Triphasic Learning Curve of Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is an effective but costly procedure for select patients with peritoneal malignancies. The impact of progression along a learning curve on the cost of these procedures is unknown.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC from 2016 to 2022 at a single quaternary center. Our study cohort was temporally divided into four equally sized volume quartiles (A, B, C, and D). We utilized cumulative sum plots and split-group analysis to characterize the institutional learning curve based on cost, operative time, length of stay, and morbidity. Multivariable linear regression was performed to estimate costs after adjusting for covariates. Bivariate analysis was performed using a Kruskal-Wallis test to compare continuous variables and a χ² test to compare categorical variables.

Of 201 patients, the median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 57 (47-65) years, 113 (56%) patients were female, 143 (71%) were white, and 107 (53%) had private insurance. Median operating room charge [US$42,639 (US$32,477-54,872), p < 0.001] varied between volume quartiles, peaking in quartile C. Stabilization was achieved for 86 cases for operating room cost, 88 cases for routine cost, 96 cases for length of stay, 103 cases for operative time, 120 cases for intensive care unit length of stay, and 150 cases for overall and serious morbidity. The actual operating room and routine costs were similar to predicted costs at the end of the study period.

The CRS-HIPEC learning curve is triphasic, with cost stability achieved relatively early compared with other markers of surgical proficiency.