Thoracic surgery mortality and morbidity in a university hospital

This study was undertaken to determine the mortality and morbidity of lung resection surgery in the 2,415-bed Siriraj University Hospital, Thailand, and compare them to rates in similar facilities (benchmarking). Demographic and clinical data as well as perioperative outcome variables of patients who underwent elective thoracic surgery from January 2006 to May 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 558 cases of lung resection. Mortality was 0.9% and perioperative morbidity was 8.2%. Univariate analysis identified age >75 years, history of pulmonary disease, preoperative rehabilitation consultation, and operative time >2 h as predictors of mortality and morbidity. With less statistical power, hypertension, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and thoracotomy also contributed to perioperative outcome. Comparisons with data from the current literature place our results in the range of good quality. Following benchmarking criteria, perioperative outcomes after lung resection surgery in our hospital are good. To further improve quality, we will pay special attention to patients with advanced age and history of pulmonary disease.