Researchers analyzed data on 25,000 surgeons, looking at specializations’ impact on 30-day mortality rates for four cardiac procedures and four cancer operations.
Here are five highlights:
1. The analysis found the relative risk reduction from greater specialization fell in the range of 15 percent for coronary artery bypass to 46 percent for valve replacement.
2. The relative risk reduction in mortality for specialization ranged from 28 percent for lung resection to 48 percent for esophagectomy for the four cancer surgeries.
3. For six procedures that had a statistically significant relative risk reduction, the overall risk and mortality risk for specialization was 0.3 percent for carotid endarterectomy and 2.8 percent for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
4. The findings are promising for smaller facilities that may struggle to bring in a high volume of cases.
5. However, the researchers emphasized the research does not indicate specialization should replace volume as a quality measure. Rather, they are suggesting specialization be used in addition to volume.
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