Our Summary
This research paper talks about the Dutch Lung Surgery Audit (DLSA), which started in 2012 to assess the quality of lung operations in The Netherlands. The initiative was taken by the Dutch Society of Lung Surgeons and the Dutch Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons, along with the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing. They set up a web-based registration system that provided weekly feedback to hospitals taking part in the audit. The DLSA is part of national quality improvement programs, and all hospitals in the Netherlands have to participate.
The paper reports that, between 2012 and 2015, all hospitals performing lung operations took part in the audits, and data for 19,557 patients was collected. Almost half of these patients had lung cancer. The audit showed that adherence to guidelines improved over the years, with 96.5% of lung cancer patients being discussed in preoperative multidisciplinary teams. The overall postoperative complications and death rate after non-small cell lung cancer operations were 15.5% and 2.0%, respectively.
The audit helps to provide reliable information for healthcare providers and hospital management, and can be used to initiate local, regional, or national improvement initiatives. The audit is now being expanded to include data from lung cancer patients who didn’t have surgery, including treatment data from lung cancer specialists and radiation oncologists. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of lung cancer treatment in The Netherlands.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Dutch Lung Surgery Audit (DLSA)?
- What were some of the key findings from the DLSA between 2012 and 2015?
- Is the DLSA being expanded to include more data? If so, what kind of data?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor may advise a patient undergoing lung surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, which may include recommendations for pain management, breathing exercises, physical activity, and proper wound care. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare team regularly to monitor their recovery progress and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation if recommended, can help improve long-term outcomes after lung surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for lung surgery include those with lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. Other patients who may be recommended for lung surgery include those with lung infections, lung abscesses, lung nodules, and certain types of benign lung tumors. Patients with severe emphysema or other lung diseases may also be candidates for lung surgery, depending on their specific condition and overall health. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to determine if lung surgery is the best treatment option for their condition.
Timeline
Before lung surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of tests and consultations to determine the necessity and feasibility of the operation. This may include imaging tests, pulmonary function tests, blood work, and discussions with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The patient may also be required to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, in preparation for surgery.
After the surgery, the patient is typically monitored closely in the intensive care unit or a specialized recovery unit. They may experience pain, discomfort, and shortness of breath in the immediate postoperative period. Physical therapy and breathing exercises are often started early to help prevent complications such as pneumonia and blood clots. The patient will also receive instructions on wound care, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient will continue to recover and regain strength. They may undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the underlying condition. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon and other healthcare providers are important to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Over time, most patients are able to resume their normal activities and enjoy an improved quality of life following lung surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung surgery include:
- What specific type of lung surgery is recommended for my condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
- Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
- How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of procedure?
- What are the success rates and outcomes for patients who undergo this type of lung surgery?
- Are there any alternatives to surgery that could be considered for my condition?
- What long-term effects or changes can I expect after the surgery?
- How can I best prepare myself physically and mentally for the surgery?
- What follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the surgery?
Reference
Authors: Ten Berge M, Beck N, Heineman DJ, Damhuis R, Steup WH, van Huijstee PJ, Eerenberg JP, Veen E, Maat A, Versteegh M, van Brakel T, Schreurs WH, Wouters MW. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 Aug;106(2):390-397. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.03.049. Epub 2018 Apr 22. PMID: 29689237