B80-4-40 Myth or Reality: The July Effect on Robotic-assisted Thoracoscopic Lung Resection in Malignant Lung Neoplasms at Urban Teaching Centers

Abstract Introduction Minimally invasive surgical techniques including Robotic-Assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) have advanced the treatment of lung cancer and enhanced patient outcomes from early recovery to improved quality of life. The “July effect” hypothesizes that morbidity and mortality outcomes worsen during the beginning of academic year when new residents and fellows begin training. We investigated the impact of the same on outcomes of RATS among lung cancer patients. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019), we identified adults(ages≥18 years) with lung cancer who underwent RATS(lobectomy/sublobar resection) at urban teaching centers(UTC). Patients were stratified by surgical timing: July-September versus other months. Multivariable logistic regression compared perioperative outcomes between groups, adjusting for confounders. Results We analyzed 25,480 RATS procedures, with 25.59% performed during July-September. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups regarding sex, race (White, Hispanic), insurance type, comorbidity burden, and age; however, fewer Black patients underwent surgery during July-September (Table 1a). Multivariable logistic regression revealed no significant differences in perioperative outcomes between the July-September and other months of the year. Evaluated outcomes included thoracic complications like pneumonia (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28, p = 0.526), pneumothorax (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.85-1.34, p = 0.583), air leak (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.79- 1.22, p = 0.873), respiratory failure (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.50-1.63, p = 0.729) , atelectasis (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.88-1.42, p = 0.372), thromboembolic events like pulmonary embolism (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.13-2.97, p = 0.557), deep venous thrombosis (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.65-1.57, p = 0.952), bleeding complications like transfusion (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55-1.64, p = 0.866), hemothorax/hemoperitoneum/hematoma (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.22-1.52, p = 0.264), renal complications (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.17, p = 0.994), conversion to open surgery (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.11-2.47, p = 0.417), extended length of stay (7 days) (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78-1.17, p = 0.667), and in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.21-1.50, p = 0.250)(Table 1b). Conclusions Our study suggested no “July effect” in the perioperative outcomes of RATS. This demonstrates the robust hospital support systems ensuring the safe transition of resident classes without affecting the patient care negatively. This abstract is funded by: None