Impact of major video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery on care quality.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a program of major video-assisted surgery on care quality in a Unit of Thoracic Surgery. A descriptive comparative study was conducted of 793 major thoracic procedures performed between 2009 and 2012. Quality indicators and hospital performance before [2009-2010] and after (2011 and 2012) the implementation of the program. The incidence of surgical complications decreased significantly from 6.32%/7.88% (2009/2010, respectively) to 1.87%/1.67% (2011/2012, respectively) [95% CI for 7.08% (4.20-9.96%); 95% CI for 1.76% (0.44-3.08%) P The implementation of the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) program in the unit of Thoracic Surgery Care resulted in a significant improvement in care quality, with a reduction of length of hospital stay, but without any changes in mortality or the percentage of readmissions at 30 post-operative days.