The cost burden of clinically significant esophageal anastomotic leaks—a steep price to pay

John Agzarian, Sue L. Visscher, Ariel W. Knight, Mark S. Allen, Stephen D. Cassivi, Francis C. Nichols, K. Robert Shen, Dennis Wigle, Shanda H. Blackmon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate resource consumption of clinically significant esophageal anastomotic leaks. Methods: Between September 1, 2008, to December 31, 2014, a prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients with grade III to IV anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Inflation-adjusted standardized costs were applied to billed services related to leak diagnosis and treatment, from time of leak detection to resumption of oral diet. A matched analysis was used to compare average expenditures in patients without vs. those with an anastomotic leak. Results: Of 448 patients undergoing esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment, 399 patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four grade III to IV anastomotic leaks were identified (6% leak rate). Five transhiatal esophagectomies accounted for 20.8% of cases, whereas 9 Ivor Lewis and 10 McKeown esophagectomies accounted for 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively. The median time required to treat an anastomotic leak was 73 days (range 14-701). The additional median standardized cost per leak was $68,296 (mean $119,822). Matched analysis demonstrated that mean treatment costs were 2.6 times greater for patients with an anastomotic leak. This was primarily attributed to prolonged hospitalization, with post-leak detection length of stay ranging from 7 to 73 days. The largest contributors to cost for all patients were intensive care stay (30%), hospital room (17%), pharmacy (16%), and surgical intervention (13%). Conclusions: Grade III to IV esophageal anastomotic leaks more than double the cost of an esophagectomy and have a significant cost burden. Focus should be placed on preventative measures to avoid leaks at the time of the index operation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2086-2092
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume157
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • anastomotic leak
  • cost
  • esophagectomy
  • resources

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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