Open AccessCost Variance in Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma Who Develop Postoperative Wound Complications
Author(s) -
Benjamin K Wilke,
Jeannie F. Buckner,
María T. Huayllani,
Aaron Spaulding,
Peter M. Murray,
Antonio J. Forte
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons. global research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.343
H-Index - 111
ISSN - 2474-7661
DOI - 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00147
Subject(s) - medicine , complication , soft tissue , surgery , sarcoma , soft tissue sarcoma , wound care , pathology
Background: Wound complications after a soft-tissue sarcoma surgery are common, occurring in up to 30% to 40% of patients who undergo preoperative radiation therapy. Although risk factors for developing complications are well-known, there is a paucity of literature on the increased healthcare costs after a wound complication. The purpose of this study was to detail these additional costs after a soft-tissue sarcoma surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of 99 patients from January 2013 to October 2019 was performed. Hospital and professional charges for the primary surgical procedure and any subsequent hospitalization or procedure related to a wound complication were compiled. Costs were inflated to 2019 dollars. Results: Total costs were 21.3% higher for patients who developed a wound complication ( P = 0.006). Most patients (32 of 42; 76.2%) who developed a complication required a return trip to the operating room. The average number of return trips was 1.2 (range 0 to 5). For each return trip to the operating room because of a wound complication, an associated increased overall cost of 13.2% was noted ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Wound complications after a soft-tissue sarcoma resection are common and add considerable expense to the episode of care. A reduction in wound complications may markedly decrease the cost of treating soft-tissue sarcomas and continues to be an opportunity for improvement.