Outcomes Studies

Outcomes studies measure how well a patient does after a procedure, compared with the accepted medical standards for that procedure.

Middlesex Hospital was a local pioneer in the area of outcomes studies when it conducted its first in 1997 on carotid artery surgery, and was one of the first to report such results using nationally–recognized standards for comparison.

At the present time, outcomes studies are continuously done on carotid artery surgery, laparoscopic (minimally–invasive) procedures, and bariatric (obesity) surgery. Two one–time studies have also been done on joint replacement and breast surgery, both with positive results. See the charts below for more information.

CAROTID ARTERY SURGERY STUDY SUMMARY

BARIATRIC OBESITY SURGERY STUDY SUMMARY

Bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery for morbid obesity was introduced at Middlesex Hospital in 2001. Over 300 of these surgeries have been performed since that time. Patients who are morbidly obese often develop other illnesses associated with their increased weight. Recently, a study was done to see how well these patients do after they have the surgery, not only in terms of weight loss, but in improvement in related illnesses. The following table outlines results in several of these areas.

Complications
Average weight loss	114 pounds
Improvement in diabetes	97%
Improvement in hypertension (high blood pressure)	96%
Improvement in acid reflux disease (GERD)	98%
Improvement in sleep apnea	100%
Death	0.3%
Gastric staple line leak	0.3%
Blood clot	0.5%
Pneumonia	0.5%
Stricture	3%
Wound infection	1.5%
Obstruction	0.75%

Joint Replacement Surgery

A study of all hip and knee replacements performed at Middlesex Hospital from 1991 through 1996 was conducted in 1998. A total of 1,039 cases were reviewed. This study was unique, because it not only covered the period of hospitalization, but also tracked patient outcomes for two years following surgery. Middlesex Hospital is currently studying and improving the timing and selection of antibiotics used during joint surgery to prevent post–operative infections.