The Costs of Postoperative Complications After Major Abdominal Surgery: Opportunities and Challenges
Author(s)
Weinberg, L; Riedel, BJ;
Journal Title
In: Hagberg, C.A., Gottumukkala, V.N.R., Riedel, B.J., Nates, J.L., Buggy, D.J. (eds) Perioperative Care of the Cancer Patient
Publication Type
Book section
Abstract
Background: Major abdominal surgery is a common surgical procedure associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. The development of complications is expected to be a major contributor to hospital costs. This systematic review aims to outline the health costs of postoperative complications following major abdominal surgery. Methods: We searched the literature using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and EconLit databases to identify studies published in English containing an economic evaluation of postoperative complications following colonic, rectal, liver and pancreatic surgery resections. Eligible study design included randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, comparative observational studies, and conference abstracts. Risk of bias was assessed using validated assessment tools. Results: Our findings demonstrate a vast degree of heterogeneity in study design, methodology used to calculate cost, and defining and reporting on complications. We found a high overall complication incidence with associated increased costs and resource utilization following colonic, rectal, liver, and pancreatic surgery resections. Increasing complication severity and complication count were associated with increased resource use. Hospital readmissions are highlighted as a significant financial burden and postoperative complications are associated with greater incidence of hospital readmissions. Limitations include few high-quality costing studies and substantial study heterogeneity preventing quantitative analysis of cost results. Conclusion: Postoperative complications in major abdominal surgery appear to be associated with a significant cost burden. High-quality, consistent, prospective economic studies are still needed to accurately evaluate the cost of complications arising from major abdominal surgery.
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
abdominal surgery; anesthesia; colon surgery; complications; costs; liver resection; rectal surgery; Whipple procedure
Department(s)
Anaesthetics
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2024-08-20 06:18:03
Last Modified: 2024-08-20 06:56:39

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