High-volume medical centers do better at managing complications in children undergoing heart surgery, according to a study.

The study, appearing in the February issue of Pediatrics, found that the higher mortality observed at lower-volume centers appears to be related to a higher rate of death in those with postoperative complications, rather than a higher rate of complications alone.

Out of more than 35,000 pediatric heart surgery patients studied, 3.9% died in-hospital and 40.6% had at least one postoperative complication. In the group of patients who suffered a complication, the overall mortality rate was 9%.

High- and low-volume centers had similar rates of postoperative complications. However, for patients who suffered a complication, medical centers performing fewer than 150 cases per year had a rate of death 1.6 times higher than medical centers that performed more than 350 cases per year.

The authors noted a general focus on reducing postoperative complications to improve outcomes in both children and adults undergoing a variety of surgical procedures. They concluded that initiatives to improve patient outcomes must focus not only on reducing complications themselves, but on improving recognition and management of complications once they occur.

To read a study summary and access the study via subscription or purchase, visit http://bit.ly/ylad1i.