Postoperative Complications After Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: Does Distance to Hospital Matter?
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
The detection and management of vestibular schwannoma (VS), a benign tumor of cranial nerve VIII, varies with patient distance from the treating hospital. However, the relationship between distance and postoperative complications following surgical resection of VS has been largely unstudied. This pilot study represents the first systematic investigation in relation to hospital distance, establishing methodology and preliminary findings to inform future research.
The charts of 127 patients treated at University Hospitals for surgical resection of VS were retrospectively analyzed. Geographical analysis compared the postoperative complication rates across different distances from patients’ residences to the hospital. Linear regression demonstrated no significant correlation between distance to hospital and total complications (R²=0.007, p=0.382), with the slope approaching zero. Odds ratios were calculated for individual complications by distance group: < 10 miles, 10-20 miles, or >20 miles from the hospital. None of these results were statistically significant. However, some results may be clinically relevant or may become significant in a larger sample. Most notably, aspiration requiring DHT or PEG placement, pneumonia, hematoma, and surgical site infection demonstrated odds ratios of 0.575, 0.952, 0.974, and 1.037, respectively.
This pilot study successfully establishes a foundation for investigating the relationship between distance to hospital and postoperative outcomes in VS surgery. The methodology developed and preliminary findings provide valuable data for designing appropriately powered future studies. The identification of specific complications showing clinically relevant trends offers targeted directions for future multivariable analyses that may guide clinical management strategies for patients undergoing surgical resection for VS across different geographical distances.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Claudia Cabrera
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
Claudia.CabreraAviles@UHhospitals.org
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Otolaryngology
College/School Affiliation
Eastern Virginia School of Medicine
Student Level Group
Medical
Presentation Type
Poster
Postoperative Complications After Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: Does Distance to Hospital Matter?
The detection and management of vestibular schwannoma (VS), a benign tumor of cranial nerve VIII, varies with patient distance from the treating hospital. However, the relationship between distance and postoperative complications following surgical resection of VS has been largely unstudied. This pilot study represents the first systematic investigation in relation to hospital distance, establishing methodology and preliminary findings to inform future research.
The charts of 127 patients treated at University Hospitals for surgical resection of VS were retrospectively analyzed. Geographical analysis compared the postoperative complication rates across different distances from patients’ residences to the hospital. Linear regression demonstrated no significant correlation between distance to hospital and total complications (R²=0.007, p=0.382), with the slope approaching zero. Odds ratios were calculated for individual complications by distance group: < 10 miles, 10-20 miles, or >20 miles from the hospital. None of these results were statistically significant. However, some results may be clinically relevant or may become significant in a larger sample. Most notably, aspiration requiring DHT or PEG placement, pneumonia, hematoma, and surgical site infection demonstrated odds ratios of 0.575, 0.952, 0.974, and 1.037, respectively.
This pilot study successfully establishes a foundation for investigating the relationship between distance to hospital and postoperative outcomes in VS surgery. The methodology developed and preliminary findings provide valuable data for designing appropriately powered future studies. The identification of specific complications showing clinically relevant trends offers targeted directions for future multivariable analyses that may guide clinical management strategies for patients undergoing surgical resection for VS across different geographical distances.