Trinh QD. J Urol. 2011;doi:10.1016/j/juro.2011.06.068.
Undergoing radical prostatectomy at an academic institution led to
better outcomes, including fewer postoperative complications, compared with
undergoing the procedure at a non-academic institution.
Researchers examined outcomes of radical prostatectomy performed between
2001 and 2007 at academic institutions compared with non-academic institutions.
During that time, 89,965 radical prostatectomies were performed, 58.2% of which
were done at academic institutions.
Patients who underwent prostatectomy at an academic institution were
more likely to have private insurance and had lower Charlson comorbidity scores
(P<.001).
Data indicate that having the procedure done at an academic institution
resulted in fewer blood transfusions, fewer postoperative complications and
lower rates of hospital stay of more than the median 3 days (see Table).
These advantages remained even after the researchers adjusted for the
annual hospital caseload.
No significant difference was found for in-hospital mortality or
intraoperative complications.
Despite the results, the researchers said the choice of an academic
center does not guarantee better outcomes.
“When an academic institution is chosen, careful selection of the
surgeon and the institution regardless of academic affiliation certainly
contribute to the observed outcome superiority,” the researchers wrote.