Do the 2018 Leapfrog Group Minimal Hospital and Surgeon Volume Thresholds for Esophagectomy Favor Specific Patient Demographics?

Objective: We examine how esophagectomy volume thresholds reflect outcomes relative to patient characteristics. Summary Background Data: Esophagectomy outcomes are associated with surgeon and hospital operative volumes, leading the Leapfrog Group to recommend minimum annual volume thresholds of 7 and 20 respectively. Methods: Patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer were identified from the 2007–2013 New York and Florida Healthcare Cost and...