Theator, an AI-driven health-tech company last month revealed considerable inconsistencies in the quality of bariatric surgery across the US. Using data from approximately 700 routine sleeve gastrectomy procedures performed by more than 140 surgeons, the analysis highlighted substantial variability.
The analysis unearthed a disconcerting reality marked by significant surgical variations – not only between different hospital systems but also within the same facility.
Surgeons exhibited wide-ranging completion times for procedures, and the absence of standardised techniques highlighted how nuanced approaches directly impact surgical quality.
The analysis of sleeve gastrectomies, constituting over half of the bariatric procedures performed in the US, revealed disparities in safety measures adopted by surgeons.
While 82% of procedures reinforced the staple line, the remaining 18% did not, potentially leading to complications.
The presence of staple line leaks in up to 6% of patients was significantly reduced when surgeons reinforced the staple line, cutting the risk of post-op complications by half.
Furthermore, Theator’s analysis exposed a lack of uniform protocols among surgeons across different hospital systems.
Variances included endo-bags to reduce surgical site infection risks, with some hospitals embracing this practice far less than others.
The insertion of drains post-surgery, a practice recommended only in specific scenarios, was noted in 61% of cases, indicating potential inefficiencies.
The investigation also highlighted operating room inefficiencies, such as prolonged surgical steps and extended out-of-body time during procedures.
These factors contributed to blind spots in the surgical field, elongating operative times and escalating costs.
Amidst escalating demand for bariatric surgery and emerging evidence suggesting their positive impact on reducing risks of obesity-related cancers, Theator’s data-driven insights have become integral to the healthcare industry.
It uses next-gen AI and computer vision technology that automatically captures and analyses surgical data in real-time to generate meaningful, unbiased, actionable insights.
Dr Tamir Wolf, CEO and co-founder of Theator, emphasised the company’s commitment to leveraging real-world data to drive actionable insights that enhance patient outcomes and elevate the quality of care. The goal is to forge a direct link between quality care and cost-effectiveness.
‘Our Surgical Intelligence Platform provides a comprehensive view of intraoperative events, enabling hospitals to identify, monitor and standardise best surgical practices,’ he said.
The investigation coincided with the persistence of insurance companies in denying coverage for GLP-1 drugs in weight loss and obesity, which incurs an annual extra health cost of $1,861 per person.
Dr Gerald Fried is President of SAGES, chair of the board of regents of the American College of Surgeons, Associate Dean of Educational Technology and Innovation at McGill University Faculty of Medicine and formerly chair of McGill Department of Surgery.
He said: ‘Despite the popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, in the past year alone, the demand for bariatric surgery as a durable or permanent treatment of obesity continues to increase. Best surgical practices impact outcomes. However, with little visibility into what’s happening in the operating room, it has been challenging for surgeons to learn from and exchange best practices with one another. As we all strive to deliver optimal care, Theator's ability to extract useful insights is incredibly valuable for healthcare providers and hospital systems worldwide.’
The revelations underscore the pressing need for standardised protocols and knowledge exchange among surgeons to optimise patient outcomes and streamline healthcare costs in bariatric surgeries.
