Morbidity, mortality, cost, and survival estimates of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks.

Background: Anastomotic leak, a potentially deadly postoperative occurrence, particularly interests surgeons performing gastrointestinal procedures. We investigated incidence, cost, and impact on survival of anastomotic leak in gastrointestinal surgical procedures at an academic center.

Study Design: We conducted a chart review of American College of Surgeons NSQIP operative procedures with gastrointestinal anastomosis from January 1, 2003 through April 30, 2006.

Adrenalectomy for adrenal-mediated hypertension: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis of an institutional experience.

Adrenal-mediated hypertension (AMH) has been increasingly treated by laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Metabolic derangements in patients with AMH could result in perioperative complications and mortality. Long-term operative and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic treatment of AMH have not been evaluated using large clinical databases.

Adrenalectomy in Veterans Affairs and selected university medical centers: results of the patient safety in surgery study.

Background: Data from the Patient Safety in Surgery Study were used to compare preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and surgical outcomes of adrenalectomy procedures performed in 81 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals with those performed in 14 private-sector (PS) hospitals.

Study Design: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing adrenalectomy in the VA and PS for fiscal years 2002 through 2004. Bivariate analysis compared VA and PS preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day morbidity and mortality.

Surgical risk factors, morbidity, and mortality in elderly patients.

Background: The aging population of the United States results in increasing numbers of surgical operations on elderly patients. This study observed aging related to morbidity, mortality, and their risk factors in patients undergoing major operations.

Study Design: We reviewed our institution's American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from February 24, 2002, through June 30, 2005, including standardized preoperative, intraoperative, and 30-day postoperative data points.