Case cancellations reduced by preop patient phone calls
Cancellation of surgical cases, especially prescheduled elective surgeries, is a pervasive problem that reduces OR utilization and hospital revenue. The estimated direct and indirect annual cost of such cancellations across the US is approximately $39 billion per year, with an average OR cost between $20 and $65 per minute. Facilities…
Adding new business to the ASC, one procedure at a timeโPart 2
Aging and active Americans are refusing to let back problems slow them downโthe number of these patients is increasing, and they prefer the less invasive outpatient methods offered in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). So do their physicians. As a result, ASCs seeking to adopt new procedures are looking more closely…
Postop pulmonary complications linked to poor outcomes
Editor's Note Even mild postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are associated with increased early postoperative mortality, ICU admission, and length of stay, finds this study. Of 1,202 ASA physical status 3 patients from seven academic medical centers included in the analysis, at least one PPC occurred in 401 patients. All patients…
Women increasingly working into their 60s, 70s
Editor's Note New studies of census, earnings, and retirement data show that womenโs career paths are more closely mirroring menโs, including an increasing tendency to work full-time into their 60 and 70s, the February 11 New York Times reports. About 30% of women aged 65 to 69 are working, which…
Smoking increases reoperation for infection after total joints
Editor's Note In this study of patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement, smoking was associated with an increased risk of infectious complications that required further surgery. In addition, the amount that a patient had smoked, regardless of current smoking status, significantly contributed to increased risk of readmission. A total…
Colon resection complications that affect outcomes
Editor's Note Anastomotic leaks and postoperative ileus had significantly higher associations with 30-day patient outcomes after colon resection than surgical site infections (SSIs), urinary tract infections, and venous thromboembolism, this study finds. In 26,682 patients undergoing colon resection, the most common postoperative complications were ileus (11.8%), bleeding (7.6%), and incisional…
Hospital volume of frail patients linked to outcomes
Editor's Note In hospitals that care for a lower volume of frail patients, frail surgical patients have increased postoperative mortality and failure to rescue, finds this study. Of 63,381 frail patients analyzed, 30-day mortality in the lowest volume quintile was 1.1%, compared to 0.9% in the highest. Adjusted analysis found…
Patient complaints identify surgeons with higher rates of postop complications
Editor's Note Patients whose surgeons had large numbers of patient complaints about rude and disrespectful behavior had a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications and being readmitted, this study finds. Of 32,125 patients included in the study, 3,501 (11%) had a postoperative complication (5.5% surgical, 7.5% medical). The adjusted rate…
Joint Commission checking for compliance with FDA powdered gloves ban
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced February 15 that it will now evaluate all accredited organizations for compliance with the January 18 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on powdered gloves. Citations will be listed under Leadership (LD) 04.01.01 element of performance (EP) 2: โThe organization provides care, treatment and…
Study: OR fires linked to alcohol-based skin preps
Editor's Note In this experimental study, alcohol-based skin preps fueled OR fires in common clinical scenarios. No fires occurred with nonalcohol-based preps; however, alcohol-based preps caused flash flames at 0 minutes in 22% and at 3 minutes in 10% of tests. Pooling of alcohol-based preps caused fires in 38% at…