National practice variation in pneumonectomy perioperative care among Canadian thoracic surgeons

Our objective was to assess perioperative pneumonectomy practices among Canadian thoracic surgeons as part of a quality-improvement initiative to determine practice variability and identify areas for study/improvement.

After several rounds of survey development and piloting, a 29-item survey was distributed using the Dillman method to all practicing members of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons.

The response rate was 87% (62 of 71). Median number of pneumonectomies performed annually was 3.5 (interquartile range 2.75-5.00). Routine preoperative workup was variable, but the most consistently reported tests were diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (87%, n = 54) and spirometry (85%, n = 53). Reported routine use of epidurals (84%, n = 52) was more prevalent than paravertebral blocks (18%, n = 11). Many (69%, n = 43) reported intraoperative restriction <2 l. Postoperatively, 84% (n = 52) reported daily fluid restriction <2 l. Regarding intraoperative protective ventilation strategies, respondents appeared more focused on minimizing peak airway pressures (55%, n = 34) rather than tidal volumes (18%, n = 11). Twenty-four percent (n = 15) reported using intraoperative steroids in attempts to decrease postoperative complications. Thirty-two percent (n = 20) do not routinely insert chest tubes, whereas the most common practice (44%, n = 27) was to insert chest tubes attached to conventional drainage systems without suction. Eighty-two percent (n = 52) reported willingness to participate in multicentre studies regarding perioperative pneumonectomy practices.

Our findings suggest significant variability in reported preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care practices for pneumonectomy across Canada. This survey has a high response rate, representing the Canadian experience, and highlights several areas for study and quality-improvement initiatives. Many respondents report willingness to participate in multicentre initiatives.