E-Posters-Surgical Complications and Month of Performed Surgery - Does Timing Make a Difference?

Surgical Complications and Month of Performed Surgery - Does Timing Make a Difference? - Benjamin C Smith, MD

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to evaluate whether the month in which surgery is performed affects perioperative morbidity and mortality. The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from a large community-based hospital system between 2015 and 2016. A total of 19,872 randomly selected subjects who underwent surgical procedures were included in the analysis.<br /><br />The results showed that patients who underwent surgery in June and November had significantly more complications. This association may be related to the end of insurance terms when deductibles have been met. Patients with Medicare/Medicaid were also found to be at an increased risk of perioperative complications compared to those with commercial insurance.<br /><br />The study did not find any increase in adverse outcomes related to trainee involvement in care. The baseline characteristics of the subjects did not differ among months, with a mean age of 57 and mean BMI of 31.<br /><br />The complication rate in July, which marks the start of a new academic year, was not different from other months. The months with the highest number of complications were June and November. Additionally, a higher number of subjects experienced more than three complications during these months.<br /><br />The study concludes that further research is necessary to evaluate whether encouraging patients to undergo multiple procedures in a calendar year is the optimal strategy for overall patient health.<br /><br />In summary, this retrospective study suggests that the month in which surgery is performed may impact perioperative morbidity and mortality, with higher complication rates observed in June and November. Patients with Medicare/Medicaid are at a higher risk of complications, and trainee involvement does not increase adverse outcomes.

Keywords

surgery

perioperative morbidity

perioperative mortality

month effect

retrospective cohort study

community-based hospital system

complications

insurance terms

Medicare/Medicaid

commercial insurance