University of Alabama Health System

This Participant Surgery Group is associated with the following hospital(s):

University of Alabama Health System — Birmingham, AL

NOTE: Results are based on a participant’s unique group of patients (known as case mix) and the number of surgical procedures in each category. Results and star ratings below are specific to the participant listed and are not intended for direct comparison to other participants.

This General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD) participant’s score is shown as both a number and a vertical black line in each graph below. Following the participant’s score, the numbers in parentheses – (##, ##) – represent the range (known as a credible interval) within which the participant’s score was likely to fall. Determined using a statistical formula, each participant has a different range. Ranges are based on the participant’s unique mix of patients and number of surgical procedures in each category. The graphs also show the STS average score (the vertical red line) and the lowest-to-highest range across all North American GTSD participants. Hover over each graph for specific descriptions.

Using a statistical formula, participants receive star ratings based on their scores and how they compare to the STS average: 

1 stars
Worse Than Expected
If the participant's score and range is lower than the STS average score, the participant receives 1 star.
2 stars
As Expected
If the STS average score falls within the participant's range, the participant receives 2 stars.
3 stars
Better Than Expected
If the participant's score and range is higher than the STS average score, the participant receives 3 stars.

The majority of GTSD participants receive a 2-star (“as-expected”) rating. In comparison, far fewer participants receive 1-star (“worse than expected”) or 3-star (“better than expected”) ratings. In general, a 2-star or 3-star rating is consistent with good or excellent performance.

Performance for Resection for Primary Lung Cancer Compared to STS and National Outcomes*

* These NIS data are the most recent data available at this time. There are more resection for primary lung cancer patients in a single year of NIS data than in the GTSD, so a decision was made to use 3 years of STS GTSD data.

Resection for Primary Lung Cancer Composite Measure Rating (July 2021 - June 2024)

Overall Composite Score
99.3%
(99.0 - 99.6)
99.3% (99, 99.6)
100 99 98 97 96 95 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
Better Than Expected
Absence of Operative Mortality
99.2%
(98.8 - 99.6)
99.2% (98.8, 99.6)
100 99 98 97 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
As Expected
Absence of Major Morbidity
97.3%
(96.0 - 98.4)
97.3% (96, 98.4)
100 98 96 94 92 90 88 86 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
Better Than Expected

Esophagectomy Composite Measure Rating (July 2021 - June 2024)

Overall Composite Score
93.3%
(90.5 - 95.6)
93.3% (90.5, 95.6)
100 98 96 94 92 90 88 86 84 82 80 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
As Expected
Absence of Operative Mortality
94.9%
(90.0 - 97.8)
94.9% (90, 97.8)
100 98 96 94 92 90 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
As Expected
Absence of Major Morbidity
80.5%
(71.9 - 87.8)
80.5% (71.9, 87.8)
100 90 80 70 60 50 >
Participant Score
Participant Credible Interval
STS Range
STS Average Score
As Expected

* Resection for Primary Lung Cancer Overall Composite Score represents two domain scores in a single number:

  1. Absence of Operative Mortality: Percentage of patients [risk-adjusted] who did not experience operative mortality.  Operative mortality is defined as death during the same hospitalization as surgery or after discharge but within 30 days of the procedure.
  2. Absence of Major Morbidity: Percentage of patients [risk-adjusted] who did not experience any major complication. These are: 1) pneumonia; 2) acute respiratory distress syndrome; 3) bronchopleural fistula; 4) pulmonary embolus; 5) initial ventilator support > 48 hours; 6) reintubation/respiratory failure; 7) tracheostomy; 8) myocardial infarction; 9) unexpected return to the operating room.

** Esophagectomy For Esophageal Cancer Composite Score represents two domain scores in a single number:

  1. Absence of Operative Mortality: Percentage of patients [risk-adjusted] who did not experience operative mortality.  Operative mortality is defined as death during the same hospitalization as surgery or after discharge but within 30 days of the procedure.
  2. Absence of Major Morbidity: Percentage of patients [risk-adjusted] who did not experience any major complication. These are: 1) unexpected return to the operating room; 2) anastomotic leak requiring medical treatment only; 3) reintubation/respiratory failure; 4) initial ventilator support >48 hours; 5) pneumonia; 6) new renal failure per RIFLE criteria; 7) recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis.