Atlanta-based Emory University School of Medicine researchers analyzed the impact of overlapping neurosurgeries on patient outcomes.
The study included 2,275 neurosurgeries at Emory University Hospital between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2015. The researchers analyzed 972 non-overlapping and 1,303 overlapping procedures. Researchers assessed 90-day postoperative mortality, morbidity and functional status.
JAMA Surgery published the study.
Here are four things to know:
1. The study revealed median surgical times to be significantly longer for the overlapping surgery group at 219 minutes in-room time compared to 188 minutes for the non-overlapping cohort.
2. The researchers' regression analysis did not find a correlation between overlapping surgeries and mortality, morbidity or worsened functional status.
3. The study found overlapping surgery to be elected more often than non-overlapping surgery.
4. Researchers concluded their findings indicate overlapping neurosurgeries may be "safely performed if appropriate precautions and patient selection are followed."