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Biomedical subjects

Matthew M Hutter

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew M Hutter.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Identification of surgical complications and deaths: an assessment of the traditional surgical morbidity and mortality conference compared with the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances by surgeons in assessing quality and safety, the traditional surgical morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference has mostly remained unchallenged and unchanged. The goal of this study was to compare data as reported in a traditional M&M conference to data collected using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) techniques. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was performed comparing data from the M&M conference in a general surgery division, in which complications and deaths were identified by residents or attendings, to data compiled by a nationally audited nurse reviewer from the ACS-NSQIP from July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2003. RESULTS: Mortality rates calculated by traditional M&M conference (53 deaths in 5,905 patients), compared with the ACS-NSQIP nurse reviewer (28 deaths in 1,439 patients; 24% sample), were 0.9% versus 1.9%, respectively (p=0.001). Complication rates reported in M&M were 6.4% versus 28.9% ACS-NSQIP (p<0.0001). Subgroup analyses showed that mortality rates, as reported in conference, were substantially lower for both in-hospital and postdischarge patients, when compared with ACS-NSQIP. All subclassifications of complications, as presented in conference, were also lower, compared with ACS-NSQIP. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional surgical M&M reporting considerably underreports both in-hospital and postdischarge complications and deaths as compared with ACS-NSQIP. Approximately one of two deaths and three of four complications were not reported in the M&M conference at our institution. A Web-based reporting system based on an ACS-NSQIP platform was created to automate, facilitate, and standardize data on surgical morbidity and mortality.

Boston↗

Laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a multicenter, prospective, risk-adjusted analysis from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic versus open gastric bypass procedures with respect to 30-day morbidity and mortality rates, using multi-institutional, prospective, risk-adjusted data. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for weight loss is being performed with increasing frequency, partly driven by consumer demand. However, there are no multi-institutional, risk-adjusted, prospective studies comparing laparoscopic and open gastric bypass outcomes. METHODS: A multi-institutional, prospective, risk-adjusted cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic and open gastric bypass procedures was performed from hospitals (n = 15) involved in the Private Sector Study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Data points have been extensively validated, are based on standardized definitions, and were collected by nurse reviewers who are audited for accuracy. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2003, data from 1356 gastric bypass procedures was collected. The 30-day mortality rate was zero in the laparoscopic group (n = 401), and 0.6% in the open group (n = 955) (P = not significant). The 30-day complication rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group as compared with the open group: 7% versus 14.5% (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounding variables and showed that patients undergoing an open procedure were more likely to develop a complication, as compared with patients undergoing an laparoscopic procedure (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.25). Propensity score modeling revealed similar results. A prediction model was derived, and variables that significantly predict higher complication rates after gastric bypass included an open procedure, a high ASA class (III, IV, V), functionally dependent patient, and hypertension as a comorbid illness. CONCLUSIONS: Multicenter, prospective, risk-adjusted data show that laparoscopic gastric bypass is safer than open gastric bypass, with respect to 30-day complication rate.

Adult↗

The impact of the 80-hour resident workweek on surgical residents and attending surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the 80-hour resident workweek restrictions on surgical residents and attending surgeons. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The ACGME mandated resident duty hour restrictions have required a major workforce restructuring. The impact of these changes needs to be critically evaluated for both the resident and attending surgeons, specifically with regards to the impact on motivation, job satisfaction, the quality of surgeon training, the quality of the surgeon's life, and the quality of patient care. METHODS: Four prospective studies were performed at a single academic surgical program with data collected both before the necessary workforce restructuring and 1 year after, including: 1) time cards to assess changes in components of daily activity; 2) Web-based surveys using validated instruments to assess burnout and motivation to work; 3) structured, taped, one-on-one interviews with an external PhD investigator; and 4) statistical analyses of objective, quantitative data. RESULTS: After the work-hour changes, surgical residents have decreased "burnout" scores, with significantly less "emotional exhaustion" (Maslach Burnout Inventory: 29.1 "high" vs. 23.1 "medium," P = 0.02). Residents have better quality of life both in and out of the hospital. They felt they got more sleep, have a lighter workload, and have increased motivation to work (Herzberg Motivation Dimensions). We found no measurable, statistically significant difference in the quality of patient care (NSQIP data). Resident training and education objectively were not statistically diminished (ACGME case logs, ABSITE scores). Attending surgeons perceived that their quality of their life inside and outside of the hospital was "somewhat worse" because of the work-hour changes, as they had anticipated. Many concerns were identified with regards to the professional development of future surgeons, including a change toward a shift-worker mentality that is not patient-focused, less continuity of care with a loss of critical information with each handoff, and a decrease in the patient/doctor relationship. CONCLUSION: Although the mandated restriction of resident duty hours has had no measurable impact on the quality of patient care and has led to improvements for the current quality of life of residents, there are many concerns with regards to the training of professional, responsible surgeons for the future.

Burnout, Professional↗

Does outcomes research impact quality? Examples from bariatric surgery.

This manuscript addresses the question "Does outcomes research affect quality?" using examples from the field of bariatric surgery. The roles that outcomes research has played in each of the four major recent events in bariatric surgery are examined. In the first three major events, which include 1) the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Bariatric Surgery in 1991, 2) the dramatic increase in numbers of bariatric operations performed, and 3) the move toward a laparoscopic approach in bariatric surgery, a multitude of outcomes studies seem to be the result, but not the cause, of these changes in the field of bariatric surgery. However, for the most recent event, the 2006 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination for bariatric surgery and the introduction of accreditation in general surgery, outcomes research has played a significant role in the determination of policy and, ultimately, quality.

Bariatric Surgery↗

Best practice recommendations for surgical care in weight loss surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To establish evidence-based guidelines for best practices for surgical care in weight loss surgery (WLS). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We carried out a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Key words were used to narrow the field for a selective review of abstracts. Data extraction was performed, and evidence categories were assigned according to a grading system based on established evidence-based models. RESULTS: We assessed types of WLS, recommended guidelines for appropriateness, developed strategies for medical error reduction, established criteria for credentialing of systems and practitioners, and specified research needed for the future. DISCUSSION: Surgeon training, credentialing, and type of surgery performed were identified as key factors in patient safety. Other important issues in the delivery of best practice care included appropriate patient selection; use of a multidisciplinary treatment team; facility staffing, equipment, and administrative support; and early recognition and proper management of complications.

Biliopancreatic Diversion↗

Data collection systems for weight loss surgery: an evidence-based assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the existence and efficacy of data collection systems for weight loss surgery (WLS) and establish evidence-based guidelines for the development of a statewide WLS registry in Massachusetts. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We conducted two systematic searches of English language literature in MEDLINE. The first was on data collection registries related to WLS; the second was an expanded search encompassing other surgical fields (e.g., cardiac and thoracic surgery) and registries (i.e., cancer). Fourteen articles were found to be pertinent. Data were extracted, and evidence categories were assigned according to a grading system based on established evidence-based models. Recommendations were derived from these literature reviews and expert opinion. RESULTS: This task group found that there are no standardized data collection systems for WLS in Massachusetts (or any other states) and no mandated reporting of WLS-specific outcomes. We described existing WLS databases and systems in other surgical fields. Recommendations focused on the importance and feasibility of data collection for WLS and the need to conduct a pilot study and explore options for creating a statewide WLS database. DISCUSSION: A statewide WLS data collection system would optimize patient care by enabling the collection, analysis, and dissemination of best practice data. A broad-based effort is needed to meet challenges involved in defining and implementing such a system.

Data Collection↗

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV-1) promotes neurogenic inflammation in the pancreas via activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R).

OBJECTIVES: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV-1) is an ion channel found on primary sensory afferent neurons. Activation of TRPV-1 leads to the release of the proinflammatory neuropeptide substance P (SP). SP then binds to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) on endothelial cells and promotes extravasation of plasma and proteins into the interstitial tissue and neutrophil infiltration, a process called neurogenic inflammation. We tested 2 hypotheses: (1) activation of TRPV-1 in the pancreas leads to interstitial edema and neutrophil infiltration and (2) TRPV-1-induced plasma extravasation is mediated by the release of SP and activation of the NK1-R in the rat. METHODS: We measured extravasation of the intravascular tracer Evans blue as an index of plasma extravasation and quantified pancreas tissue myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) as a marker of neutrophil infiltration. The severity of inflammation following intravenous infusion of the secretagogue cerulein (10 microg/kg/h x 4 hours) was assessed using a histologic scoring system. RESULTS: Intravenous injection of the TRPV-1 agonist capsaicin induced a dose-dependent increase in Evans blue accumulation in the rat pancreas (P < 0.05 vs. vehicle control). This effect was blocked by pretreatment with the TRPV-1 antagonist capsazepine (1.8 mg/kg), or the NK1-R antagonist CP 96,345 (1 mg/kg). Capsazepine also reduced cerulein-induced Evans blue, MPO, and histologic severity of inflammation in the pancreas but had no effect on serum amylase. CONCLUSION: Activation of TRPV-1 induces SP-mediated plasma extravasation in the rat pancreas via activation of the NK1-R. TRPV-1 mediates neurogenic inflammation in cerulein-induced pancreatitis in the rat.

Animals↗

Effect of work-hour reforms on operative case volume of surgical residents.

PURPOSE: There has been much concern regarding the impact of work-hour reforms on the operative case volume of surgical residents. Operative case volume by PGY year and clinical rotation were examined to determine if changes in work hours affected residents' operative case volume. METHODS: A careful but aggressive plan of work-hour reduction was devised for the residency of the authors' institution with the goal to decrease work hours while maintaining optimal patient care and resident education, including operative case volume. Changes made included hiring physician extenders (PEs), decreasing call schedules to every fourth night (with the next day free from clinical activities-Q4) or call from home (HC), and night float rotation coverage for services (NF). Case volume before (academic year 2002) and after (academic year 2003) changes were compared by PGY year, for all residents and for specific rotations-private general surgery, which had changes of PE, HC, and NF for PGY5; PE, Q4 and NF for PGY1 and 10% exemption for work hours; Churchill service (a resident-run ward teaching service), which had changes of PE and Q4 for PGY5 and PGY1 and 10% exemption for work hours; and vascular surgery, which had HC and NF for PGY5. Total case volume on these services was likewise compared. Statistical analysis was by student t test. Operative case volume was measured with data from the resident-entered information on the ACGME Surgical Operative Log (SOL). Case volume for PGY4 residents could not be compared over this time period because of lack of access to archived data by PGY year for graduated residents through the ACGME SOL. Work hours before and after rotation changes were measured with an intranet-based monitoring system. This article is a retrospective review of the affects of these work-hour changes on operative case volume. RESULTS: Total case volume for the general surgical services (both private and Churchill) was unchanged over this period (5905 in 02, 5930 in 03), and likewise for the vascular service (1101 vs 1196). Overall, there was no change in mean operative volume per year for surgical residents in this program (231 cases in 2002, 246 cases in 2003; p = 0.61). For PGY5 residents, the case volume increased; 339 cases 02, 390 in 03, and p = 0.05. Mean case volume for PGY5 residents increased on the private general surgery service (136 in 02, 160 in 03, p = 0.03), but it remained stable on the Churchill service (137 in 02, 158 in 03, p = 0.39) and vascular service (65 in 02, 73 in 03, p = 0.42). For PGY3 residents, case volume remained stable (171 in 02, 187 in 03, p = 0.62), as it did for PGY2 and PGY1 residents (PGY2: 148 in 02, 121 in 03, p = 0.12; PGY1: 265 in 02, 246 in 03, p = 0.23). However, operative case volume for PGY1 residents did decrease on the private general surgery service (mean 52 cases per month 02, 43 cases per month 03, p = 0.07), while remaining stable on the Churchill service (mean 23 cases per month 02, 25 cases per month 03, p = 0.66). Average hours worked per week decreased significantly over the time period. Before work-hour reforms, residents' average work hours were as follows: PGY1 105, PGY2 97, PGY3 78.7, PGY4 111, and PGY5 92. After the changes, average work hours were PGY1 81.5, PGY2 77.7, PGY3 78.7, PGY4 75.5, and PGY5 75.9. CONCLUSIONS: Work-hour limitation can be devised to maximize resident education, optimize patient care, and maintain resident operative volume. Although some changes (HC, PE, NF) seemed to increase the operative case volume for PGY5 residents, others had no effect (Q4, HC). There does not seem to be a clear relationship between types of changes and case volume. At the PGY1 level, Q4 and PE changes decreased operative experience on 1 rotation but not on another, although the difference in this decrease seems clinically insignificant. Individualization of changes to meet the needs of specific rotations seems more important than specific changes in coverage pattern. Perhaps the most important finding is that changes can be made to bring work hours into compliance without materially effecting operative case volume.

Adult↗