Researchers establish benchmark for gallbladder cancer surgery

Surgical quality can have a significant impact on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes and is an important consideration in studies evaluating surgical outcomes. One of his approaches to developing accurate quality measurements is benchmarking. It is a quality improvement process that identifies the best possible result to serve as a reference point against which performance can be compared.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) surgery is a technically challenging surgical procedure requiring considerable expertise to meet high quality surgical standards. Recent studies have shown that the quality of GBC surgery in the United States varies by insurance status, income, geographic location, education level, and other characteristics, but poor quality surgery remains common. Yes, indicating the need for specific benchmarks.

Researchers from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have established the first benchmark for GBC surgery to identify the best treatment hospitals for gallbladder cancer patients and help improve overall outcomes . quality of care.

By defining benchmark values ​​for GBC surgery, criteria that institutions can use to assess surgical outcomes, improve surgical outcomes, and transition centers currently performing poor quality GBC procedures to higher quality procedures. will be created. ”

Eduardo Vega, MD, Lead Author, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Researchers examined more than 900 GBC patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2021. These patients were treated in 13 different hospitals across seven countries and her four continents. The investigator next examined her 245 patients who were low-risk patients and underwent her GBC surgery standardized at established Centers of Excellence, hospitals with specialized programs with very high levels of expertise and associated resources. We selected a group of patients. This group was used as a basis for comparison.

The benchmark group was then used to identify best practices related to surgical outcome (benchmark values) as operative time, morbidity, severe morbidity, blood loss, blood transfusion, positive margin, and number of lymph nodes retrieved. defined. The benchmark group was then compared to the non-benchmark group, revealing that the benchmark group had significantly better overall survival.

“Benchmark values ​​for GBC surgery serve as an important measure of quality.

For improvement efforts and future comparisons between GBC patients, GBC surgical approaches, and centers performing GBC surgery. In particular, the availability of these benchmarks will enable surgical teams to strive for optimal outcomes for GBC surgery, benefit patients, and promote GBC resection to centers to provide optimal treatment and management for gallbladder patients. can be guided to better contextualize it as a complex surgery that needs to be better equipped. cancer. The results of this study support the idea that intensive care for gallbladder cancer may improve patient outcomes,” Vega added.

According to the researchers, the benchmark values ​​they found will allow surgeons and medical institutions to define the best possible outcomes for GBC patients, enable comparisons with other GBC patient groups, and improve the quality of research collaboration. To do. “Using a benchmark (best candidate for surgery) patient group is a key factor in helping providers and patients make more informed decisions about treatment options and potential outcomes.” He says Vega.

These findings will appear online in the journal Chronicle of surgical oncology.