Comparison of outcomes in patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy at teaching versus nonteaching institutions

Justin Tawfik, Steve Eubanks, Pablo Arnoletti, Sebastian de la Fuente

Florida Hospital

INTRODUCTION
Laparoscopic colectomies are been increasingly performed at variety of different institutions nationwide. To date, there is no data comparing outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy at non-teaching vs. teaching institutions. In this study, we evaluated early mortality rates, length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition using the National Inpatient Sample in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomies.

METHODS
A retrospective review of all discharges recorded for patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy (ICD 9 17.33-17.36) for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was performed. Variables recorded included age, sex, location, insurance, hospital size and hospital type.

RESULTS
A total of 152,098 were identified during the study period. There were no differences in mortality rates (teaching 0.70% vs. non-teaching 0.74%, p=NS) or LOS (teaching 6 days vs. non-teaching 6.1 days, p=NS) between groups. More than 90 % of the cases were performed at metropolitan institutions, and the vast majority of patients were discharged home (mean 83.7%) following surgery. Private insurances were the most common payer during the study period.

CONCLUSION
Analysis of the largest all-payer database shows similar mortality and LOS rates between teaching and non-teaching institutions in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomies. The majority of patients undergoing this approach are discharge home following surgery.

Session: Poster Presentation

Program Number: P553