Did we prioritize quality improvement in general surgery: Time for a focus on outcomes and enhanced recovery care plans

Background In 2008, 2005–2006 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data were used to identify surgical operations contributing disproportionately to morbidity and mortality. Since then, numerous enhanced recovery programs have been utilized to augment quality improvement efforts. This study reassesses procedural complication incidence after a decade of quality improvement efforts. Methods Data from the 2015 NSQIP were used. The same original 36 general surgery procedure groups were created using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Ninety percent of our 409,230 patients matched into a procedure group and adverse event rates were analyzed for each. Results Ten procedure groups accounted for 80% of adverse events. Colectomy ranked the highest for adverse events (34%), readmissions (27%) and mortality rates (45.8%). For outpatient cholecystectomy, the relative percent point difference for adverse events has increased by 224% since 2005. Conclusion Refocusing on colectomy and outpatient cholecystectomy represent current priorities in general surgery.