A Protocol-Driven Approach to Improve Postoperative Laboratory Use for Craniosynostosis

Abstract

A standardized postoperative craniofacial protocol was implemented to decrease laboratory draws and costs. Patients younger than 18 years who underwent open reconstruction for single-suture craniosynostosis were separated into preprotocol (n = 62) and postprotocol (n = 44) cohorts. The number of laboratory draws, costs, and postoperative complications were calculated. Mean laboratory draws and costs for per-patient laboratory draws significantly decreased by 43.0% (P < .001) and 40.5% (P < .001), respectively, across a patient’s length of stay. There were no significant differences in outcomes or complications. Decreasing postoperative laboratory draws in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis lowered overall costs without compromising care.