Does it matter where you get your surgery for colorectal cancer?

Background: The influence of hospital-related factors on outcomes following colorectal surgery is not well-established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between hospital factors on outcomes in surgically managed colorectal cancer patients. Methods: We performed a 2-year (2014–2015) analysis of the NIS database. Adult (> 18 years) patients who underwent open or laparoscopic colorectal resection were identified using ICD-9 codes. Patients were stratified based on hospital: volume (low vs. high), teaching status, and location (urban vs. rural). Outcome measures were complications and mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: A total of 153,453 patients with CRC were identified of which 35.3% underwent surgical management. Mean age was 69 ± 13 years, 51.6% were female, and 67% were white. Twenty-seven percent of the patients were managed at a high-volume center, 48% at intermediate-volume center while 25% at a low-volume center. Complications and mortality rates were lower in patients who were managed at high-volume centers and urban hospitals, while no difference was noticed based on teaching status. On regression analysis, patients managed at high-volume centers (OR 0.76 [0.56–0.89]) and urban hospitals (OR 0.83 [0.64–0.91]) have lower odds of complications; similarly, high-volume centers (OR 0.79 [0.65–0.90]) and urban facility (OR 0.87 [0.70–0.92]) were associated with lower odds of mortality. However, there was no association between teaching status and outcomes. Conclusion: Hospital factors significantly influence outcomes in patients with CRC managed surgically. High-volume centers and urban facilities have relatively better outcomes. Regionalization of care along with the appropriate availability of resources may improve outcomes in patients with CRC. Level of evidence: Level III, Retrospective Observational Study.