The impact of the institutional abdominoperineal resections volume on short-term outcomes and expenses: a nationwide study.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the institutional volume of abdominoperineal resections (APR) on the short-term outcomes and costs in the Brazilian Public Health system.

Methods: This population-based study evaluated the number of APRs by institutions performed in the Brazilian Public Health system from January/2010 to July/2022. Data were extracted from a public domain from the Brazilian Public Health system.

Results: Four hundred and twelve hospitals performed APRs and were included. Only 23 performed at least 5 APRs per year on average and were considered high-volume institutions. The linear regression model showed that the number of hospital admissions for APRs was negatively associated with in-hospital mortality (Coef. = - 0.001; p = 0.013) and length of stay in the intensive care unit (Coef. = - 0.006; p = 0.01). The number of hospital admissions was not significantly associated with personnel, hospital, and total costs. The in-hospital mortality in high-volume institutions was significantly lower than in low-volume institutions (2.5 vs. 5.9%; p: < 0.001). The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was shorter in high-volume institutions (1.23 vs. 1.79 days; p = 0.021). In high-volume institutions, the personnel (R$ 952.23 [US$ 186.64] vs. R$ 11,129.04 [US$ 221.29]; p = 0.305), hospital (R$ 4078.39 [US$ 799.36] vs. R$ 4987.39 [US$ 977.53]; p = 0.111), and total costs (R$ 5030.63 [US$ 986.00] vs. R$ 6116.71 [US$ 1198.88]; p = 0.226) were lower.

Conclusions: Higher institutional APR volume is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and less demand for intensive care. The findings of this nationwide study may affect how Public Health manages APR care.