title: Utilisation of Clinical Networks to Facilitate Elective Surgical Workload; A Preliminary Analysis.
abstract: Clinical networks have potential to increase elective surgical workload for benign conditions in non-cancer centres. The aims of this study were to determine outcomes for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our unit and to evaluate early experience in managing benign surgical workload referred from the tertiary centre within our clinical network. An analysis of cholecystectomies performed at Mayo General Hospital was conducted (2003-2013). A review of elective procedures more recently referred from Galway University Hospital (GUH) waiting lists was also conducted. 1937 consecutive cholecystectomies were performed with an overall laparoscopic conversion rate of 1.7% (33/1875). The total major complication rate was 0.93% (18/1937). 151 selected procedures originating from GUH have been performed since December 2013 without adverse events. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed in significant volume in the general hospital environment. This and other appropriate benign surgical procedures may be performed outside of tertiary units according to network agreements.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Waldron
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Joyce
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016526:Workload; D055815:Young Adult