgical time?

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2010
J. J. Pandit
Summary If surgical ,capacity' always matched or exceeded ,demand' then there should be no waiting lists for surgery. However, understanding what is meant by ,demand', ,capacity' and ,matched' requires some mathematical concepts that we outline in this paper. ,Time' is the relevant measure: ,demand' for a surgical team is best understood as the total min required for the surgery booked from outpatient clinics every week; and ,capacity' is the weekly operating time available. We explain how the variation in demand (not just the mean demand) influences the analysis of optimum capacity. However, any capacity chosen in this way is associated with only a likelihood (that is, a probability rather than certainty) of absorbing the prevailing demand. A capacity that suitably absorbs the demand most of the time (for example, > 80% of weeks) will inevitably also involve considerable waste (that is, many weeks in which there is spare, unused capacity). Conversely, a level of capacity chosen to minimise wasted time will inevitably cause an increase in size of the waiting list. Thus the question of how to balance demand and capacity is intimately related to the question of how to balance utilisation and waste. These mathematical considerations enable us to consider objectively how to manage the waiting list. They also enable us critically to analyse the extent to which philosophies adopted by the National Health Service (such as ,Lean' or ,Six Sigma') will be successful in matching surgical capacity to demand. [source]

The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality: a review of areas of concern related to anaesthesia over 10 years

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2009
H. J. McFarlane
Summary The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality is a voluntary, peer reviewed, critical event analysis of patients who die under the care of consultant surgeons in acute hospitals in Scotland. The anaesthetic contribution to surgical mortality over a 10-year period from 1996 was reviewed. The total number of deaths was 44 230 or 1.5% of all admissions. Forty thousand, eight hundred and ninety-six deaths (92%) were audited. Deaths after elective surgery declined over 10 years. Over 80% of deaths followed emergency admission. The number of deaths where an anaesthetist was present was 16 981 or 0.6% of all admissions. Anaesthetic areas of concern were identified in 8% of deaths. Of these, 43% were related to pre-operative assessment. Anaesthesia also played a part in a further 18% of deaths where decision making was shared with the surgical team. Of these, 41% were related to access to critical care. A further 24% related to communication failures, principally when the operation should not have been done or was unnecessary. [source]

Role of an acute assessment and review area for general surgical patients

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2010
Ellen Perry
Abstract Background:, Increasing demand for acute surgical services is one of the major challenges facing modern health systems. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of implementing a dedicated surgical assessment and review area (SARA) on patient flow for acute general surgical patients at a major teaching hospital in New Zealand. Methods:, A specific area within inpatient surgical beds was redeveloped and staffed by a dedicated surgical team. Prospective data pertaining to patient flow and outcomes were collected (10-month period) and compared with historical controls (preceding 14 months prior to implementation). Results:, During the 24-month period 9182 acute general surgical patients were admitted (3836 [41.1%] post implementation of SARA). Subsequent to the introduction of SARA, 865 (22.5%) patients were referred directly from their general practitioner. Length of stay was reduced in all patients from 2.58 to 2.04 days (P < 0.001) and in those who did not require surgery from 2.56 to 1.96 days (P < 0.001). However, the number of days in which the department of surgery had outlying patients increased significantly from 76.7% to 86.3%, P < 0.001. Conclusions:, The introduction of a dedicated SARA significantly reduced hospital stay and improved efficiencies of the emergency department. [source]

THE LENGTH OF SUPERFICIAL TEMPORAL ARTERY BIOPSIES

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2007
Neil S. Sharma
Background: To compare temporal artery biopsy specimen lengths from a tertiary care and a community hospital in New South Wales to recommended clinical guidelines in suspected giant cell arteritis. Design: A retrospective observational study of all patients who underwent temporal artery biopsy at Bathurst Base Hospital (BBH) and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) over a 5-year period. Methods: Patients who underwent temporal artery biopsy during the 5-year period were identified using computerized hospital databases. A retrospective chart review was carried out on all cases. Data were collected regarding patient age, patient sex, length of biopsy specimen, histopathological results and surgical team carrying out the biopsy. Results: During the 5-year period, 157 temporal artery biopsies were carried out at both hospitals, with 38/157(24%) at BBH and 119/157 (76%) at RPAH. There was no significant difference in biopsy length at the two hospitals. The mean specimen length at BBH was 12.1 mm compared with 11.7 mm at RPAH (t = 0.35; P = 0.73). At RPAH, there was no significant difference in specimen length between the surgical specialties carrying out the biopsy (anovaF = 1.37; P = 0.26). Specimens of length 20 mm or greater were 2.8 times more likely to show features of giant cell arteritis than those less than 20 mm. Conclusion: The mean length of temporal artery biopsy specimens at both hospitals was substantially shorter than recommended guidelines of a minimum 20 mm. We recommend all surgeons carrying out temporal artery biopsies ensure a specimen of sufficient length is obtained. [source]

The long learning curve of gynaecological cancer surgery: an argument for centralisation

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2000
J. Baptist Trimbos Professor
Objective To study the development of surgical performance of an unchanging surgical team over 13 years. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting A university hospital, The Netherlands. Participants Three hundred and eight women who underwent surgical treatment for early cervical cancer. Interventions Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between 1 January 1984 and 31 December 1996. Results The surgical procedure and indication for treatment remained unchanged during the study period. This applied also to the surgical team. The women's age increased significantly during the study years, as was the case with the number of nodes removed. The depth of infiltration by the tumour increased steadily throughout the study, but this failed to reach statistical significance. The distribution of FIGO stages, percentage of positive lymph nodes, radicality of the surgical margins and post-operative morbidity remained the same. Overall, the five year survival rate was 83%; for women with negative nodes 91%, and for women with positive nodes 53%. Survival tended to improve during the course of the study, but this was not statistically significant. Blood loss during surgery decreased consistently during the whole study period, from a mean of 1515 mL at the beginning of the study to a mean of 1071 mL at the end (P < 0.0001). The operating time also diminished significantly by 8 minutes per year (P < 0.0001). In 1985 the average operating time was 270 minutes, compared with 187 minutes in 1996. Conclusions These findings indicate that it takes a long time to acquire skill in the surgical treatment of early cervical cancer. Centralisation of relatively infrequent operations for cancer should be encouraged. [source]

Synchronous panniculectomy with stomal revision for obese patients with stomal stenosis and retraction

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 11 2010
Devendar Katkoori
Study Type , Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To report our experience of synchronous panniculectomy with stomal revision in morbidly obese patients after radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit urinary diversion (UD). Abnormal skin folds with an uneven surface, stomal retraction and stomal stenosis result in a poorly fitting appliance which leads to urinary leakage, need for frequent change of appliances and skin excoriation. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 302 RCs with UD were done by one surgical team between 2002 and 2008, with ileal conduit diversion in 182 (60%); 18 had a body mass index (BMI) of >35 kg/m2, and among them four had severe stomal stenosis with retraction. We report the technique we used for managing stomal stenosis in these patients. RESULTS The mean (range) BMI of the patients was 42 (38,46) kg/m2; all were women. The mean (sd) operative duration was 2 (0.5)h. The drain was removed once the drainage was <25 mL in 24 h. The mean (sd) hospital stay was 3 (1) days; there were no significant complications. After a mean follow-up of 3 years there was no recurrent stomal stenosis or retraction. CONCLUSIONS The unique advantage of this procedure is that it avoids laparotomy in a morbidly obese patient, and it provides excellent cosmesis while correcting the stomal complication. [source]

Quality monitoring in thyroid surgery using the Shewhart control chart,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 2 2009
A. Duclos
Background: A control chart can help to interpret and reduce sources of variability in patient safety by continuously monitoring indicators. The aim of this study was to monitor the outcome of thyroid surgery using control charts. Methods: Patients who had thyroid surgery during 2006,2007 were included in the study. Safety was monitored based on postoperative complications of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypocalcaemia. Indicators were extracted prospectively from the hospital information system and plotted each month on a P-control chart. Performance of the surgical team was also measured retrospectively for 2004,2005 (baseline period) to compare surgical outcomes before and after control chart implementation. Electromyographic monitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerves was not used, nor was calcium or vitamin D given routinely. Results: The outcomes of 1114 thyroid procedures were monitored. Although the proportion of patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was similar for baseline and monitored periods (6·4 and 7·2 per cent respectively), there was a 35·3 per cent decrease in hypocalcaemia after implementation of control charts (P < 0·001). Complications almost doubled during a period when one surgeon was away and operating room renovations took place. Conclusion: Outcome monitoring in thyroid surgery using control charts is useful for identifying potential issues in patient safety. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Trabeculectomy and Mitomycin C (Trab-MMC) for uveitic glaucoma: post surgical interventions

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2007
A LOCKWOOD
Purpose: To examine the outcome of patients at who underwent trabeculectomy and MMC for refractory uveitic glaucoma and determine the post operative interventions required Methods: The Birmingham ReGAE (Research into Glaucoma and Ethinicity) Project is an open, prospective, consecutive series of patients who had undergone trabeculectomy with MMC. The surgery was performed by a single surgical team at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre Results: Twenty eyes of 25 patients with uveitic glaucoma underwent Trab-MMC for uncontrolled IOP despite maximally tolerated medical treatment. Mean follow-up was 650 days. Mean pre-op IOP was 26.7 mmHg and post-op was 11.5 mmHg. 92 % of trabeculectomies reached complete success (IOP , 21 mmHg without medication). Subconjunctival injections of 5-fluorouracil were performed on 10 eyes (36 %). Bleb needling revision was performed on 5 eyes (18 %).Visual loss > 2 lines occurred in 1 case (3.8%) due to delayed hypotony maculopathy Conclusions: Trabeculectomy and Mitomycin C is effective in this complex series of patients but do require considerable post surgery manipulation [source]

Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients with Severe Systolic Heart Failure

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 11 2008
Gautam V. Ramani MD
Abstract Background Morbid obesity (MO) is a risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF). The presence of MO impairs functional status and disqualifies patients for cardiac transplantation. Bariatric surgery (BAS) is a frontline, durable treatment for MO; however, the safety and efficacy of BAS in advanced CHF is unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesized that by utilizing a coordinated approach between an experienced surgical team and heart failure specialists, BAS is safe in patients with advanced systolic CHF and results in favorable outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 12 patients with MO (body mass index [BMI] 53 ± 7 kg/m2) and systolic CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 22 ± 7%, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class 2.9 ± 0.7) who underwent BAS, and then compared outcomes with 10 matched controls (BMI 47.2 ± 3.6 kg/m2, LVEF 24 ± 7%, and NYHA class 2.4 ± 0.7) who were given diet and exercise counseling. Results At 1 y, hospital readmission in BAS patients was significantly lower than controls (0.4 ± 0.8 versus 2.5 ± 2.6, p = 0.04); LVEF improved significantly in BAS patients (35 ± 15%, p = 0.005), but not in controls (29 ± 14%, p = not significant [NS]). The NYHA class improved in BAS patients (2.3 ± 0.5, p = 0.02), but deteriorated in controls (3.3 ± 0.9, p = 0.02). One BAS patient was successfully transplanted, and another listed for transplantation. Conclusions Bariatric surgery is safe and effective in patients with MO and severe systolic CHF, and should be considered in patients who have failed conventional therapy to improve clinical status. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

L/I-9 Adult living donor liver transplants: Niguarda experience in Milan

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2006
A. Giacomoni
Introduction: Adult living donor liver transplants (ALDLTs) have emerged as an option in the last few years. Materials and methods:, From March 2001 through February 2006, we performed 27 ALDLTs. Liver volume, vascular, and biliary anatomy were assessed by CT scan and magnetic resonance cholangiography. The graft-to-recipient weight ratio was always above 0.8. The recipients were United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status 2B or 3. The transplant was carried out grafting segments V-VIII to the recipient without the MHV. In the recipient we have never used a venous-venous bypass. Results:, With a mean follow-up of 675 days (range, 8 to 1,804 days), 23 out of the 27 patients are alive. Three have undergone a retransplant: 2 as a consequence of an arterial thrombosis and 1 because of small-for-size-syndrome. These data show an overall patient and graft survival rate of 85% and 74%. Four deaths were caused by massive pulmonary bleeding due to Rendù-Osler syndrome, systemic aspergillosis, sepsis, and cardiac arrhythmia. Fourteen biliary complications (51.85%) occurred in 11 recipients (40.74%); 3 of these patients developed 2 consecutive and different biliary complications. All the donors are alive and well. Conclusion:, An expert surgical team and proper selection of both donor and recipient are mandatory. Overall results of ALDLTs are very satisfactory, even if we have to take into account a high rate of biliary complications. [source]

Colon interposition in the treatment of esophageal caustic strictures: 40 years of experience

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 6 2007
J. Ð. Knez
SUMMARY., The objective of this article was to analyze 40 years of experience of colon interposition in the surgical treatment of caustic esophageal strictures from the standpoints of our long-term personal experience. Colon interposition has proved to be the most suitable type of reconstruction for esophageal corrosive strictures. The choice of colon graft is based on the pattern of blood supply, while the type of anastomosis is determined by the stricture level and the part of colon used for reconstruction. In the period between 1964 and 2004, colon interposition was performed in 336 patients with a corrosively scared esophagus, using the left colon in 76.78% of the patients. In 87.5% a colon interposition was performed, while in the remaining patients an additional esophagectomy with colon interposition had to be done. Hypopharyngeal strictures were present in 24.10% of the patients. Long-term follow-up results were obtained in the period between 1 to up to 30 years. Early postoperative complications occurred in 26.48% of patients, among which anastomosic leakage was the most common. The operative mortality rate was 4.16% and late postoperative complications were present in 13.99% of the patients. A long-term follow up obtained in 84.82% of the patients found excellent functional results in 75.89% of them. We conclude that a colon graft is an excellent esophageal substitute for patients with esophageal corrosive strictures, and when used by experienced surgical teams it provides a low rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term good and functional quality of life. [source]

Combined liver and inferior vena cava resection for hepatic malignancy

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Spiros G. Delis MD
Abstract Objective The experience from a single center, in combined liver and inferior vena cava (IVC) resection for liver tumors, is presented. Methods Twelve patients underwent a combined liver resection with IVC replacement. The median age was 45 years (range 35,67 years). Resections were carried out for hepatocellular carcinoma (n,=,4), colorectal metastases (n,=,6), and cholangiocarcinoma (n,=,2). Liver resections included eight right lobectomies and four left trisegmentectomies. The IVC was reconstructed with ringed Gore-Tex tube graft. Results No perioperative deaths were reported. The median operative blood transfusion requirement was 2 units (range 0,12 units) and the median operative time was 5 hr. Median hospital stay was 10 days (range 8,25 days). Three patients had evidence of postoperative liver failure, resolved with supportive management. Two patients developed bile leaks, resolved conservatively. With a median follow up of 24 months, all vascular reconstructions were patent and no evidence of graft infection was documented. Conclusions Aggressive surgical management of liver tumors, offer the only hope for cure or palliation. We suggest that liver resection with vena cava replacement may be performed safely, with acceptable morbidity, by specialized surgical teams. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 258,264. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Live donor/split liver grafts for adult recipients: When should we use them?

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue S2 2005
Peter Neuhaus
Key Points 1Split liver transplantation for a child and an adult recipient is standard today. Living donor liver transplantation for small children should only be necessary in exceptional situations in a country with a well-organized organ donation program. 2True split liver transplantation for two adults is still not very common. In the United States between April 2000 and May 2001, 89 surgical teams transplanted only 15 left lobes and 13 right lobes. Especially left lobes from deceased donors have a poor outcome; in Europe the ELTR shows a 1-year graft survival of 47%. 3While in Asia left lobes, right lateral segments, and dual left lateral segments are more frequently used, living donor liver transplantation for adults in Europe and the United States is predominantly performed with right lobes.7, 8 This carries a significant morbidity and mortality risk for the donor. Outcome compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLTx) is similar with a trend towards more short-term and long-term biliary complications. 4Living donor and split liver transplantation should be used mainly in an elective situation. Candidates are tumor patients, patients with cholestatic liver disease, and elective patients with bile disease. 5Urgent liver transplantation is not a good option for living donor and split liver transplantation. Hepatic assist devices may change the picture in the future. 6Living donor liver transplantation for metabolic disorders like Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, Hyperoxaluria, and others cannot be recommended at present since the genetically related donor and the patient may carry an unknown risk. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:S6,S9.) [source]

Early warning system scores and response times: an audit

NURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 4 2003
Barbara A Day
Summary ,,In response to NHS reforms within critical care, the surgical directorate of the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust developed and introduced a modified early warning system (DMEWS) ,,Anecdotal evidence from nursing staff indicated that response times by doctors, when triggered by use of the DMEWS, were outside the established timescale ,,An audit was undertaken to determine the response times to calls for assistance triggered by use of the DMEWS and to identify any disparity between response times ,,The audit confirmed that whilst DMEWS triggered the nurses to initiate action for immediate treatment, response by members of the surgical teams was below the agreed standards ,,Further studies are planned to indicate whether longer response times have an adverse effect on patient welfare or outcome [source]

Overview of Guidelines for Establishing a Face Transplant Program: A Work in Progress

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2010
M. Siemionow
Since 2005, nine face transplants have been performed in four countries: France, the United States (US), China and Spain. These encouraging short-term outcomes, with the longest survivor approaching 5 years, have led to an increased interest in establishing face transplant programs worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to facilitate the dissemination of relevant details as per our experience in an effort to assist those medical centers interested in establishing a face transplant program. In this article, we address the logistical challenges involved with face transplantation; including essential program requirements, protocol details, face transplant team assembly, project funding, the organ procurement organization and the coroner. It must be emphasized that face transplantation is still experimental and its therapeutic value remains to be validated. All surgical teams pursuing this endeavor must dedicate an attention to detail and should accept a responsibility to publish their outcomes in a transparent manner in order to contribute to the international field. However, due to its inherent complexity, facial transplantation should only be performed by university-affiliated medical institutions capable of orchestrating a specialized multidisciplinary team with a long-term commitment to its success. [source]

Making sense of emergency surgery in New South Wales: a position statement

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2010
Stephen A. Deane
Abstract Background:, Emergency surgery is a major component of the provision of surgical services and makes up a substantial volume of the workload of surgeons in many hospitals. It is often more complex and surgically challenging than elective surgery. However, little attention has been concentrated on the management or resource requirements of emergency surgery. Method:, This article identifies principles for models of emergency surgery care and describes how they can be incorporated into a redesign of emergency surgery. They have been developed and are endorsed by experienced surgical staff routinely coping with the challenges of emergency surgery. Results:, The benefits of redesigning emergency surgery will be realized by an active partnership between managers, surgeons and surgical teams. The anticipated clinical benefits include improved patient outcomes, enhanced patient and surgical team satisfaction, and increased trainee supervision in emergency surgery. Significant management benefits will ensue from high rates of emergency operating theatre utilization, reduced patient cancellations and reduction in after-hours costs. This unplanned but predictable workload will be managed in a planned and predictable fashion. Conclusion:, Reform of emergency surgery services is a necessity and not a choice. The development of the emergency surgery guidelines for New South Wales is a step in the right direction. The principles identified in the guidelines should be adapted and implemented across Australia if sustainable, safe and efficient emergency surgery services are to be provided. Patients will expect nothing less. [source]

AL01 SURGICAL AUDIT IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2009
A. J. Green
Approved peer reviewed surgical audit activity is a necessary for annual and Triannual Professional Standards requirements. Surgeons working in large hospitals, usually as part of surgical teams have resources to facilitate this. There are situations where the surgeon or surgeons need to organise a process themselves and may need more assistance. Three problem areas that will be particularly discussed include: 1Audit for remote surgeons 2Audit for urban/suburban surgeons with no teaching hospital attachments (often in smaller private facilities with no audit programs) 3Regional surgeons particularly in the Specialities eg ENT, Urology, Plastics where there are small numbers (1,3) Practical ways to achieve successful audits will be addressed [source]

Hospital volume influences the choice of operation for thyroid cancer

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 11 2009
J. C. Lifante
Background: Many authors advocate total or near-total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. This study examined the relationship between hospital volume of thyroidectomies and choice of bilateral thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Data were extracted from the administrative databases of all hospital discharge abstracts in the Rhône-Alpes area of France. The study population included inpatient stays from 1999 to 2004 with a diagnosis of thyroid disease (benign or malignant) and a procedural code for thyroid surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with the extent of surgery (unilateral versus bilateral) for thyroid carcinoma. Results: A total of 20 140 thyroidectomies were identified, including 4006 procedures for cancer. Compared with hospitals performing a high volume of procedures for all thyroid diseases (at least 100 annually), the risk of a unilateral procedure for thyroid cancer increased by 2·46 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·63 to 3·71) in low-volume hospitals (fewer than ten operations per year) and by 1·56 (1·27 to 1·92) in medium-volume centres (ten to 99 per year). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between hospital volume and the decision to perform bilateral surgery for thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid cancer surgery should be performed by experienced surgical teams in high-volume centres. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]