Inpatient neurosurgical mortality in germany: a comprehensive analysis of 2023 in-hospital data

TL;DR

This paper analyzes inpatient neurosurgical mortality rates in Germany in 2023, revealing variation by diagnosis and procedure.

Contribution

The study provides a national benchmark for neurosurgical in-hospital mortality in Germany using comprehensive 2023 data.

Findings

Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 3.8% across 222,158 neurosurgical cases in Germany in 2023.

Mortality rates varied significantly by diagnosis, with intracerebral hemorrhages having the highest rate at 29%.

Female patients had a lower mortality rate (3.3%) compared to males (4.2%).

Abstract

Neurosurgical conditions and procedures are associated with varying in-hospital mortality rates, which represent one of several quality indicators. This study aims to determine and report in-hospital mortality rates across German neurosurgical departments in 2023.

A cross-sectional analysis of all neurosurgical cases treated in Germany in 2023 was conducted using nationwide hospital billing data reported under § 21 of the Hospital Remuneration Act. In-hospital mortality was defined as death during hospitalization (discharge status: deceased).

Neurosurgical departments treated 222,158 inpatient cases, with 49% female and 48% aged ≥ 65 years. The overall mortality rate was 3.8% (8,338 cases), with significantly lower rates in females (3.3% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.0001). The most common fatal diagnoses included traumatic subdural hematomas (1,278 cases), subcortical intracerebral hemorrhages (611 cases) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages (504 cases). Mortality rates varied by diagnosis: malignant brain tumors (4%), cerebral metastases (6%), benign meningeal tumors (1.3%), non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages (7%), intracerebral hemorrhages (29%), and traumatic subdural hematomas (12%). Mortality for selected procedures was 3% for primary brain tumor resections, 9% for vascular reconstructions, 1% for spinal fusions, 2% for dynamic stabilizations, and 4% for vertebral body replacements.

This study analyzes and reports neurosurgical in-hospital mortality rates in Germany, providing a national benchmark that may inform clinicians, policymakers, and patients. While the use of administrative billing data imposes inherent limitations — particularly regarding clinical detail and causality — the findings may offer a foundation for future research. Subsequent studies should aim to explore disease- and procedure-specific mortality more granularly and may identify underlying risk factors.

Not applicable.

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