The analysis of a prospective surgical database improves postoperative fast-tracking algorithms after pulmonary resection.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated our results from our prospective database to identify possible modifications that may improve our fast-tracking protocols in selected high-risk patients.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of a prospective database. Using multivariable regression, we identified several patient characteristic that predicted failure to fast-track owing to increased morbidity. We modified our fast-tracking algorithm by substituting pain pumps for epidurals in elderly patients (>70 years). In addition, patients with a body mass index greater than 35 had increased aspiration precautions. Patients with poor pulmonary function (ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity and/or diffusing capacity/alveolar volume < 45%) underwent increased respiratory treatments and more aggressive ambulation. Differences in outcomes between groups were compared after adjusting for differing baseline patient characteristics, including use of a propensity score.


RESULTS
A total of 2895 patients underwent elective pulmonary resection before the algorithm modifications (January 1997-December 2001) and 3252 patients afterward (January 2002-July 2007) by one surgeon. The length of stay was reduced by the protocol changes from 6.7 to 4.9 days (P = .024) in elderly patients, from 5.7 to 4.8 days in obese patients, and from 6.2 to 4.3 days (P = .008) in those with poor pulmonary function. Morbidity was reduced from 26% to 17% in elderly patients (P = .046), from 29% to 20% (P = .027) in obese patients, and from 45% to 23% in those with poor pulmonary function. Overall mortality was also reduced 4.0% to 2.1% (P = .014).


CONCLUSIONS
A prospective database provides important information that can lead to improvement in patient care by identifying specific complications. High-risk patients such as the elderly, the obese, and those with poor pulmonary function can safely undergo pulmonary resection and have a shorter hospital stay.
Bryant
Ayesha S
AS
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala. 35294, USA.
Cerfolio
Robert James
RJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016208:Databases, Factual; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018579:Patient Selection; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome