TY  - EJOU
AU  - Daniel, Tyler Overholt 
AU  - Thole, David 
AU  - Casals, Randy 
AU  - Atala, Anthony 
AU  - Hodges, Steve 
AU  - Colaco, Marc 

TI  - Same-day surgical cancellations in pediatric urology: identifying trends for quality improvement
T2  - Canadian Journal of Urology

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 1488-5581

AB  -  <b>Objectives:</b> Day of surgery cancellations present several workflow challenges that result in delay of care for patients and revenue loss for physicians. This study aimed to further understand same-day pediatric urology surgical cancellations, and the authors assessed identifiable trends for quality improvement over a one-year time period. <b>Methods:</b> Same-day surgical cancellations were prospectively identified at a single tertiary care center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, from 01 October 2022 to 30 September 2023. Reasons for cancellation were recorded per the parent/legal guardian and categorized as an avoidable or unavoidable cause. Demographic data, surgical rescheduling, and lost operating room time were also recorded. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed as indicated. <b>Results:</b> Of 2351 scheduled cases, 51 (2.2%) were cancelled the day of surgery. The most common cancellation type was a complete no-show with no reason provided from the family (39.2%). Of those with reported reasons, 54.8% were cancelled for avoidable causes. Of those cancelled, 66.7% were for patients of a minority race, with 11.8% of families indicating a need for translation services during visits. There was no difference in terms of race/ethnicity, distance lived from the hospital, or surgical type when comparing cancellation reason (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). Only 51.0% of cases were rescheduled with a median delay of 38 days. A total of 59.3 h of operating room time was lost due to these cancellations. <b>Conclusions:</b> Same-day cancellations were identified in 2.2% of planned pediatric urology cases over a one-year period, with the majority of patients cancelled for avoidable reasons. Of cancelled cases, only 51.0% were rescheduled by the family, with a median delay of over one month. Additionally, 2/3rd of patients identified as a minority race, with 11.8% requiring translation services. This represents a vulnerable population who may require additional counseling for optimal patient and provider outcomes.
KW  - surgery; same-day cancellation; quality improvement; pediatric; patient outcomes; operating time

DO  - 10.32604/cju.2026.074059