Effectiveness of a Clinical Pathway for Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis Surgery in Kashi Prefecture, Northwestern China: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Introduction Surgical treatment for hepatic cystic ehinococcosis (CE) is not standardized in Kashi Prefecture. Previous evidence identified effectiveness of a clinical pathway in the field of liver surgery. However, proof of a clinical pathway program, especially for CE patients, is lacking. This study aimed to assess the validity of a clinical pathway for hepatic CE surgery performed on patients from Kashi Prefecture. Methods A clinical pathway was developed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team for patients undergoing hepatic CE surgery. Two groups were formed from patients undergoing hepatic CE surgery during a defined period before and after implementing a clinical pathway. Additionally, a propensity score matching analysis was performed. Results In the overall analysis ( n = 258) as well as the matched analysis ( n = 166), after implementing the clinical pathway, hospital stay was significantly reduced from 13 to 10 days and from 14 to 10 days, respectively ( P