Factors predictive of postoperative morbidity and cost in patients with endometrial cancer

To identify patient characteristics and perioperative factors predictive of 30-day morbidity and cost in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Data of consecutive patients treated with hysterectomy for endometrial carcinoma between 1999 and 2008 were collected prospectively. Thirty predictors were chosen from more than 130 collected based on anticipated clinical relevance and prevalence (more than 3%). Complications were graded per the Accordion Classification. Multivariable models were developed using stepwise and backward variable selection methods. Thirty-day cost analyses were expressed in 2010 Medicare dollars.

Of 1,369 patients, significant predictors (P<.01) of grade 2 and higher morbidity included American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system class higher than 2 (odds ratio [OR] 2.1), preoperative white blood count (OR 2.1 per doubling), history of deep vein thrombosis (OR 2.1), pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (OR 2.3 compared with no lymphadenectomy), laparotomy (OR 2.8 compared with minimally invasive surgery), myometrial invasion more than 50% (OR 2.4), operating time (OR 1.9 per doubling), and grade 4 surgical complexity (OR 2.7 compared with grade 1). After controlling for patient factors in a multivariable model, laparotomy, pelvic, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy were associated with significant increases in cost compared with the use of minimally invasive surgery or hysterectomy alone.

This analysis identifies patient and perioperative care factors predictive of 30-day morbidity and cost. These data are useful for preoperative counseling, for defining equitable reimbursement and factors critical for risk-adjustment when comparing outcomes, and for identifying areas for quality improvement in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Given the marked increases in morbidity and cost associated with laparotomy and lymphadenectomy, minimally invasive surgery and selective lymphadenectomy should be standard treatment for patients with endometrial carcinoma.