Pancreatic Resection Volume and Patient Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Rita A. Mukhtar, Omar M. Kattan, Hobart W. Harris
Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does variation in annual volume of pancreatic resections affect patient outcomes?
Conclusion
Annual volume of pancreatic resections does not predict postoperative mortality at a major academic medical center.
Supporting Evidence
- No in-hospital deaths were recorded during low volume years.
- Complication rates did not significantly differ between high and low volume years.
- The only significant finding was fewer bile leaks in high volume years for pancreatic head resections.
Takeaway
This study found that how many pancreatic surgeries a hospital does each year doesn't really change how well patients do after surgery.
Methodology
Retrospective review of patient charts for 511 patients who underwent pancreatic resections, comparing outcomes based on annual volume.
Potential Biases
Potential inconsistencies in physician documentation of complications and inability to track post-discharge mortality.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and limited to a single hospital's experience, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
52% female, average age 58.6 years, 61% self-identified as White.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website