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Adrenalectomy approach and outcomes according to surgeon volume
Sara P Ginzberg1, Julia A Gasior2, Lauren R Kelz3
1Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Safety, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Background:
This study assessed the relationship between surgeon volume, operative management, and resource utilization in adrenalectomy.
Methods:
Isolated adrenalectomies performed within our health system were identified (2016-2021). High-volume surgeons were defined as those performing ≥6 cases/year. Outcomes included indication for surgery, perioperative outcomes, and costs.
Results:
Of 476 adrenalectomies, high-volume surgeons (n = 3) performed 394, while low-volume surgeons (n = 12) performed 82. High-volume surgeons more frequently operated for pheochromocytoma (19% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) and less frequently for metastasis (6.4% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), more frequently used laparoscopy (95% vs. 80%, p < 0.001), and had lower operative supply costs ($1387 vs. $1,636, p = 0.037). Additionally, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with shorter length of stay (-3.43 days, p < 0.001), lower hospitalization costs (-$72,417, p < 0.001), and increased likelihood of discharge to home (OR 17.03, p = 0.008).
Conclusions:
High-volume surgeons more often resect primary adrenal pathology and utilize laparoscopy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is, in turn, associated with decreased healthcare resource utilization.
