Postoperative sepsis in general surgery patients was associated with 2.28 times greater risk-adjusted costs compared to no sepsis ($48,017 vs $21,045; 95% CI 2.19-2.38).
Observational (n=13,878)
Yes
What are the incremental costs associated with postoperative sepsis in general surgery patients?
Postoperative sepsis in general surgery patients is associated with a 2.28-fold increase in risk-adjusted costs, highlighting the financial value of quality improvement initiatives to reduce sepsis.
Relative Risk: 2.28 (95% CI 2.19–2.38)
Absolute Event Rate: 48017% vs 21045%
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incremental costs associated with sepsis as a complication of general surgery, controlling for patient risk factors that may affect costs (eg, surgical complexity and comorbidity) and hospital-level variation in costs. DESIGN: Database analysis. SETTING: One hundred eighteen Veterans Health Affairs hospitals. PATIENTS: A total of 13 878 patients undergoing general surgery during fiscal year 2006 (October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incremental costs associated with sepsis as a complication of general surgery (controlling for patient risk factors and hospital-level variation of costs), as well as the increase in costs associated with complications that co-occur with sepsis. Costs were estimated using the Veterans Health Affairs Decision Support System, and patient risk factors and postoperative complications were identified in the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. RESULTS: Overall, 564 of 13 878 patients undergoing general surgery developed postoperative sepsis, for a rate of 4. 1%. The average unadjusted cost for patients with no sepsis was 24 923, whereas the average cost for patients with sepsis was 3. 6 times higher at 88 747. In risk-adjusted analyses, the relative costs were 2. 28 times greater for patients with sepsis relative to patients without sepsis (95% confidence interval, 2. 19-2. 38), with the difference in risk-adjusted costs estimated at 26 972 (ie, 21 045 vs 48 017). Sepsis often co-occurred with other types of complications, most frequently with failure to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation after 48 hours (36%), postoperative pneumonia (31%), and reintubation for respiratory or cardiac failure (29%). Costs were highest when sepsis occurred with pneumonia or failure to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation after 48 hours. CONCLUSION: Given the high cost of treating sepsis, a business case can be made for quality improvement initiatives that reduce the likelihood of postoperative sepsis.
Mary Vaughan‐Sarrazin (Tue,) conducted a observational in General surgery (n=13,878). Postoperative sepsis vs. No sepsis was evaluated on Incremental costs associated with sepsis (Relative cost 2.28, 95% CI 2.19-2.38). Postoperative sepsis in general surgery patients was associated with 2.28 times greater risk-adjusted costs compared to no sepsis ($48,017 vs $21,045; 95% CI 2.19-2.38).