The University of Virginia (UVA) Department of Surgery has received a distinguished 3-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for esophagectomy outcomes. This honor places UVA among the top 4% of all reporting sites nationwide, an elite group that includes only 10 to 15 hospitals.
The rating is based on an analysis of patient outcomes over a three-year period, spanning July 2021 to June 2024. UVA’s performance in key categories shows a strong trend of improvement and excellence compared to national averages. For instance, UVA saw a significant decrease in unexpected returns to the operating room, from 20% in 2021 to 0% in 2023 and 2024, while the national average stands at 11.62%. Respiratory failure rates were 0% in 2022 and 2024, there were no cases of renal failure after 2021, no cases of initial ventilator support greater than 48 hours, and no recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis across all three years.
A significant factor contributing to UVA’s success is its growing use of robotic-assisted esophagectomies. These procedures are often more complex for the surgeon but offer substantial benefits to patients, including shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and smaller, less painful incisions. The percentage of robotic-assisted esophagectomies at UVA increased from 20% in 2021 to 54.9% in 2024, surpassing the national average of 41%. UVA’s success is also impressive given the complexity of the cases treated. Many patients had undergone prior chemotherapy and radiation, which can make surgery more challenging. The data highlights that 85% of UVA’s esophagectomy patients had prior chemotherapy and 77% of patients had previous thoracic radiation treatment, rates well above the national average.
Despite these challenges, UVA’s outcomes remain among the best in the nation. This 3-star rating from STS reflects the dedication, expertise, and teamwork of UVA’s surgical and multidisciplinary care teams. Achieving this level of recognition is no small feat, and we are grateful for the work our team puts in every day to make it possible!